Christmas 2009

Here it is January 2nd (palindromic date that it is 01-02-2001) and I'm getting around to posting about our Christmas celebrations.  Hard to believe that another Christmas is behind us (especially because I am currently listening to Christmas music, sitting in front of our stocking clad fire place, with the Christmas tree lit and the candles shining in the windows).  We really enjoyed the time we got to spend with family and friends even if it did take a little bit more effort this year.

On Christmas Eve we worshipped with my parents and grandmother at CenterPoint church, our home church.  Ben was playing the piano and keyboards for both services and as usual he played with ease and grace...even when the lights went out for the candle lighting and he couldn't see a thing in front of him.  All the music was great and the message was poignant.  What are the things in your life that you are not trusting God for?  As the angel reminded Mary "With God all things are possible."  And as Mary chose to respond we also should say "May it be to me as you have said."  Great words of faith!  (Christmas Eve pics)

On Christmas morning we got up at 4 am.  Well, I say got up, but that would imply that I had actually slept, which I did not.  Not a wink.  It always happens to me that when I know we have to get up super early and I have too many things to remember I somehow cannot sleep very well.  After tossing and turning for an hour I decided it would be more productive to get up and take care of a few last minute items and that way I could sleep in the car.  Even after that I did not fall asleep when I laid down again. And I did not sleep in the car at all.  We were up that early because we were trying to catch one of the only two ferries (the 9 am and the 5 pm) running on Christmas day to the Island of Islesboro where Ben's parents now live.  We did make it in plenty of time.  We were one of 6 cars on the ferry and one of the other cars was Yuri (who had fallen asleep in his car, failed to buy a ticket, and almost caused a delay..fortunately we had an extra ticket with us...).

We drove onto the Island at a little before 9:30 and were able to spend the whole day with the rest of the family that had already gathered.  Tobi got a bag of babies from Grandma and Grandpa and she was very happy!  We all got many thoughtful gifts and were glad to share in a new experience, an island Christmas.  Saturday Ben and I made brunch for the family...Swedish pancakes and  bacon and cinnamon rolls.  We had most of our meals in the church function room because they have a nice large kitchen and plenty of room for all of us to sit and eat.  Unfortunately got hit with a nasty cold and was feeling pretty miserable that day (lack of sleep induced perhaps?).  Ben continued with the day of cooking and made chicken cacciatore for everyone...delicious.  Harp, viola, piano and violin music wafted around us we ate, cleaned and visited with each other.  Church on Sunday, dinner and packing an off to catch the 3:30 ferry.  Our plans however were thwarted when we the inclement weather caused the rest of the ferries for the day to be canceled.  After and emotional adjustment on my part (I wasn't that excited to be late for my family's Christmas gathering), I was able to be thankful with family that I see far less often and we enjoyed one more evening on the Island. (Christmas on Islesboro)

Monday morning, 7:00 am, we were off again.  We had parked the truck in the line the night before so we would be sure to make the 7:30 ferry, and indeed we did.  We rolled into Billerica just before 11:30 am and my family was already gathered there to begin the next round of festivities.  Tobi had to adjust to her new role as one of the babies as opposed to being "the" baby on the island.  There were definitely a few throw down fights over whatever the hot item of the moment was. (Click here for a sampling.) We enjoyed a delicious dinner together....ham, swedish sausage (körv), homemade mac and cheese, meatballs and so much more.... The next morning we again indulged in the Swedish pancake making and eating...and Ben made dinner again from his new cookbook...eggplant parm.  Yumm!!  (Christmas in Billerica pics)

After a couple days in Billerica we headed back home for our own family celebration.  I was most excited about my new camera.  I thought I wanted to upgrade out of point and shoot land but I have to say this camera is great.  It does a lot of the things I would want to do with a DSLR but it is also user friendly and I don't really know enough at this point to make owning a really expensive camera worth the investment...so this is perfect for me right now.

All in all it has been a joyful time of celebrating and making memories.  Oh, and I just remembered...it's not even epiphany yet...so that means I still have at least 4 more days to celebrate the season properly...turn up those Christmas tunes.


Tobi's new piano and baby doll from Daddy.

And this is my gift to Ben...it was the best and easiest gift I ever gave.  He did all the research, he worked to make the money to buy it, he went and picked it up...all I had to do was say "Sure, I'll give you guitar for Christmas."  I'm just great that way I guess :)