Christmas Day 2020

It snowed Christmas Eve, so Christmas Day started later for Diva and Poppa.  We waited till about 10 0'clock before we started our trek to spend Christmas with you and your brothers.  We kept a count of how many cars and trucks we saw in the ditch on our normal 10-minute drive to your house.  We told you that whoever got the closest would be able to open their gifts first.  Oz guessed 5, Charlie guessed 7 and Henry guessed 12.  Henry was the closest.  

We actually counted 16 cars and trucks in the ditch.

It was a fun day because all of you were so excited.  Every gift was better than the last and watching you boys really made Christmas special for us.

We especially liked the gift your Mom made for Poppa.  It was a tic-tac box with coins that had been cut up into quarter pieces.  She labeled it BitCoins.   It really made Poppa laugh.  I liked it because it was clever and homemade.  Poppa keeps it in his desk drawer.

Your Dad got an empty bottle with a label on it that said, Big bottle of Nothing.   He laughed and laughed and said it was the perfect gift.  When your mom asked your dad what he wanted for Christmas he said "Nothing"  so that's what she got him.  Clever Mom.

My favorite gift was from your parents and your Aunts and Uncles.  It is our family tree burned into a real slice of wood.  It has everyone's names and birthdays.  Our family tree is complete for a very long time.

Thank you for letting us spend the day with you.  It was a fun day.  We love you.

Your Diva and Poppa 

saying good bye to Lady

 Dear Henry,

Today Poppa had to put Lady to sleep as she had cancer in her spine and was in pain and unable to use her back legs at all.  I was with you working with you on homeschooling when he took her to the vet.  When Poppa called me to tell me that she was in the arms of Jesus I cried and cried.  You saw me crying and were so concerned to see my tears.

I held you in my arms and told you that Lady had died and both of us cried together.  I needed the hugs and someone to hold.  Afterwards we looked at pictures of Lady together and I told you that you were her best friend.  I can't begin to tell you how precious that time was with you and how much it meant to share my grief with you.  

I miss her every day and it isn't getting much easier.  I miss her greeting us at the door, jumping up in the recliner for cuddles. her excitement for a dog treat, and her pure joy at seeing her boys, especially your dad.

Thank you for your hugs, your tears, your very tender heart and your love for our sweet dog.  It meant more than I can ever tell you.  Diva

 

You are baptized

  Dear Henry,

Today we got to watch a very special event in your life.  We were able to be present at your baptism.  You and your dad had attended the "Cannon Ball Classes" at church to prepare you for taking the next steps in your spiritual journey.  You have been wanting to be baptized for several weeks now but have been unable as we have not been able to meet as a church.

Today, pastor Aaron changed the water in the baptismal pool and invited you and your dad to come for your baptism.  You were able to invite your best buddy Jonas and his mom to watch as well as your family and of course your Poppa and Diva.

You told me afterward that the water was very cold.  We are so proud of your decision to follow Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.  We always love to hear your prayers.  We love you so very much.  Diva and Poppa