My Point of View

Christmas Eve—Saturday, December 24, 2022

Christmas Eve began bright and early with an 8 am breakfast reservation at Blue Boar Inn. Graham's work schedule went back and forth, he had to work, then he didn't, then he had to work, then he didn't. Albeit it was early, it was good to have something to get out the door for. The last time we came for breakfast was in July, so it was great to have Binnie join us. She couldn't picture what it would be like. I told her, "Think Gilmore Girls."

After some trial and error, Binnie taught me that I could discreetly take the photo from my watch!

Across the street, we rented snow shoes at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Graham opted for cross-country skis. It is not every Christmas Eve that we have so much beautiful snow and I wanted us to take advantage of that.

(Ava is already implementing the latest inside joke of us being from another planet and giving our "wave".)

It was a glorious morning. Just glorious. The only one who had issues with her shoe was Callie.

I saw Matt doing a lot of this:

(it was sweet).

A couple of winters ago, Katrina said, "Mom, if you get a warm puffy coat you won't dislike winter so much." I don't know that I necessarily dislike winter, but I got a coat! I like!

My yoga instructor is recovering from lung surgery and is in heart failure. My dear friend's daughter is recovering from a heart transplant. Life can be uncertain and knock us down. For this reason, I was more aware of what a blessing it is that I am up and at it. My heart raced as I neared the top of the loop and I struggled for breath but I was grateful to be able to do it.

We got Red Mango frozen yogurt at Ridley's afterward and then delivered some candy to a friend. Ava went with me on a couple more goodie drop-offs and then we continued our family Harry Potter marathon at home by watching the second one. Matt was beat and Callie wasn't up to her regular strength.

Dinner prep was next. We had such a lovely dinner at home. Same menu of surf and turf that we had last year. We haven't had a group this small since I only had three kids. It was different but we made the best of it and fancied things up.

In the family room, we read Luke 2.

Graham played "Silent Night" on his trombone and Callie played "Joy to the World" on her violin.

I read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

(I didn't know that I was foretelling the color of the year for 2023: Viva Magenta! I had unknowingly picked it for my sweater and nails.)

The kids exchanged gifts with one another. Without discussing it, they each bought some sort of cool light for each other's bedrooms.

Mal also gave the boys these funny glasses holders.

Then it was time for Christmas bells,

and jammies.

Then off to bed! Except for Poe. I think she stayed on the ottoman all night. She waits all year for Christmas, and she doesn't want to miss a thing.

Christmas Day—Sunday, December 25, 2022

Church services were at noon so we opted to have a nice brunch before church and open presents after church. It was delightful to be able to take my time in the morning.

Breakfast the day before was delicious but we all agreed that homemade is even better. We brunched on breakfast casserole, crème brûlée french toast, fruit, bacon, and roasted potatoes. Orange juice was served out of a bubble jug that Ava gave me. It glubs and gurgles as you pour and puts a smile on your face. They were big on the mission she says.

I told Graham that I wanted to get a family photo after church so not to change right away. He made sure that we gathered at church for the photo so that he could change right away.

At home, my girls were a bit more cooperative. Callie was confused about the heart arms. Ava said, "Just do it." Like Graham, she seems to know the drill! I love that they wore their matching dresses. Looking adorable, girls!

Christmas is full of unexpected surprises, such a drone for Graham! (Just like Gavins!)

Graham thought for sure the oblong box contained new blinds for his room.

He was shocked to find golf clubs inside! Papa really came through for this kid. My gift was not as great. He opened the model plane, chuckled, and said with a smile, "This is the one I did already and it is hanging in my room." What do I know about planes? Ha-ha, hee-hee.

It piqued the girl's curiosity as to what could be in their oblong box. Yoga mats!

Mallerie unknowingly stuck with the theme and bought Ava lights for her room.

But Callie gave the biggest grin when she opened a new phone! She reminded me of Mal at that age sitting in about the same spot. SO GIDDY.

Such a magical afternoon. A gal that I used to minister to wanted to stop by since she was visiting her parents but I had plans at that same time, a family party of my own!

Bocas Family Christmas Party on Zoom

Oh my heart to have all my babes' faces on the screen. These are the finest people on the planet folks. If you do not have regular interaction with them in your life, you are missing out! It was hard to pick a time with the difference from Kauai to Chicago but we made it work. Katrina was in Houston and took a while to log on, I said, "Houston, we have a problem." But she joined us. The funny thing is that when Matt had sent out the Zoom link a week before she didn't notice the date and logged right on. She texted the group chat, "Where is everybody??"

Matt led us in a game with a prize as a fuzzy ottoman, which Katrina won. He also announced that next year we aim to all gather in Hawaii for the holiday (though it looks like Matt is already there!).

Christmas day was sweet and relaxing and yummy! And it is all #BecauseofHim!

Christmas Break

Graham straightaway ordered a golf bag since he said it doesn't make sense to house nice Callaway clubs in a thrift store bag. He also ordered a new phone to better support his drone. Sounds like his gifts ended up costing him in the end, but he's happy so I'm happy. Lookin' good, Graham!

Cash threw an impromptu party on the 27th. Graham was scheduled to work and had a lot of trouble trying to get it off. It was a shame because he was the one asking for a cousin get-together over the holidays. I was prepared to stay home from the party to tote him to and from work, but he called and called his fellow employees and got off work. I suppose because I have kids that have flown the coop, I realize how important these interactions are and how quickly they come to an end.

That afternoon, Sam, Jan, and the baby came to visit. It was such a treat! Glad Ava will have them as continued support when she moves to Hawaii.

Ava flew to Hawaii on December 30th to attend BYU-H next semester. Matt had to get up at the crack of dawn so she could make her 6:30 am flight. We are going to miss having her sweet presence in our home. We are also excited for her to get on with her next chapter; it is like she has been on hold. Adventure awaits! She was eating a sandwich on the beach soon enough.

The next day, I seemed to come down with the sickness Callie had been nursing, which she brought home from the North Pole (a sickness that would last a solid two weeks!).

New Year's Eve

I spent the rest of the break in bed pretty much. I'd holler to the kids to tell me about their comings and goings. Matt took Graham and Callie ice-skating with the Sheriff and Friends on New Year's Eve. It was slushy but they had good attitudes. Callie ran into (literally;) some friends of her own.

Darling little Callie Coo is headed to the New Year's Eve dance at the Rec Center. After being in charge of those in the past, Matt and I were happy to hunker down at home and spend a quiet New Year's. Graham was at a friend's house learning to make sushi.