Yes, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, but sometimes it seems like it would be nice to get do-overs. Christmas has been weird for us this year. We spent Christmas trying to get to Montana. We started at about 11:00 Christmas morning, made it to Quincy and started hearing funny things coming from our engine (after a week-and-a-half of trying to get the thing running). So we pulled in to our own local Rivendell (Don't they call it something like "the last homey place" or something?) which is what we consider the Hawes house to be. After lingering there for a bit and finding much kindness and warmth, we continued on.
Eventually the funny noises stopped, praise God, and the van was fine. The weather, however, was less than cheerful. It was a bit scary, actually. At 5:00pm we rolled into Post Falls and noticed they hadn't even plowed anything but the interstate. We were barely able to get around the roads and parking lots without chains.
Anyway, we had Christmas dinner at a Flying Js and ended up camping out in the hotel across the street. Rejoicing comes in the morning--we had great weather the next day and were able to make an easy trip the rest of the way to Ronan. Usually the whole drive from home to Ronan takes about sevenish hours.
We celebrated with my parents and my elder brother's family, but my younger brother's stocking was left on it's peg, as he is still in Iraq. We did get to talk to him on the phone, though. All in all a good day, was Friday.
Saturday we had a big family gathering, the kind that flood your memories of Christmas past. The men mad a great sled run using the hill with the pile of ploughed snow on top. Lily was in her element! She was flying down fearlessly in no time! Ella's a bit more cautious (sp?). Sadly, caution doesn't always prevent accidents. Poor little Ella got her leg stuck under the sled and broke it. We took her to the ER on Saturday night and got a half cast, she'll have a full one put on some day this week. Welchs--something you can appreciate--every member of our family has now had their own ER trip! We've just never been to the same ER twice. Oh, I take that back. Lily and Bob both went to the one in Port Townsend.
So, it's late, I'm spent and my mind has long since drifted to dwell on the sadder side of this holiday, but rejoicing will come in the morning.
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2 comments:
Oh Jen...Can I say we need another ladies trip in Feb where we can sit back with a nice vino and crack up over our holiday disasters! This will be one well discussed year for the Eck family! Happy New Year and safe uneventful travels home!
Rach
Congratulations! You are officially inaugurated! You now belong to the really active family club (for lack of a better name). And you have come to realize the truth and blessing of Christ birth, People are more important than things or the best laid plans. And when you're with your family even the craziest of trips can still be a good laugh later. We miss you guys! When will you brave the elements and come home?
Blessings~
Jen
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