Christmas

And Christmas is over...  It's crazy how, when you're a kid, the anticipation of Christmas drags on for eternity and the day itself is fantastic- it's a Holiday!  And now, with children, the anticipation is still there, but the days seem to go by way faster.  And the magic and joy is there Christmas morning when the kids first see the tree with all the gifts under it that weren't there the night before.  But the day seems to go by so quickly, and the fact that it is even Christmas seems crazy.  And in fact, after all the gifts have been opened it really just seems like any other day, just with a bigger mess.  I find myself wanting to hit rewind and do the whole day all over again.  Or maybe just move more in slow motion throughout the day. 
Anyway, I'm just speaking in generalities and all that, but Christmas was great.  Iris was amazed at her stocking and all the gifts under the tree.  I think the funniest thing after seeing that Santa had left a few pieces of cookie on his plate, both kids just ate all the leftovers.  I don't know why that struck me as so cute and hilarious.  Like, yeah, evidence that Santa was here is all well and good, but this is a free cookie crumb up for grabs!

Tomorrow is the funeral for the 8 year old daughter of my friend Julie from my mom's group bible study (http://www.graceandcomfort.com/obituaryEnhanced.php?dni=2399).  My friend Elisha is going to be singing "You Are My Sunshine".  Just thinking of that song being sung at a child's funeral makes me cry.  Lula had HPE (I'm not really sure what that is, but was looking at the site for the foundation that the family has requested donations be made to and found some info about the condition) which required she be in a wheelchair and she had various special needs.  I remember Julie mentioning once in bible study that she knows when Lula gets to heaven, she will be able to run and play and talk and sing just like any other child.  It's so bittersweet to know she's there now, running and playing and singing. 
Prayers for the Oldendick family.