Over Christmas Break, we had wonderful time with family. Mark flew home from Colorado and was able to spend time at Grandpa & Grandma Smiley's for the traditional Christmas on the farm with cousins, aunts, uncles, and lots of fun. I also made a surprise decision to come from Kansas City, Missouri.
After a delicious meal, gifts, candlelight Christmas eve service, and lots of really special family time, we left to hear Mandy sing at the Christmas morning service in Lafayette, IN.
Mark flew home to Janelle (his wife), who had to work over Christmas in their ski town, and the rest of us got ready to leave for California. We left Monday, after loading our new van, for our 4,000+ mile round trip to visit Mom's family in Southern California.
We stopped in Eagle, Colorado to visit Ryan and Sabrina. Time was short but very sweet, and we enjoyed a delicious meal in their beautiful 'nest' with an amazing view. We each shared about life in 2011 and took time to pray for one another. The exciting news is that we have our first 'next generation' (baby) on the way! Yippee!
Mandy was a trooper for making it cross-country with us. "Normal" for our family can be an adjustment for anyone else. Sandwiches in the car, bathroom stops when we refuel, sleeping in the back, rotating drivers every 3 hours--it's a haul. But there are really special conversations, great views of the country, and it's a private car that can make detours to see sunrises at the Grand Canyon.
We arrived in sunny, Southern California, Wednesday, over 48 hours later.
Thursday, was Universal Studios, with the memorable phone call, and then lots
of laughter with some pretty zany rides and a glorious, hand-painted by God sun set, just for Mom.
The purpose of the trip was to spend time with Mom's family, who just lost Julia Irene this past August, after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Rob, and two kids, Lily and Liam, gathered with the extended family to celebrate her life at the beach where she grew up. Almost the whole family was there, which was really special because it doesn't happen often. We ate a great meal, provided by Uncle Jon and Aunt Pam, and then walked to the beach together. Mom's sister, Mary Alice and her family were there, as well as Jon's family. We missed Phyllis and her kids, as well as Emily. But it was a special time.
We're also praying a lot for Uncle Norman, Mary Alice's husband, who is currently battling cancer. Please pray for his complete healing.
Mom told her siblings the news later that evening, and again was surrounded with love and care. We are so thankful to have such an amazing family.
The drive back was fast and furious, to get Mom home for her Monday appointment. We stayed at Uncle Jon's cabin, drove through Las Vegas on New Year's Eve day, arrived at Ryan and Sabrina's at 3 am for a delicious New Year's breakfast, spent time praying together for Mom and Sabrina (new baby), and were off. We stopped by International House of Prayer were I've been the past 10 months, and kept going, with me deciding to come home to be with Mom at the start of all this journey.
On the drive home, Dad called his family members to tell them the news. Uncle Wynn, who also was in Kansas City, took time to pray with Mom on the phone, and that meant a lot to her, and was powerful and effective!
That's the whirlwind! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year!
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