Thankful Thursday #220!

"The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great Light.

Although they live in the shadow of death,

a Light has risen."

❤ Matthew 4:16

Today, I am thankful for:

1.  A delightful family Christmas... and my favorite photo from our Christmas Eve at my place - our original family of four!! ❤

2.  Also love this one with the Parrish kids joining us (minus Carter, obviously).

3.  Extra time with Rachael LaJo and Kyndal Faith lately - they're both sarcastic and fun and funny together, and I love hearing K's strong opinions on various things! ❤

4.  My cuddly new bestie, Hogie the Corgi puppy! lol

5.  Kyndal's joy over her new pebble ice maker... so entertaining to me! 
K:  "Bro, I'm gonna go home and just eat a gallon of ice!"
Me:  "Live it up!!" lol

...When I brought Jace home from the movie, she was chatting with a friend on her new AirPods Max headphones from Mamaw and Grandpa + refilling and crunching through this tiny cup of ice repeatedly. lolol  She's the best!

6.  Christmas memories from yesteryear! ❤

7.  How deeply I feel the "Soak it in, because this version of Christmas only happens once" quote.  While all 41 of my Christmases have been celebrated in this area, this was my 26th and possibly final Christmas as an OKC-area resident (1984-2006, then 2022-2024).  Rachael's kids now split their Christmas break time between her and Josh; Grandad and Babah are no longer with us; Emily was with Chas's family this year; and our get-togethers with Dad's side of the family are far more rare than they once were.  Life moves forward and things continue to change and shift... BUT there are old traditions and new joys every year, and for me, this year felt rich and full, fun and joyful!!  I had two friends taking sick children to the ER this year (one Christmas Eve, one Christmas day - praying for their recovery).  We've experienced Christmas Eve at the hospital a few years back, and I'm super grateful for everyone being in good health this year!  Last year, I was struggling with a sudden sense of loneliness in this season; this year was low-key but not at all lonely, which is the best combo for my introvert self.  I feel close to God and family and friends, and I am THANKFUL for the unique magic of Christmas 2024!!

*We ended our Christmas night watching Nate's new comedy special on Netflix (Rach got Mom and Dad an Apple TV box for Christmas)... Triston left early and J&K mostly played on their phones (after Kyndal announced, "Mom, he [Nate] has pushed-in eyes like you!" lol), but me and Rach and Mom and Dad really enjoyed it!!  Anyway, here's a fun skit from his Christmas special...

 

 ❤ ❤ ❤