The day after Christmas we were able to give Alden a baby blessing in my mom’s ward. Jeff Parry and family came down from Anacortes; Gramma Sophie, Aunt Kim Stabler and Cheryl Meckley came too. Many of the Osborne’s were in town–a family that was our “extended” family all growing up.

Both Jeffs and Chad participated in the blessing. It was so nice to have my whole family in attendance. I do not remember that ever happening before. It was nice to finally have him blessed. It took us six months to make it happen. Now if I could just remember to turn in his membership records…

Mom and I also got to sing a beautiful duet arrangement of “What Child is This.” It was so nice to do it together. Hilary (Osborne) Kruetz played the accompaniment. It was so nice to make music with her again.

We celebrated Christmas at home with John, Renee, Jordyn and Jason the day before we flew up to Seattle. Holidays are sure to become more animated and enjoyable now that Eden is coming of age. We had a lovely time together.

Up in Seattle we took a trip to see Santa Claus. The whole family took turns waiting in line for at least an hour. As soon as we went to take a picture with Santa Eden clung on to Chad for dear life. So we got a family shot instead of one with just the kids.

We had a giant seafood boil for Christmas Eve. That is becoming a fun messy tradition in the Church household.

Some family came over for Christmas day. I started feeling pretty lousy. I went to bed early and missed out on the fun. Too bad.

Eden had a great time discovering each present one at a time. She kept saying “oooh.” Everyone was really generous and thoughtful.

My emotional climate is subject to changes in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure. I cycle through seasons of winter, spring, summer and autumn. Frozen stillness and emptiness generates a delicate blossom; new and fragile. Newness becomes familiar, familiar becomes forgotten, forgotten becomes frigid and lost.

I am coexisting in different hemispheres.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

I am overwhelmed, exhausted and weary yet blessings were never more abundant.

I miss having personal space. I am a jungle gym for jumping, climbing, dodging, kicking, etc. I live my life by a clock of feeding times, sleeping times, and everything in between. I answer the same questions and give the same directions infinite times. I wait for relief only to discover I am on the clock 24/7. When I rest my brain is occupied with how I can be and do better. Ignoring and delegating leave me feeling overwhelmed and inadequate.

But, ahh, the very best of the very best of times! To sing songs to a two year old as she winds down for sleep. Excitedly turning over and over in her bed only to stop and give a quick but tender peck before asking for another tune. Answering the call over and over of a little girl who longs to be with me and share all the exciting discoveries she makes. Watching the joy surge through her body when she is permitted to go wake up her little brother. Seeing how he convulses with happiness to see his big sister, his Papi, his Mama. What completely innocent and beautiful elation!

These beautiful children who have changed my identity and daily stretch my capabilities remind me that these are the best of times.