A Very Merry Christmas

It was so good to have Brad out of the hospital for Christmas and have our family all together in one place.  Brad's family came to my Dad's on December 23rd and spent the night.  We celebrated Christmas with them on the 24th.  Will was so anxious to open presents.  (He definitely thinks it is more blessed to receive than to give.  And, he always wants more and more and more.  It's hard to not let that totally drive me crazy, but I have to remind myself that he's five and that in my own childish ways I can be like that too, in my heart, even when no one sees.  I pray that Will will open his heart to Jesus someday and that he will let Christ fill all of his needs and that he will be content in that provision.  I'm praying that I will be content in every and all circumstances and provisions that God gives me!) 
We sang Christmas carols together, a Simcik tradition, and opened gifts and ate a terrific lunch that Terri made for us.  Some of us played a long game of Mexican Train, a real treat for me.  I love games, like cards and dominoes, and I don't get much of that at my house unless it's 52 pickup or building garages for hot wheels using dominoes and cards.



We had fun all day Christmas Eve.  We were sad we couldn't make it to my Mom's family's annual Christmas Eve celebration, but hopefully we can visit everyone soon when we can WALK in and visit.  We did go to my Dad's church's Christmas Eve service.  When we sat down the were singing David Crowder's song "How He Loves Us."   At that moment I really did sense God's love.  Not only did He come down to earth as a helpless baby to save me from my sin so I could have a relationship with Him, but He had saved our whole family and protected us during the accident.  I was just so thankful to be sitting there with all four of us, alive.  THAT was my perfect Christmas gift. 

That night my sister and her family came and we were all able to be together Christmas morning.  "Santa" had left toys out for the kids and then they had lots of fun opening more after that.  They have been playing ever sense.  Carissa did get a little sick Christmas morning, throwing up, but it didn't last long and she was back to normal in no time. 

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas, too!