First, I wanted to post a picture of our church choir during the cantata. We were 3 down from illness, but they
did really well anyway!
On December 22nd, we had our immediate family Christmas. We had so much fun...always great to be together. I thought I'd post a picture of me in front of the tree prior to the kids arrival, and a few pictures of "Auntie's little angels."
As you can see, Janae enjoyed her dress-up Boyd's bear! They were so cute, and enjoyed their Christmas so much. They sure make it a lot more fun, and a lot more chaotic :) But that's okay. They're only little for a short while, and I'm already dreading the day when they're not little anymore...I enjoy cuddling with them. Before I get too sad just thinking about it, I'll move on.
On December 24th, we celebrated my Grandmother's 83rd birthday by going out to eat. We then watched some old family movies. My dad had my grandmother's old films put on DVD as part of her Christmas. We got to see moving pics of my Dad when he was a little shaver, and then there was me and the sibs. Oh boy. Some of those pics are priceless! Some are adorable, and others(teen years) are geeksville USA :) Nana's reel projector has been broken for years, so we hadn't viewed this stuff in forever. It made for a very enjoyable evening...and we've still got more funnies coming! On the 24th, Mom and I also spent some time cooking/baking. I love baking, but seldom do it. 1) I don't have a lot of time, 2) I'm always on a diet....oh well. I made a red velvet/french vanilla checkerboard cake. If I do say so myself, it was very yummy! And pretty.
On the 25th, we hosted both sides of the family. Everyone was there, except for 2 of my cousins and their families. Mom fixed the turkey and trimmings, and then everyone brought in at least 1-2 covered dishes. Aunt Carolyn thought she was helping to feed and army, so brought TONS of food! It was unbelieveable! We didn't even have room to set it all out, and had to use the washer and dryer tops for dessert! But wow, we had a great time eating :) We had 29 people at our house Christmas day...and that's the way I like it! Loud, chaotic, kids everywhere... After our dinner, the younger generation( I like to include myself here) sat around and played games for hours! It was only interrupted for more eating. And I must report that some of us played until 2:30am! It was a blast, and I wish we could be that carefree more often! Here are a few pics from Christmas day.
As you can see, "Baby Snooks" as we call Janae, was feeling cuddly. She had gotten a new nightie that matched a nightie for her baby doll. She wanted to put it on all day :) The above picture is of an eskimo kiss we shared...such a sweetheart! It was a wonderful day!
Since then, Patrick turned 2 on December 27th, and we celebrated with him on the 29th. We also went to Schnitzelbank in Jasper, a lovely German restaurant, to celebrate my brother and sister's birthdays(January 5th.) We had to celebrate their birthdays early, as Diane is having surgery on her arm again on January 3rd. Please pray for her! This will be the 3rd surgery, and she is supposed to be in the hospital a couple of days. The surgeon is optimistic, and we're thankful for that. He is planning to take bone out of her hip and put it in her arm, in the hopes of stimulating bone growth. He will also be putting in plates. If you think of her, please do pray that God will guide the surgeon as he works on Diane's arm.
Okay, gonna post a picture of Patrick's party. Keep in mind that this little hoss is just 2, and weighs about 40 pounds! What a cute little chunk he is, though!
Okay, think that's all the pictures I'm gonna post for now. I didn't do much celebrating of New Years Eve, as I was on call, as was my brother. I did stay up late, watched more family movies, and listened to Dad blow his Shofar at midnight :) He will love that I posted that on the net...haha! Some traditions just keep going on. Today, it's cold and snowing, so I've stayed indoors. I have exercised, eaten healthy, read, and surfed around on the internet. Not real exciting, but my brother and his family are coming over later to eat and play some games. So it should be a fun evening. btw, the diet is going well. It resumed on December 26th, after a day of serious gluttony! I have been very good MOST of the time since then, and have even been doing some exercising. And I'm pondering whether or not to join a gym. Dad and Mom got themselves a treadmill for Christmas, plus we have a bike, not to mention aerobics videos. I don't have trouble exercising in the summer, as I love walking. But winter takes alot more discipline for me. So...I guess that's that for now!
Happy 2008! I'm not really into posting resolutions, but I do have definite things I want to accomplish this year. Most of all, I desire to draw closer to my Lord, and to do/say the things that He wants me to do. I want the desires of my heart to be placed there by Him, to completely match what He has for me. May God bless you this year!
