Christmas is over, New Year's is past, and Valentine's is almost here, but somewhere in me, perhaps especially when it snows like it did yesterday, in quick gusts and bursts, each sheet of snow blowing down at a different angle, it still feels like Christmas is ahead. I have determined that my favorite day of the year is not Christmas Day, but Christmas Eve, when good will is at its height; when my family is gathered around; when the world seems most at peace; when presents sit under the tree, still manifesting the thoughtfulness and love we have one for another; when carols are sung with greatest jubilance; and Christ is really in the front of our minds.
We spent our holidays with my family in Utah--Mom and Dad; Becca, David, Isaac, Ben, and Henry; Taylor; Neal; Owen; and Grant. We skyped with Spencer, who's on a mission for our church in Norway. He and his companion look well, and they are having success finding investigators to teach, though still working hard to get them to attend church. In Ålesund (an astoundingly beautiful city on the water), there is one permanent, attending member of the church, besides the bishop. Spence and his companion are working really hard to give this one member some company. :)
A few days before Christmas, we did our own reenactment of the nativity. Everyone had a part to play, and we even used the little costumes and props Mom has had for years. Walker played the part of Nephi in the New World, to whom God reveals that Christ will be born to earth the next day. I played the part of the piano player. Don't you think someone was playing music when Christ was born? I guess both of those roles are rather non-traditional, but they were fun.
A few days after Christmas, the whole family spent a few days at Bear Lake, enjoying games, movies, sledding, swimming, and talking. This really felt like a special time, with all of us together.
Well, we've been back in New Haven for almost a month now. Walker has been getting acceptance letters from Sociology PhD Programs--more on that later. I have begun doing research for one of his professors, 6-8 hours a week, and I continue to tutor Russian 4-5 hours a week. Otherwise, I take care of Atticus and try to take care of Walker. Our car has died for good, and we will be having the interment next week if anyone cares to join us (actually, the car is in Manchester, CT, 45 minutes away, so we probably won't ever see it again). All of our luggage (none of which arrived in Hartford with us) has been returned unscathed.
Atticus continues to be our greatest joy. He is positively my favorite little boy on earth. :)
4 comments:
Sounds like you guys had a FABULOUS Christmas! I can't believe how big Atticus is getting! And that adorable red hair...hmmm...wonder where he got that from?!?!
You guys sure are staying busy! It's fun to keep up with you on your blog...even if you are super busy!
more on that later...i hope not too much later. i am anxious to hear where you will end up next! ps..i ran into your mom and sister here in slc at the discovery gateway. they probably already told you!! it was funny! baby atticus is really growing!!
It was fun to recognize Ashley and catch up with her a little. Yes, it is a small world - after all :). Henry looks even more like his burgeoning self next to Atticus in that picture. I think I will enter him in the county fair this year. Sheesh.
Wow,what great pictures you have posted!
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