Sunday, December 21, 2014

Our Best Christmases

McCoy letter 2014

Two years ago when Jason was out of work was definitely our most memorable Christmas.  No comparing being ding dong ditched when you are the one in need being helped.  And that doorbell kept ringing all month long. The mail box delivered gifts from angels…which is basically a testimony of what good judgment we have in friends and what neat families we married into.  And then on Christmas morning Santa elves brought more presents for each kid.  Being the recipient of such kindness left a mark on our soul.  I used to sit thinking of who must have given to us, the month long string of Christmas miracles.  But the greater gift is not knowing because then you are nicer to everyone because it might have been them.  (I better find out in heaven and until then, a big hug!)

That was eventually resolved and Jason did a stint of contract work for a while, which had an abrupt ending in March of this year.  While not Christmastime, our angels still found us, but this time in the form of Leprekauns who spoiled our kids with 17 boxes of the “good kind of cereal” and milk dropped off at our door.  And a mail-delivered package from one of my favorite cousins just for Luke who said that good cereal was the part that he was going to miss most when dad is unemployed. This is also when Jason was asked to be the early morning seminary teacher for the youth ages freshman to senior which is essentially scripture study at 5:50 a.m every school day. 

Through another miracle that unemployment time didn’t last very long (and I’m sure a blessing from being teaching seminary) and Jason kept working til the last possible work extention deadline was looming this December.  Having doors close we tried not to panic and have learned to trust in the Lord that He would deliver.  And He did.

So this Christmas we are grateful with Jason now working full time for the mouse (Disney). We can see how God was moving pieces so that we could get to this point. 

Life is good.  Life is still good when it is hard.  We know that there are lots more challenges than jobs, but that has been the way that God has shown us his miracles this year.

We worship Christ as our Savior and know He loves and cares for everyone in the world.  He is the gift at Christmas and oh how we are grateful for it! He has given us peace and comfort that can come no other way. 

Much love and a big hug from all of us in the McCoy family.

Jason, Brooke, Luke, Darby, Baylie, Paisley & Ivy    crazymccoys.blogspot.com







And let it be noted Paisley does her own hair and is very particular about it.






Ivy – age 3, has a bit of a reputation at church for, ya know, world domination, so we are very grateful for her teachers there and at preschool since she has been gifted with extra personality and speed.  I also love seeing her boss around our beloved dog Rusty.  Ivy’s food tastes better if she eats it while sitting in your lap.  She also loves to say all the prayers. 

Paisley – age 5, waited to start kindergarten this year and while it makes life busier I’ve really liked having her home for another year.  She loves doing hair, especially if it’s a pony and is very particular about how her own hair should be done.  She was also excited when her feminist-ish mom broke her no Barbie rule by finding one without removable clothes.  She also loves Frozen anything and prefers Elsa over Anna since they have matching hair.

Baylie – age 7, has been gifted with her mothers height (and personality - beware!) and the biggest news is that she finally lost her two front teeth just in time for Christmas.  Baylie is the first kid to wake up in the morning and has perfected the storm out of the room skill.  Baylie started piano this year and is the only kid tall enough and not chicken to go on Tower of Terror at California Adventure.  

Darby – age 9, wakes us up in the night to tell us she finished her book which is always a fun thing when they get hooked.  Who knew her artistic demeanor held a soccer beast!  It’s fun to see her want to clobber something besides Luke.  Our neighbors also know that she started the trumpet this year in the school band and just learned how to play the Indiana Jones theme song on the piano which rocks.  She is also slower than a snail in the morning.

Luke – age 11, loves his beautiful sisters and the big news is he is finally taller than his mom (when should we tell him that I’m really short?).  I have decided 11 year old boys are the greatest since I get endless hugs and compliments (except Sunday morning before church, still working on that).  He still loves flag football and eating and eating.  And books.  Send recommendations our way!  We like anything Brandon Mull, the book Wonder, and Rick Riordian.  

Brooke – I love being a mom.  I love God and my church.  I tried eating healthier this year and enjoyed that and also enjoy not eating healthy too.  Balance right?  I love when my family eats the food I cook and when I eat food I didn’t cook.  This year was a doozy for me, but taught me to take more control over my happiness.  And to swear.


Jason – besides what you already read, he definitely likes teaching the teenagers at church even if it cramps his night life and he is looking forward to catching up on tv shows and movies during Christmas break.  Jason is definitely the kids favorite, maybe cause he is gone a lot or just needs to be meaner?   We taught the kids this year how to play a favorite board game, Settlers of Catan, so we are officially good parents.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "gift" you give each time you write! Thanks for your family's wonderful examples of being "real" while living and appreciating life to the fullest - no matter the challenges. You make me want to be better, do better, love deeper, and keep trying. Have a wonderful Christmas! I am so blessed to know you and through you feel the hope, love, charity, and joy that our Savior desires for all of his children. XOK

Brandon Walter Evans said...

Swear?

Tanya said...

I love this! Merry Christmas! We love your family!

Beth said...

Love your Christmas letter and all the Disney pics. You guys are one of my all time favorite families, that's for sure.

Nancy Jo said...

Love you and your family!! Merry Christmas!! Wished we were with you!!