Thursday, December 29, 2016

Using old coupons




Jim has been on a cleaning streak lately. He found some old passes to the Lawrence Aquatic Center. Today seemed like a good day to use them up!










Our kids may be the only kids around who coordinate the end of their swimming time with making it to Sonic happy hour! We made it just in time! I love a little Sonic Dr. Pepper! (Oh and time with these clowns!).



Tuesday, December 27, 2016

This kid


Colin had to return to Great Bend yesterday. He had a team meeting and practice for an upcoming tournament. When he got there, he was given a books and tuition scholarship for next semester. I am so happy for him! He has put a ton of time and energy into wrestling for a lot of years. It makes me proud of his dedication and excited for him!





Sunday, December 25, 2016

The grand finale






We had our 3rd and final celebration this evening with Jim's side of the family. I think it is safe to say everyone had a good time.






Harper was pretty excited to get a Harper troll! She had been hoping for one!
And to quote my dad...."nothing's over like Christmas!" We had a blessed one! Now back to regularly scheduled programming.





Christmas Day at our house.




All my loves on Christmas morning. I know with the kids growing up, forming lives of their own and whatnot, I am blessed to have them all together on Christmas morning.
















It has been a quiet day here and we have enjoyed being together. Happy birthday Jesus!



Saturday, December 24, 2016

Christmas Eve with the Lang Gang














We had a great time with the Langs this afternoon! The kids were thrilled with their new stuff! Quincy was especially happy with her chicken shoes!
















The teenage crowd set Grandma up a snap chat account. It remains to be seen if she will master it or not!




Cameron played a little tuba music. He was practicing for mass, he did a good job playing at both places. Preston served and the girls helped bring baby Jesus to the manger. I love Christmas mass!





Tuesday, December 20, 2016

December days



This month is always packed completely full. Between school events, church events, holiday parties and the beginning of winter sports seasons, it is hard to find time for much else. Having 2 kids with birthdays in December makes it even busier. Trying to find time to squeeze in a party in the middle of the "stuff" always proves challenging. This year, Harper wanted a "friend party." Friday evening, she had a couple of friends over to spend the night. In the last year, I have found that my psychological state is happier if I don't watch the news. So I don't. Watch any of it. Which means that I wasn't prepared for the weather to be crummy. It worked out ok though, Harper's friends had fun painting nails, playing dress up, making shadow animals and bunking down with a movie and an insane number of blankets. Harper was happy, the friends were nice, and we managed to get everyone home in the snow and ice.





It has been so cold that Blitz has become a permanent resident of the couch. I always liked dogs, but never thought I loved dogs. Until now. I love this dog.



Anyone who knows me knows Christmas is not my favorite holiday. It is a holiday I like once the hubbub and running are done, but I prefer the quiet, sweet moments of the season rather than the over-done, overwhelming ones. I love a cup of hot chocolate by the tree lights and a silent prayer for peace in the world. I have taken great pleasure in having both of my grandmother's nativity sets. I miss them both, and love having a little piece of them with me.




Jim's mom turned 75 this week. We had a little lunch in her honor, and Jim's sister made her a blanket that each person contributed a t-shirt or drawing for. It turned out pretty neat! Quincy tried frog legs....that was also a highlight.




Jim's uncle got married a couple years ago. We all love her, but Saige adores Aunt Wanda.



With the small amount of snow we had, the home made snowboards made a reappearance. Quincy couldn't get ready for her game last night because she just needed one more turn before the snow melts.






Quincy did have her final game for the first session last night. They won! She played really well. She is playing in the second session as well, but we get a couple weeks off.






Today is the last day of school for this year for the kids. I am honestly not sure why they made them go today! Harper had a movie party in the morning, community Christmas luncheon, a Christmas party in the afternoon and a school sing along! I hope she had fun! We enjoyed having lunch with her. Today's was much better than the last one!