End of the year projects and transitioning into a new position meant longer hours as at work for Ranger at least until the end of January. A strange phenomenon of a shortage of live trees in our area sent us driving through 3 towns before we actually found a tree. A quasi stomach bug set up camp in our home leaving family members tired and making the idea of eating about as desirable as untangling a giant box of Christmas lights. Scout's asthma roared back to life requiring multiple breathing treatments a day. As a result of sickness we postponed Christmas dinner until two days after Christmas. Unfortunately, the stomach bug wasn't quite done with it's mayhem finally claiming me as it's latest victim. Ranger and the kids ate a scaled down and very delayed Christmas dinner without me. Christmas night Pen lamented on the couch,"It just didn't feel like Christmas. It wasn't even cold outside and we didn't have any snow."
Ah, such is the road of life. It reminds me of a quote by Gordon B Hinkley, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
“[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …
“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride” (“Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Deseret News, 12 June 1973, A4).
As I type this Ranger and Scout are having a Nerf gun war in the house. My dog is resting peacefully on the end of my bed. Pen is quietly humming a tune to herself. Life isn't perfect but it is good.
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| We were able to make it to the light show in Bristol, TN. Santa's village included hot chocolate, a visit with Santa and a trip to the candy store. |
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| After a drive through 3 towns we did find this great little tree. |
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| When life let's you down it's good to take solace in faithful friends. |
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| We scaled back the Christmas baking this year but enjoyed making buckeyes. |
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| It wasn't long ago that we had to hold Scout up to reach branches this high. |
