A Birthday Deterrent

Almost through January and it seems like things are going to be ok, lol! We made it through the inauguration and Biden is officially in the White House, so the world is slowly coming out of the cocoon that we seemed to put ourselves in awaiting the election results. It didn't go the way I wanted, but I refuse to get into all this craziness that has transpired over the past few months! I'm all for unity, so praying for that at least?!? Anyway, we're living and making it through just trying our best to be respectful! Not much I can do about it and I know the Lord is in control anyway, so I don't worry.....I just let go and let God! However, bring on the Patriot Party! LOL!!

The best thing about January 20th, it was Brenton's birthday and we had a great reason to be happy and celebrate. A little birthday deterrent never hurt anyone...hahaha! We celebrated our favorite guy and enjoyed the evening with him being 43 this year! Politics didn't matter at that point and we didn't care who was just sworn in that day. We had other things, that were much more important, to be done! It blows my mind every year when I think about how long I've known my husband, where we've been, and where we are headed! It's been a journey, but man has it been a good one! We had a fun time singing, laughing, opening presents, and eating pie with the man who is the rock of our household.... 

Happy Birthday daddy

43 never looked so good =)

making his wish

present time

birthday lunch w/ daddy

Another thing that happened this month, Jadan & Karis asked Ethan to be an usher in their wedding this summer. It was a surprise and Ethan was so excited! He wanted to be in it, but knew it wasn't his decision, so when they asked him he was pretty stoked...

😊

Memories Make The Season

The past couple of weeks were, considering the obvious, a great time spent with my little family. This pandemic had certainly changed things, but we were determined to make the most of it. I have, for the past 5 years, taken off work to be home with my boys for their entire Christmas break. I was considering not doing it this year, now looking back, I'm so glad I continued with the tradition. We didn't do half of what I had planned in my mind, but we did enjoy every moment and made the most of our time together.

Today, was their first day back and I'm happy to say that Colin went back without a single tear and no vomiting! This is HUGE! For the past 3-4 years, this child has not wanted to go back after the holidays. I can't say that I blame him, because who doesn't love the coziness that the Christmas season brings, but when he gets himself so worked up vomiting comes into play and that means a mess for someone else to clean up. I hate when his autism affects others, especially the yuck side! However, I had to learn to let go & let God, because I can't control that side of his autism. Now, I do make sure they are equipped with a bucket, extra clothes, and wipes, but I have to not get upset when it goes beyond the limits of my control. And, let me tell you, that's hard to do! So, when I got word today that he did great I was so excited! This mama smiled from ear to ear and gave a big thank you to the man upstairs! 

The past couple of weeks sure were fun, relaxing, memorable, challenging at times, and overall worth every minute being home....

visiting my grandparents

our little touch of Christmas left behind

he got to visit Dad at work

playing indoor soccer, LOL

his gift from his teachers

Hello 2021

The time came to say goodbye to 2020 and hello 2021! I've never been more excited to say "bye bye" to a year than I was to see the date change this morning! Yes, 2020 was a weird year, but some good things did come out of it, as well. So, no, it wasn't all that bad I guess...BUT, I'm ready to see what 2021 has up its sleeve! I'm not a resolution girl anymore, but I do have my word picked and I'm ready to tackle what comes. So, bring it on 2021, let's do this! LOL!

Last night, we had a great night in celebrating NYE. I prefer it, tbh, and just love having these moments with my guys. I know a time will come when it'll change, but for now I'm embracing the simplicity. Brenton and Ethan went shooting and when they got back we got dinner, relaxed, played games, and reminisced with our memory jar. Just a quiet night, but it was a fun one......

Woke up today to the beginning of a new year and also, finally getting to celebrate Christmas with my parents. It was, obviously, a different vibe seeing Christmas was over, but we all were looking forward to being able to see them and spend some time with them. I think one thing that came out of last year for many, me included, is the gratitude of getting the opportunity to physically see and spend time with family! Alot of people's lives were forever changed with this pandemic and I was so thankful, driving to my parents, knowing that we were about to celebrate with them and that our lives are still intact! That, in and of itself, is truly the greatest gift! 

It was a great morning, the weather made us change the afternoon around, but we still got to celebrate. I don't know what to say other than that, because today truly brought the whole year into perspective...enjoy the moments you get! A week before our celebration was changed, due to COVID and this week we had to leave early, due to a power outage! I mean what in the world?!? However, we took what we could and enjoyed our time, but I pray next year can bring back the traditional celebrations we all are accustomed to....

A Very 'COVID' Christmas

Christmas, although weird, turned out to be a great time. This was the first year that we weren't with extended family, due to the pandemic, but we made the most of it! We celebrated with Brenton's parents the Saturday before and then were supposed to celebrate with my parents a week later, but my sister ended up with a positive COVID test so we had to postpone for another week. We made the most of celebrating at home and truly did have a great time, but it just wasn't the same! 

Our theme this year for our Christmas Eve celebration was The Polar Express. We chose it back during Thanksgiving and I didn't go crazy, just got a few things to decorate the table, ordered cookies, and found a cute DIY for our family ornament to capture the theme, as well. We had a fun day and evening together here at home relaxing and preparing for the big man to arrive. Our tradition, we all campout in our bedroom, so after dinner we all got in our jammies and headed off to bed......

Now, Christmas Day, I remember myself being up early every single year BUT I now understand the hardship that comes into play when your children FINALLY fall asleep at 1 am then up at 3:30......OMG! I wasn't too sure how it would all pan out, but we had some pretty happy boys when they woke up and that made all the angst worth it. There is nothing more fulfilling than a child's excitement on Christmas morning......