This Christmas I can feel the weight lifted from our collective shoulders and a moment to breathe a sigh of thanks that God has brought us through this 3 1/2 year journey. This year, no painful, conscious choice to have faith in the hope that one tiny babe born in Bethlehem can bring; no choosing to believe that God is at work while my heart aches and soul cries out and questions "why is this happening?"
Full disclosure here - I was sure tired of that.
God knew that too, as I have a policy of full disclosure with Him also.
He knew that I have longed to be one of "those people". You know, those people who have faith easily, mostly because their life is going fairly smoothly. They might be annoying at times, but I prayed to be one of them, if only for a little while. And this Christmas, I get to be one of those people! Carson's treatment finished and no scheduled surgeries for me are just two beautiful gifts from God this season. Paul busy at work and doing well (he continues to be the lone holdout in the "diagnosis department") and Francesca becoming a record breaking freshman on her high school swim team round out the gifts very nicely. Hallelujah!
So, it is only fitting, with the good times we're experiencing, that Carson would be more than just a little excited that Christmas is coming. There is evidence all around the house.
We have two advent calendars that must be tended to daily. ALL the Christmas decorations are out (at Carson's request) - that hasn't been done in 3 years. And, numerous attempts have been made to open the presents, or two presents, or "just one present" early. Not gonna happen.
North Pole
We were all again invited by the kind folks at United Airlines and Special Love to visit Santa at the North Pole. This year, Chuck and Grandma got to join us as well. Many, many gifts were received and Carson spoke direct to the big man himself.
Destination: North Pole
Weather report on the screen at the gate....
The plane has arrived and is ready for boarding. Carson has his special VIP pass hanging around his neck.
Ready for take off. Windows had to be closed since the flight path to the North
Pole is "top secret".
What does one do at the North Pole? Shoot Nerf guns, of course!
Ocean City
We made another trip to Ocean City, mostly for the Believe in Tomorrow Volunteer Christmas Party. To hear Carson tell it though, it was so he could work some shifts at Hooters with Mr. Jason. He asked me before leaving for Ocean City "Do you think I'll be done working in time to play some miniature golf?" I told him that we could probably do that. (We did.)
First the party. Carson and Mr. Jason do Christmas crafts and the children pose for a picture.
Carson with Mr. Jason and Mr. Matt, who brought some early Christmas to the "manager in training"
Note the key chains on both Carson and Jason.....
"Manager Break!"
Manager at work at the cash register. Yes, his key card works!
In front of Carson's picture hanging at Hooters West OC.
Making sure the kitchen is staying on track....
Later that night, a second shift making pizza with Mr. Jason of Mancini's.
No wonder Carson was exhausted when the weekend was over!
So, with all this fun, excitement, and showering of gifts on our kids, Christmas Day at our house, will be more than a little quiet. That's fine with us.
Actually, if we could just pass into 2013 very quietly, that would be just fine too.
-Jennifer
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