Sunday, December 26, 2010

Celebrating Christmas

It has been a wild, wonderful, and whimsical past few days.

Christmas was such a joy with the kids and with our extended families.

Our children were spoiled, they were happy, and it is our hope that they also understood that all of the fanfare was for one very important reason…the birth of our Savior.

My camera was in hand as we played in the snow, opened presents, and gathered with family. I hope you enjoy these precious memories as much as I do:)

DSC_0207

DSC_0203

DSC_0201

Time for food and treats!

DSC_0210

DSC_0213

DSC_0216

Don’t forget some cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer!

DSC_0236

Exactly how does he fit down here?

DSC_0249

A family tradition…reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve of course. The copy we have is from my childhood

DSC_0220

DSC_0224

DSC_0227

We also read a Christmas book that Matt had as a child! Brady held it close until it was time:)

DSC_0226 Cousins Evan and Ryan were there to help share the excitement of Christmas Eve.

DSC_0233

DSC_0252

Santa arrived as all the kids were snug in the beds.

DSC_0256

DSC_0255

Christmas morning arrived, and so did some very excited children into the living room!

DSC_0257

DSC_0258

DSC_0260

The girls were thrilled to find a doll house waiting for them!

DSC_0265

DSC_0268

And the boys found a pirate chest filled with all-things-pirate!

DSC_0266

DSC_0267

DSC_0264

Grandma Sandy, Grandpa, and Great Grandma Vera were with us to share in all the joy that Christmas morning brings with 4 kids under 4:)

DSC_0270

DSC_0274

DSC_0286

DSC_0287

DSC_0294

DSC_0303

DSC_0305

DSC_0306

After brunch and a little nap, it was time to head to my mom’s house for more Christmas fun!

DSC_0310

DSC_0313

DSC_0322

DSC_0324 There was more exchanging of gifts and a little bit of Christmas chaos as the eight grandchildren tore into their new toys:)

DSC_0328

DSC_0331

DSC_0334

It was two Christmases ago that we received news that something was seriously wrong with Brady. On December 23, 2008 we were told that Brady had Cerebral Palsy and that is why he wasn’t walking at age 20 months. We were truly heartbroken that Christmas, grieving over the loss of so much of what we had hoped for our child. Of course it was only a month later that we would learn that our pit was about to become much deeper and darker still.

That was our Christmas two years ago. The two Christmases we have lived since have been in stark contrast to that difficult time in our lives. I say all of this to maybe inspire hope to someone that may not feel joyful this Christmas season. What is supposed to be a happy season of celebration, is often a painful and lonely time for those who are hurting.

I hope that our story, one of faith and hope, can encourage you this Christmas season. To think of how far God has brought Brady and all of us in the span of just two Christmases just humbles me. We celebrate Jesus’ birth each year with joy in our hearts that replaces the despair we once felt.

May that same joy be yours this Christmas.

sig

3 comments:

  1. As always, thank you for sharing. I feel truly Blessed to be able to be inspired by you and your family. p.s. Icicles? Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jessica is so excited that her and the girls have the same doll house. She was like how did Santa do that, LOL! We miss you guys! Enjoy your family time! -Sosnowskis

    ReplyDelete
  3. Too cute as always! Wishing your family much health and happiness in the New Year!

    ReplyDelete

We love to read your comments!