From our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas!!!
This Christmas will go down as one of the most memorable. I think it will be impossible to describe, in the short words and pictures below, how remarkable this Christmas was for us.The Twins
To begin, Tasha and I, for some reason or other, didn't have much time to shop for gifts this year. I know...twins is a weak-sauce excuse, but that's the card I'm playing...they were our Christmas. They're healthy, happy, and growing very fast and we couldn't wish for much else.
The bows mean that they were officially going down in the Bigler history books that they were our Christmas gifts this year.
The Miracle on 650 South Street
Last week we received a knock on our door from an unidentified man giving us a Provo River cruise, where we'd take a tour on a boat to see the Provo Christmas lights. As is the case with the Cusick brain, my wife immediately went into "problem-solving" mode, trying as she might to think of who would give such a nice gift.
Perhaps it was coincidental, but we think not, that the very night we were supposed to be enjoying ourselves on a cruiseliner bound for Provo's best lights, Kaya spiked a fever and started throwing up...I know, for those that know Kaya, that never, never happens (she's always feeling 100%, especially around holidays...NOT!!!) But I digress.
The coincidence came at roughly 7pm on the 23rd, the same night and time we were supposed to be on the cruise. I'm changing Jacob's diaper, Tasha's feeding Emma, Maleah and Kaya are chasing each other around our "race track", when we hear a knock at our door. As always, Kaya and Maleah practically jump out of their skin to answer the door, especially the loud knocks.
The next thing we hear is Kaya yelling (practically screaming): "There's a rocking horse on our porch! There's a rocking horse on our porch! There's a rocking horse on our porch! And there's a lot, a lot of presents!!!"
Tasha got to the door first (although I've got diaper changing down to 15.23 sec, when it's really bad...well it takes a little longer). "Grant, you've got to come see this."
When I arrived, all I could do is laugh. I'm not sure why, except that it was a little unbelievable. Our front porch was literally covered with gifts, and Santa was nowhere in sight. Tasha thought that perhaps these gifts were given to distribute to those in our neighborhood in need, until we saw that every gift had one of our names on it.
Attached to the smorgasbord of gifts was a kind letter from Santa (with an additional generous endowment) reminding us again what Christmas is all about. I share in part: "it goes to show that you never know who is watching you...one day, I may call upon you to be my special helpers, and I have no doubt you will be able to deliver for me as I have done for you...Keep fighting the good fight and remember always that you are loved."I believe whoever penned this letter had the essence of the Light of Christmas. I don't know that the Author of Christmas would, Himself, have phrase it differently. We are so blessed and fortunate to be the recipients of this kind act of service...and to any who may have been involved that might be reading this blog: Thank You for your kindness and generosity. You have reminded us, and have helped teach our children that Christmas is about giving. With each gift given, we celebrate and rejoice in the Babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ, the Giver of all good gifts.
Christmas Day
Believe it or not, this is our first Christmas in our own home. The previous 9 Christmases have been spent in Colorado. That means it was our first time being "Santa"...and wow, I didn't know how much thought this title requires. I had to think about stocking stuffers, traditions, food, placement of presents, the sequence of Christmas morning, etc.
Kaya, and Maleah making their entrance to the tree (Maleah wouldn't come along with Kaya without shedding some tears...so enter: Mommy)
Kaya inspecting whether Santa ate all dozen cookies...and yes, I did...finished the last one at 1am
"Santa did what?"
One of the many gifts from Santa included books and educational toys, along with some much needed diapers (of all sizes--just thinking about that is nuts. Our diaper requirements span sizes 1 through 4!!! Are we crazy??? No, just happy and broke.) Thank you Santa.
Maleah liked climbing on the presents. Opening them was another story. I don't think she really gets it yet.
True joy. (Kaya wanted a Barbie, and Mommy compromised by getting a Barbie head...Kaya loved it).
Kaya and her "children".
We really missed our friends and family in Colorado. But, what a fun and memorable Christmas. The snow, the gifts, the smiles, the diapers, the surprises. Kaya felt good the entire day, and Maleah just ran around testing her limits (by hitting Kaya). Merry Christmas everyone!!!
