Well, if Jesus had been born in southern California, the day might have been similar to this one -- breathtakingly clear, the skies wiped clean and brilliant blue, the wind rustling through the palms so vigorously in the wee hours of the morning that I woke quite suddenly and lay in my bed and just listened, wondering what was up.
The Teenagers all slept in this morning, so I was able to take a quick photo of what Santa brought. We're a family that doesn't wrap presents, so Santa bent his will to our customs and left each teenager her and his own pile.
Everyone was happy. I had three of my favorite Instagram photos blown up and canvassed -- each one showed Henry, Sophie and Oliver doing their favorite thing. I pretended to give each one to the kids, but they are actually for me.
One of my sisters gave me this Frida mug -- when my neighbor called to say that she had hot mulled wine at her house, I walked over and filled Frida up.
Later, I insisted on some group photos outside by the poinsettia tree. Ya'll there is NO FILTER on these photos. That's how blue the sky was (above) and how red the flowers. Jesus absolutely should have been born in southern California because there might not be better winter solstice weather anywhere else. I'm so grateful to live here -- always.
Oh, here are the group photos. I won't tell you what sort of words came out of all of our mouths in the taking of these photos. Some things never change, right?
We're winding down, getting ready for our Christmas Dinner with Uncle Tony. The Husband is grilling steaks and doing some other magical things in the kitchen. I'm drinking milk punch and tending to Sophie. All is calm. All is bright.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh my Lord. How perfectly, incredibly beautiful from the sky to your home to your children.
ReplyDeleteAnd you.
Merry Christmas, dear friend. Merry Christmas.
Even though my posts to you keep disappearing after they appear, I'm taking another chance and wishing you and your incredible family a very Merry Christmas! Sweet Jo
ReplyDeleteThose colors! SoCal really is a magical place. I love the image of you lying in bed listening to the palm fronds. Great family photos, too!
ReplyDeleteI Love (with a capital L) your children and the way you write about them. I can't explain it - I just feel it. Please know how much your love for them comes through. I have only one child so I don't get to enjoy (?) the sibling thing for her. You let us see that so well.
ReplyDeleteThose canvases are lovely. Looks like you had a wonderful day. I must admit I am envious of your blue sky and warm weather. Although it did snow here last night and look very Christmassy.
ReplyDeleteMostly I just missed my kids yesterday. This growing up sucks sometimes, for me.
Who did the canvases? They're beautiful. Such perfect images of your wonderful children. I've really enjoyed your photos of Christmas. It looks like a lot of family fun was had. Love to you, friend.
ReplyDeleteI love that you don't wrap presents!!! What freedom!
ReplyDeletei love the photo present! a present for all.
ReplyDeleteSanta doesn't wrap gifts at our house either because it makes Mama want to have a(nother) nervous breakdown. Santa just shows the shit in gift bags. Quite honestly, wrapping gifts is one of those things that make the frown lines between my eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteThat last picture! Oh! What what wonderful big brother. And that dog. Valentine is thinking things not to be uttered. Bless her doggy heart. I think she wanted to be an assistance dog but just got distracted.
Shows = shoves
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