Thanksgiving was nice. There was a big crowd here although not as big as the crowd will be for Christmas. The food was good and the company nice. It was basically the traditional Thanksgiving feast so not too much to say about it. Anthony came up from DC and it was nice to spend time with him. Jackie definitely taught him a few new games. She had a blast playing with him and he was a great uncle and went along with all her tossing, and him picking up, of her stacking cups. I think she will really enjoy spending time with him again at Christmas.
Since Thanksgiving, life has been a bit of a rush. With Russell getting married the week before Christmas, all our preparations and December appointments had to be made before Jackie and I leave for TX on Saturday. Thus a crazy first half of December with this week being the worst. Jackie and I had to finish the last bit of Christmas shopping, which we did today. Then everything needed to be gift wrapped, which I spent some of the last two weeks accomplishing. Laundry has to be done, Jackie needed a flu booster shot (she got it today and did her brave; there were very little tears), I have a doctors appt. tomorrow for the little baby and Don's work Christmas party is Friday evening. In the midst of all these things I have to find time to get organized and packed and we needed to decorate for Christmas. It has been a crazy week already.
Last night we decorated the Christmas tree and Jackie was so excited. She helped Nana put the star garland and the pearl garland on the tree, she was holding onto the strand and placing it on the lower branches in between little dances of excitement at all the glittery-ness of the garland. She was also draping it on herself and walking around with it. Jackie also helped Don hang her first Christmas ornaments on the tree. And she had fun carrying around Jackie safe (unbreakable) ornaments before they were hung on the tree. Jackie has so much wonder about all the decorations and lights, it is wonderful to see her face all lit up and full of joy. It reminds you of what this season is all truly about. It isn't the gifts or even the decorations but about the joy and wonder we should feel because of the birth of one special child and all he means for Christianity and humanity. It is a great gift to be able to teach Jackie about Christ and for her to teach us about Joy and wonder.
Have a very Merry Christmas with your families and try to focus on what Christmas is truly about. I'll post again the week of Christmas to update everyone on Jackie's Christmas experience.
~Tiffany
