Christmas finale

We wrapped up our Christmas celebrations today with Mexican food day and Jim’s side of the fam.  It was a good day and I enjoyed trying some new things - including making tamales for the first time.  

I also enjoyed watching Wrenley and Evelyn play with Josh’s kids.  I think having kids around makes Christmas more fun.  

We had a small problem when Wrenley stuck her contraband slime in her hair.  No worries, we were able to wash it all out.  

Quincy had to work this afternoon, but was able to catch lunch with us before she left.  Colin and Spencer were obviously absent, and Carissa stayed home with their youngest as she was under the weather.  Jim’s mom also stayed home since she had a bad cold.  I was sorry we missed all of them, but this time of the year seems to be ripe with spreading sickness and I’m glad they were cognizant about not sharing.  

In addition to making a couple of new foods, late yesterday afternoon, I also decided now was the time for one of the Christmas break projects I had planned.  Painting the handles on my kitchen counters black instead of the outdated and hideous brass.  Let me just say after I finally got the paint dry - I love how it looks!  Such a small thing but it made a pretty good impact on the orangeness of the kitchen.  I am pleased.  

I have another project planned to completely re-do the downstairs bathroom, however we are having a little plumbing issue we haven’t been able to figure out yet.  It may not get done exactly over the break, but it will get done before spring I hope!   

Thank you to Harper and Saige who helped me take all the handles off, to Jim who patiently took off the ones that we couldn’t get, and to Andrew who used his power tools to put them all back up for me.  You guys rock!  

And today’s dose of extreme cuteness!  Those cheeks!  I just can’t stand it.  Planning my next trip down the turnpike.  Grammy is coming lil Dale!  

This may have been the final Christmas party for this season, and I did think about taking down the decor.  But we haven’t really been home much in the last month to enjoy it. And winter is always so dark, I like the extra lights.  I’m going to leave it for a while.  I know the church says until epiphany.  And I usually do follow that, but also I know that once school starts back up, life will be crazy again and time will be in short supply.  I’m sure it will be fine. We will find the time and as I said, I am still enjoying it. If I leave it long enough we can just say it’s Valentine’s Day trees right?  

 

Welcome home little man

Spencer and Easton were released from the hospital this morning.  Did we wait to invade their house?   No.  No we did not.  We loaded up the cars with people and freezer meals, and Christmas gifts and arms that longed to hold a sweet baby and we marched right on in like the crazy chaotic zoo that we are.  I thank God every day that our son married a woman who takes all of us in stride, is patient and kind and isn’t phased by our invasions.  Of course, we came bearing lunch so maybe that sweetened it up a little. Spencer did a great job growing a whole a$$ human. He is perfect and amazing and sweet and just about the cutest thing I ever did see.  We are absolutely in love with him! Babies are all a blessing. Grandbabies are the biggest blessing of all!  

A few minutes after we left, Colin sent me this photo of “lil Dale” in the drivers seat of his GTO.   I laughed because I think Spencer is going to have her hands full.  Colin and Easton will be thinking up all sorts of creative ways to get into trouble.  

In all honesty though, my son made me very proud today. He was helpful, was changing the diapers and making sure his wife was taken care of. He was doing all the things and taking care of his boy.  It gave me great pride in seeing the kind of dad he already is. He was also grinning ear to ear, and walking with his head in the clouds because he was so excited and happy.  All you want as a parent is to see your children grow up to be successful and happy.  That was on full exhibit today and it swelled my heart with pride. Colin and Spencer - we are so excited and happy for you.  And we feel blessed that we get to have this little boy call us his grandparents.  

Along for a ride today - the first one to call us Grammy and poppy.  She wanted to see her “birthday buddy” and so we took her along.  She started the day with asking where we were going to eat lunch!   Priorities right?   I explained we were going to grab a few things from Dillon’s deli and a few other things we wanted to take over to Colin’s house.  She was ok with it.  When we left Colin’s house it was way before dinner time.  She again asked where we were stopping to eat.  I told her “Emporia”   That was totally not what she was getting at.  She then went on to tell me it had been weeks or maybe even months since she got to go to McDonalds.  Lies - but we didn’t let on that we knew.  She was super stoked when o told her we could stop at McDonald’s in Emporia, and that we would even get a happy meal to take home for Wrenley.  Hey indulging the grandkids is my favorite gig!   

Anyway it was a great day.  I love my family!.  

 

Merry little…

We had an amazing Christmas here at our house.  Colin sent us a few pictures of Easton, and understandably, they were not here with us.  I can’t wait for next year!  The baby and Spencer are doing well. Hoping to break out soon!   Hospitals are not conducive to getting much rest.  I am thankful she was able to deliver with minimal problems and everyone is happy and healthy!  

Preston was also absent.  He spent the day in Sterling with Sunny’s family.  We missed them, but will see them this weekend.  

The rest of us exchanged gifts, ate ourselves silly, and enjoyed visiting, hanging out playing with the girls’ new toys, and watching a little football.  

Every photo I see, reminds me of Colin as a baby.  This little boy is absolutely perfect, adorable and so very loved already!  Grammy and poppy are smitten. 

We did tease Evelyn a little bit about having to share her birthday!  She took it in true Evelyn fashion, saying as long as he didn’t poop at the party, she was fine with it!  

Quincy had to work today, but we were able to open gifts and have lunch before she had to leave.  I’m glad she got to hang out for a while. And I am proud of her for her dedication and willingness to work on the holiday.  People still need to be cared for, even on Christmas.  

I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded with such good people.  Love my little crew.  

Happy birthday Jesus.