Playing Catch-up

Math isn't really my "thang" as they say, but I was thinking about accounting and balancing out in relation to some of the moments lived out over the past few months. There were a few that weren't very pleasant, but when I compare the income of joy with the emotional losses incurred these past couple of months, we have still come out in the black. That may not be the best analogy, but its meaning is clear to me.

 

 

 My sister, Roberta, and her daughter, Robyn,

came for a visit to attend a wedding,
which was held outdoors on a
very chilly night in late October!
(I did my share of shivering for those
young ladies in their strapless dresses!)

Although the original plan DH and I had for Thanksgiving did not happen, we didn't let that get us down. My sweet sister invited us to her home where we enjoyed a fabulous meal and the good company of her family. We stuffed ourselves and the fellowship with them was just what was needed.

The fast track that usually happens during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas was slowed down by an ice storm at the first of December.  It was somewhat of a relief to be able to sit cozily inside and just read, relax, rest.

DH and I took Kate and Jack to see Santa at the Mall. After waiting in line for some time we finally got to hand them over to Santa. The photographer took four snaps of them and Jack's "deer in the headlights" expression never changed once. Looking at this, you would never know this is a wide-eyed smiling boy all the rest of the time.

Brady and Noah saw Santa in their part of Texas

Our plan for Christmas was to go to Tulsa for a long anticipated bridal shower for my nephew and his fiancé.

 

The shower promised to be a fabulous party with all his old friends from the area and, following that, we would all travel to Branson, Missouri for a few days to join in the Old Town Christmas celebration together.

What's wrong with this picture?
My DH and me are not in it!!

BUMMER!!!

 



Two days before these exciting events were to take place, I came down with the nasty, nasty crud! It was upsetting because the doctor said it was viral, would give me nothing for it and told me it would just have to run its course! Phooey!! With heavy congestion, no voice, and sounding as though I would cough up my lungs at any minute, we decided to stay home and spare my brother's family and all their guests!

By Christmas Day, we were at least able to attend Christmas Eve Service. Jason was doing his service with the Fire Department, but Amy and her Mom, along with Kate and Jack joined us.

 

Dinner at Chili's after church



Kate "the little elf" helping Mommy wrap presents

Here are a few pics from the really BIG day!!

Thank you note from Santa to kids for the snack they left him

Getting ready to open all the gifts on Christmas morning

Kate was excited to receive the long-awaited for Teddy Bear

Uncle Charlie demonstrated the tunnel

Kate painted most of the afternoon

We had all the trimmings to go along with the beautiful turkey that

Jason had cooked in his new infrared cooker!

(No need for a pic here!)



 

Happy Birthday cupcakes for Jesus
 

A few days after Christmas, we headed south to
have Christmas with Sara's family.

Noah and Nonnie being silly with selfie!

The boys love their Palin dog
(and so do I)

Fun in the tent

Sweet pic of DH with daughter Sara and grandson Noah

He loved his Green Machine

See-saws have changed over the years

2014 brought changes -
including the parting of Noah from his "Mimi"

Sweet Brady
So responsible for a 7 year old
Smartest boy in class
Skilled in sports

We spent 3 days with them and surprise, surprise, surprise,

got to bring the boys back home with us to celebrate New Year's Eve.

 

Fun with paper airplanes

 

 

2013 did end on an exciting note for us.

All four grandkids spent New Year's Eve with us.

Resting up before the evening's festivities

 

We partied hard!

 

Flew paper airplanes, chowed down on pizza, played,
jumped on the trampoline and danced the night away!

 

Happy New Year a little late, but better late than never!