Scavenger Hunt

We once again challenged our friends to a quick Christmas light scavenger hunt. I hosted one family with a crockpot full of rich and creamy hot chocolate while we video chatted with friends in Texas who were consuming the same indulgent recipe. Giggles, catching up on school related news and comments about who has grown and who was hunting in the best weather were exchanged among the kids before we all headed out with identical lists. After a quick forty minutes, as this is all we could collectively squeeze into an already full week, only ice skates remain and the first family to score a photo taken with them will be declared this year's victor. Since victory really wasn't our goal, we are content with the sweetness of the two year old tradition that brings us together virtually, if even for a moment.

While Kate held the checklist and sharpie, co-pilot and mostly in command, Ty bantered on as each statement starts with, "And guess what Mom...." over and over. But the boy who shrugs when asked about what he's learned in Sunday school or primary school for that matter suddenly had something to say. His understanding of the gospel is vast and I credit his Sunday school teacher for the lively way he teaches as Ty rarely engages when we talk about such things at home. As he has well documented when asked in Mother's Day surveys about me. What does your mom say? His reply? Every time? "Stuff". To be fair, when he rambles on about Star Wars or video games, I only hear "stuff" too.

The week holds the arrival of a little family from Texas and a day trip to Columbus, Indiana with Greg for me and the youngest kiddos. We are hosting friends on Saturday, celebrating a heavenly birthday on Thursday and Lord help me grocery shopping one last time on Friday before we spend Christmas Eve surrounded by loved ones for the entire day. The brunch menu is out of control, as is the turkey challenge a son-in-law launched against Greg; the brave boy. Kate still holds onto hope we will squeeze an afternoon of baking in on Sunday and some hopeful firefighters are too as we have promised sweet treats. Aren't they still sweet after Christmas, I ask as I process where the silent portion of this Silent Night is supposed to emerge? But lest you think it stops there, Ty has not forgotten the promised trip to supply blankets to the animal shelter either. We are simply running out of time and aren't areas of service still worthwhile in January? In my mind, they might be that much more so.