Christmas

The night of Christmas eve, she put cookies out for Santa ...and was quite proud of herself.

"Staying up for Santa", not so much.

Santa came

And boy, did he deliver!

Barbie glam pool was a must have

Rapunzel in our kitchen

Alivia "cheese" Ahern modeling her scarf and hat

Nativity

Ayla was a donkey this year, in the children's nativity, at church. She practiced her HEE-HAWing at home :) It was very, very cute
Not too long before the Christmas Eve service, Darren was asked to play the part of Joseph in the regular service. He obliged. I know it was a great thing for him to do but I just couldn't stop laughing. My husband, Joseph...

Santa Baby

We hit up both major malls in our area this year. At oakview, we had a slightly creepy Santa. He wasn't super friendly but did really seem to like babies. We weren't really there for a visit anyway, just happened to see him so we stopped. Westroads ALWAYS has an amazing Santa. A cuddly, loving, rosey cheeked, twinkle-in-his-eye kind of Santa. A chubby one with a soft beard and genuine smile. This wasn't the same Santa they had last year but he was equally "real". Thank you Santa, for making Ayla's Christmas dreams come true!

First Annual Gingerbread House Party!

This year we decided to decorate gingerbread houses with our neighbors and friends. I got the houses and icing plus some candy the kits came with. Each Family brought a bag or two for more variety and and a major sugar buzz, adults included! Here is the set up pre-decorating...
I think everyone had a good time, even daddies were digging in and helping.

There really wasn't much to clean up. I was surprised at how tidy everyone was.

We had all kinds of fun houses....some of the youngest kids had the cutest ones!

It was a great time we had snacks and drinks for kids and adults alike. When the houses were complete, dads and kids gravitated to the basemesnt where the toys and big tv is. Moms hung around upstairs to chat . This will definitely be an annual thing on South 199th circle!

Portraits

This beautiful girl of ours, created by God and made of our own beings

Full of smiles, giggles and belly laughs

Bright shining eyes, as big as saucers

So innocent and naive, having never known the cruelties of this big world

She loves God, her family, her friends

Such an example of love and a gift from above

Love you sweet girl, just for being you!

Thanksgiving

We have no pictures for Thanksgiving this year, well, we have pictures. That's just not what this post is about.

I am thankful for...

God's mercy and grace

Darren - This man, I wouldn't even be me without him.

Ayla - Our beautiful little miracle, a gift straight from the hands of God.

Our home - Full of love and happiness.

Our church - New and strongly budding.

Our pets - Yes, even our naughty but snuggly Boston.

Our health

The chance that we're being given to grow our family through foster care and adoption.

My parents, especially how much they love me and my family.

Our family and friends

Holly. I don't even have to say more than that...just Holly.

I am so very blessed by our God. For the people He's brought to my life and for the gifts he constantly bestows upon us. I don't know how to show the thanks that fills my heart.

North Dakota Hockey

John and Carol came down last weekend for the Sioux/Mavericks Hockey game weekend. Carol bought tickets and tshirts...Ayla wanted to wear her Mavericks shirt. Being the wonderful daughter in law that I am, I convinced her to dress Sioux! Bwahahahaha!!! Okay, I really did get her to wear the shirt though.

Grandma explaining the game

Cheering for the Sioux


Tenley watching the game with Grandpa John




What makes a hockey game fun?? Nachos!

Tenners keeping warm

Sioux won on Friday....Mavs on Saturday. Good games!