Christmas 2012

It seems like each year flies by faster and faster. Christmas was a bit different this year with me being more out of commission and laid back than previous Christmases. In fact, I didn't feel well enough to even pack for my kids to go to Grandma's house, so our Christmas photo was what it is- holey jeans, dirty shirts, etc. It was a Christmas to remember, that's for sure. More than the gifts or the traveling, the time spent with family is the most memorable part of Christmas for me.

I have great memories of my grandparent's house filled with their 13 kids (my mom and siblings) and all my cousins. It seemed like everyone made the utmost effort to make sure we were all gathered on Christmas night in the large, but crowded house. The gifts over-flowed from a room by the Christmas tree- I have never seen so many gifts ever since. Also, Grandma was a sure thing about getting that one special something that we loved. I cherish the Pacey Christmases and I hope my kids cherish the Everett and Chance Christmases as well.

Brienna is two this year, so Christmas took a whole new level of excitement for her. I loved her spunk, and although she did get worn out, I think she celebrated her little heart out. Here we were at Christmas Eve service at our "home" church in Oak Hill. There were maybe 40 people that night and our pastor is aging, so it made it bittersweet. This is the church we grew up in, got married in, were baptized, had our kids baptized, etc. in. It is "home."

Courtney and her family of 5 (soon to be 6)

It was Liam's first Christmas. Mom and I made sure he was held almost the entire stay at Grandma's house. He is definitely a cuddle bug.

It was also nice to spend some time with our dog babies. We greatly miss Georgia and SuzieQ.

It was Zachary's first time to meet Liam. He loves him and especially loves to hold him. I was a little surprised about this. I figured he'd be at the age to care less about a new baby.

Bella and Suzie shared some sisterly moments together. Those two look nothing like they came from the same litter, but they did and they act just like sisters.

Malachi and Brienna are two of a kind. They loved spending time together. I think Brienna and Liam will have a blast in a few years.

Like I mentioned earlier, this Christmas is what it is. I didn't go through suitcases and check what the boys had packed. I was lucky to have energy to get myself packed. So, we don't exactly match (Shawn didn't get a blue memo I guess) and some of the shirts are a bit dirty from supper, but this was us- happy on Christmas.

This is a 8 grandkid picture (I think so anyway, I didn't count):

Treya will soon be a big sister. I hadn't gotten to see her in awhile either.

Oh, brothers....

Brady and Brian flew back from New Jersey and got in later on Christmas evening. The kids were especially excited. My kids could hardly contain themselves. We've missed family.

Brady and Brian got all the kids some fun hats to keep warm with:

So that was a bit of Christmas in review. I'm guessing my mom just checked out the pictures. That's alright. It is almost time I put this year in the books. What a year it's been and what a year 2013 looks to be. No matter what, we continually look back and are amazed and thankful for the journey God has brought us on and carried us at times. We know that He's had a plan all along, even in the midst of our confusion and worry. We are starting to find friends and "support" out here and pray everyday that a miracle will happen and I can be cured and healthy. The new year is going to be exciting to move forward in our lives and celebrate life each day. We hope you have a happy and healthy new year and find God's presence in your life each day.

Brad & Megan's Wedding- Cimarron KS

Saturday, August 11th, my cousin Brad got married down in Cimarron, KS. Since we had our "wedding/vow renewal" the night before we were running on fumes that day, but it was great to get there and see family. We have terrific family and don't get to see them very much. The boys were especially excited to see Aunt Laurie:
 Zachary also got a picture with the groom's dad, his great uncle Dale, who just happens to almost share a birthday with him.  Brady and Brian had flown back from NJ to spend the weekend galavanting around taking in the family time. We have missed them and are praying to get to see them around Christmas!  Even Rylan showed up to the wedding! :)    Logan spent last week with Jarin and Brienna and so Brienna was familiar with him and showed him how much she missed him!   She even gave him a "cow kiss." (A lick) Isn't my 9 year old beautiful!?  Zachary used my phone to lure Brienna in for a little quiet time with cow pictures. She loved them.   Logan passed out free back rubs! :)  Jarin is showing off her cute little baby bump. (praying for a boy this fall!)    Malachi was in heaven when he saw the cow cookies and groom's cake!  My cousin from KC brought his beautiful twins out. They are so precious and such fun to cuddle.  They have twin aunts, who I lived with at Cloud County. We have another pair of twins from another cousin due in December.  Aunt Janice is a kindergarten teacher so she was playing tic-tac-toe with some trivia questions with Zach and Logan.  It was a beautiful day in western Kansas. We all had a great time and managed to dance a little while. The boys crashed on the way home and we spent most of the day Sunday catching up on the rest we'd gone without.
The boys will start school this week which brings nerves of anxious excitement. I am hopeful that the teachers will be "good" ones and that we will have a very productive and fun year at our new school. I am also super excited to get to stay home with Malachi and help with things in his learning. I have been working on many projects for some of my teacher friends regarding the new standards. I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing research and finding materials. I pray that my friends appreciate the materials I make for them. It was one of the most fun parts of my past job, besides the kids I worked with. I don't miss the location but I do miss the job I had. I am glad I left on one of the best years my kids could have had. I do look forward to working in another school soon that is more collegial and positive. Until then. . . I might just be the helicopter mom! :) lol.