Time for an update - 2021 goals!

I know - it’s been far too long since I’ve posted an update. I’ve read your emails and I apologize it’s taken me so long to update you all. All I can say is, well, life happened!  So let me get you up to speed a bit!  We had our first holiday season in Wyalusing and despite things being a little different due to Covid, it’s been a magical experience for us all!  

November was met with beautiful winter days, family time, and delicious food!  I learned how to make several dishes from my mother-in-law and she helped build my confidence in the kitchen. From homemade apple sauce to stuffing a turkey to turkey & ham pie with the thanksgiving leftovers. She sure has been great at teaching me some of her tricks in the kitchen and she’s taught me in a way that I’ve been able to absorb and remember. We enjoyed a lovely thanksgiving meal with friends and family at my in-laws house.  Thankfully they’re just across the street, so we didn’t have to go far in the cold weather.

Before we knew it, it was December and we were decorating the town Christmas tree. Boy, was that a special treat! The girls had so much fun and shared friendly smiles with all around. I enjoyed seeing my girls have such delight while serving. Of course, to them it didn’t feel like service - it was just another fun day with family and members of our town. This is one of the many reasons I love living in a small town. The community comes together, and on the corner of the Presbyterian church, we all set up a HUGE tree and decorate it with lovely, historical ornaments. 

A few weeks later we came to the tree lighting, where Andre & Jaeda served hot coco dressed as elves (they wouldn’t let me share any pictures),  we enjoyed live music and Christmas caroling. The grand finale was Santa & Mrs.Clause. I’d say every little girl & boy was ecstatic to see Santa, except Gracie! She was so thrilled at the thought of meeting Santa Clause, it’s all she takes about for days! She kept saying she was going to ask him for a new play kitchen. Yet when the moment finally arrived and it was her time to shine - she froze and cling on to her daddy tight!  She asked me to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas as she screamed in fear and turned the other way in her daddy’s arms. Miss Joy, however, was as happy as could be to see Santa & Mrs Clause. She said she wanted a cooked dinosaur (she told me later that’s her joke). Joy has quite the sense of humor! She certainly keeps us laughing!  She kept her “Christmas joke” going all through the season. 

Before we knew it, it was Christmas morning (after I was up until half past 3am on Christmas Eve, helping Santa get everything ready). It was a wonderful, beautiful, busy Christmas season for us! Andre & Jaeda seemed to really enjoy it. While they were excited about their gifts, it was nice to see them enjoy the family time as well. Something that’s big news in their lives is that their mom has been calling them regularly and both Andre and Jaeda have been talking to her for hours. They seem to genuinely enjoy it.  I’ve never seen Andre get so excited when the phone rings, nor have I ever seen him talk on the phone so long. It’s been very beautiful to see. Jaeda’s face now lights up when I ask how their talk with their mom was. I pray (and would appreciate your prayers) that she is able to be stable and consistent in their lives moving forward. 

I was so exhausted by Christmas evening I literally couldn’t see straight! I thought I was going to pass out from exhaustion. That was my first year for that but I adored every minute of family time and smiles on everyone’s faces! I can’t wait for next Christmas!! Although, I’m hoping to have time for more baking and organization next year (2021 goals!).