Christmas Interlude

We took a break from the mission trail as we were close to home just in time for Christmas. After quickly unloading the van and taking care of necessities (mainly laundry), we were settled in to enjoy the feast day of the Nativity. 

We started out by decorating the Christmas tree and making a few treats for the special dinner we would enjoy the next day. 

Then before we knew it...it was time to gather every one together for Mass on Christmas Eve (also known as the Children's Mass).  

There are now only two times a year when I coordinate clothing for the family (Christmas and Easter).  I really like the outfits we Found this year.  I only wish we could have had everyone together for a family picture.  It will only be harder as the boys start to make there way into the world.  So hard to believe our big family is growing up. 

When we arrived at the church, the children were quick to seek out Fr. Hall. He met my mother and then after a few minutes suggested that we be a part of the Children's program before Mass.  Instead of the typical nativity play, a couple of adults gathered the children and situated them on the steps leading up to the altar. Then at the right time a booming voice from the back of the building  began to remind us to slow down and enjoy the reason for the season. Another adult began the story of the Nativity and the choir sang familiar carols throughout for us to join in.

Michael had convinced Brendan to join the group but Zaira would have nothing to do with it until baby Jesus was brought in to the manger. Then she ran up to kneel at his feet. Too bad I did not have my camera for that beautiful picture.  

Mass was very nice and Fr. Hall told the children (and adults) that this was the time of year when St. Nicholas whispers in our ears to be good to little children. 

Father was kind enough to join us in our family picture after Mass. Then we made our traditional drive around town to view Christmas lights. I was excited to go to the historical downtown area to view the wonderful painted angels.  Unfortunately, none of the angels are illuminated and very few lights in the area so we returned home for dinner. We also have the tradition of a simple clam chowder for this meal. It was very nice to return to this warm soup to end the evening.  

The next day the hunt for baby Jesus for all of the Nativity scenes began. It is always nice to the Nativity scenes complete. 

We were pleasantly surprised to hear Edward ask when Mass we begin, so my mom and I quickly woke everyone who was still snuggled in their beds. It was a proud mom a moment to find out that Edward really wanted to serve on the altar for Christmas morning. 

We also had phone calls from family and friends to fill out morning. 

  After a nice lasagna dinner, the children wanted to watch holiday movies. We left them for a short trip to view the monarch sanctuary close to our home. My mom and Michael had never been so it was fun watching them try to find the butterflies among the leaves.  Zaira joined us as well. While mom was listening to the volunteer explain the life cycle patterns of the butterflies, Michael took Zaira for a closer view of a low lying branch.  Upon closer examination a flutter underfoot revealed a monarch that had fallen.  Michael was able to gently place his hand out for it to move into and then replace it with cluster near by. 

This was a great way to spend the afternoon before returning to the house for birthday cake.  Mom and I had made an Italian cream cake to go along with the dinner theme. 

We finished off the evening with family games and early to bed to prepare for more missions the next day.