10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. . .

Happy New Year! (I have just about an hour 30 mintues to spare before the first day of the new year comes to a close!)

Kiddos were up past midnight, and we didn't even do the count down! We were getting ready for bed. But, they did enjoy sparkly juice and had a blast with horns and hats! Addi didn't get to wear her hat until this morning - and isn't she a cutie?

 

Our Christmas. . .
For the past two years we have challenged ourselves to spend less and to give more. We participate in Advent Conspiracy and this year the money raised was used towards Project Keep it Flowing. Keep it Flowing Ministry is committed to keeping life’s basic necessities flowing to the people who live on the streets of the “North B” area. It was formed to respond to the needs of our homeless community by serving and sharing for the Kingdom of God. This effort is supported by members of our church and our network of family and friends. This year we were able to share with 60 people who call the streets their home, duffel bags filled with brand new 30 degree sleeping bags, tarps, water bottles, socks, gloves, scarves, hats, water, snacks, toothbruses, tooth paste and hand santizer. As Peyton would say in his prayers, "God, please keep the people who don't have homes warm and comfy."

Christmas Eve we do a fun exchange at DH's Grandma's house.

 

Gifts hand made with love from each child for us!

 

 

I can't believe how much Gracyn has changed since last Christmas. Actually, I can't believe how much our family has changed, or better yet, grown.

 

Gracyn really got the hang of Christmas this year, and couldn't stop talking about Santa. Actually, she's still talking about it! G: "Santa, treat??" Me: "No sweet girl, Santa went home."

 

The weather was beautiful on Christmas day. Peyton enjoyed his new scooter from Gong-Gong, and of course my little girlfriend had to ride along too!

 

My littlest Sweet Pea's very first Christmas, and she slept through almost every bit of it!

 

 

Gracyn is like that doll, "little Mommy". She's a girl after her Mommy's heart. Work that camera girlfriend! She recently started talking up a storm. Peyton has actually had to tell her to be quiet, and all I hear 24/7 is "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" in her sweet little voice! Not Mom, not Mama, but Mommy. I typically hate the "junk" cluttering up the background of photos. However, I love how the cutter you see includes our engagement photo and the camera that Grandma allowed Gracyn to take pictures with.

 

Thank you God for my family. You certainly must have been thinking about me when you made each and every single member of our household.

 

Every holiday we go to the cemetery as a family and hang out. With each passing Christmas we stay longer and there's a lot more joy! This year it was great to see smiles and laughter.

 

Mom - we know you were smiling down on us watching the boys be silly. And yes, Mom, Darryl is riding a Dora scooter.

 

Isn't my Dad handsome?

 

My Dad makes won ton every Christmas. This year he made about three or four hundred! All by hand, and all by himself!

 

The last ride of 2009. . .It is such a blessing to see the two big kids enjoying each other. They have always seemed close, even from day one, but now they are two peas in a pod. Gracyn copies everything Peyton does! Then again, when I ask, "Who did that?" she's quick to say, "buh-buh". . .always ratting her brother out!

 

Wishing each of you a year filled with an abundance of blessings! Thank you for sharing in our our journey through life. We are looking forward to what 2010 holds.