Claire at Gymnastics

Claire Swimming

Claire's swimming skills

Holidays

The holidays are my favorite time of the year...usually.

This year the season definately has a different feel to it. 

It's almost like I just want to power through them to get past the first Christmas without my dad.

I remember last year's Christmas I just powered through because I knew it was going to be the last one with him and I didn't want to think about it.  I went to work and just cried that night because I finally let the emotion out and began to cope with it being my last Christmas with my dad. 

My brother and I have spoken about one of our biggest fears this holiday season is when we will hear "Silent Night".  It will be particularly hard during Christmas Eve services.  When the song plays I will think of turning my dad the past three Christmas Eve masses and seeing tears streaming down his face.  I will also think of walking behind his casket down the aisle at his funeral because "Silent Night" was the procession song.  Phew...this season is just going to be rough.

On a positive note, I have three little ones that will help because they are so excited for Santa...well, Claire and Grace are!

Here is a poem that has given me some comfort...

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below,

With tiny lights,like heaven's stars,reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular;please wipe away the tear,

for i am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir here.

I have no word...s to tell you,the joy their voices bring,

for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me.I see the pain inside your heart.

but I am not so far away.We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones,You know I hold you dear.

And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above

.I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all"Love"is the gift,more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,as my Father said to do,

for I can't count the blessings or the love He has for you.

So,have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,

Remember,"I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year"

 

November 2011

November was filled with wonderful events.  Grace turned 2 this month and we had a party for her on the 11th.  She received lots of wonderful gifts and puzzles (which she LOVES!).  My mom and Pete's grandparents made the road trip to be here for the party and we are very grateful they were here to help celebrate.  The next weekend we started a new tradition, "Friendsgiving".  We basically had an adult party to help ring in the holiday spirit.  It was good food, good company and great times had by all!  We look forward to next year!. We have also decorated for Christmas and loved getting our new house all decked out for the holiday season.  We spent Thanksgiving in Indianapolis and had a great time visiting with family and friends.  Here are some pictures from our month.

The following are pictures from Grace's 2nd birthday party (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme)

This was the group that gathered for the first annual "Friendsgiving"

Grace and Cousin Bently

Claire took gymnastics throughout this month and had a really good time.  Here are some pics

Fun jump around time

Claire and Grace also took swim lessons every Wednesday.  We took Jake in after classes one day.

Claire does great - she does somersaults under water, floats/swims on her back and kicks her legs and has started swimming under water.  Grace blows bubbles underwater and loves being in the water.

Grace playing Angry Birds with bites of brownie in between (she passed Level 1!)

Claire and Grace ready to head out to play in the hot tub

We started a reward chart.  Its been working pretty well but of course there are still lots of challenges.  For example, when Grace or Claire shares, we move their character closer to the castle.  At that point, then Claire shares everything all the time and continually asks to move her character forward! :)

We used to feed ducks as a kid and it was so fun.  So, on a warm day I took Claire and Grace to feed the ducks and they had a really good time.  I enjoyed this experience a lot!

Keith, Beth and I did the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning and we had a lot of fun together!

The following are pictures from our Thanksgiving in Indianapolis.

Jake and Cousin Allison

Freethrow Tradition

A candle burned all day in memory of my dad.

Traditional cranberry craft - Macy's Day Parade :)

Decorating for Christmas

We are hosting a holiday party tonight, Our First Annual "Friends" Thanksgiving.  We decided to decorate for Christmas beforehand and we had so much fun doing it!  Here is what our house looks like now!

 Always remembered....

Below are the pictures from the family decorating the tree...