The sights and sounds of Christmas and an unexpected visitor...

This weekend was another blessing. Friday night we went to dinner with friends and we all came back to our house for a card game- a late night but a great time. Saturday was spent with Christmas music- playing Manheim Steamroller (a Herring tradition of Christmas music- it only took 3 days to download) and the kids and I putting up the tree and Christmas decorations. Our dear friend helped us and joined us for dinner and Christmas movies. It was a wonderful day. Mike even made home-made ice cream!
Today (Sunday) I began the task of cleaning up our maids' quarters in anticipation of a fulltime maid. We have decided that this is the direction we want to go, especially while I am immersed in school. I am excited to learn more of the Indonesian culture but nervous at the same time. I am sure everything will be just wonderful!
Speaking of Christmas, it's very hard to grasp what time of year it is and be in the spirit of the "Holiday Season". There aren't any leaves changing to gold, no cold air meeting your breath, no snow falling or the hustle-bustle of crazy shoppers. It's the same weather day after day, it's the same day after day like a time warp- until today. Today, we had a very unexpected visitor (the typing mom winks), SANTA! We suddenly heard music and Hannah and Mason's name over a PA outside. We all jumped up to find out what the commotion was and wouldn't you know it (another wink), here comes Santa, in a (motorized) chariot with elves, music and presents! It was awesome!!!!!! Poor Mason was napping and I pulled him out of his bed in deep slumber, he had no idea what the heck was going on. I actually started to get teary- it was so beautiful to see the group of smiles and excitement over sharing Christmas joy with Hannah and (grumpy) Mason. It was wonderful to feel the Christmas cheer- finally! After many pictures they went on their way back to the North Pole leaving the kiddos with their presents. Suddenly, little Hannah pipes up and says "mom, Santa has the same wrapping paper as us" UGH busted! Fear went through me and all I could say was "well it was very popular wrapping paper at the time I bought it.". Ah saved (this time). They opened their gifts and happiness filled our home.
Now, not to forget the up-and-coming Thanksgiving, the Americans plan to turkey-it-up all day on the 28th and dabble in many treats of home and comfort. I know we all have many thanks to give! We are all looking forward to the experience of Thanksgiving in the jungle in a different country. It's going to be interesting! More on that, for sure!

As always, to be continued...