Life and death.

 Saturday, Dec 10

My brother Matt and I drove with my mom and dad to Tremonton for my Aunt Beverly's funeral. She had passed away on Nov 28th, and was 90 years old. It was a lovely service and tribute (all 5 of her boys talked), and it was good to see some of my cousins I hadn't seen in YEARS.

After the services, we drove by the home where my dad was born:

I loved getting to see this piece of family history.

Then we went to lunch. It was a good day.

Saturday, Dec 17

Lex and Jason's gender reveal.

The guesses:

(I realized that I didn't get a pic of me in here... and I don't have the time to figure out any more of this collage stuff, so let it be written that I guessed BOY. I had been a bit under the weather, so had to wear a mask anyway.)

Ready... set...

...reveal!

It's a BOY!

I can't wait to meet this precious new soul.

Tuesday, Dec 27

My Aunt Carol passed away on Dec 16th. She was also 90 years old, and was a lovely woman who I truly admire. She invited Bill and I to stay at her condo in CA for our honeymoon (35+ years ago), and had stocked her refrigerator for us. It was such a kind and generous gift that I will never forget.

It was also good to see these cousins that I haven't seen in YEARS.

My dad and mom are the only surviving "first generation" of the Goldsberry side of the family. That feels a little crazy, but also confirms that "our lives [pass] away as it [is] unto us a dream..." As I grow older, I see the passage of time more clearly as it swiftly moves on.

It's been a month for contemplating life and death, and the great eternal plan of our God. I have deep gratitude for the lives that have touched mine, and for the new little lives that are born into our family. Life is sweet.

Celebrating Christmas.

 Saturday, Dec 24

Christmas Eve.

We had the Billats that were in town (Ashlyn and Hailey) over for our Christmas Eve festivities.

After dinner we read and reenacted a condensed Nativity story:

A big thank you to Jonah, Mar, and Bill for filling in some vital roles.

Getting ready for the traditional candy game...

Once the Billats had gone home, we exchanged gifts.

I got all the older kids the same thing this year. I'm not sure how well-liked the gifts were, but it was worth a try. It was something I thought they would all enjoy - a bug catcher and some binoculars. It's hard to feel like I'm winning at the gift-giving game. I don't think I've ever given something that was cherished and loved. I've been contemplating what I can change, and would love to gift experiences, but those are usually more pricey, and I'm not wealthy yet haha.

Mar and Jonah were here for Christmas, so we also gave them the traditional Christmas Eve pjs.

Sunday, Dec 25

Christmas Day

The next morning was pretty darn chill. I hope Bill and I didn't bore Mar and Jonah to death.

Later that day, Grandma and Grandpa Syddall dropped by with some gifts for the great grands.

So sweet of them to stop by!

We worked on a puzzle - gifted to us by our dear friends the Billats.

Monday, Dec 26

Tay and Nae are here!

After having so many parties and events this year, it was super nice to have a relaxing Christmas Day and following day. More family fun to come!