Christmas Eve we had our Williams traditional annual Christmas with family. We went to my parents right after lunch. Somehow things got mis-communicated and mom forgot to tell Alice we were meeting before church. Sadly she was only able to come later in the evening. Her health hasn't been well and she has been moving slower and getting tired easier. Mom wanted everyone to open all the gifts from her. She likes to get all kinds of gifts for everyone. It was loud and it was crazy. Levi was busy and into every cupboard and running around. He loves the ceiling fan and light switches. Grandpa made him a switchboard with all kinds of things he can tinker with. He can't say words yet, just mumbles and jibbers all the time. We went to Williams for the evening Christmas candlelight service. I sat next to Alice and the boys on the other side. I knew she had not been to church in a month and everyone would want to see her and talk to her. I know just her being there was a lot for her and wanted to make things easier. During the songs and candle holding I couldn't help but think this would most likely be the last Christmas with Alice. It made my heart heavy and I wanted to hold on to the time. Back at Mom and Dad's, we had soup and goodies. Jayden brought her cherry pie and even Alice enjoyed a piece. We did our gift exchange for each other. I also had Luke play his guitar. It started with Luke singing, then we had Jayden and Jake sing and our family of 5 even sang a song together. Alice really got a kick out of that. Jake made us all laugh with his deep voice. He has a great voice and can really sing. It was late when we got home and to bed, nearly midnight.
On Christmas morning things were a little different now that Luke is "old enough to know." We had stockings and gifts and took our time opening all morning long. All three kids got a new pair of cowboy boots.
IN the afternoon, Karen hosted Christmas. Its always a house full with all the nieces and their husbands and boyfriends. Karen fixes all kinds of food and we eat a big meal. The Christmas exchange with so many is entertaining. Its tradition to start form youngest and finish with Grandma and Grandpa. Later in the evening Luke told me he wasn't feeling well. By the time I pulled the car up, he had the chills. He had a fever and was home by 6 with mom.
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