2012 in review...

This year has stretched me in many different ways.  The memories and experiences that I will pull from this past year has forever changed me and the way I view my own little world.  To say that I have a lot to be thankful for would be a huge understatement.  There are three valuable things that I have learned in 2012 - flexibility, family, and faith. 

I have always been the kind of mom that thrives on a schedule and honestly get stressed to the max when someone skips a nap or goes to bed 45 minutes past their bed time.  I am doing better with these control freak tendencies now that I am a mom of two, but until fairly recently I truly haven't been okay with being more flexible in regards to the kids.  There have been multiple situations that have pushed me into the world of being "flexible."  Abram had been so sick this past year.  This little guys was quite literally sick at least once a month; between ear infections, the flu, or other bizzaro diseases he had.  Brandon also spent a good portion of the year in Japan.  Being on my own with two kids  forced me to adapt my typical way of doing things.  And of course, Japan.  Our families stay in Japan for two and a half months taught me MANY things about being flexible, which I will talk more about. 

I use the word family in a bit of a broad sense.  We have our family of four, our immediate family, our good friends here (who are like family), and our church family.  A sense of family should makes us feel loved and valued.  Brandon's travels this past year made me appreciate him even more.  I guess when they say distance makes the heart grow fonder they are right.  Much of the time we did have together as a family of four meant a lot.  We have small children which naturally makes life a bit more difficult and exhausting, but time together even playing with blocks on the floor, or giving the kids a bath together felt good.  My love language is definitely quality time, so the moments together, both big and small were energizing.

The willingness to come half way across the world to help us at the drop of a hat gave me another example of just how much our family loves us.  I really can't even put into words how much it meant to me to have my mom, dad, and Marilyn come to my rescue during a time which was initially pretty scary.  Our good friends and church family are a big part of our life here in Indiana.  I know God has placed a few special families in our lives, and without the blessing of these folks I would be lost.

Faith!  I hear older people talk about the fact that our generation has never really lived through difficult times and it is true.  At the age of 30, there hasn't really been any experiences that have really boldly tested my faith.  Our time in Japan did just that. Experiencing the faithfulness of God's power and provision has been amazing.  It's kind of funny, I'm reading a book about faith right now, and it amazes me how many people in this world just don't have the ability to believe.  I've believed for some time now, but to be in a situation where I truly had nothing or no one to rely on but my Lord and Savoir was perfection.  It is His plan for us to rely solely on Him, and when we do life is great no matter what the circumstance.

I'm praying that 2013 is going to be another year with even further growth.  God is good, and I have faith that this next year He will use me to make a difference for His glory.  Happy New Year!

White (just a day late) Christmas!

I was so happy to hear that a blizzard was blowing through late Christmas evening.  I figure, hey, if you're going to live in the Midwest you should be able to enjoy all the seasons.  We really don't much snow at all in Southern Indiana, so the few times a year we do I embrace it!  Brandon took Adison to go out sledding while Abe napped, but that lasted 10 minutes max!  I think they had a good time driving around the neighborhood sipping on their hot cider though.  :)

 

I took the two of them out today to play in the snow, and again it was short lived.  I took me longer to get Abram all suited up, then the amount of time we actually spent outside.  I had to snap a couple first time playing in the snow pics.

 

Approximately 4 minutes later this was us.  Oh well, he enjoyed it for a few minutes!  :)

Christmas 2012

We had a nice quite Christmas here in Indiana by our selves.  Brandon had to work shut down this year, so we weren't able to go anywhere.  Adison had a wonderful time opening gifts while Abe couldn't have cared less.  It was nice making a mess, eating good food, and spending time as a family.

 

Brandon smoked two turkey breasts on the bone and they were delicious!!!!

 

We had rolls, cheesy potatoes, turkey, vegetarian mushroom gravy, and roasted cranberry and brussel sprouts!  It was a yummy little feast.

Christmas Eve

In keeping with a Christmas tradition, Knick-knack left new Christmas jammies on the door step that evening.  Adi thinks this is so fun.  Abe is still to young to get any of it as you can see on the second picture down.  :)

 

Brandon read the Christmas story to us after bath time.  Abram was a bit antsy, but Adi enjoyed sitting down and listening to Brandon read the story.  The is a great new tradition we started this year now that Adi is old enough to listen and enjoy.  As the kids get older we want nothing more then for them to understand the true meaning of Christmas and just how lucky we are that our Lord and Savior came to earth for all of us.  I was so pleased when Adi ran out of her room Christmas morning and shouted, "Good morning Jesus and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Christmas Eve Cookies

As far back as I can remember there has never been a Christmas Eve where I haven't made my Grandma's cut out cookies.  There is something about family traditions that just tug at my heart.  The fond memories of making these every year always floods my mind and helps me remember what is really important; family.  Adison and "Abe" had a blast making and frosting the cookies.  We did most of the work when Abe was asleep, but we saved him a cookie and some icing so he wouldn't miss out on the action. 

Grandma Alice Ahern's Christmas Cookie Recipe

1 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

375 degrees 8-10 minutes

My dear friend Lindsey's Icing Recipe

2/3 cup butter
1lb powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup milk (add gradually) may not need all of it. 

Abram is 15 months!

15 month stats:

weight - 23 lbs 26%
height - 31.5 in 58%

Man I can't believe this sweet little guys is already 15 months!  This kid is pure joy to our family.  I'll tell you when he is unhappy, he's unhappy and there is no denying that, but the rest of the time he is cuddly, a climber, a dancer, a laugher, and a pretty good little eater, and just so much fun to be with.  He is still letting me cuddle him for a good 20 minutes after he wakes up (mainly because he wakes up way too early and he isn't ready himself to get up).  I love this time with him!  His sweet little demeanor warms my heart and reminds me how lucky I am to be his mommy!

So the low down on our little guy:  He has 10 teeth (with more coming in currently).  He loves yogurt, milk, and ANY fruit.  He ADORES climbing on EVERYTHING.  He says mama, dada, Aya (Adi), and ball.  He likes helping clean up. :)  He is still using a paci and is getting more attached to his blankie.  He thinks it is hilarious when you run after him.  He gave me his first real kiss this past week when I asked him for one!

Helping mommy get lettuce ready for dinner.

Christmas is almost here...

The picture below sums up our morning perfectly.  Getting out of the house on Sunday mornings is treacherous for us.  I am pretty sure it is because Abe still takes a pretty early morning nap.  The kids looked cute and we made it to church in one piece - that is all that matters.  Pastor Alan delivered a wonderful sermon again this morning and reminded us all what Christmas is all about and what our response should be this time of year and all throughout the year!

 

We went and looked at Christmas lights tonight and sang carols in the car.  We all thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think it was even more special since we are so close to Christmas.  

Christmas fun...

The big day is 1 WEEK away!  I am so happy that I haven't let the holiday hustle and bustle get to me this year.  I haven't stressed this year about making sure everything is just right.  There are still gifts to be bought, treats to be made, and mail to get out.  It's hard this time of year to really slow down and focus on what is really important; with everyone here being sick I've been forced to slow way down and just be here for Bran and my kids. I've really enjoyed the time spent with my three little sickies.  Our little family has been sick for the last week and half or so.  I have been spared so far, and man oh man am I thankful for that!  I have enjoyed taking care of these three TERRIFIC people and am also happy I was able to sneak in a few little Christmasy things to do. 


The overlap between everyone being sick we were able to make salt dough ornaments.  Adi enjoyed making these cute little guys from start to finish.  Abram was disappointed by the salty taste (didn't have a great pic of that - bummer I know) of the dough. 
 









 


Knick-knack brought Adi a gingerbread kit and let me tell you she was EXCITED.  You would have thought it was Christmas morning.  It is going to be a fun Christmas with her this year!  She actually ran and got Bran out of bed she was so excited about it.  Tracy came over early that morning and Adi said she would love it if Tracy would help her build it.  Tracy and Joyce came over that evening to help us put the little train and house together.