Craig worked all night on Christmas Eve and so was just getting off at 8:00 before guests arrived at 9:00. He was napping when Santa came to the door with a tap-tap-tap…Stefi was excited and happy to give Santa a hug and thank him for the presents that he had left earlier. She was sorry that, once again, Daddy would miss out on seeing Santa and noticed that Santa sounded a lot like Dad, but she didn’t care. The game was magical and she wasn’t about to spoil it for anyone. Usually, Santa comes to visit our “Orphan’s Christmas Brunch” after his trek around the world, just to get his after-delivery chiropractic adjustment and to say, “hello” to all of our guests. But, THIS year, there were reasons that he couldn’t come later in the day…
Grandma hadn’t made it yet and we were sad that she missed seeing Santa. But, the day was filled with loving laughter and sappy songs about being “home for Christmas” and the wonderful gift that the birth of Christ really was to all of us…REMEMBER that word “sappy”. I’ll be writing more on that subject in another blog.
I made caramel french toast, cherry and blueberry pancakes, two breakfast casseroles, a spiral ham, Aunt Ilene’s carmel corn, and biscuit and gravy especially for Mom. Others brought lots of yummy things, as well…chocolate cake, chocolates, guacamole and more. We were definitely not left hungry. If you’re wanting recipes, click on our paste this address into your browser http://www.drmaryonline.com/recipes.php or ask for one specifically, if it isn’t there by posting a comment to my page.
Jeanne and John Precup, Jean McKenna, Gene Koonz, Bev and Jerry O’Donnel, Lois Vance among others joined us for an early holiday brunch. Historically, this holiday family has gradually been comprised of people in our community that I’ve run across over the years who have no local family to celebrate with. We eat and pray and sing, together, thanking God for the gift of friendship and His family that we all belong to. Jeanne and John have been part of this holiday celebration for nearly 20 years, now. Lois is our newest addition and gave us a beautiful old Chinese Madonna and Child print as a Christmas gift.
Craig went on to bed about 10:30, so he could get up and work again Christmas night. It was a blessing that he could join us, if only for a little while.
It was wonderful that Mother could be home for Christmas and I sang the new song, “Dena” for everyone and everyone cheered. Jeanne and John’s Christmas letter was read by Niki and Stefi played, “Up on the Housetop”, and “Silent Night” on the piano.
By early afternoon, everyone had scattered back to their own lives and we were left puttering and watching, “All About Steve”, a movie that Nikaila loved and bought for us all to watch on Christmas day. It was a good laugh with a good message.
God Bless you and your family this Christmas and know that no matter how rough it seems, Jesus his shining his light for us to follow, if we can only muster up the energy to open our eyes…Love you and Merry Christmas!
Dear Dr Mary,Craig,Dena, Nikki & Steffi.
It was fun to read your blog and catch up on all that is going on with Dena and your family. All the photos as well.
We like what we are reading about Dena. Wish we lived closer so we could visit with her more often and bring her communion regularly. Does she like reading the book The Wonders of the Holy Name?
It was fun to read about your Christmas.
We have been very busy with the Holidays. We had all the family here for Christmas about sixteen of us. Today we had the last of Christmas Celebration with about sixty of us, my side of the family using the Adams City Fire Department Hall. Lots of good food and lots of good company.
We are getting ready for our Hawaiian Cruise, celebrating Billy’s 81st birthday on the 15th of January and my 80th the 16th of January. We will be gone for fifteen days.
Our Love and Prayers
Billy & Lucy Peeples