Goodbye 2017

This will be the last post for 2017.  I was reflecting back over 2017 this week.  It hasn't been a remarkable year, but by far not the worst year we have ever experienced either.  Our kids are such a blessing to our lives.  The fact that they are growing up, making adult decisions and taking charge of their lives gives us a weird combination of happiness and sadness.  I recently was talking with friends about how this is an odd season of life. Finding new balances. Things were sure easier when we could just ground them and send them to their rooms.   I am glad to go through it though, as  my struggles are joyous ones in a world that isn't always joyous.  

The younger crowd (and Mallory) have really been enjoying the break.   Since Cameron had surgery and has been in a little discomfort, he maybe hasn't enjoyed it as much.   Colin was home for a few days, but had to return to Manhattan to work.  It has been too cold to do much outside playing.  Just getting chores done is all the outside time we can tolerate.   We have had fun playing games inside together.  Preston and Quincy set up dominoes and utilized them to do all sorts of things including successfully turning off the light switch. 

For the past 6-7 years we have built a gingerbread house.  We are not good at this activity.  This year was no exception.  The kids fondly refer to it as our annual gingerbread crack shack.  Saige doesn't care what it looks like. She just could not wait to break it and eat it.  

Quincy and Preston have both had basketball practices.   I was a little surprised to see Quincy come out carrying her coat.  It is 3*.  Literally.  By the time we got home, she decided she was cooled off.  (Insert eye roll).  

In addition to the group photos, Mallory also took these.  I think they turned out amazing!  

It has been so cold that we have these amazing ice sculptures compliments of the goats!  

Cameron is doing much better.  He feels well enough that he is spending his New Year's Eve working as a designated driver for the bar in Overbrook.  Colin has to work at his bar.  Preston is going to a party with his friends. Mallory and the little girls had decided we would stay home and have snacks and watch movies.  It is good that they didn't make big plans because both Harper and Jim are sick.  I'm bleaching stuff and spraying Lysol in hopes that no body else catches it.   We almost made it through the holidays without getting the crud.  Almost!  Maybe next year!   

Losing his wisdom (teeth)

Cameron needed all 4 of his wisdom teeth taken out.  He requested to have the surgery over Christmas break so he didn't miss any school.  The oral surgeon could get him in today.  He prepped by consuming all of his Christmas candy yesterday.   Like everything Cameron does, he has to experience it to the fullest. So he asked if I would take before and after photos.  He also used his Christmas gift cards to purchase a new robe on the way so that he looked good while fulfilling their request that he come dressed in comfy clothing.  

He was a little worried until they assured him they had good drugs.   He wasn't in there very long, and they told me they were ready to load him.  I drove around to the "loading dock" where they put him in the car for me.  We no sooner got pulled out of our parking space when he jumped from the moving car because we forgot the "after picture."   He clearly did not comprehend the directions.  

He gave me a lot of other problems on the way home wanting to go shopping, "needing" to stop off and get lottery tickets, wanting gobstoppers, being mad when the drive through pharmacy gave us pain meds rather than holiday scratcher tickets, demanding a milkshake from sonic and then proceeding to let it roll out of his mouth because he couldn't feel his lips.  I was never so happy to pull into my own driveway before.  I'm glad he is now resting comfortably on the couch.  Seems to have calmed down considerably.  Next time, I will take Colin so I have someone to control him.  Hoping he heals up quickly!  

Merry little Christmas

For those who know me well, you will already know that Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I always sort of think about it like Jesus was born in simplicity and quiet and we sort of missed the point.  The rushing, shopping, commercialization, and overblown craziness of the season is really just not for me.  When the shopping is done, and all the parties, rushing and events are over, I find great joy in the small, tender moments of the season.  I love a morning in our pajamas, laughing and talking and enjoying having some time together.  

This season with Madison being out of state has been harder than I thought it would be.  For as long as I can remember, she has ruled our kitchen.  It's not that we can't cook, she just enjoyed it so much that we let her!  I just miss her.  We all miss her.  I knew our kids would grow up and move out, but I honestly never thought they would be so far away.  Someday maybe, her path will lead her closer to home.  

One other thing about Madison, she's a compulsive cleaner.  When we got done opening gifts, the kids all asked who was gonna clean up when Madison is in Arizona!   They all had to pitch in.  :).  Mallory had me take a photo to send to Madison to prove that we actually know what trash bags are for!   

Now we are going to enjoy a nice holiday meal and go visit Aunt Geraldine.  I am very blessed on this day, and on all of my days I choose joy.  

The kids surprised Jim and I with canvas prints of these photos.  I absolutely love them.  Best gift ever - 8 amazing kids.  

Merry Christmas Eve

We had a fun Christmas Eve.  I am so happy that my sister in law loves having Christmas Eve!  We had a great time with the cousins stuffing ourselves, playing games, and opening gifts.  

We sincerely missed having Madison with us.  It isn't something we planned, and nothing  could have prepared us for not having her home for Christmas.  I am thankful that she is happy and safe where she is.  Hopefully next year she will be able to come home.  

These kids take a fun game and turn it into a battle to the death!  

We enjoyed Christmas Eve mass.  Quincy did a great job serving.  Aside from missing a kiddo, today was pretty amazing! 

Fun Saturday

Cameron took a full plate of college classes this semester through Allen County community college.   One of the classes was Music Appreciation. His final was to attend the Symphony in Kansas City this evening.  He was pretty excited about it.  

Advent ending on the day before Christmas Eve meant there was a huge hurry for getting the Christmas decorating done after mass tonight.  My kids had a blast doing this.  I love how they pitched in and even remembered how things were set up before, and were able to really get stuff done quickly.  Harper and Saige love the nativity.  They are often found rearranging ours here at the house.  They set up the one at church with great care. I think everything is all set, beautiful and ready for tomorrow!  I love our little church, and our little church family.  We are very blessed to have our kids growing up here!  

Saige and Harper wanted to help me make some Christmas candy.  Harper helped with peanut clusters.   Saige helped with white chocolate covered pretzels.  She loves sprinkles!  They might have the texture of sand, but they sure are pretty!