Sleepless Over Seattle

I wrote this post 2 mornings ago on the flight home to Phoenix from Anchorage, bored and exhausted:

I’m 4.5 hours into this redeye flight with an hour left before I land in Phoenix. I’m probably past Seattle by now, but “Sleepless Over San Diego” or wherever the plane is isn’t a very good title. I don’t know why I thought I’d be able to sleep. Sleeping upright is not natural. No matter how tired I am, there’s just no way. I bought sleeping pills intending on trying one, but then I realized that I don’t have the 8 hours you’re supposed to allow yourself to sleep with those. I worked all night last night and got in about 3 hours of sleep during the day. Lots of coffee for me tomorrow. I mean today. Shoot. No time to nap! I’ve got people to see and things to do!

First off: visit Brynley Elizabeth and be amazed that she was born 2 years ago today! That little nugget continues to make my heart melt every day that I get to interact with her. I missed her “friend” birthday party on Sunday (The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed. How cute is that?), but Laura is throwing a family party this Saturday which will be so much fun.

Brynley's first Christmas at 1 week old :)

Then I’ll get to briefly visit with my Anderson cousins from Texas who are visiting as they pass through town on the way to their Christmas destination. I’ve missed the last several out-of-town-family visits since I’ve been gone, so I’m stoked to get to see the visitors this time, even for such a short time!

 Tonight, the family and I will be picking out a Christmas tree together which we haven’t done in years since my parents bought the fake one. This year we’ll have 2 trees. Double the Christmas cheer!

 After that, I get to rehearse with the music team at Open Door to prepare for leading worship on Sunday. My heart has missed this dearly. There’s nothing like making stellar music and being consumed by the sound of the congregation singing out praises together. Plus it will be Christmas themed including performances by the youngsters. There’s so much to praise Jesus for. Good times will be had.

 Somehow throughout the week, I will squeeze in lots of sister time including a live production of A White Christmas, seeing Phoenix friends and other out-of-towners who are visiting at the same time, and spending Christmas with my family just like I’ve done every other year of my life. It will be nearly perfect. All that will be missing is the love of my life.

 I hate leaving him behind when I visit home, but it’s difficult to sync our schedules to take trips at the same time, especially when Christmas leave is so hard to get. I will be missing him and the white Christmas that will be taking place in Anchorage. It’s stupidly cold but oh so beautiful there. Next year, I think staying in Anchorage together will be our plan.

 In the meantime, I will be enjoying December as it should be – 70 degrees and sunny. 8 days is gonna fly by, so hopefully I’ll be able to relax and be in the moment as much as I can. If I can stay awake!