Christmas Eve 2020

This year we spent most of the day lounging around. It was the most and least stressful holiday we’ve had in a long time. I actually felt prepared better this year and wasn’t scrambling last minute. We usually go to Christmas Eve service with Nana and Aunt Casey. This year it was a drive in service which added its own fun. We took the kids’ battery tea lights and parked next to Aunt Casey’s car. Afterwards we went home made a Tuscan sausage soup and sugar cookies for santa. One of my favorite things we’ve started doing is letting the kids open a present of new books. This year I also got Chris a couple and he got me one. It was bliss sitting quietly for a while before bed and everyone enjoying their new books.

Chris got The Nutcracker and Other Christmas Tales and Letters From Father Christmas by Tolkien because he and the bigs just finished The Hobbit.

I got a beautiful book about Scotland because I can’t travel there right now.

Elle got Lucky’s Guide to Wintertime Whimsy and How to Draw Cute Beasts because she loves the Spirit show and drawing cute things.

Todd got Gravity Falls and DuckTales graphic novels. Gravity Falls is new to him and he loves DuckTales the old and new shows.

Reese got an Elephant and Piggie and I Can Be a Gymnast Barbie book. She has really picked up on her reading and loves the Mo Willems books. She also loves Barbie and her gymnastics class.

Copper got a Paw Patrol nonfiction set and The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge. He loves Paw Patrol so that was a no brainer. The Lighthouse book is one Chris and I first heard about from West Wing. He actually loves it! Especially at bedtime.

virtual Park staff party

We had our annual end of year Park staff meeting/party on Tuesday virtual. Mr. Will put together treat boxes, a gift exchange, and games! He randomly assigned everyone a name and we bought $10 gifts and dropped them off at the office with the “to” on the outside and the “from” hidden inside. I got our deaf minister, Zeth. He loves his cat so I got him an Catvenger tshirt from Etsy. It was hilarious and I’m so glad he loved it! We picked up our gifts and treat boxes but couldn’t peek until Tuesday. Will had all the ladies in the office help with treats and everything was so yummy! We played some virtual Christmas games and had a blessed time as best as we could! They are a fun and hard working crew that I’m blessed to work with!

Ornaments 2020

Ornaments for this year are:

Todd- Scooby Doo , because it’s one of his favorites

Elle- 101 Dalmatians TV, because she loves dogs

Copper- Ironman, because his nickname from one of my coworkers is Iron Dude

Reese- unicorn, because she loves all things sparkly and magical

Thanksgiving 2020

This year was very low key as I’m sure most everyone else’s was. Family were busy with other plans and we chose not to travel to let others feeel comfortable to meet. We stayed home most of the day, and took it slow getting around. We watched the Macy’s parade, but had a hard time keeping the kids interested this year. While that was going on a made a smaller thanksgiving meal, but still had plenty of traditionals. We also watched the dog show because it’s one of Elle’s favorites. After lunch we went to The Gathering Place. It wasn’t too busy and there was plenty of space to be socially distanced from others. The kids said it should be a tradition going forward. We all had a good time! Once home we zoomed with family and then watched the Utica Square Lights On via Facebook live. It wasn’t the same but still good! We played games and talked with other family too. Something different we did this year was a thankful pumpkin. The kids loved writing it each night and it is my new favorite thing!

thanksgiving children's message

 Our worship minister asked me to make some videos to add to The Park livestream on Sundays. The first didn't get published because of my grandpa's passing, so I sent it to families on Thanksgiving. This kind of thing is just not my cup of tea, but I'm really trying to embrace this new way of doing ministry. If you've got any tips or tricks for doing videos I'm all ears!

Here's the link on our church youtube account:

https://youtu.be/_5Hy5aN_3j4

Thanksgiving Playlist

During this year, we’ve found it fun to make a playlist for holidays. Here’s our Thanksgiving 2020 playlist:

Come, Ye Thankful People Come - Simple Hymns featuring Leigh Nash

Crowded Table- The Highwomen

Waiting On the World to Change- John Mayer

Home- Michael Buble

Home- Phillip Phillips

Kind and Generous- Natalie Merchant

Hello- Adele

Memories- Maroon 5

I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For- Bing Crosby

Lovely Day- Bill Withers

At This Table- Idina Menzel

What Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong

Autumn in New York- Billie Holiday

Thanksgiving Theme (Peanuts)- Vince Guaraldi Trio

Gratitude (Remastered)- Beastie Boys

Wild Honey Pie- The Beatles

Thank God I’m a Country Boy- John Denver

Take Me Home Country Roads- John Denver

Blessed- Thomas Rhett

Blessed- Martina McBride

I Could Not Ask for More- Sara Evans

Over The River and Through the Woods- Goofy

Doxology (feat. David Crowder Band)- Passion

Come Into His Presence- Don Moen

Give Thanks to the Lord- Keith Lancaster & The Accapella Group

Doxology- Keith Lancaster & The Accapella Group

Great Is Thy Thankfulness (Accapella)- Anthem Lights

He Has Made Me Glad (I Will Enter His Courts)-Maranatha! Kids

I Will Bless Thee Oh Lord- Annie Herring

Thank You Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett)- Chris Tomlin

Thank You Lord (Intro)- Chris Tomlin

Count Your Blessings- Kids Choir

Red Dirt Road- Brooks & Dunn

What would you add?

Goodbye Grandpa Johnson

We lost my grandpa on Friday and his funeral was today. I’m praying for my family during this difficult time! I will miss hearing him say, “Hi, Miss Lucy!” every time I saw him. I never knew why he called me that, but it was a special nickname for only me. I know my fondness for classic country music and camping comes from him. He was 94 and a WWII vet. He was a great gardener and loved watching baseball. He loved his grandkids and greats! As was pointed out today his commitment to God is to be admired. We just celebrated last month with my grandparents on their 70th wedding anniversary. Thanksgiving was the holiday we spent with them until they couldn’t host anymore, and I definitely learned to be thankful for family.

I feel like I can add a few more details here as I’ve been reflecting on Grandpa’s life. He was very quiet. Honestly, while there are so many memories with him around, but I don’t know much about his life, and never felt super close woth him. Even yesterday at the funeral not much was shared about his life growing up, where he worked, what he liked, etc. I’m sure that’s on me for not asking those questions, but still highlights the fact that we can be around people a lot and still not know a lot about them. I also had a rough childhood in a lot of ways because of my dad’s struggles, and I think some of those things would have been shared if things were better. I know he was kind and loving, loved God, and my grandma and family so maybe that’s what’s important? I’m definitely thinking about this more as I interact with others who are still here. Something I’m going to do better for our kids is not take the time for granted and share memories with them!