Sabbath Givers

There are times when I find only Josh and I are cleaning up toys that don't belong to us.

At those moments I attempt to course correct, set the kitchen timer for ten minutes, and commence the rousing game of how many toys can we all collectively clean up before it beeps. Even the 21 month olds will copy the others and pick things up.

While four children create a lot of mess, they also give a whole lot more joy.

This Sunday morning Josh and I were able to sleep until seven because Sophia quietly brought both babies down from their cribs with Jason.

Sophia had turned on the fireplace and was reading out loud to herself.

Jason had poured himself a bowl of cereal and milk and had been feeding his two younger siblings.

While his unorthodox method resulted in a significant amount of cereal on the floor, we were very grateful for this start to our Sabbath.

Christmas 2020

Similar to Thanksgiving of 2020, we weren't sure where we would spend Christmas or who would be present until about a week beforehand. 

We certainly didn't expect it to begin in a basement.

On Christmas Eve, we started the celebration in the basement of my childhood home where Bop-bop had set up my brother's trains. 

And all four children were enthusiasts.

We were able to attend Candle light Christmas Eve Services at Nana and Bop-bop's church as well as our own in our pajamas.

Christmas morning Uncle James and Aunt Rachael joined us for present opening.

The week before we had enjoyed a celebration with Jay and Alannah, with a virtual visit from Grammy and Grandpa as well.