December 23, 2017

Today was our annual Haws Family Christmas Party.  Usually Mom and Dad make sure they are here for it.  But this year, Mom went to Maryland to spend Christmas with Millie's family.  I am so happy that she can be with them.  We carried on without them!

The Dannehls came up from Las Vegas, and we spent most of the day enjoying each other.  Austin got some important doggie time.  He even walked Prime to the mailbox for me.  He has wanted a dog so much. It breaks my heart a little, but I'm glad he got to pretend with Prime.

Austin and Prime

The kids played and played.  Finally, Sunee showed up with all of the Chinese food from Panda Express.  We ate together, laughing and talking all strewn about my family room and kitchen.  Then it was time for our traditional gift exchange.  We always give hand-me-down gifts.  And it is so much fun!  The kids are really thoughtful as they pick out something to give to their cousins.  Avree gave Lance a pack of cars and he screamed and screamed with delight.  It was the cutest thing ever.

Back L to R: Jeff, Rindi, Miles, Emma, Julia, Marlee, Katie, Dan
Middle: Sunee, Brynn, Eliese, Lizzie, Sam
Front: Avree, Owen, Austin

We watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and ended the night with a loud couple rounds of JackBox TV.  Everyone had a great time.  As we kissed and hugged them all goodbye, I couldn't help but feel thankful for family.  They all mean so much to me.

Mom's gifts for the day were the DVD from Dad's funeral, three framed pictures of Dad, and a card to each one of us...from Dad.  She said that he had wanted to give us each a gift.  And in the card was a large amount of cash.  I cried and cried.  How could he be gone?  Tears dripped off of my face as I handed out each card to Greg and all of the kids.  In a very sad voice, Miles asked, "Can we watch that DVD another time?  It's too sad."  I set it aside.  We will definitely watch it, but our hearts are too tender to handle it today.  But I loved the closeness I felt to my Dad, knowing that he had wanted to give us this gift.

I told the kids about the time my Dad gave us each a fifty-dollar bill, and encouraged us to carry it with us always, but not spend it.  He told us that having that always in our wallets would make us feel rich, and safe.  For years, I carried that same bill.  And I loved knowing it was there if I ever really needed it.

At one point during the night, Katie looked over at Austin and said, "Austin, you are looking more like Grandpa right now than ever before."  We've always thought he favored my dad, and he is certainly growing into the same giant-sized body.  Austin also has the outgoing, smiley, friendly personality my dad had.  It was sweet to look at my little boy that way.

As I put the boys to bed, I read one more Christmas story.  This one was all about serving others, and how we are really serving the Lord.  I kissed their cheeks and went down to bed.

Greg and I wrapped up in each others' arms and just loved each other.  And I felt safe and warm and loved.

"God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be.
This is how he shares His love."