Reflections from December
The month of December was truly a celebration for our family. We enjoyed the time to soak up fun with friends and family and the kiddos loved opening presents every day...no really, every single day of the month. As Andrew would say, "It was the best Christmas season ever."
Over the past two years we have been so amazed by the generosity of our friends and family as we faced the challenge of the C-word in our lives. Often we were tired and feeling drained but it was a note, a prayer, a kind word, a t-shirt in the mail, the creation of a blanket, or a surprise visit that lifted our spirits and truly we got by with a little help from our friends (and family). Your generosity has filled us with an amazing sense of gratitude. There are many people that have Blessed our lives the last two years especially and we are truly Thankful - we have not had the chance to truly thank everyone in the way we would like but know that all of you made a profound impact on our journey.
So what made the month of December such a celebration? Well, we felt 'normal' - it started with good health. All of us actually feeling healthy and in a good routine for the first time in a long time. Next came the presents. It began December 2nd, with a ding dong ditch at our door - waiting for us on the door step was a beautiful basket filled with a gift for each day of Advent and a quote from the days Bible reading accompanying the gift. (to the anonymous giver of the basket - thank you - it was a beautiful reminder of the season for our family). So, when I said the kids opened presents everyday of the month - I guess I lied...there were no gifts opened on December 1st - the remaining 30 days however were a party! The kids loved opening the gifts and the anticipation for Christmas - the coming of Jesus Christ grew every day.
Next up was Birthday Palooza Week - 4 of the 5 members in our house share December Birthdays within 4 days of each other. What a week of cake and fun times around our House!
Soon after began 10 days of Christmas. We enjoyed spending time with both sides of our family in Wisconsin and Kentucky and although it was a whirlwind - seeing everyone was a true joy.
Below are a few photos from the month. Oh yea, I forgot to mention the glorious snow - 18 inches fell in 2 days...loved it! Thank you all for making our year special. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
The ride down the hill with 4 in a sled...Grandpa, Jeff, Andrew and Josh with a little help from Aunt Amy to get going.
Over the past two years we have been so amazed by the generosity of our friends and family as we faced the challenge of the C-word in our lives. Often we were tired and feeling drained but it was a note, a prayer, a kind word, a t-shirt in the mail, the creation of a blanket, or a surprise visit that lifted our spirits and truly we got by with a little help from our friends (and family). Your generosity has filled us with an amazing sense of gratitude. There are many people that have Blessed our lives the last two years especially and we are truly Thankful - we have not had the chance to truly thank everyone in the way we would like but know that all of you made a profound impact on our journey.
So what made the month of December such a celebration? Well, we felt 'normal' - it started with good health. All of us actually feeling healthy and in a good routine for the first time in a long time. Next came the presents. It began December 2nd, with a ding dong ditch at our door - waiting for us on the door step was a beautiful basket filled with a gift for each day of Advent and a quote from the days Bible reading accompanying the gift. (to the anonymous giver of the basket - thank you - it was a beautiful reminder of the season for our family). So, when I said the kids opened presents everyday of the month - I guess I lied...there were no gifts opened on December 1st - the remaining 30 days however were a party! The kids loved opening the gifts and the anticipation for Christmas - the coming of Jesus Christ grew every day.
Next up was Birthday Palooza Week - 4 of the 5 members in our house share December Birthdays within 4 days of each other. What a week of cake and fun times around our House!
Soon after began 10 days of Christmas. We enjoyed spending time with both sides of our family in Wisconsin and Kentucky and although it was a whirlwind - seeing everyone was a true joy.
Below are a few photos from the month. Oh yea, I forgot to mention the glorious snow - 18 inches fell in 2 days...loved it! Thank you all for making our year special. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Andrew's 4th Birthday...you can't tell but he had a train on his cake (that kid still loves trains)
The long walk back up
Above and Below - the kiddos enjoyed discovering the Milwaukee Children's Museum when we were in the city celebrating Kateri's Graduation!
The biggest Christmas present we received - This is one sweet T-Rex! Thanks!
All 3 on Christmas Eve
Christmas Morning - Andrew very early in the morning patiently waiting to open presents
When we returned home I suggested to Andrew that we pile up our Christmas presents under the tree - I meant nicely of course but he just heard 'pile up' and made the biggest best-est pile that he could.
These 2 are from New Year's Day - Go Badgers!
Comments
Thanks for the update, and Roar (big t-Rex's are awesome)!