McArtor.net

…..is not getting these kids down!!

IMG_7379.JPG, originally uploaded by farmboymac.

When the world shuts down for subzero temps and blizzards, their fun just begins.

IMG_7378.JPG, originally uploaded by farmboymac.

There is nothing they like better than being snowed in for several consecutive days in their jammies, baking cookies with mommy, cuddling under a blanket watching movies and playing with their favorite playmate (each other!!) nonstop!

IMG_7397.JPG, originally uploaded by farmboymac.

And, although cabin fever creeps in every now and then, the McArtor family can handle Old Man Winter for as long as he feels the need to stay!!

IMG_7377.JPG, originally uploaded by farmboymac.

We were very excited to get some visitors bright and early Sunday morning…Papa Ronnie, G’ma Jeryl and Aunt Joni. They came to spend the day with us and celebrate Christmas! We had a great time opening presents, eating G’ma Jeryl’s awesome lasagna and just hanging out watching the kids play with all their new stuff. We are so glad that we got to spend time with both families over the holidays….that is what matters the most!!

Here are some pictures of our last Christmas of the season!

Congratulations to our friends Brad & Steph Cathcart on the birth of their son, Holden Winter Cathcart. He was born on December 30th and weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and was 19 inches. He will join big brother Jaxson (3) at home. Check out the Cathcart family blog for more pictures of the new arrival! Welcome baby Holden…we look forward to watching you grow up!!

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!