December 30, 2016

Things have been up and down these past two weeks. There were amazing moments, and some that have been down right rough.

I did go to Disney with my mother and sisters the weekend before Christmas. It was a very fun trip. My mom had to be gone for the middle two days to be in the electoral college in Austin, but was with us Saturday and Tuesday. My sisters and I watched her be elected chair (read President) of the Electoral College in Texas while in line for the Peter Pan ride. I was able to find the college live streaming. We were so excited that we told the people in front of us, but they didn't speak English. Mom got to announce to the world, that Texas put Trump over the top with electoral votes and that he would indeed be the next president of the United States. That made her top news story on every network and Good Morning America. No matter what your political views may be, you have to admit, that's a pretty cool experience. Danielle, Christian and I ate amazing food at the drive in diner, Be our Guest and the restaurant in Norway that I can't pronounce. We had pictures with a bunch of Princesses and Characters. We rode all the rides we wanted thanks in large part to Danielle's amazing fast Pass skills. We even rode the new Frozen ride (twice) and enjoyed it immensely.

Back in Plano, Francis, his mom and the kids went to church (where William was a shepherd in the Sunday morning Nativity), visited ICE, went to the Dallas Aquarium, Chuck E Cheese and a number of other places. It's safe to say they didn't miss me much, especially because we were able to Skype and see each other anytime.

The morning after we got home, my mom called and said that Pop (my dad's dad) had had a stroke and was not doing well. Mom Noble and Pop would not be at Christmas for the first time ever.  On top of that my mom ended up coming down with the Flu. After spending another couple days with my in-laws (including another trip to Chuck E Cheese), we went to my parents house. My mom stayed secluded, and other than William having an allergic reaction to something and throwing up, everyone was healthy. It was a quiet and enjoyable couple of days, but the absence of family members was keenly felt. Since mom was sick, my sisters and I made lunch Christmas eve and did a decent job. It's hard to full Mom and Mom Noble's shoes. Then we Skyped Mom Noble and Aunt Camille on Christmas Eve and that helped a little with missing them. We had a quiet service at the house and opened presents. The kids loved all they got (as did I) and the present I got Francis was s hit. It was an amazing sound bar to go under the TV. He is thrilled and will be mounting it and the TV to the wall tomorrow. It was fun to see all the cousins together too. William and Robert drove around the twins and Hannah in the gator and truck. Laughing was heard through out the yard and house. I'm so thankful for that laughter.

Christmas day I rode with the kids and my in-laws to Cyndy's house while Francis dropped off our stuff and the dogs in College station before meeting us there. We opened gifts that afternoon and had a delicious dinner that evening. More cousin time (this time with Abby) was what the doctor ordered. The only dark spot there was the concussion I gave myself when we arrived. I was carrying Hannah and plopped down on their couch, but caught my head on the overhanging counter of the kitchen. I nearly blacked out when it happened and spent the rest of the day/evening holding back tears. It is still a little sore but doing much better. I'm just glad it was me and not Hannah!

This week we have been home putting the house back together and playing with Francis who is home his week. We've been to a movie, been clearance Christmas shopping (we found the Santa projector William has been wanting on sale for $30!), to Bahama Bucks for Shaved Ice (it's been very warm), and running errands. We've been trying to soak in all the family time. I had to say goodbye to Pop over the phone on Tuesday. He's not doing well. He's been unconscious and not eating or drinking for days now. If you could keep us and him in your prayers as he goes to meet Jesus, I would appreciate it. I oscillate between being so thankful for him and where he's going to being so sad he's leaving. I love him very much and I know he loves me. He also loves Jesus so I know I'll see him again. that makes it easier.

I want to end on a happier note, so I would like to say Hannah is doing great with potty training. She's only doing one accident a day at most and it's usually #2. William and Robert and doing great also. I couldn't ask for better, more compassionate kiddos. They've been hugging and loving on me even more than usual. Thank you God for sweet kids, husbands and family.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!