Christmas Day is a time when my Dad’s side of the family gathers at my Aunt Mary’s house in Chesterfield, MO.  It was a wonderful, cozy afternoon spent exchanging conversation, hugs, and smiles cut short only by the setting of the sun (GMa has to get home before dark).  The traditional family food covered the kitchen counter with platters of turkey, ham, potatoes, corn casserole, rolls, and more. 

Then, there was also that bittersweet moment when I realized that Grandpa was missing.  He wasn’t sitting on the couch or at a stool at the counter.  This marked the first time everyone, all 22 of us, were together since my Grandpa’s funeral last June. His absence was noticed but not dwelled on.  Instead the happiness and appreciation of having everyone under one roof overshadowed the emptiness. 

One thing I really appreciate at family gatherings is that before each meal Grandma pulls out a special prayer to read.  It may be from the newspaper or one from her collection she has set aside over the years.  She picks out one that seems to fit the situation and reads as everyone circles around her.  It reminds me what brings us all together and how many blessing we receive each day, especially on this day the birth of baby Jesus.  After her prayer the feeding frenzy begins.  It is funny how everything is done in an unspoken routine way, oldest generation first then the younger ones follow, I have to say that is one benefit of being the third oldest grandchild.

However, no matter how old I get until I have a child of my own to fill my seat, I am stuck at the kid’s table.  It is a part of the day that I now look forward to since it is quality time spent with my cousins.  Perhaps since the parents are in the formal dining room (out of sight, out of mind), the kids are able to let loose a little bit.  No one focuses on manners or making sure they talk about dinner appropriate topics.  We get to be ourselves around each other and are accepted, loved which to mean is the true meaning of family.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Holiday Party...sorry Mom, a Christmas Party hosted by a friend I first met in elementary school.  Really my earliest recollection of Lucas was in the 4th grade when he was "going out" with a girl named Kelly in our class.  It was quite scandalous back then that makes me laugh.

Now however it is a different story, he has been married to Rachel for about 2 ½ yrs and they have an apartment near Fenton.  It is crazy to think how long I have known some of my friends.  I actually was not sure I was even going to go to the dinner party because it has been a good 6 months at least since I have seen them.  I don’t make it to Washington as much as I should and when I do it is normally just enough time to hang out with my family.  Anyway I was worried it would be awkward but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  It was as if we picked up where we left off.  That shows me these are really my true friends.

Also I can’t forget Greg and Ryan, these two guys I have know since high school and nothing the do really surprises me anymore.  They informed me about an adventure they are about to start and I admire them for taking it on.  The two of them along with Eric (another guy we went to high school with) are going to quit their jobs and travel across the US exploring the country working whatever jobs they come across.  It will be exciting, challenging, and a chance to have real freedom.  I wish them all the best and can’t wait to have time off where I can go visit them in a too be determined location.

Once again I am making the drive to Wash MO from CoMO and am enjoying the gorgeous scenery.   It snowed the night before so on this Sunday morning the trees have a light dusting of snow still stuck to their branches and the ground is white with a hint of green peeking through.  The sun has not made an appearance yet through the cloudy sky eliminating my need for sunglasses.  I find myself listening to the radio, driving, and unable to wipe the smile off my face.  I don’t know why but I couldn’t stop smiling, I was soooo happy to be heading home this morning.  When I got up this morning I just got the urge to leave ASAP.  Who knows what I packed I simply threw it all in a laundry basket, loaded up my car, said goodbye to Morrster (my cat) and left.

As we walk into the kitchen of my childhood home I can smell the turkey cooking, I see the wrapping paper, scissors, and tape strewn across the table but really more than anything I am thrilled be under the same roof as those people who love me, support me and encourage me no matter what.  This morning we celebrated Christmas with JP, my mom’s dad, and Aunt Brid, my Mom’s sister.  They arrived about 15 minutes after Em and I pulled down the driveway.  I was thrilled when Em decided to make the 1 ½ drive with me even though she has a final tomorrow.  Perhaps I had selfish motives for talking her into coming; you see if she came, then Ad would come too and the whole family would be together. 

It was a wonderful afternoon with lunch, gift exchange, and finally a tour of the PF building.  Despite the beautiful gifts I received, my favorite part of this and any holiday celebration is when the whole family piles around the massive dining room table.  There is something about everyone around the same table, passing the potatoes, talking about what new events are happening, and simply socializing.  It for sure beats sitting on my couch with a microwaveable dinner!

This Christmas celebration was extra special for another reason.  JP has not been able to make the 2 hour journey to Wash MO for the past 6 years.  Significant changes have occurred over those 6 years and at time I would have bet money against JP every being able to make the trip again.  It goes to show how unpredictable the future is.  You never know what is around the corner, good or bad.  We were very blessed this season that when we turned the corner a good surprise was waiting.