Christmas came, and went. The days leading up to it were not what we expected. But Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were lovely, and we celebrated all together with food and songs and quiet time just us. Then there was Simon’s birthday. Can you believe he’s nine years old? Simon is one of those old souls that’s meant to always be “little” and yet is somehow also “big.” I’m not complaining, but it’s so very bittersweet. The day after his birthday, Jack moved across the state for his new job.
This was just four days, guys. That kind of tells you how it’s been around here.
And now we’re in the week of lull that sits before New Year’s. Mary Hannah and Mathaus are still home. That’s been lovely. Alice is still teething; she’s got four teeth through on top, and two on the bottom, and is getting four more as we speak. She does not enjoy the physical sensation. I don’t blame her. However, everyone in the house will be happier when the ordeal is over because a miserable Alice means the rest of us are every bit as disconsolate.
Winter is officially here, which means I’m looking forward to spring. Last year, I enjoyed the season quite a bit. This year the idea of it feels like entering a period of limbo. I think it has to do with my own anticipation of the year ahead. Our hogs go to butcher in February. They’re the first pork we’ve raised here on the farm, and having them in the freezer will feel like a major accomplishment. Our seed orders started coming in this week. I’m dreaming of a greenhouse. I’m also more excited than is reasonable for the chicks I pre-ordered for April delivery. So while I’ve got months of cold weather and maybe even snow ahead of me, I’m thinking spring.
But my biggest bit of spring/early summer excitement is the planned relocation of my best friend and her family. They’ll be here on the property for a while, and I’m praying that they will settle nearby for good. Other areas are appealing to them and while I want to say, “God’s will be done,” my heart is soaring at the idea of our younger kids growing up together the way our older ones did. We have dreams of homeschooling in tandem and field trips and managing a big old garden with our brood. Combined, we have 19 children, but only 13 won’t be legal adults by the time we’re in the same state again. I’m picturing full picnic tables all summer long, and kids tent camping in the fields for fun and J and I watching toddlers from my front porch rocking chairs. So yeah… winter can just go ahead and fly by.
January is a few days away. The year ahead is so promising. I’m not wishing 2021 away by any means, but I’m hopeful that with as many blessings as this year has had, the next will bring even more.