A December to Remember

December was full of so many emotions. Excitement. Sadness. Angry.  Fear. Anxiety. Happiness. Grief. Love. Regret. Gratitude. Loneliness. Anticipation. Sympathy.  Pretty much, if you can name it, it was felt.

The month began with Emerson's death which can be read about in the post prior to this.  His death put a damper on our holiday spirit.  We kept busy with the hope that all our activities would keep us from dwelling too much on our loss.  That plan worked and did not work all at the same time.  I am afraid I will always look back on the December of 2016 and feel sad.

We started the month with our normal Christmas activities, decorating the house, the Christmas tree, and writing letters to Santa.

 Santa's letters this year included requests for a white seal, a Troll bike, a Strawberry Shortcake doll, and Legos.

We continued the gingerbread house tradition we started last year with Papa and Grandma Jean.  Freya wasn't much help unless you count eating all the candy as helping.  Lillian took it very seriously and was extremely helpful.

We went to Zoo Lights for the first time and had a nice evening as a family looking at lights and animals and drinking large quantities of hot cocoa.

Sahuarita had a tree lighting ceremony and a light parade that the girls really enjoyed.

Another tradition we decided to continue was cookie decorating with cousins.  This evening the kids decided quantity is better than quality.

I helped coordinate a family gingerbread house decorating party which was a lot of fun.  We crammed three women, a wagon, and two grocery carts in to an elevator to avoid making multiple trips.  We crossed our fingers the elevator didn't get stuck because we were crammed in there like sardines!

One of my favorite activities from December was our participation in the Light the World challenge from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Each day we had to do something to help light the world.  One day we had to read to someone younger than ourselves.

 Another day we were challenged to learn some new skills.  We worked on cooking and firefighting.

 Several other days we were asked to serve others.  Lillian swept all the neighbors' walks and Freya sat and pointed out all the dirt that needed sweeping.

 We joined other members of the Fire Fighter Union in wrapping gifts for families in need, a tradition we look forward to each year.

 We also helped Grandma Jean wrap gifts and deliver them to the kids at Tucson Nursery school.

Joining the Light the World Challenge was a wonderful way to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts.   I think it is something we will do again next year. As the girls get older I can see it becoming even more fun and more important.

Freya and I were lucky enough to be invited to Lillian's pajama breakfast party in preschool.  We made snowman pancakes and did some fun activities together.  I always enjoy seeing Lillian in school because she loves learning so much.

Then Christmas was upon us!  Grandma Jean and Papa joined us for dinner on Christmas Eve and we opened gifts with them.

 Freya received her first gift from Tiffany's, a pearl bracelet she picked out herself a few weeks prior to Christmas.

Once our bellies were full of a good Italian dinner and our arms were full of gifts, the girls left cookies for Santa and went to bed.

 We had church Christmas morning so the girls posed for a Christmas picture and we headed out the door.  We opened presents when we returned home.

After some practice on new bicycles we went over to spend the rest of Christmas with family.

Probably the best gift that was given this year was a book written and illustrated by Lillian and Freya's cousins.  It is so cute and creative.  We will definitely treasure it for many years.

We decided to take full advantage of winter break and have as  much fun with friends as we could.  I went to see The Sound of Music with Renee and Jean for Renee's birthday.  On our way to the theater we stopped and bought some macaroons for the show.  We divided each cookie in to thirds and taste tested each one.  They were yummy!

We went to the Desert Museum one morning with a whole gaggle of kids and had a blast! The love exploring the caves, digging for dinosaur bones, and searching for animals.

Another day we went to the Children's Museum.  Lillian enjoyed creating in the art room.

 Freya's favorite was the grocery store and farmer's market.  

Josh and I celebrated ten years of marriage this year by going to the Tucson Autobahn with friends.  It was pretty thrilling!  Josh was one of the top three drivers. I, on the other hand, was last.

Pretty much all the fun came to a screeching halt and the end of the month when Lillian had her tonsils and adenoids removed.  She was a star patient, polite and cheerful.

 She got a Popsicle as soon as she woke up after surgery and she ate ice cream several times after that.

The next day she looked like this and refused to eat anything.  No jello, no pudding, no applesauce, no smoothies, no nothing. For days. There was no sleep either.  It was misery but she (we) survived!

Like I said before, December was a rough month.  However, along with the sadness and pain there was a lot of good.  We have so much for which to be thankful. Right now I would like to thank all the people who sent me cards and gifts after Emerson's death.  I still cannot believe the amount of support I received.  I have looked back several times at the cards and letters that were sent to me and each time the words and thoughtfulness brings me comfort.