Due to the crazy busy holiday season we had this year, I am doing a catch up post about Anya’s preschool program. She had her second performance in our church only a matter of days after her Sunday school program. It was so cute to see all the kids dressed in their Christmas best and on their best behavior (sort of!!)! In true Anya fashion, she wasn’t shy one bit up on the stage and took every opportunity to wave at us and anyone else she happened to spot in the audience. She was an angel in the “Friendly Beasts” part of the program and, quite honestly, looked the part I even got to go up front and participate…the last song involved the kids ringing different colored bells to the song “Jingle Bells” and all the mom’s who volunteer at the preschool got to come forward and also ring a bell. It was fun!! Josiah had a blast seeing his sister up on stage and even tried to make a get-away to go up and see her at one point. Luckily we were quick enough to grab him!!

Here are the pictures of her preschool program. Enjoy and have a safe and happy New Year!

Christmas this year was bittersweet…..I was so happy to be home with my family and loved ones, yet had an ache in my heart for my Grandpa. His funeral was on Wed (12/23) in the midst of yet another winter storm. It was a nice ceremony and the minister gave a great tribute about my Grandpa’s love for Jesus, his family and farming. I have often heard people say that a funeral is a “celebration of life” for the person who passed on. It is hard to think of such a sad event as a celebration, but during the funeral when I took a moment to step back and look at a church filled with his wife of over 62 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it is quite a testament to my Grandpa for being the patriarch of such a family. I feel lucky to have know my Grandpa for 32 years and for all the great memories I have of him from my childhood and as an adult. It is never easy to say goodbye, but it makes it easier knowing we will see him again someday.

So, although Christmas wasn’t quite as festive for us as it usually is, we did still have 3 great family gatherings. We celebrated with Gramma Barb & Papa Jim and the Miller family Wednesday night, Great G’ma Martha and extended Miller family Thursday night and Gram Ruth on Friday. As you can imagine, the kids got way more than they needed and us adults didn’t do too shabby either! The best part was just being together (and our fondue tradition) and remembering the true reason for Christmas!
Now we look forward to celebrating with the Papa Ronnie & G’ma Jeryl and having Christmas all over again! Don’t you love when you can spread the Holiday cheer out for as long as possible

Here are some pictures of our Christmas fun! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

It is with a very heavy heart that I write about the passing of my Gramps Arnold.  He passed away peacefully late Thursday night at the age of 91.  He will be missed by our whole family, but we find peace in knowing that he has now seen the face of Jesus and has been forever healed.  Rest in peace Gramps.

Here is the link to his obituary if you care to take a look.

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and prayers for our family during this time.

One lucky lady…..

IMG_6980.JPG, originally uploaded by farmboymac.

….and 12 very lucky kids!

I am happy to report that Josiah’s biggest triumph as of late was ditching the pacifier! YEAH!!! Again, as I did with Anya, I spent more time worrying about how the transition would go than was necessary. I decided suddenly one night that it was time to de-pacifier him and we haven’t looked back since. We had a few somewhat rough nights at first, but for the most part, it was a huge success and we are a much happier household now that we aren’t scrambling to find a pacifier every 2 seconds! I wish I had some big secret to reveal or could get some huge parenting kudos for how both my kids kicked the paci habit so quickly and easily, but I think it all boils down to one thing: WE LUCKED OUT!!! No one realizes this more than me!