Week after Christmas

Joel was still sick the first day of the LSI tournament, so he watched from home. He was able to join the team for the last couple days. 

More puzzles

Wunderland

Chocolate taste test

Christmas

There are no amazing photos from this Christmas. Sickness put a damper on our plans for togetherness (again…we’ve had this happen many times). Joel has been sick with a fever for the last three days, but we made the best of it, live-streaming the church service on Christmas Eve for him and FaceTiming him in to family gatherings. It’s a bummer, and I’m sad he’s so miserable and missing out on the fun. He rallied for our morning and a couple photos. Hopefully, he bounces back very soon! As I sit here in our quiet house with him, I am reflecting on the fact that God has blessed us with so much, and I don’t want to take any of it for granted. I can be sad in this moment and still have joy. It can still be a merry Christmas! 

Now to get the next puzzle started.

Birthday Post for Mom

Happy birthday, Mom! It’s not easy sharing a birthday with Jesus. Glad we got to celebrate you today. You are generous, gracious, firm in your convictions, and the friendliest person I know. I admire your unwavering faith and complete trust in the Lord, no matter the storm or trial. I know it’s come from weathering those storms and leaning on the Lord through them. I’m thankful for you. Love you!

Christmas Eve

Best way to start the day—quiet, Bible, prayer, and tea by the tree. It was a gift and much-needed. Merry Christmas Eve!

December Misc

 Winter week at school includes door decorating. A talented student of mine, Chloe, designed my door this year, and I carried out her plan as best I could. She did the owl for me, and I did the rest, with the help of some of my TA's. Turned out so cute!

Grant's youth group Christmas party was "dress like your favorite fictional character" night, and it was a great opportunity to reuse his Halloween costume onesie. 

Puzzle and White Christmas time, Festivus at 1st lunch, Kari and Maggie playing piano and bassoon together at church, winter concert for Joel, Kari in buffalo plaid, Aubrey and Maya making Hungarian Kipfles for an assignment in AP Euro, with some help from Kari.

20th Birthday

Happy birthday, Kari Lynn! Having a 20 year old makes me sound kind of old. You are a lovely young lady, and I am so proud of you. It makes me happy to see you enjoying CBU, going on adventures, and making fun memories. Social media gets a bad rap, but I’m thankful for how it gives us a peek into your life away from us.  We like what we see! Keep following hard after God, and he will direct your path!

Elegant Dinner

Our big kids are headed to youth group for the “elegant dinner” tonight, and they looked so nice all dressed up. Aubrey had me braid her hair (post-swim practice, no time to dry and curl). It’s been a while, but I’ve still got the skills!