The birth of Jesus is an amazing story and every time I meditate on it, I learn or think of something new! Why do you think Mary went with Joseph to be taxed? Wouldn't it have been much easier to stay home and have her baby in a cozy place with her mom's help and a midwife lined up??? Of course! But maybe she was facing some accusation from her family and friends? Maybe she knew that God would care for them if they stuck this whole pregnancy and betrothal out together! I'm sure there was much decision about the trip before they ventured out and God truly was with them the whole way through! When Joseph was trying hard to find a dry, warm room for Mary to rest and maybe birth the Son of God, I can just picture Mary in sweat, breathing through each contraction. Trying to catch her breath and wondering why God doesn't shine through here and provide the perfect place for them!!! But, they ended up in a stable, out of the wind and crowded streets!!! Together. In labor. With no running water and barely enough of blankets to keep the scene sanitized. But, together ... they gave birth to baby Jesus!!!
Christmas morning was a lazy start here in our home. Mike had to go to the shop for a last minute "now you have it now you don't" gift. He took Austin along and gave him a fork lift ride! Austin loved that!!! Meanwhile, I was in the kitchen baking a chocolate cake to take along to the Lapp Family Dinner!!!
The kids got woken up and dressed and we quickly delivered cookies to our neighbors wishing them a Merry Christmas! Then we went to Mom Lapp's for Mike's family Christmas dinner.
Mom always has the table so pretty!
This is the first Christmas without Dad Lapp with us! It was sad but we really did have a great time celebrating Jesus and being together as a family!
We don't exchange names with the Lapps but Mom had a gift for everyone. Then we did the "now you have it now you don't" with just the adults.
Austin was given a toy skid loader!
Ashlyn got a new chair! Now she has a chair for campfires and summer cookouts!
Matthew got a new comforter.
And so did Hadassah!
She also gave some gifts to the siblings! Thanks so much Mom!!!
We had another day of yummy foods! We also had a group of youth stop by to sing some Christmas Carols to us! It sounded so nice! Thanks for blessing us!
We stayed till late in the night playing Marble Chase again! This game is fun and it's become a favorite for this season in life! Normally, we play Settlers but that game will never be the same without Dad. Marble Chase was just as fun! We helped Mom get the house cleaned up before leaving.
We missed Dad Lapp again so much and the grieving is real. Christmas and family gathering will be complete again without him with us but the day was still a great blessing!!!
We miss you Dad Lapp! We love you Mom Lapp!!!
