Monday, January 7, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It has been a crazy last couple months and we hope that your holidays were as crazy and fun as ours was. In this blog, I am putting our family newsletter for those that would like to read it. I will follow the blog a little later with our adventure to Michigan to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Hope you enjoy it:





Merry Chirstmas!

What is Christmas to you? Is it the tree, lights, maybe the Christmas music in the stores or in your home? What does this mean for you?
For our family, Christmas means a time of giving and sharing and celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's not the gifts or Santa that brings cheer, its knowing that you can give a little more and spend more time doing the things that bring you together as a family. Sure! This should be done all year round, but in reality, our lives are too busy, our schedules too full, and our days too short we tend to miss out on the things that matter. So why not take this Christmas and the Christmas' to come to share it with the people you love and care about? Make the holidays shine with the joy that God gave each one of us. Have a Merry Christmas from our little family to yours.


New Home!

As many of you know our little home on Sweetgrass was just that, little. With two growing girls and not a lot of storage space, we needed a bigger place to live. In May of this year we moved into our new home on AA Deakins. We have been so blessed to be able to move into a bigger space with additional room to grow. We plan on finishing the basement sometime next year, which will add an additional family room, full bath, and bedroom. Plenty of room for guests, so come by and visit us sometime.

 

Blessings

Our family has been blessed with so many things, nothing can compare to the blessings we have with friends. Throughout our trials and celebrations there has always been a friend by our side encouraging us, strengthening us, or laughing with us.  Without these people, our lives would be incomplete. These people are special blessings given to us as a gift from God to make this world a little better. Thank you to all of our friends. You mean the world to us and we wish you a blessed Christmas.

Christmas Spirit

Do you remember when you were a kid? What was Christmas like for you? This year we made a couple traditions.
1) A train around the tree.
2) Picking out a real Christmas tree.  (Tree in picture is not actual size of family tree.)

 

Adventures with J&O

It has been another amazing year with our identical twin girls, Juliana and Olivia. They are growing quickly and have just recently turned 32 months (2 1/2 years + 2 months.) As everyday passes they are talking more, moving more and absorbing everything.
While Daddy is at work, Mama and the girls spend lots of time together, playing, learning, cooking, and shopping, which all little girls should learn to do. Some of the girls favorite things to do are: eat, cook with Mama, play with puzzles, trains, and buckles.
 
Our world would not be this fulfilled without our angels. They have brought us so much joy and love. What a true blessing they are.

We tell our girls how much we love them several times out of the day. It is really amazing to see how this transfers back to us when we least expect it. A kiss, a hug, an "I Love You", lets us know what real love is.

 

What's Going On?!

While Jenn enjoys staying home with the girls, she has also started her running up again. As of 4 months ago, she started running with Juliana and Olivia. The family just did their first 5K race together this December. In May/June of 2013, Jenn will begin to train for her first classic triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 18 mile bike, and 4 mile run.)
Mike is doing well as a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual. His business has kept him active in the community. He just recently hired on staff to help him continue to be productive and was also featured in the Columns business magazine for his success with Northwestern. He enjoys working closely with his clients and their families.

 Remembrances


This is the time of year that brings great happiness, but a sadness too as we miss those that are no longer here with us. Jenn's mom was a special part of our lives and will always hold a special place in our hearts. As every Christmas, our tree is decorated in angels in memory of her. Please take time in your busy lives to think about those that have passed away, but remain in our hearts. Remember how they made a difference and hold on to those memories this holiday season.