For God so loved the world, that He gave us His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.
What a gift!
We woke up early this morning. Josephine was diving under the Christmas tree, digging out any other presents she could find! I had to stop her from opening Gramps' one several times! Finally, she said she'd look after it very nicely and she put it into her little flower "handbag" to give him later in the day.
We started off travelling to St Albans to join Gran and Gramps in a church service at their Spicer Street church. What a blessing! Our first sight as we rounded the corner from the car park was Gramps! He braved the cold and kindly waited outside for us waving us down. How welcoming it felt!
After that we had a little nappy-problem as Evie needed compleeete changing (a bath would have been best, but well).
Josephine was so keen on the carols and held her yellow sheet out proudly in front of her telling me to join in and sing louder. About 20 minutes into the service Michael and Gramps took the girls out and Gran and I enjoyed being together.
It was a beautiful day, but once again bitter-sweet. Remembering my brother, Michael, who was at his peak of suffering from cancer only 4 years ago, was a heartsore memory to be faced with again. One always remembers and thinks back to what was going on this time 4 years ago. Hard. And to think of what my mom and dad must be feeling...I can only try to imagine...we shed many laughs and tears together today...
The service message was very clear and freshly put. In a nutshell: Jesus was born to sort out the mess Adam created!
After church we started a delightful time with my parents. We had a ball!!!!! Where to start with that!?! From Schlur to snacks, to a DELICIOUS meal (gammon & gravy, bobootie, salad, potatoes, beans, fresh bread) to opening presents (our children and us were spoilt with gifts given with such LOVE!!)....somewhere along the line we danced! My mom put on some golden oldies...at first a slowish one and then "The Hippie Hippie Shake!!" and Jozie went ape with her dancing! She jumped, shook, jiggled, turned around and around and even stood on her head too in sheer delight of the rhythm! For dessert, we had a malva pudding (a DELICIOUS Afrikaans (?) South African pud....soooo lekker!) with custard, and a French dessert too! It was more than a treat! Mom, if you ever read this - thanks for the love you put into it.
And did I mention the decorations....so cosy and Christmasy in Gwan and Gwamps' lovely home!
We danced again to "Singing in the rain" and Gwan even hauled out an umbrella for us to dance under. Jozie just loved it all! Michael and I had a dance, Dad and I had a dance, Jozie and Michael had a dance. How special that was!
Evie was so laid back today and enjoyed playing with all the wrapping paper and being cuddled.
To round it all off, we went on a nice walk and breathed some cool British air! Jozie spent the last of her energy running up and down a little hill and getting us to catch her.
Back home, we had a lovely warm cuppa and soon Jozie was nearly falling asleep on her feet. So we whipped our littlies up and gave lots of goodbye cuddles to Gwan and Gwamps and made our way home. Jozie went straight to bed and is still in La-la land. Evie and I had a warm bath together and then she went to la-la land.
And now, it's my turn to go to La-la land....
Merry Christmas everyone! And let us never forget the true meaning of Christmas: God's gift to us - Jesus.
x
What a gift family is too
