After Christmas Hodgepodge Wrap-up

Christmas Eve found our family where we always try to be - celebrating the birth of the Christ Child at our respective churches.  Though a thousand miles apart, this tradition of worship joins us together.

Our Dallas family had their Christmas morning traditions that this year involved our sweet Baby Landon.  I can only imagine the joy they experienced as they watched him.

For us in Indiana, everything revolved around Baby Jax.

Perhaps the sweetest picture of the night was him watching and listening to his Great Grand Da tell the Christmas story.

He listened so intently.

He is such a happy and mild tempered baby and absolutely loved every thing that took place around him.  There was not one single fussy moment all night long.  And why would there be with eight silly, adoring adults around to anticipate and meet his every need.

Here it is the 28th of December and the household is rather quiet.  Savannah has taken her cat Ollie back to Indy, John has gone back to work, final returns made and sales shopped, leftovers eaten, soft music playing on Alexa, and a new puzzle on the table waiting to be finished.

Even the outdoors is quiet and still covered in layers of snow.

Before we close, let's do a quick version of the Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Did you set any goals for the new year this time last year? Did you meet them or miss the mark? Tell us more if you're comfortable sharing. 

I had hoped to paint more in 2022, but again, I failed to live up to my perhaps unrealistic expectations.  My other goal was to love on two eagerly anticipated great grandsons.  Is there ever a point when that has been fully accomplished?

2. What are three words that might describe the kind of person you were this past year or describe in some way how your life looked? 

Cantankerous, Forgiven, Grateful

3. What's something new you ate, saw, heard, or experienced in 2022? What did you think?

A deeper appreciation for God's Word  

4.  Oxford Dictionary has announced it's word of the year for 2022, and it's this-goblin mode. Huh? Have you ever heard this phrase? Used this phrase? It's defined as "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations." 

This year they allowed the public to choose amongst three finalists. You can read more about that here. 

If you were in charge, what word would you declare word of the year for 2022? 

Have never heard of or used that phrase.  My word for the year would be "BABIES!"

5. Any special plans for an end of year celebration in your house or town? The travel channel says the world's best New Year's Eve celebrations will happen in Copacabana Beach-Rio de Janerio, the Orlando theme parks in Florida,  London, Sydney, New York's Time Square, Edinburgh Scotland, and Paris. If you could attend any one of these which would you choose? Tell us why? 

We will be closing out our visit in Indiana on the 2nd of January, so our new year celebration will involve packing our car for a long two-day trek home.  Anything more exciting than that is yet to be determined.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Some pictures need no explanation!

And these girls bring so much joy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!