Christmas Season

 I know it's crazy - here I am blogging within a week/month of an event! Here's to a start of a more current blog in 2015. (Go ahead and laugh.)

I will let all the pictures do most of the talking, but I do want to write things for my own sake of remembering.

The end of November brought about our season of OCC.  This year was different since I was working fulltime, but thanks to many volunteers, it got done.

This year the girls were even more excited to help and serve. Analise even begged me to let her take off Monday from school so she could help. I didn't let her, but she joined me at 3:30.  All three girls take ownership and love this ministry. They pack their own cartons, and I don't even need to help.

Here is what the room looks like, full of shoeboxes.  Our boxes were going to Mexico this year.

 These boxes have legs! 

 Oh, it's just Sadie helping. :)

And here are cartons full of those shoeboxes, ready for Denver. I never got a picture of the maxed to the brim semi, but we did collect 11,000 shoeboxes!

 

 

 

Sadie made this cute little keeper in school.

 

Maisie naturally loved this huge monkey at Hyvee.

Since we were going to Indiana this year, we decided to have our own little Christmas early. The girls were not bothered by this at all. :)

So Friday night after dinner, we opened our gifts.

The girls just love buying, giving and receiving gifts from one another. Truly - it's so touching as a parent to see this. Here they are showing off their gifts, with one nice photo bomb in the background.

 I think Caramel was waiting for her rawhide.

 I love how he wraps a gift.  LOL

 Sadie made this more for me at school.  She was really hoping I would forget that Maisie had made me one last year.

 

Maisie's gift from "Santa" was an I-pod. She was SO excited! She had wanted one so badly, and she's love having control of what music she listens to. She was so happy it came with "ear plugs."

Analise really, really wanted an I-touch this, since all her friends had one. Brandon and I  had many discussions about this - the launch into another season of life. We decided an I-pad mini would be better for a few reasons. She was thrilled!!! She loves listening to music on it, including my favorite Ft. Wayne radio station, playing games when allowed, and her favorite thing is texting other apple users - Grandmom, Aunt Peg, her cousins and a few friends.

 

With gifts of an I-pod, I-pad, for awhile Sadie was getting an I-don't know.  Seriously, she didn't even have her own list of what she wanted. She's always the hardest to buy for. I knew there was one thing she wanted, and it went against the practicality in me, but I decided it was worth it. She wanted a horse for her My Generation doll.  I was able to get the last one at Target.  She was SO excited and has loved it! Good job, Santa. :)

 

 

Sunday morning we left at 7:30 (a new record) and made the long drive to IN. Even with a couple of traffic delays in Chicagoland, we got there in decent time. And once again despite the cold and dark night, dad was sitting in the driveway waiting for us to pull in. What a guy.

Monday dad went down to get Peg and Danny from Indy, so Brandon, Analise and I went shopping for awhile. It was fun having just her, and the other two were thrilled to play instead of shop.

Monday night my parents had a surprise for all of us. I was excited; I can't remember when someone had a surprise for me like that.  All we knew was to dress warm. Peg and Danny didn't have much, so Analise shared with Peg. In fact the boots were too small for Analise yet fit her aunt.



Surprise - a carriage ride through downtown Ft. Wayne! How fun!

 

Mom and dad rode with the girls, while the rest of us had our own carriage.

The night was a little damp and dreary, but we bundled under warm blankets and enjoyed a Ft. Wayne tradition of their lights downtown. Thanks mom and dad! 

 

This was a light down the street, and it makes me smile. You know you're in Indiana when...

 

Tuesday mom and Analise made a two batches of cookies. I love seeing the tradition of baking getting passed to another generation.

 

They made sugar cookies! Again, I can't remember the last time the girls and I made sugar cookies where we actually used cookie cutters to make shapes and then frost them. (I've gotten lazy and just slice the dough.)

 

Tuesday afternoon between cookie baking, the girls, Mom and I went to see Annie.  It was a lot of fun! The girls didn't know much of the original Annie, so they loved this one. I actually did, too. We thought the music was lots of fun.

We then went back and decorated the cookies. 

 

In addition to playing with my old Barbie's, the girls enjoy creating/crafting at Grandmom's. I found this cute girl tucked under the tree. 

Since Peg and Danny were in Mishawaka on Tuesday, mom and dad took us to Texas Roadhouse. The girls met Santa there, and while we waited for our food, we had a magician perform for us at our table. It was impressive.



From there we went to the Fantasy of Lights tour. It was worth the long wait to see all the pretty lights.

Weds. afternoon brought more fun, thanks to Peg and Danny.  They treated the girls to an hour at Sky Zone. (I'm not sure who was more excited - the kids or adults...)

Analise had fun until she had back issues. I knew this was likely; a visit to the chiro after we got back solved the problem.

I love this one because is shows Maisie pulling up her pants; something she had to do often.

Impressive Danny

Peg still has it

Maisie can do it, too.

Weds evening we had a yummy ham dinner, and then we went to the Christmas Eve service at Wallen Baptist. It was refreshing, exciting, and a good reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. We enjoyed the time of worship.

Christmas morning the girls were up around 7:30, and they patiently waited until after 8 to open stockings. This is what the tree looked like - so pretty.

The traditional coffeecake along with egg casserole - my favorite breakfast all year. 

Opening gifts was a sweet time of feeling loved and blessed. My gymnast was excited to get a new, long sleeve leotard. 

 

Analise loves her Under Armour volleyball shirt. Perfect!

We each had our own wrapping paper. My mom knew me well and gave me the chevron print.

Brandon has always loved the little chap sticks for his pockets; they are just hard to find. So it was pretty funny when he opened a box with 50 of them.

Sadie loves her "8 inch" dolphin.

And the best gift  - my mom made Peg and I our own photo books full of pictures from our growing up years. LOVE LOVE it!

Maisie was excited to get this book from Grandmom. 

The house was decorated to the max with Christmas things. Here's the pretty dining room where we enjoyed our prime rib dinner. 

 

Christmas was a nice, relaxing day. The girls watched Dolphin Tale 2 with mom, so I was able to read during the middle of the day. Unheard of and thoroughly enjoyed.

Friday morning I was able to meet Karla at Starbucks. Always a blessing  to connect with a long time friend - one who challenges me in my spiritual growth.

Friday night was pizza night with family friends - the Vannatta family. It, too, was a such a sweet time. Brandon and I were so glad to connect with Gave and Lisa again. Here's my "older sister."

We had to leave Saturday morning for our trip home. Time never goes faster than when we are in Indiana. The girls were heartbroken to leave. For a mother it's heart wrenching. We decided to drive to Des Moines to make the day less stressful. The girls were thrilled to swim and watch NE play in the bowl game. 

 

Random memories from the week:

1.  Playing UNO with just the adults. Brandon winning the most.

2. Japanese, Chinese, America knees. (Oh mom, you had us laughing until we cried.)

3. The Cutco lady replacing several of my pieces. So nice.

4. Shopping with Peg - a rare treat.

5. Brandon let the girls go on a wild goose chase. Literally.

6. Mom gave me a new "bed buddy" and cover.

7. Unfortunately, mom did something to her back causing her to have major muscle spasms on Friday. She was in severe pain, yet she still opened her house for company. You're a trooper, mom!



June

A summary of June in pictures.  For my sake since I am determined to document our summer somehow...

The girls loved playing with sidewalk chalk this summer. They made some really cute designs and came in somewhat clean. Happy times.

 Sometimes summer is simply rolling in the grass.

 Maisie tried tennis this summer. She had fun, but I don't think I foresee her future as a tennis star.

And some time was spent at the lake on Big Mable.

Caramel makes boating and swimming more fun.

We had to say goodbye to our favorite baby sitter. Our small group kids went over to give her a big, energetic farewell.

We spent time fishing at the club. Never a dull moment when three girls have a fishing pole. We enjoyed having Grandma with us; and the 1-1 ratio is beneficial as well.

Analise has learned the art of holding the fish closer to the camera to make it appear bigger.

Sadie caught a cute, little fish.

And it's always nice when all three girls catch a fish. Maisie's turn.

Maisie is Eight

Maisie has been looking forward to her birthday since Sadie had hers in March.  Finally the day arrived, and she greeted it at 6:50. Thankfully she came out with a big smile on her face.

She got to open one gift before school, and it was a shirt from Grandmom and Pops; it seemed like a fitting shirt for this birthday girl.

We had "from a can" cinnamon rolls for breakfast, with the birthday plate, birthday hat and of course, the birthday bear.

Along with her new shirt, I made sure her favorite shorts were clean.

 

Maisie had a fun day at school hearing her name announced over the intercom and getting little gifts from her teacher. (She even got a sweet note with some candy from her 1st grade teacher; I've mentioned those two have something special going.) 

I was able to leave my 5th grade math post for a few minutes to join Maisie for lunch; she seemed to be pleasantly surprised.

After school some friends stopped by with a card and cookie.  We then Face Timed with Grandmom and Pops while she opened  her gifts. Love that gift of technology. :)

Maisie was thrilled about each gift: a couple of new outfits, Legos, a stuffed Minion and Olaf. Actually, Analise and Sadie got Minions, too. They were so excited!

 We went over to Grandma and Grandpa's for the birthday celebration. I wish I had taken a picture of her with her dinner, but we had ham, cheesy potatoes, homemade rolls, corn on the cob and strawberry pretzel salad. Everyone enjoyed it.

It was then gift time. Here is a picture of her with Uncle Derek. He had taught Maisie how to put a face on her hand to make it look like it was talking. She thought it was hilarious.

 We got Maisie a wallet, a new NE shirt, pants and this New Generation Doll. She was trilled! I was thrilled that I actually had gift ideas this year. :)

 Aunt Sarah got Maisie her own book light and this Fila jacket that Maisie loved and will wear all the time, I'm sure.

 Grandma and Grandpa gave Maisie a new "grown up" Bible with a cover. Maisie was tickled pink, or should I say "purple."

 Maisie also wanted a picture taken with her new water bottle and stuffed puppy.  Olaf made a guest appearance in this picture.

 Maisie had the hardest time deciding what kind of cake she wanted, so I finally had her scroll through Pintrest. She founds lots of ideas there, but 99% were cakes I couldn't do. She finally found one that looked like this, only cuter. However, Maisie was happy with how it turned out. One monkey cake, complete with an almost from scratch cake and homemade frosting.

 She's always been my monkey lover.

 I love how these two are looking at each other.

One of the birthday traditions this year at dinner is going around the table asking a question to the birthday guest, and then sharing something they love about them and giving them a "blessing" for the next year. I jotted down the answers simply because I wanted to remember them.

What do you do when you are afraid?

A: stand back or scream. We added that if it's a storm, she comes to our room.

What would you do if you weren't allowed any screens?

A: she first answered, "Whine for mom to let me have them." And then Legos.

What animal would you want for a pet?

A: Penguin. But she is always asking for a pet monkey.

What is your favorite outfit?

A: Fila shorts and a comfy shirt.

What would you buy at a grocery store?

A: A stuffed animal. She then answered with fruit.

What is something you don't like?
A: ONIONS!
Favorite song?

A: Toby Mac, "Eye on It"

Where do you like the car to take you?

A: Target, CO and IN

Favorite food?

A: FRUIT

Favorite smell?

A: When moms makes sugar. After much laughter, she clarified something like monkey bread because it has sugar in it.

Least favorite smell?
Boiled eggs in fridge or seafood counter at Hyvee.

What kind of fruit would you be?

A: A fruit bowl

Grandpa: always seem happy/best friend would be Jesus

Sadie: love when we play together/hope to see you at school

Analise: make me laugh/enjoy 2nd grade

Aaron: like that you play dodgeball with the cousins in the basement/ that you will get Mrs. Bennett in 3rd grade.

Sarah: that I never know what you are going to say, and you usually make me laugh/fun at the Husker game

Derek: animated and full of excitement/learn to read and understand the Bible

Brandon: love your hugs/ learn to love Jesus more and sleep through storms

Pam: love her smile and how she's willing to pray/handle disappointments better

Braylen: smile and laugh/love 2nd grade

Kaleb: such a cheerful and enthusiastic person/have a great time at Meadowlark

Grandma: pretty smile and wants to be friends with everyone/God would show you what you are good at and she would be patient in learning.

It was a sweet, special day. Not just for Maisie but for me, too, seeing her full of smiles and loved by family. Our family was made better when Maisie entered this world. She does live life to the fullest. Most people see the 100% happy, life is fun. A few of get to see the 100% life is hard, and everyone is out to get me attitude. Regardless, we know she loved Jesus and this year we pray that she believes His truth and not lies of the enemy.

We love you Maisie Lynn!

Grandparent time

While Brandon and I were away, my parents and girls had TONS  of fun. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of their fun. So I will have to go by memory, which probably means I will forget something.

Let's see...dad took the girls bowling, made them lunch, took them to a park...all before mom was home. They colored eggs, went for bike rides, took them to their first real baseball game (Tincaps), where mom watched two play in the jumparoo and Pops answered 1,000 questions from Analise. Really, this ended up being one of Analise's favorite things from the week. They drove them to Warsaw to the Wagon Wheel, where the girls saw "Mary Poppins" performed on a round stage. I was a wee bit jealous and sad I didn't get to go, but I know they all enjoyed it. Of course, they went to the zoo. They watched movies, took bubble baths, and played. And went to bed exhausted. :) 

Mom and dad came to see us in July. I have some pictures from that time together. (However in no particular order. At this point, I am just glad to have them on the blog.)

A group shot.

 

We went for family golf night at Meadowlark Golf Course. It was a great time. The girls loved driving the carts, putting and I loved the time with my dad. I hadn't golfed in two summers, and I was reminded of why I enjoy it. Some day Brandon and I will have more time (and money) to golf. 

 

My two favorite guys

 

I think my Sadie is just so stinkin' cute.

 

Grandmom enjoyed her ride with these two.

 

 One night we went and played tennis as a family.  Really it's just a time of trying to hit the ball and not wet your pants from laughing so hard.

 

After tennis mom, dad and I went over to my MIL's to meet up with Sarah to watch a movie on cable. My friend's mother had written a book that was made into a Hallmark movie. I wanted to see it and "support" my friend, as her mom had passed away before the movie was made. 

Saturday was Cruise Night, and during the afternoon they have fancy/old cars parked downtown for people to walk around and enjoy. We had a good time, and the girls finally learned the difference between and Mustang and Camero. Dad  and Brandon both enjoyed sitting in this really expensive Ferrari.

 

Mom and dad arrived on Friday night - our final night of VBS. Here they are posing with some of the props I had used throughout the week. I love how my dad gets silly with the girls.

 

 These pictures are from IN, when we did our annual strawberry picking.

 

For being "long distance" grandparents, it doesn't feel that way when they are together. They know my girls so well and treasure each moment together. Thanks for the love and fun times while you were  here! 

And thanks for my lunch date with Brandon while you took the girls to lunch and to the Cottonmill Barn And thanks for the help with buying school supplies. Divide and conquer seems to work well! Oh, and thanks for letting Brandon and I go for a walk each night after the girls were in bed. And dad, thanks for playing volleyball with Analise. And mom, thanks for teaching Analise how to play Scrabble - even when dad won. See....the list goes on and on. So thankful!