We are in the midst of our Christmas festivities (two parties down, one to go) and have been blessed by spending time with both of our families.
On Christmas Eve, Bryan and I gathered up Walter, a cousin, and drove down to Steve and Linda Kearns’s home in Laguna Niguel. The feast was wonderful and we got to meet Jeremy and Megan’s daughter, Maddie, and the Kearns’ dog, Muffin. Since the baby was the highlight of everyone’s night and many hands desired her attention, Bryan and I spent more time scratching Muffin than holding Maddie. The evening was made complete with the annual white elephant gift exchange. Bryan was quite disappointed with the high quality of gifts given (we came home with a hot pink yoga mat), but the hit of the evening was Russell’s gift: ShamWow shammies. Even though he contributed them, he was permitted to steal them back, but he treated the family to a demonstration of how they really do hold a great deal of water. All we could say was “ShamWow, indeed!”
Our Christmas Day began early, when we both woke at 1 am and couldn’t go back to sleep. We checked the Christmas tree and found that Santa had already been to our home, so we had Christmas very early. He brought us exactly what we wanted — orange slices and an electric blanket. We then watched Kung Fu Panda and giggled until the wee hours of the morning.
Later on Christmas day, Bryan and I drove to my parents’ home in Glendora for the traditional Fuller feast. It has been a difficult year in more ways than one; this fall, Mom was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and Dad was proudly showing off his new hearing aids (one for each ear). It seems hard to believe, but they are getting older and as the only one of their offspring that lives close, I feel a strong responsibility to be there for them.
When we arrived, we were expecting to be the only guests; however, my sister, Denise, who was scheduled to fly to DC to visit my younger brother, Darrell, could not get a flight out, so she drove down from the Bay Area. We were wonderfully surprised by her presence and it seemed to make Christmas complete. (It reminded me of Christmas 2001 where we gathered at the Ranch and Denise and I read my brother Rodney’s travel e-mails to our parents until our voices were hoarse — my best Christmas ever, even though we were still grieving over his death.) Our gift exchange was very touching since Mom’s been going through old boxes and setting aside memorabilia for the kids. Denise and I both received clothing we wore as children. Some of our outfits are in great shape and a few of them are homemade which made them all the more special. Lastly, Mom pulled out a blue and cream knitted jumper (with booties) that was knitted by Mrs. Brown for Rodney when he was an infant. It was so precious to see this and Denise and I agreed that we want our (future) sons to be blessed in this outfit.
I’m very blessed for the time I’ve been able to spend with my family, both immediate and extended, this Christmas. My feeling blessed has been a theme this year (especially if you view our 2008 Christmas letter).