Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Most of the bi-polarness of December

So December was a month full of mixed feelings.  On one hand there was a big piece of me that attempted not to feel sorry for myself and frustrated, as there was always someone in the family that was sick everyday (until right up to Christmas) which prohibited us from doing many things that I would have liked to do.  With all the things available, I crave such fun times with the family. 
However, I did manage to squeeze some festive times with the littles, like working on this school project with Zoe that she truly enjoyed...Dressing up her gingerbread girl. 
We were also able to make it to a drive through nativity scene (can't spread germs that way).  Shiloh exclaimed, "It is just like Super Book (her Bible cartoon) with John the baptist!" Although Zoe burst into tears upon reaching the end, as she was not able to see Jesus from where she was sitting.
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How I managed to do an activity and advent lesson almost everyday last December with Zoe is beyond me now!
I did cherish the quiet moments that I had in preparing my own  heart for advent.
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It is always fun seeing family from out of town!  We got together with Beach's second cousins.
Most of our littles (Zoe was at dance class).
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Speaking of dance....Zoe adores it now.  She was so excited for us to come and see her little "show",  basically some of the things that she had been doing in her class.
She is such a great listener and her "I want to do the right thing" really shone through.
Her teacher is beautiful and looks just how you would picture a ballerina.
Daddy was pretty proud!  There were no pictures with mommy, as this was the day that I was really sick BUT I was not about to miss her show!
She was very happy that Grammy could come.  Grammy was a big reason why she could go to dance this year, as she took her each week for me.  I was not able to do so with my work schedule and then having to nurse Ezra when I got home.
Zoe was under the impression that everyone got roses after you dance and was very sad that she was not given any.  I could barely hold myself up, much let get a flower.
But on the way home we stopped by the store and Zo was able to pick out her own.  She was ecstatic.  Although later she did ask why most people had there's before the show and she got hers after. Ha!
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What!  There is sun out there!  I need to be in it and soak up the Vitamin D....this little friend joined me when I was reading up on our new Christmas gift.
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Zoe's dance class preformed for the Lowmen Home one Tuesday night.
I was a little nervous about it, as Zoe can be really candid and just not talk to others that she doesn't like.  However, she did well in her dance and handing out the Christmas cards that she made for the residents afterwards.
Shiloh had a hard time with me taking Zoe to dance that night, as she had wanted to go, too.  When I got home I found that she had dressed up on her own. 
I love when they love each other!
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I was able to make it to my (last) Christmas work party.  I work with some very special ladies!
Of course we had to have a fun game planned by the party planner herself. 
I will greatly miss seeing these amazing ladies on a regular basis!
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An event that I was excited to make it to was Breakfast in Bethlehem at a church near our house.  
I'm pretty sure we were the only ones that didn't regularly go there, but they were very friendly and welcoming.  
It was a blessing to our family and we learned that Zoe just LOVES grits!

And making crafts....Shiloh loves running around (but we knew this)!
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The time is coming to an end when my sister will watch my littles.
So I have enjoyed seeing how she has captured some of their last play dates!
She found a way to make both the the babes happy....having Lydia feed Ezra.
She is amazing in being able to handle four littles...especially babies!
So thankful that she was able to love my loves in my absence.
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Some of our dear friends had their third precious child that I got to visit when I was finally well enough to do so (I didn't want to share my germs)!
Ezra was clearly very excited to meet Emma as well!  Always enjoy introducing potential future suitors.
For real we had a great visit....Ez just didn't understand why he wasn't the only cute baby around.
I mean!!!!  I could hold this love all day!
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So technically in was New Years day when we celebrated Christmas with my family. 
This is true of their personalities!
Of course it was a very exciting Frozen Christmas.
All of the girls got dolls and were ecstatic to dress up.
We haven't figured out how to make things less crazy....is that even possible?


It was a very blessed Christmas....
And an even better year!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Loving the Loveland's X-mass Visit

We were thankful that Beach's parents could come down from Michigan for Christmas.  Bonus this year: Donald was able to come as well.  Extra special as he was heading out of the country on the day after Christmas.
I think Zoe adores them more and more each time.  It is special to see their love grow.
We were glad for an impromptu dinner with the extended family.
Zoe was ecstatic on being able to wear her new dress, and be schooled in the art of lipstick, Grandmas' trademark.
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We had a fun time decorating our first gingerbread house. 
Shiloh wasn't very interested....not even in trying a cookie.  I think the effects of her sickness were still running strong.  Zoe sure did enjoy it though!
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Delivering homemade grandma cookies to the neighbors.
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In that the girls often wear towels on their head (to make up for their lack of hair), they wanted Grandpa to match as well!
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Beach prepared his amazing cheesecake.
While my sister, Lauren, and Donna helped dehydrate many many a pear.
Zoe showing off her dried rosees!
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One of the gifts that the in-laws brought was a decorating piece for Ezra's room.
Everything is ready....
Christmas morning may have been more anticipated by the grown-ups for the children's response!

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Grandma prepared her special cinnamon rolls for the occasion.
Breakfast feast!
All approved!
Attempting to capture a picture before the extra fun begins.

Ezra wasn't feeling the Shiloh love.

Daddy gets presents, too.
Donna is the queen of making amazing baskets.
Check out the eyes!
Uncle Donald love for his present.
One of the biggest presents!
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I enjoyed a break with the beautiful weather and a couple of my littles to join along.
Later, Donald assisted with his gift in creating headbands.
Donna was at it again, creating a masterpiece.
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That night we enjoyed Christmas dinner at my parent's house.
Extra extra long table!
Beach's amazing creation....had to get a couple of bites in first.
When the meal is that good...
Ezra still wasn't feeling up to pictures later...
but we tried...
and tried.
And finally got some joy!
Zoe, also, gave out some love!
And Grammy had on a delicious necklace.
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We enjoyed a night at the zoo to see the lights!
Ezra was in the carrier and didn't get to see quite all of them.
They had "snow" there which must have been the girls favorite part!
Me and my littles!
And a picture of daddy in there, too!
Beach and his dad!
We managed a picture of all of us!  This was in the scene where Santa usually is at, but seeing that it was after Christmas, it just provided a nice backdrop.
Like granddaughter....
like Grandma!
Lots of holding to get a break from the walking.
And more snow to end the night!
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Another day it was a beautiful afternoon, so we took some time to enjoy Irmo park.
OH Ezra, that is not a nice face...
better!
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We took advantage of one of the cooler nights to make a fire, and the girls enjoyed warming their toes....
and toasting marshmallows.
I would say they liked the S'mores.
Although, Shiloh was not so sure at first.
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We ended a visit at our local Mexican restaurant.
A funny face one just for fun!
And then all smiles!
Last hugs before bed, as the grands would be heading out early the next morning before the littles would awake.
Zoe was not happy to have them go!  However, big smiles for Ezra who was to young to understand!
Another Grand visit that we will always cherish!