Merry Christmas,,,,

from our home to yours!!!

 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Blanket forts....

are the best...… especially on these long rainy days.

 

Mariah

Mariah kept us hopping a couple of weekends ago.  She had her Christmas piano recital.

 

She takes violin privately but takes piano from a music school at a large church in town.  Their lobby was decorated beautifully!

She also was in a production of "Beauty and The Beast a Vintage Tale".  She has always wanted to get into acting.  She took a drama class at our home school co-op several years ago but wanted to do something a little more "serious".  We found out about a Christian theater not too far from us.  I think the directors were pleasantly surprised (and I kind of was too! :) )  at how talented she was on the stage!  I think she has the acting "bug" now, and she is looking forward to January auditions!

I took grandpa with us for opening night.  Some of her friends came that night too, but I didn't get pictures with them.

 

The second night Marc was back form his business trip and the family all went.

 

She had a row full of fellows cheering her on the front row! :)

The final showing McKenzie and some out of town friends got to come.  We had a fun evening!

Sweet "Aunt Donna"!  She has been praying for Mariah since she was little bitty!

                                                            Sisters....

I was so glad that she had this experience.  It really seems like a good bunch of kids!

~Until next time......

Oh Christmas tree...

The obligatory Christmas tree pictures. :)

 

Baby "L" has loved the tree..... so much so that every time we put him down he makes a beeline over to it!

The big kids went with Marc and picked our tree out.  They always call me and want to get my input.  I gave up caring years ago!  Just bring a tree home! :)

Matthew has always loved Christmas.  From the time he was a toddler and he spent the entire month saying, "Ights… ights are on",   to now that he decorates the outside for me!

He used to get so frustrated with me that I didn't want my yard full of lights.  He has learned to tastefully decorate the outside now.  I kind of soaked up the evening watching him this year, knowing we probably are winding down our time with him at home. :(

   Ta da.....

Myles is so precious with the baby.  They all adore him, and it's so sweet watching them each love on him.

 Mariah.... if there is hot chocolate in the house.... she WILL be drinking it!

 

This little crocheted "Christmas tree" was Madeline's first crochet project.  I am amazed that she went from that to making gorgeous blankets!

 

Our sweet crew!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season!  I will post Mariah's play pictures next time!  I just put my phone pictures on the computer and realized how behind I am on printing my favorites!

Christmas happenings...

I can't believe it is already the middle of December. I had such good intentions to blog lots of our fun activities.  It has been a whirlwind!

One of my favorite childhood Christmas memories is my night out Christmas shopping with my mom.  She always took us one at a time, and we got to pick the  restaurant too!  I started doing this with my kids many years ago.

 

Myles' turn was the other night.  We don't go out a lot and when we do they don't get to pick where!  So on this night they get to choose.  Thankfully my kids like good food!  We ended up at Panera!

 

I enjoy listening to them talk when I have them one on one.  He is such a sweet little fellow!

Christmas shopping with him is always a hoot!  He found this size 2X sweater and said he knew Mariah would love it! :)  He picked out a floor mat for Matthew's house but then decided he better find something cheaper.  LOL....  :)

After shopping I always take them to look at lights.  I love his sweet little face.  I wish time would stand still.

On the way home he said, "Merry Christmas, mama."  I love that kid!

This week I took Malachi out.  I had to go get my dad's groceries so I decided to make use of the evening and let him get his shopping done.

He too picked Panera!  I prefer Chipotle but Panera would be my second pick! :)

He is growing up way too fast!  A little old lady at one of the stores we went to told me he looked like a movie star.  She said, "You better watch out mama! He's a handsome one!"  :)  He was so embarrassed and I called him "handsome" the rest of the evening.  :)

I love making memories with these kiddos!  The Christmas season is going way too fast!  Last weekend we were swamped with Mariah's theater productions and her piano recital. I will post those picks this weekend!

~Until next time....

Thanksgiving 2018

We had Thanksgiving out our house again this year.  We have been home every year since my mom died.  I always think of her as I prepare the meal using all of her old recipes.  I still miss her. :(

 

 

McKenzie and her crew were with us this year, and my oldest sister and her family came down.

Madeline, Mariah and I spent the day Wednesday getting the food done. Two pans each of dressing, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, a pot full of mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce! Mariah always makes pumpkin pies.  Nobody ever eats them on Thanksgiving day, but it's tradition! When the weekend rolls around and they are scrounging for something sweet they are always glad they are there! :)  My sister made broccoli salad and chocolate layer torte. (Another of my mom's recipes!)  McKenzie made homemade rolls and a yummy pumpkin cake!  We had enough for triple the crowd!

Our neighbor fried this turkey for me and I cooked a turkey breast.

McKenzie butchering the bird!  Haha....

Elizabeth with her Great-Aunt Monica!

                                           "Please don't take my picture."

The weather was beautiful so the kids got to play outside.

And these guys watched a little football on the computer.

Matthew and grandpa.  I always wonder if it will be his last.  He has been a handful lately, and we are pretty sure dementia is rearing its ugly head. :(  A very hard season for all of us.  I'm thankful for the good memories, but sad that my younger children didn't get to know the "Boo Boo and Pa" that the older ones loved so dearly. Matthew always takes him in stride... which is nice.  

 

McKenzie's beautiful cake!

 

                                                         

                                                 The kids played out behind the barn.

A bunch of the grandchildren and one great-grandchild!  The two babies were sleeping.

                                                   

The next day I went Black Friday shopping with my girls.  It is a tradition we have always done, and I used to do it with my mom.  My mom was a more serious shopper than I am, but we always have fun.  We don't go out early and battle the lines, but we got to Kohls late morning and didn't quit until late that night!  I have most of my shopping done which is nice!

One of our favorite traditions is lunch at La Parillas!

 
One of our last stops was Bass Pro!  It was cold and drizzly out so the fire was nice!

 

Yep, we wore dorky, matching shirts!  I saw them at Kohls and laughed at them and Madeline talked me into it. 

 

Well, I can't believe the Christmas season is upon us!  We have so much to be thankful for and it's always a good time of year to slow down and reflect on God's goodness in our lives!

 

 I hope you all are having a wonderful and Peace-filled holiday season!

 

 

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1

 

~ Until next time......