Hot chocolate and a movie in our jams!

What started out as a real bummer for Bryan turned into a cozy, family day together. We had picked Bryan up at his house on Saturday night after our first Choral Society concert, before the rain turned to a predicted heavy snow.

He settled into the third floor bedroom, asking when he arrived “Do you guys have a thermostat? My room is really cold.” He was right. We jacked up the heat. He snuggled under the blanket and two quilts, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning greeted us all with a blanket of around six+ inches of the white stuff. I hated to wake him out of his winter slumber, but we were due to sing a “Magnificat” at church and we wanted to have him ready to go, allowing more time to travel.

An hour later, we got the email that church attendance was optional. The parking lot was a mess and no music would be needed at worship. Oh well, I guess we could’ve slept in. We made the best of it. Bryan requested a “dippy” egg and toast with green tea.

Then the text came – his Special Olympics end-of-season pizza party was cancelled as well. Bummer! He had his gift and $10 ready for a fun afternoon with his athlete friends.

To distract from our disappointment, we watched worship online, the three of us responding to the liturgy as best we could. Bryan was ready with his cross necklace and flask of “Holy Water”. I wonder where he bought the flask. It would definitely NOT be used for it’s intended purpose of housing an adult beverage! Knowing Bryan, he truly thought the intent of this vessel was a holy one and that the water within had some mystical purpose. It was placed by the TV.

Still in our pajamas on the new couch, we decided to have some hot chocolate and watch Bryan’s Christmas movie of choice. He picked “The Muppet’s Christmas Carol” which we enjoyed snuggled under various cozy blankets. Hadn’t seen that in years!

After a soup and sandwich lunch, Bryan changed into his concert-going clothes. He watched the Eagles play until halftime. They were ahead. It would be easier to go early to set up the church for the concert with his Birds ahead of the Raiders. As he sat in the pew, saving spaces for his aunt and uncle, he kept checking the score on his phone and updated us at appropriate intervals. He hates to miss his team on concert days, but the great win they logged help ease the sting of missing the second half of the game. “31 to zero- zip! ” he ecstatically proclaimed!

Bryan seemed to enjoy the concert and the delicious cookie reception following. Then it was off to dine at a local restaurant with friends and family. He eagerly tucked into ribs and French fries. It was a fun end to a very busy, but full day of family togetherness. An unexpected finish to what started out as a disappointing day. (God always provides!)