Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Schaal's!

We've had a wonderful time in Burns with my side of the family. We had our traditional Christmas eve dinner, pictures, opening of some presents, eating treats (taking a nap) and then midnight mass.

This morning we opened the rest of the presents, ate breakfast, relaxed as we enjoyed our new gifts, took some naps, facetimed Robin and Todd; as she wasn't able to take more time off work (since she went to Hawaii for 2 weeks...where she was proposed to!). And now everyone is watching Man of Steel as I try to figure out our new laptop to post a Christmas greeting.

 

We are so blessed to spend time with family and for all the gifts we have received.

 I find it hard to concentrate on the real "reason for the season" I mean I know it's Christ's birthday but I definitely get caught up in the busyness of gift buying/receiving, holiday treats, Christmas songs...the illusion of the perfect holiday celebration. Why is it SO easy to do this?

 

Every year though, in the little amount of time I give to reflect on Jesus' birth, I am reminded that it started with Mary saying yes to God's will. I am always amazed at her faith and total trust in God. My wish this year is to ask for the Blessed Mother's help in always saying "yes" to God's will just like she did in giving birth to our Savior. Not only in the big, obvious events in my life, but even the small mundane, boring or tedious ones as well.

 

Ok, you ready for some pictures?

 

Just kidding you only get this one, our internet is too slow right now for some reason and wont upload any other pictures. Sorry, more to come!