Christmas and Beyond

Here we are, already a week into January. Rosie and I go back to school tomorrow and I'm totally blue. We had an amazing Christmas season with a variety of emotions. There was certainly lots of joy and even some tears.  It was fun to be home together, enjoying the adventures that each day brought. We  found ourselves humbled, blessed and full of gratefulness for love, family, health and the gift of presence and togetherness. We were able to witness the energy and joy of the girls and their cousins and at the same time feel the sadness of aging as we spent time with Great Papa Welch. We felt especially in tuned to the pain of the world during this season and yet felt overjoyed at the birth of Jesus and what that means for us. 

Christmas Eve brought lots of excitement and anticipation for the days ahead. We had dinner with friends at our Pastor's house after the Christmas Eve service. Rosie and Sadie heard Santa's reindeer clip-clopping around on the roof after supper. They were both excited and a little scared- but they took the task of getting right to bed seriously so that Santa could visit our house.  

The girls couldn't cross "the ribbon" until mom and dad were out in the living room.

Santa (and his eight hungry reindeer) indeed visited our home.

After Christmas morning festivities, a cozy fire, Ron's famous homemade bagels and a walk, we headed out to help with a program at our church that provides meals for those in need.

Oh, Lord, why are we given so much when others have so little? 

 30 bag lunches ready to go.

 Next, we were off to Papa and Mimi's to have Christmas dinner and celebrate with the Hunts.

 Papa and Mims made the girls doll beds and quilts to match their big girl beds (stay tuned...coming soon)

They certainly have slowed down in their retirement :)

  On the 27th we headed to Medford, Oregon to see Great Papa Welch. In the past month he has had a series of falls and has been moved from independent living into a dependent living health center. It was incredibly hard to see him age so rapidly. Although he didn't know exactly who were were, he was aware of family and the love that surrounds him. He's still himself- kind, loving and grateful. We love him so much.  Watching people that you love age is an amazing lesson in perspective and priorities. I am experiencing the urgency to slow down, let go of my tight grip and be present. It all goes by too quickly. 

 

In between Papa visits we had fun being together- enjoying the cold weather, celebrating Ron's birthday, ringing in the new year and even taking part in the Hunt family Christmas pud tradition. 

And now you are 3

Dear Sadie,
I can't believe that a whole year has passed and now you are 3. You're a little girl now- no longer a baby. You have little girl hair that you like to wear in 2 braids, unbrushed. You have little girls legs and arms that are lean and no longer baby chubby. You can navigate all of the slides and ladders at the park easily. You've experienced a lot of firsts this year from dentist appointments to haircuts to swim lessons. It was fun to watch you navigate each new situation with confidence. I love being your mama and I can't resist  kissing your cheeks.
You know your little 3 year old self, Sadie William.
You learned to swim this year! You jumped in the pool each week, listened to the teacher and tried new things. We all held our breath the first time that you jumped in and swam across to the other side of the pool, your little arms and legs seem to move independently... kind of like and octopus or an amoeba.
Just the other day in the grocery store, a woman came up and asked you your name. This isn't uncommon, you're just so dang cute.
You said, "I'm Sadie!"
The woman responded, "Nice to meet you, Katie."
You said, "No, not Katie, I'm SADIE"
You have shown us this sense of self again and again with your sister, who can be strong willed and sometimes bossy. You'll make your likes and dislikes known pretty quickly- even if it means giving Rosie a shove. You've spent some time in your timeout chair. I can't stay upset when I hear you call, "Mom! I'm ready to listen!"
Although we can't always respond in this way, or get used to correcting adults, I am proud of you for making yourself known, even at 3. I pray that you always have this strong sense of self and continue to stand up for yourself.
You are creative and fun. We asked you what you wanted for your birthday and you said, "I'd like a stinky skunk!"
Oh my. Dad showed heroic effort and found you a perfect skunk puppet.
Your vocabulary has grown so much this year. You have a deep, true laugh that is full of joy. When you laugh like this everyone around you can't help but experience joy and gratitude for your little life.
We have had fun spending time together, just the 2 of us in the mornings when Rosie is at school. You love to spend time on the carpet playing with little dolls or blocks. You like to make towers and knock them down. You are fun to play with. Your favorite show is Curious George and your favorite foods are fruit and pasta.
You have dad's sense of direction. Praise the Lord. Just the other day, you lead Mimi to Rosie's school to pick her up after kindergarten.  When Mimi turned left instead of right you informed her that she was going the wrong way. Later, when looking for a specific lunch spot you told Papa that he had, "just passed it." Sometimes it's nice to be corrected by a 3 year old :)
We love you so much Sadie. You are still the easy going little person that you have been since birth. You are showing more and more of your personality and it's a joy to get to see. You bring so much laughter and life to this family. We are grateful everyday for who you are and for the role that we get to play. My prayer for you hasn't changed too much from years passed- that you will experience the love and joy of Jesus in your life and that you will find meaning, gratitude and purpose in serving others and experiencing the beauty of the world around you. Love you to the moon and back about a million times.

Mama

Happy birthday, sweet girl.

Happy Birthday, Sadie!

Happy birthday to Sadie! 

We celebrated her birthday with a special breakfast and a trip to see Mickey Mouse with the hunts and Papa and Mimi. We love you, Sadie William.

Thankful Thanksgiving

We had the gift of being together with 2 of the 5 Eckert brothers and their families for Thanksgiving. It's the most fun.

Gayle had to work, so it was up to Ruth and I to prepare the bird and fixings. I have to say that we rocked it! We spent the next days hanging out together. The girls loved jumping on Doug and Ruth's trampoline and are in awe of their cousins. We celebrated Dave's birthday on Saturday night with an Italian theme complete with "mustachios." 

Great conversation, lots of laughs, good food.... 

We always leave Flagstaff with full hearts.