Visit to Clarion (Christmas #3)

Saturday morning we decided to head up to Clarion...  we have not seen my family in a long time (haven't seen Dad since like May, which is ridiculous). Anyway, we were smart, and visited each family separately, and for about an hour. 

We stopped at Tricia's... were able to see Eden for awhile, which was nice...  Nice little visit with them. 

Then we headed to Jill's - saw Lindsay and Ryan there.  Another good visit.  

Then we picked up Casey's pizza and took late lunch to my Dad.  He was happy to see us, and we just sat around and visited.  We let Boomer run outside at the farm, which he LOVED.  Clarion had more snow than us, and Boomer just loves the snow.  He had a ball!  It was nice to see Dad... I know he gets sad and lonely, I get it.  I know he's ready for COVID to be 'controlled', so we can start visiting more.  

And on our way home, we stopped to see Mom.  Gosh, it had been way too long.  I felt bad.  I sure do miss her, and wish she was here.  

We were home by dark, and then just hung out Saturday night.  It was a really good day.

Christmas #2 (US!!)

We celebrated at home all day long with just us on Christmas Day.  It was a great day... exhausting, but great!  

The kids were up a little earlier than normal...  (I could have slept another hour!), but they were excited!  Santa had come, which brightens our little morning... so fun to see the kids be excited and happy.  

We kept to our normal schedule for Christmas...  

Santa
Breakfast
Our gifts
Lunch
Kayson's birthday gifts
Play, organize, nap, whatever!

I even fed the family for both meals!  ha.  We didn't go anywhere, so I had to!  ha.  

Anyway, we had a great day...  the kids were spoiled as always, but they seemed very thankful.  Especially Kayson - receiving his first cell phone!  Big deal!  It's been a joke that he wasn't going to get one... or he was going to get a hand-me down phone.  He would get so frustrated with us.  It was funny.  Another funny thing is anytime we talked about K getting a phone - Cora would get upset, saying it wasn't fair and is totally jealous.  There was a bet that she would cry at Christmas... and she did!!  ahah.  Funny, but not funny.  Little stinker. 

Anyway, it was a great morning...  we just putzed around all day - organizing, stopping to play, walking Boomer, sitting, more organizing...  it was just a busy day!  I was exhausted!!

Very thankful that we could be home... even though I missed my family this afternoon, we hope to see them a little tomorrow!  

Christmas #1 (Taylor's)

Last weekend we celebrated Christmas with Ryan's parents and brother's family.  With COVID, we were pretty smart and kept it small and didn't over-do it.  We went to Creston Saturday afternoon and were home Saturday evening.  

The kids had a blast seeing each other, and was a good little afternoon. 

Kayson's 12th birthday!!

Merry Christmas, 2020!  But more importantly, it's Kayson's 12th birthday.  WHAT?  How in the world has it been 12 years?!  

He woke happy, and so ready for his day...  as he should!  

We celebrated at home, just us 4 (and Boomer), and it was a great day for Kayson.  And that's all that matters!

His favorite gift (for Christmas) was a cell phone.  Yes, a phone.  What the heck?  Again, how did this happen?  He has been asking for one for about a year... and we have pushed it off for this long, and did well at it too!  Finally, it just made sense, and it's completely fine.  He's responsible enough and knows how to take care of stuff like that... so I'm not worried about that.  I just don't like that it's ANOTHER electronic!  But it's ok - he's 12, he's a kid, and we made him super happy!

Some basics about this kid:

• Weighs about 82 pounds, maybe
• Height - not exactly sure, but getting tall!
• Been working out - he's been going to Acceleration Iowa twice a week to work on speed and endurance, and some weights.  We are excited to see him grow in that!
• LOVES electronics.  I mean - seriously, he's got it all.
• Has a funny sense of humor.
• He's a good kid in school and to others, which is important to us.
• Loves to sleep with ALL the blankets and clothes...  I would be sweating!  
• He is a typical older brother - loves Cora, but hates her at the same time.  They do pretty well with each other.

He will celebrate with a few friends in January.

Happy 12th birthday Kayson Michael.  We are so blessed to have you as our son!!

Back to school buildings

I'm playing catchup now!

Monday of this week (December 14), the kids returned to school.  I have very mixed feelings about it all - thinking it's crazy they go back to the buildings for only 7 days until Christmas break, but then I think it's great - as they both need to see their friends and be away from home!  But I worry.  and I pray we all stay safe and healthy throughout the next 2 weeks, at least!!  

Kayson was looking forward to going back...  he was up in plenty of time, and annoyed that the bus was a little late!  He's so like me.  ha.  He had a great day, but was tired when he got home!  

Cora was less than thrilled to return.  She dragged her feet all morning, and even had tears in her eyes!!  But she went, obviously, and had a good day.  She did however say on the way home - "it was fine, but I still didn't want to go!!"  Boy, she's a treat!  ha. 

Not much else going on...  getting ready for Christmas, and I'm getting a little nervous to see the families.  We are keeping things small and simple - but I'm still nervous.  I just pray that everything goes well. 

Student of the Month

Kayson's middle school does "Student of the Month"...  they take each POD and then each main class chooses a Student of the Month.  He was chosen as Social Studies Student of the Month!  I was so happy for him, and he was excited too!  The teacher explained that he's a hard worker at home, he's funny and does well.  All the things that a parent wants to hear!  

There he is - Silver Pod Student of the Month!

This & That/Weekend

We survived another week with the kids home...  I survived.  ha.  It's been going ok.  I do wish that Cora was 'online' more consistently with her class, but I understand it's probably not the best choice for 2nd graders, and they need time to get work done outside of being with the class. I get it, but it's sometimes hard to balance!!

Regardless, we made it through another week.  As of now, we will have one more week of online, BUT my guess is we will be online through the end of the year.  Nothing has been said, but honestly doesn't make much sense to send the kids back for only 7 or 8 days before holiday break... 

Anyway, dance is continuing, which is nice.  and Kayson goes and shoots with his team twice a week too.  Again, nice to have them do something 'normal' and away from home. 

We bit the bullet and had a company put Christmas lights up on our house... and it's awesome!  We love it... so pretty, and Ryan didn't have to do it!  

We learned some terrible news Thursday morning.  Our friend, Travis, passed away last Wednesday afternoon.  Age of 42.  Unfortunately, he struggled with alcoholism, and it took his life.  Ryan and I are breaking inside for him... for Cali, for those two boys... and Colleen, and the rest of the family.  It's a tough pill to swallow.  I pray that God is with all of them and gives them peace. 

Our weekend consisted of nothing... again.  ha.  Wow Covid really has kept us home, huh!??  I am a homebody, so I appreciate it, but also could appreciate seeing and being with some friends and family right now.  Missing so many people. 

Random pictures throughout the week:

Cora did some baking Saturday!

We enjoyed some Christmas lights Friday night!

Sunday School online... at home...  crafts and all!