New Years

This past new years eve we had my sister Ashley over with her family. Grace and Colt just love to play with Madelyn and Ben and Travis have a great time together, so it always works out well. The two girls had a mini sleepover in Grace's room. They got out their sleeping bags and got to stay up late watching a movie. Meanwhile the adults had fun visiting and playing games. The next day we had a little get together here again. Ben's family came as did my sister. I made chocolate truffles, which are Oreos and cream cheese mixed up and then dipped in vanilla and/or chocolate bark. They turned out sooo good, but very rich. Grace also helped me dip pretzels in chocolate with sprinkles. Everyone else brought a ton of food as well. We spent the whole evening eating, visiting, and playing games. We actually stayed up later new years day than what we did new years eve! Thus far 2010 is off to a great start, we are so excited to see what God has in store for us.

Christmas 2009

This past Christmas was such a magical time for our family. Colt is just getting old enough to enjoy all of the lights, trees, gifts, and even the music. -He does love to dance! Grace of course was swept away by the whole spirit of Christmas as well. We have always told Grace the true reason for Christmas is to celebrate Jesus' birth. We started explaining when she was quite young that Santa is pretend, but Jesus is real. We feel that it is good for kids to imagine and make believe, so we do pretend Santa. Grace does however understand the difference. Having said all of that, we did make cookies for Santa and he even brought the kids each a little gift. However, when I asked Grace what she hoped she would get for Christmas, she said she wished for everyone to have a good time, to be all about Jesus, and that everyone shares. I was so blessed to hear that she truly does have a comprehension of the true meaning of Christmas!


Here is Grace making cookies for our family and for Santa. (Yes, she is wearing her bat-girl costume...still.





Here are the kids on Christmas Eve at my parents.




Here they are on Christmas Morning at our house.



-You will notice in one of the pictures above that Grace has her new OSU blanket. She has decided to go against both mine and Ben's families and has declared herself a poke. Ben and I think it is funny, as we don't really go for either team. My dad, however, showed how much he must love her to have purchased anything OSU.

New Moon

The other evening was such a perfect day that we decided to take the kids on a walk around the neighborhood. As we were headed towards home the moon was just beginning to peek out. Colt saw the moon in the sky and became so excited. He kept pointing at it saying, "this, this, wow!" For the longest time he stared at the moon, just taking in its beauty. What a marvelous thing to be able to look up and see a new moon in the night sky. Sometimes it amazes me what we can see through a babies eyes.

Christmas Dance Recital

Grace had her Christmas dance recital this past week. This year was especially fun because my niece has started dance classes as well. It was a lovely program and both of the girls performed beautifully. I am so grateful for this particular dance class because the teacher keeps the focus on Jesus. It was a great way to get a start on the season.

Graduation

This past weekend I had my graduation ceremony. It was a really great night and I am glad I went through with the traditional walk. My family came and so did my friend Larissa. This is something I have been working on for a long time and it feels good to have completed it. I am so thankful for everyone who helped me along the way. I could/would not have done it without them.

Here are some cute pictures from the night.

Colt Aaron

Me and Grace

Our Familly

Our Family with my parents, Ashley, and Madelyn.

Me and my mom and dad