Splash - December 2015

Yes, this picture is blurry.  In a feeble attempt to tie in the mistake I made and make it significant and appear intentional, I will note that the last year HAS passed by like a blur.  Seriously.  Rachel got a job (or three), bought a car (or three) started dating and graduated high school.  Samantha started dating and leaves the house now a lot more than she ever has before.  She changes her mind all the time on what she wants to do after she finishes high school.  Charlotte grew about two feet - really - and now plays two competitive sports.  She only thinks she started dating.  Josephine started and stopped gymnastics and piano and now masters both without any formal setting and has taken on construction via a new love of legos.  JMichael still plays video games and soccer - plus he loves wrestling, football, baseball and his newest attempt to keep up with his sisters - basketball.  He alos believes he is dating.  This year WAS a blur.  James kicked all his meds - he left his pain management doctor and literally did his own withdrawal treatment for his meds (hydrocodone, morphine, and tzanadine).  He's all natural now, and while he still hurts and sometimes more than ever, at least he is clear and present and his liver and heart are not having to work as hard.  He's amazing.  I'm still writing for a law firm.  Last year it was just me and the lawyer and she handled family law almost exclusively.  This year, her husband passed the bar and joined us.  Now we do wills and civil litigation and personal injury and criminal and wow.  It's a whole new game.  James and I are exhausted.  I hope 2016 brings just as much good news - Happy New Year, everyone.

Christmas, 2015

Gingerbread houses with the Ball Team....gone in sixty seconds.

Balmy Christmas day by the town fountain.

 

We are a paycheck to paycheck kind of family.  Christmas is not a huge event, gift-wise.  James and I do what we can, and our parents are generous, but, we try to focus more on each other.  This year each of the kids got a present they wanted, and a few little things they liked.  We played, we ate Chinese food and we hung out together.  That's what Christmas is about - our family.  Jesus Christ was born in a stable all those years ago and He wants us to be happy, and enjoy our time here to learn.  We need to learn about Him, about life, about how to be happy.  That's Christmas.

Stockings, 2015

This picture does not do these stockings justice.  You are all invited to my house to view them in person and appreciate their beauty.  Ma outdid herself this year.  Each stocking has a different Santa, a different border, a different toe design....all backed in crushed red velvet.  I love them, Ma.  This kids asked if Santa was going to fill them and I said absolutely not.  I will treasure them.  Thank you, Ma, for all your hours of stitching our Christmas stockings.

Rachel is a high school graduate!

So this happened.  Rachel graduated high school.    She finished one semester early and she is now working full time at Tasty Freeze.  Rachel is that teenager that has all the answers.  Sometimes they are the wrong answers, but, she has the answers nonetheless.  She has a plan and dedication all her own.  Rachel has always been stubborn and dedicated to her ideals.  Now, as a blooming adult, she is determined to take on the world - move out, make her way and live her life.  You go girl.  Just don't forget to call home - we are your biggest fans.  Congratulations, Rae.

Dance Wall

This is a bizarre picture.  I know.  Samantha is 16 and she is the second one in on the left side.  I don't tell my kids enough how proud I am of them.  Each one is a different person, with different interests and talents.  Each one of them is a huge part of my life and I cannot imagine how devastated I would be if I lost one.  Recently, in our rural little town, a car was in an accident.  The driver lost control and hit a tree and rolled a few times, ejecting the occupants.  All four victims were either juniors, seniors or had just graduated from high school.  All popular, blonde, pretty, full of life.  This accident brought out a lot in people.  Some mourned, others warned, still others grieved silently.  My kids ride with their friends - most kids do.  Tragedy can be right around the next corner.  Hug your littles.  Love those kids.