My parents joined us for Christmas Eve mass and dinner afterward.
Note to self for next year – arriving 30 minutes before mass starts is not advised if 8 people would like to sit in the same pew. Thankfully, we were able to find 8 folding chair spots with unobstructed views. The church was packed – which is an awesome thing! So happy to see joy and excitement in people – especially in the faces of the little ones.
My sweet, sweet girl –
Wow! Five years have gone by so fast! I can’t believe how you continue to grow! Your love of Jesus, others and yourself truly does bring JOY to all of us! Your dad and I pray that you keep that spark about you that draws others to you. We love to see you extend a friendly hand to new faces, try new things, play, experiment, cook, swim, scooter (with your unicorn helmet, of course!) learn, write and be the wonderful young girl you are! We love you so much and can’t wait to see all that you do as a 5 year old!
XOXO
Mom
We had a crazy doorbell ring followed by a possible Nana sighting this evening. Out on front stoop, the kids were surprised to find colorful popcorn containers filled with blinking rings, confetti paper and gift cards to Target with Spot the dog toys attached. Such fun!
Seven years ago, we met this little guy:
He captured our hearts immediately and life has been full of fun, laughs, and joy ever since!
Lincoln –
We are so proud of the young man you are becoming. You’re a confident, SPARK-filled, leader who is on his way to doing great things in this world! You love to be outside, riding your bike, scooter, or running around playing Nerf guns with the neighbors and your brother. Laser tag is one of your favorite things to do and you are currently having lots of fun in the pool at your swimming lessons. You continue to learn about Jesus and your faith and are asking really good questions along the way. I love the way your little mind is always thinking! I pray you will always know how much your dad and I love you, but more importantly, how much God loves you and wants to be central in your life.
We are excited to see what your 7th year holds for you!
XOXO
Mom & Dad
Here are the answers to the questions I ask you every year:
Christmas at my parents’ house was lovely…tasty food, fun with family, laughter and surprises…
…until about 8:30, when we discovered that our dog, Cooper, was not feeling well. We quickly discovered that he had found a stash of chocolate somewhere in the house…enough to fill this tin:
After speaking with the after-hours emergency vet, we decided that we needed to bring him in. Since we had only driven one car to my parents’ house, my dad offered to take Cooper and me to the vet so Jake and the kids could stay and finish desert.
I’ll spare the details, but suffice it to say, we left two hours later with a dog with an empty stomach who, though he was shaking due to the caffeine in the chocolate, was going to be ok. Christmas 2014…one for the memory books!
We attended our first Christmas Eve mass at our new parish this evening. (We made the change back in July and have gradually been experiencing several “firsts.”) My parents joined us again this year. We have been able to attend mass with them on Christmas Eve for at least the last 3 years. It’s a tradition I hope we’re able to continue.
After mass, we attempted to get group shots of everyone in their Christmas attire. We gave it our best shot!
I know my house is in rough shape when my dad comes over to watch two of my kids for a short time and when I come back, he has a “things to do” list for me to get it back in order.
Sometimes I just need a little nudge…
After Shecklet #2 lost his tooth, we loaded up into the suburban and headed for Grandma & Grandpa’s house. We gathered early this year since Jason and Bri were in town from out west. Great Grandma Lois and Papa Dale also joined us for the evening’s festivities. (Unfortunately, Stacie couldn’t make it home to be with us.) We had a delicious ham dinner with tasty side dishes and wine – just the adults 😉 After dining, we gathered in the family room to open presents. This year, Shecklet #4 had a much better idea as to what was going on. She was more than willing to help everyone with their gift opening! Once the kids had a chance to check out/play with their new things, we had desert – peppermint ice cream pie – delish!
Wonderful memories of a wonderful woman. We are so thankful for the years you were part of our life, Sammy. We love and miss you so much!
