Vandalia had a Christmas-light parade that Harrison and I went to. Phillip had a fever that night, although he had wanted to go. Little did we know what he was starting.....
It was a cold night; we'll dress warmer next time. But it was really fun. We found someone from church to hang out with (the Galloways). And one of the businesses was giving out hot cocoa. We went to the store when it was over to get Phillip medicine, and everyone there was talking about the parade. And everyone also went to the store afterward. Longest line I've ever seen at County Market. It was such a fun small town thing ~ to have everyone talking about the parade in the local store.
Our church kid's Christmas play.
Harrison was just old enough not to be in it. He told me, "I'd be so embarrassed if I had to be up there!" Next time we raise him, we'll make sure he grows up being in Christmas plays so that it's not a big deal by the time he's 11. The play was adorable.
Our little kittens have been out playing in the sunshine.
Jonathan helped me make gingerbread to prepare for gingerbread houses.
Liz is home! She's working on embroidering leaves onto her shawl.
Phillip must have snuck a picture of me onto my phone. This has been my past two weeks. I tested positive for Covid. Phillip did not. But we did take the tests toward the end, so maybe he had it even though the test was negative. Or maybe it was the flu. The flu, covid, pneumonia..... all of that is going around. We have been so-o-o-o tired for two weeks. We've been taking a lot of naps. We're still coughing, but we're past the contagious date the doctor tells us, so we're back at life.
Thank you for all who brought meals and checked on us! Every day I thought, "Today we'll feel better. I can cook today. It'll be fine." And then I'd be so nauseous and exhausted ~ We had great food brought to us and the kids also cooked for themselves (they were fine by the way ~ hardly a sniffly nose for them).
I thought we had done gingerbread houses, like, a couple years ago. But the kids remember that I had them wait until Harrison took a nap before I let them decorate. Which means that had to be 8 or 9 years ago! So it's been a bit. But we had the Jacyna's over for the craziness of gingerbread decor. Per above, I mostly slept. They were great about cleaning up and not needing my help with anything!
Phoebe was so proud of her porch, and rightly so.
Liz making cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast.
We went to the Baptist church's Christmas Eve service. Phillip and I missed our church's since we were sick. Then we came home to chicken chili and cookie dough and opening stocking gifts.
All the kids helped make something for the Christmas meal. Phoebe's making gravy. Harrison helped make the pecan pie. Jonathan put the vegetables on. Liz made a strawberry dessert.
John and Kristy came over (Phillip's brother), and we had a great time visiting with them! They brought cookies and delicious bread from one of their favorite restaurants.
Merry Christmas!
