Sicky but a Merry and Thankful Christmas

I and my three Joes had a wonderful time visiting family last week. We started in the western part of the state enjoying the fellowship with my family. We are so thankful for my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and niece. The Lord was kind to give us such a sweet time together.

After our visit with them, we headed east to Joe's folks. There were 8 adults, 6 kids, and 3 dogs. The neighbor's cat made his appearance a few times as well. It is crazy fun there! Back to NB on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning we gave thanks to our Heavenly Father for the greatest gift of all. His Son! After breakfast, we enjoyed a time of giving and watching the youngest Joes (a first for the littlest) unwrap gifts. Then it hit me. Like a truck. I went down fast. Weakness, aches in muscles, fever, sharp pain in tummy. I laid in bed all day. One time I almost fell going to the bathroom because I couldn't hold myself up due to weakness. I stayed this way until Sunday afternoon. Not the way I anticipated spending my Christmas with my family. By God's grace, I didn't complain about my Christmas Day affliction but gave thanks for Christ's work and my sweet family. Joe joyfully served me and cared for the boys even though there was a sermon to prep for Sunday. I am feeling better and now tackling the piles of laundry (which, sadly, I have complained about). Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!