Ten Things of Thankful: Christmas Edition

I'm sitting on my couch in the quiet early morning hours, trying to transform the peaceful contentment I am feeling into words. Minutes tick by, and I am still basking in the calm, wishing that words were not required to convey the serene sense of security. Drexel awakens, and greets me happily, but not frantically, his tail's soft thump thump thump providing background accompaniment to the morning's natural song.

If I could bottle this up, I would.

A text from someone reminds me that life is not always so still, and forces my attention outward. How can I help? And yet, the peaceful contentment continues. In good times or bad, family--whether by birth or adoption, a nuclear unit or a larger community--steps in to support one another.

This has been a week full of family. I'm thankful for the 11 other people who joined me around the table on Christmas day: oldest son and his wife; oldest daughter; middle daughter, her boyfriend, and their three children; youngest son, youngest daughter, and, of course, John.

Photo: Oldest granddaughter, playing with a Nativity set

Photo: My granddaughters, in coordinating dresses, stand in front of the Christmas tree

Photo: Baby grandson smiles for the camera, while granddaughters look up solemnly

Even though caroling was out of the question due to colds, the kids still managed to make music using sparkling cider bottles:

Photo: John and I with all of our kids and grandkids

John and I are hoping that we didn't pass on the cold that wiped us out, and we're thankful for the kids who pitched in while we rested up.

Photo: Oldest daughter captured John, Drexel, and me snoozing and couldn't resist snapchatting.

I sincerely hope that your week has been a peaceful one, no matter what has been going on around you.

Merry Christmas!

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Clark FarleyDecember 26, 2015 at 11:49 AM
excellent photo... (all of them, of course, but the last one especially)...
"Drexel awakens, and greets me happily, but not frantically, his tail's soft thump thump thump providing background accompaniment to the morning's natural song."
I'd say that perfectly expresses what I your Post brings to mind.
Clark FarleyDecember 26, 2015 at 11:49 AM
...FRIST!
UnknownDecember 26, 2015 at 1:18 PM
Looks like a colorful week of family and relaxing!! Glad you had s nice Christmas!
JDecember 26, 2015 at 2:03 PM
Beautiful family! Full of peace and love! I've experienced those quiet moments too, and wondered what I did to deserve them! Happy New Year, Kristi!
RomiDecember 26, 2015 at 4:35 PM
Your beautiful photos make me happy! :-)
ChristineDecember 26, 2015 at 9:21 PM
I'm so happy that so many of the kids could make it back! A house full of joy. And such talent! Love the bottle music. :)

That photo of the granddaughters is hilarious. Reminds me a bit of the one you and your sister reenacted.

Hope you all feel better soon. Kudos to your daughter for the great photo.
UnknownDecember 27, 2015 at 6:15 PM
Merry Christmas Kristi! your grand children are beautiful! I am very much behind, too! I am sorry that cold bug got you -- do love the photo of Drexel! And the Christmas photo of your family. Hope by now everyone is feeling lots better and that no one took the bug home with them!
Pat BDecember 27, 2015 at 11:58 PM
How nice that you could get a complete family photo. I love those flute players! Were they the "carolers" this year? The granddaughters in their festive dresses look so cute, and the little one with his great grin too. I think Drexel wanted to make sure you two got your much needed rest. With his head on John's shoe, he was keeping everything just like it needed to be. I hope you are feeling much better each day.
UnknownDecember 28, 2015 at 1:11 PM
Awesome family photos! So sorry you are fighting a bug though.
KerryDecember 30, 2015 at 10:02 AM
Aw, love the family photos.
:-)
Love the sparkling stuff and the silence.
Also, there's a beautiful music of lots of chatter from loved ones.
Hope you're feeling a bit better.
AnonymousJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:23 PM
It looks like a wonderful time was had by all...how nice.

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