Christmas seemed to just come upon us so quickly this year. We weren't ready, but I wasn't stressed out about it (this is a first). We felt lonely, but were so happy and blessed to have John's parents with us. We missed family and friends and it didn't feel like Christmas as we were sweating profusely in the humidity, but then I remembered the true meaning of CHRISTmas and we realized that no matter where in the world we are, how far away from family we may be, CHRIST's birthday is important and can be celebrated everywhere! It truly is a remarkable season when we think about all of the things that CHRIST has given us, sacrificed for us and blessed us with.
Sunday
Sunday
To start our festivities off, on Sunday December 23rd we attended a Christmas Barbie (BBQ) and Carols night at our church. Our church here is very family oriented so they had a jumpy castle, train rides, indoor playground, face painting and a petting zoo for the kids. After the BBQ they had a concert. They had a whole symphony (just recently put together consisting of the old and young and a huge variety of instruments from the violins, cellos, flutes, trumpets, tubas, and harmonica) and a choir. It was their debut and they played really nice (kind of reminded me of the band in our church)!! They also put on the Christmas story and did it with some Aussie humour! It was very nice. To end the evening they sang my favourite Christmas carol "Oh Holy Night". It always gives me tingles and now I just belt it out. They had a soloist who sang for the first time, and his voice was amazing.
Monday
We had a relaxing day as we prepared for a nice meal in the evening. I decided to do a roast chicken with dressing, potatoes, gravy, salad, peas & carrots, egg nog salad (a Gooch favourite--made by my mother-in-law) and a green salad. It really was much to humid to turn on the oven, but I made the sacrifice. We had a nice meal and then opened our presents. We did not wait until the morning, as we had to leave bright and early to make it to John's cousins in-laws for the day. We were spoiled and it was fun watching Zech learn to open the wrapping paper. He was more enthused with the wrapping paper than with the actual gift--go figure!!
I did a couple digital layouts of my in-laws that I thought I would share......
A new book from Aunty Michelle, Uncle Jason and cousins---he LOVES Books!!
A new sun hat and special swim suit from NaNa and Grandpa
Christmas Day we were up when Zech the alarm clock went off (7 am). We got ready and headed out for the 2 1/2 hour drive up to the Sunshine Coast to celebrate with Wayne & Victoria Gooch and Victoria's family. Victoria's sister Ruth and brother-in-law Tony have a beautiful acreage up close to Marochydore. They thoughtfully invited us to partake in their Christmas celebrations. They had a fabulous salt water pool, a beautiful house which felt so warm and cozy and Christmas like. We spent time in the pool, ate some appetizers and then had our feast which consisted of a variety of salads, roasted veggies, including roasted pumpkin (an aussie staple--which was amazing), and BBQ meat including a ham, pork roast and chicken loaves. For dessert we had trifle, chocolate cake, and of course Christmas pudding. It was a fabulous day, with great people and awesome food. We headed back that evening.
We made it home safe and sound and a little plumper than when we left. Just as we walked in the door, poor little Zech vomitted all over me. I have never had so much vomit on myself before in my life!! I was seriously covered head to toe!! Now the fun had really begun. Zech was sick. We spent most of the night up with him and finally John got up and brought him into our room. It was coming out both ends and I had just finished changing Zech, when all of a sudden John was running. Zech seemed to feel a little better, but John was now feeling ill. So Zech finally went to sleep and John was up for the rest of the night. Morning came far too quickly and then it was my turn. Thank God we had Mom & Dad Gooch around. They spent the morning caring for Zech, who was still a little under the weather, while John slept and I spent my time gathered round the porcelein bowl. That evening JOhn's Dad started and was up most of the night and then of course Mom Gooch started. SO we were hit by the nasty flu and it hit us hard.
We have spent the last couple of days recovering. Zech had a relapse this morning. John's parents took us out for brunch as they were leaving back to Sydney today, and all of a sudden Zech vomitted all over the table. He is also getting two more teeth and these ones are painful, so painful he refuses to eat anything. After these teeth cut through, Zech only has two more and then his back molars to come in. I can't wait until he is finished teething. He really does not teeth well and it is such a miserable time for him as well as for Mom and Dad!
So we did have a nice Christmas. We did really miss our families, but were happy that we had some of our family to spend it with. We also received a surprise phone call on Christmas Day from the "Halwa" side. Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember we have spent it with the Halwa side. Lots of good eats and fun times! It was so great to hear from everyone and talk to my Grandma, my Aunts and Uncles and even cousins!! Thanks so much for thinking about us and taking the time to call us, it really meant the world to us!!
1 comment:
Merry Christmas!! I think it's so nice that John's parents were with you for this special time. Love the photos - it just doesn't seem right that you are wearing shorts though :)) Too bad about getting sick - do you think it was something you ate, with all of you being sick? And isn't it nice to have phone service around the world - there's just something about hearing the voices of loved ones. Happy New Year!
Post a Comment