While too busy for getting out cards this year, we made plenty of time for our greatest blessings: family and friends.
We've already had our own family gathering, due to our daughters-in-law's much needed time w/their families on Christmas Eve and Day.
And what fun it was as we chose to do our Holladay traditions this past weekend, including all of the kids coming in to spend the night, staying up late playing games, watching movies, eating good food (creamy tomato basil soup, muffalettas, Kev and Dee's amazing spicy pretzels, Tim's best batch of beef jerky, and lots of cookies baked by myself and Ben the day before: spiced oatmeal, lemon/lime bars, raspberry filled Irish butter, cream cheese/peppermint, and blueberry white chocolate).
Then came the opening of gifts early on (faux)Christmas morning, the 18th.
Lots of gift wrapping and bags went flying as each checked out the presents Doc and I had so much fun selecting.
Kev's main gifts were easy w/his love for hunting as Deanna helped me select arrows for his bow, and insulated boots for when he's trudging the cold ground in search for that elusive big buck.
One of my favorite moments was watching Deanna read our main gift to her: a trip for the time of her choice to take Kade and go back later in the year to visit with her folks (and our dear friends) in Alliance, Nebraska. Having all my chicks so close by makes me more sensitive to Art and Becky being so far away. And it gave me much joy to see Dee's happiness at knowing that she's only a plane ride and a few hours' drive away from her amazing parents.
Kade was especially fun to buy for as it's been a long time since I've picked out baby toys. But as always, this little one was more enamored with the boxes, bows, and gift bags than the actual gifts themselves. And simply because I'm ornery, I looked til I found the 'back in the day' corn popper push toy for him to create even more noise than he already does. :o)
Doc and I will certainly love going with Tim and Mal next month to enjoy the Maverick tickets, hotel stay and dinner out with them that we knew they would love.
With Jon and Chee's move into their country home, we knew that appliances were their greatest needs, so washer/dryer and chest freezer were part of our presents to them.
Our unborn granddaughter will have special books waiting for her when she arrives. "Guess How Much I Love You" and "Wherever You Go, My Love Will Find You" express how each of our hearts feel about this, and all of our little ones.
It's so much fun shopping for my girls as I search through the household/kitchen items in stores like Homegoods and Ross. And Doc pitches in when help w/each of the boys is needed.
Editing for Michael's second novel, tires for Daniel's truck, and clothes/shoes for my evergrowing Benjamin (13 yrs old, 6 feet tall, and size 12- for now- shoes!) rounded out their big gifts.
Throughout their lives, our boys have always been taught and expected to work and pay for whatever they wanted. Because of this, we unashamedly spoil them at Christmas, and this year was no exception.
But nothing can compare to the greatest Gift ever given: the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In 1 John we see: How great is the love of our Father that He LAVISHES on us, that we should be called the children of God.
My prayer and goal is to lavish love on my own children and grandchildren in as many ways as possible. Time together, listening, teaching/training, being there when help is needed, giving above and beyond in the most important areas, and creating lasting memories upon which they can reflect with joy are just as much gifts to myself as to them.
It is my heartfelt prayer and hope that, through us, they will always know the merciful, gracious, unconditional, neverending, above and beyond love of our Heavenly Father.
And from our Holladay family to yours during this greatest of holidays, our prayer is the same for you.
We wish each of you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
Doc and Polly
Kevin, Deanna, and Kade
Timothy and Mallory
Jonathan, Chelsey, and (soon to be born) Leila Michelle
Michael, Daniel, and Benjamin
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