Christmas 2024

The years truly do flyby. Another Christmas has come and gone. I’m laying here in Claire’s bed, listening to her hum as she finishes up her shower. I am waiting for her so I can tuck her in and reflect on this lovely day.

We had a lovely morning at home like always mixed with presence and grandma’s cinnamon raisin bread. I think the kids got more than they expected, which is nice. They got lots of things from their gift list as well as trips in January.

Max Ellie and David are going to Hazel‘s in Scotland. Claire mommy and Gramma are going to Orlando for a trip to visit Disney.

Ellie got lots of clothes and makeup products and face care. She also got some books.

Max got five Lego sets and two new PS5 games which seem to be his favorite. He also got lots of clothes. He’s growing so fast right now. This year he grew 4.5 inches! 

Clair got almost everything she could have imagined including her first iPhone with a new cell number, a fancy new composite bat, games, books, a drone and so much more. 

We had some time to relax in the afternoon And David and I were able to get in a little walk. I also was able to grab a nap.

This evening we had the Latimer‘s mom, dad and G over for dinner. I had made lasagna yesterday so it was pretty low-key. We even managed to get a game of elf charades in. I didn't capture any pictures from the evening unfortunately, but I guess that's a sign of a nice evening. 

I’m thankful for these crazy busy holidays. I can’t imagine them without the kids. As they grow, I envision what the future could look like when they’re not here. I hope we always find a way to celebrate Christmas together.

Ellie is 17

Ellie celebrated her 17th birthday at home with her family and her friend Shams. 

As it’s been tradition for the past few years, she insisted on making her own cake, chocolate with peanut butter icing. She asked for grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner and of course I had to add bacon for the boys.

She seemed like she enjoyed the day. She got lots of fun gifts. It was a school day, so there was limited celebration. But I think her friends made her feel special in school and that’s very important at this age.

Ellie is still doing great in school. She has a 4.0. She loves art and is getting into oil painting as of this birthday. Granny gave her oil paints and oil brushes and canvases for this new journey.

Ellie plays the piano very well. I love that. She still practices learning new songs. When she finds a song, she like she tends to play it every day. It’s great hearing her work at it.

She also got into tennis this fall a little bit. We’ll see if that goes anywhere.

She is learning how to drive and she is really quite diligent. She doesn’t seem in a hurry to drive but she’s working through it.

She has soft spoken and kind most of the time. She loves Young Life. She says it’s what turned her into a real Christian. I’m happy she has that group of people and that outlet.

On ellie‘s 17th birthday if I could give her one thing, it would be confidence in the ability to use that confidence with her voice. I can’t wait for her to stop worrying about what other people think and just live in them being who she is, and who God made her to be. 

Happy birthday, sweet baby girl.  I love you and I always will. 

Sadly, I didn’t get a picture with her on her birthday this year. But I got her and her brother and her cousins. We have somebody in the family in each grade at Linganore this year. I love that.