Over the holiday we were talking about how fast this year went by and how Adelaide (our two yr old granddaughter) will graduate high school in 2040. Pretty soon when we talk about "the 20's" it won't be the 20's people my age think about!
I think 2024 has been a year of rebuilding - friendships, trust, confidence. And I feel like we're headed into a year of peace, and prosperity. Not necessarily financial but more mentally, physically and emotionally. I don't know why I feel this way - can't really put my finger on it, I just do. I pray it happens for all of us.
We had a fun Christmas, quiet and not rushed. Sharaya and Ally came over Christmas Eve morning and we video chatted with Diana, Peter and Adelaide. Adelaide and Ally opened their Christmas eve pajamas from us, then we exchanged a few other gifts.
Adelaide trying on her new bathrobe
Christmas morning we all stayed home and had our own family Christmas. Chuck played Santa for me and Beth this year. Do you have someone hand out the gifts at your house?
Among other things, Beth got a new blanket for her recliner, and a tin full of cash. (I think that one was her favorite!) Her back was hurting when she woke up so she sat in a kitchen chair while she opened her presents.
I got Chuck a new speaker for his phone.
Sharaya and Ally came over around 1:00 and we opened a few more gifts, ate lunch and played some games. And of course, we had to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's a tradition in our family!
Today, Sunday, we had just one church service, then Chuck, Beth and I went out for brunch, and headed downtown to see a gingerbread house display. Except these were cities, not just houses. It's put on at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle. The displays used to fill up a huge room but it all had to shut down during covid. They just started it up again a couple years ago. It was small, but impressive! Can you guess the cities? I had to read the sign to know the first one -
And it's all edible!
(The cities were India, London, Australia and Paris.) Beth and I have a new appreciation for them since we made our very first gingerbread house this year.
Now we're looking toward 2025. Only the Lord knows our path but I trust Him completely. He only has good things planned for each of us. We just have to pray and trust His answers.
I hope you all have a very happy New Year celebration!