Christmas 2022!

 This was our family Christmas card this year. I went with a new company, because I had a Groupon. I ordered 40 cards and it was just the right amount. I hate how hardly anyone sends out cards anymore.. I love sending and getting mail!!! Oh well. I love how colorful the cards were and I used a pic from our beach trip in August :) 

We went to sooo many parades to watch Brooke and Caleb this year! But it was a lot of fun! Caleb was actually in FIVE.. that's insane. We had to get him better socks because he was getting blisters from marching so much in those stiff dress shoes. Can't wait until next year when Rachel will be in the marching band and we can watch her in the parades, too! 

Rachel had her 8th grade winter band concert! They did a really great job! We had heard her practicing her trumpet at home many nights and I had Christmas songs constantly stuck in my head, haha. I somehow convinced her to wear a necklace with her outfit that night, and she wore the Santa hat on her own! 

Brooke and I did some last minute Christmas shopping together! I think she is loving having a job and having her own money to spend. She picked out her boyfriend a gift while we were out. She also helped me pick out some things for Rachel. 

The night we went to see the Christmas lights like we do every year we came home and got into our cozy pjs! No we didn't match this year, but oh well. Rachels pjs came from the mall when she went on her Washington DC trip. My pj set actually came from Walmart! They are so soft and cute for the price! 

I love collecting ornaments and end up getting so many new ones every year, to commemorate occasions or just because cute ones were on clearance at the end of the season (haha) This year a lot of the ornaments had to do with dad. I got the ones I saw that had to do with heaven. Then I got a cardinal because of the saying that when you see one after a loved one dies it means a "God wink" or that everything ok. We dedicated a special spot on the tree this year to dad. We added the duck because he used to hunt and had duck statues in his office, and a stack of books because he loved to read. My friend Rosie surprised me with a sweet memorial ornament that I added to the tree later. 

Our girls Christmas gathering was a little different than normal this year-- because we stayed in... but it was all good because this year we had baby ENSLEY to hang out with! She is an honorary member of our group now ;) We hung out at Joannes, ate snack foods, and watched Bad Moms Christmas movie. We somehow ended up the night watching old rap videos on YouTube..... it was a strange night but so much fun! And jess finally got her Ensley snuggles! 

On Christmas Eve we had lunch with Arnold's parents like always. Arnold got a ham at work for Christmas so we heated it up and took it over. Arnold's sister didn't get to join us this year because she was sick. We ate and then opened presents and hung out awhile. It was COLD this year! 

We actually managed a nice family pic! And Arnold didn't have to set up the tripod and timer because his dad took the picture for us.. ha. 

That evening we went to moms church (my childhood church) for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Mom was going to go with us, but it was just too cold for her to go out. We sat right near where I used to sit with mom, dad and Alex when I was a little girl. I would always sit beside dad and sing the Christmas hymns. It was a beautiful service and I started crying towards the end. 

I always love it when they light the candles and start singing Silent Night 

We stopped outside after the service very quickly (It was FREEZING!) and said hi and merry Christmas to dad. man, I miss him SO much! Christmas was not the same at all this year. And side note-- why does my son look like a grown MAN in this picture??!!! He got the army beanie from his grandparents :) 

Christmas morning we all slept in.. ahh the joys of having teens :) We surprised Caleb with the new Xbox this year(the digital version) He had been wanting it so badly! Unfortunately there are a few things I don't like... like it doesn't have as much storage as I thought and it overheats too quickly.. but I guess we'll get that figured out. 

Rachel didn't want a "big gift" this year so we got her clothes, art supplies and some gift cards for her games on her phone. 

I love the look on Brooke's face.. haha. These were some white boots she had been wanting. They make her SO tall. And they aren't really my style but she loves them. Some trends from a long time ago are making a serious comeback! 

What she really wanted this year was a vanity. Arnold set it up in the basement to hide it from her and we showed he as the last gift. Now she can get ready in peace in the morning and maybe she, Rachel and I won't fight over the bathroom as much! 

Christmas afternoon we went over to moms house to visit and give her gifts. My Grandpa was over visiting, too. He is turning 91 in March. We are so blessed to still have him around- I am so happy my kids have a great grandpa! 

One of the things we got mom was a photo calendar. It included a lot of pictures of the things we did this past year-- trips to the mens, picnics, the beach trip, etc and hopefully it brings her a smile every time she looks at it :) 

Christmas was different this year for sure... we could feel dad missing. But we still had a good time. Mom sat in dad's chair while we are on Christmas Eve. We remembered stories of him in the past and clung to those memories. The day after Christmas my brother and his family came into town for a few days and stayed with mom, and I know she loved that! She's only gotten to see her newest grand baby a few times so far! 

What I'm Thankful For in 2022

 

1. My dad- I don't even know where to start. I was blessed with the best dad in the world. My mind and heart refuse to accept he's gone. As each month goes by, it gets a little easier to talk about him. Although I imagined it being a lot longer, I am so thankful I had him as a father for almost 37 years. He was such a kind, generous and fun loving dad and pop pop. He always supported me and reassured me, right up til the end. Last year I was taking some college classes and I would send him screenshots of all my good grades. I am thankful I have some good memories with him in this last year, especially the night of the superbowl, we had such a good time hanging out that night. I am thankful he is in heaven, without any more pain. Poor guy was in so much pain in the last several years. If he can't be with us, at least I know he is in the most amazing place ever and I will see him again one day.

2. My mom- It's strange writing these as separate things.. usually its "mom and dad" for everything. It is going to take some getting used to, that's for sure. I am so, so thankful that my mom is still here and doing well. I hate to watch her go through this hard time in life, but she is stronger. Way stronger than I ever would be! I am thankful we got to spend a lot of time together this year and make new memories, including Sunday afternoon lunches at her house. She had a scare back in June with her health, but she came through everything and is doing great. I am so glad she has so many family members and friends that are willing to drop everything and help out when its needed. 

3. Hubby- Cannot believe this guy and I have been married almost 17 years (next month!) He has been the best. People joke around and say we are nauseatingly cute, but we pretty much are ;) He works so hard for our family. He is always there to support me, cheer on the kids in all their activities, and help out whenever needed. He has really stepped up and helped out a tremendous amount this year with everything dealing with mom and the house, etc. And the best part is I actually enjoy being around him, we like to be goofy together, text each other throughout the day, and even sing Toto in the car together (dont ask!) I am glad that we've been able to work out any storms that have come our way.

4. Our awesome kids!!- These kids have really impressed me lately. They are doing great in 8th grade, sophomore and junior year. Brooke is juggling school, cheer, and a new job at Bojangles. She still manages to keep good grades and get everything done. Caleb is still enjoying ROTC, has ranked up several times, and is branching out and making new friends. Rachel is doing great at school this year, playing her trumpet in band, and just went on her first major trip without us! They are growing up so fast. I am thankful for all the times we spend together now, because I know they won't last forever. They are good kids.

5. Our jobs. Arnold has still been at the same company since he started out-- over 22 years now! There have been many occasions where his company had lay offs and we were nervous, but he has been fortunate enough to keep the job and work his way up. The friends he's made there are like family by now. They are very generous with vacation days so he is able to take off a lot to spend time with us at holidays, or when needed to help out with something. And as for me-- I'm loving being an infant nanny! By baby T is almost 6 months old now and he sure keeps me on my toes! He is very active and loves to be on the go. I love spending time with a baby again, it helps out a lot with my baby fever (ha!) His parents T and S have been great-- they are kind, generous, and very easy to work with. Im thankful I found a great family to spend my days with! 

6. Family Vacations- We were blessed to go on 2 family trips this year-- one to Charleston back in April and one in August to Edisto Island beach. Both trips mom was with us, so we got to spend extra time with her. The Edisto trip had actually been planned by Dad way back and was meant to celebrate mom and dad's 50th anniversary. We decided to go anyway, and Im so glad we did. It was a week of sun, sand, resting, memory making, and honoring dad. I even got in the ocean and swam with the kids in my giant pink float!! (dad would have loved that! :D

7. My friends- Jess and Joanne mean the world to me. Blessed to have known Jess since high school (21 years!) and Joanne since we met in a moms group (15 1/2 years!) Those two know everything about me, every little detail, and love and accept me anyway. I couldn't have made it through this past year without them. They both were by my side as I dealt with losing dad and were there the day we said goodbye. They were there to celebrate my birthday over the summer. We are constantly sending messages back and forth to let each other in on all of life-- the ups and the downs and everything In between. And I cannot forget about KATIE!!! Who is a friend but really like a 2nd mom! I still can't get over how miraculous it was that she made a total turn around and recovered from covid when drs said she was dying. I am so glad to still have her! She has also been there for me so much after losing dad. She is even leading a church grief class that Mom and I went to and plan to continue. I am thankful for some awesome women in my life!

8. New babies!!- This year we welcomed my new nephew brave, back in April. My bff Joanne also had baby Ensley in August (just 2 days after Brooke's birthday!) And I can't forget about baby T! I didn't know him when he was born, but he sure is very, very special to me now! Having these babies in my life again really makes me happy. Most of you know I always wanted 4 kids but couldn't have anymore after Rachel due to complications. I've had a hard time over the years dealing with being "done" but it sure does help getting to have some baby time! Auntie Abby is here and willing whenever needed!

And here's a few other things I'm thankful for....

*Book of the month Club

*The church we've been attending

*Flannel sheets on cold nights

*snuggles with our pets

*nights out with the girls

*decorating for Christmas! 

*watching the kids in games/parades

*Amazon Prime!! (duh!!)

*Sweet Tea!! (IYKYK)

*Cute earrings 

Fall 2022!

The kids started out the school year- we have a 8th grader, sophomore and junior! 

My best friend had her baby girl! Ensley was born just 2 days after Brooke's birthday!

I of course have been getting lots of snuggles with her when I can! 

Brooke was awarded the spirit stick at one of her cheer games! We were so proud of her. 

Caleb has done so great a ROTC this year! He has ranked up, earned badges and awards, and joined the drill team. We loved seeing him do color guard at the football games. 

I LOVE this picture of Brooke and Caleb!!! 

On dad's birthday this year we went out to dinner at El Paso in his honor. It was one of his favorite places to go. I missed getting to take him this year! 

I took Brooke shopping for a homecoming dress! It went way better than I expected.. we found one pretty quickly that she loved and I agreed on, and it was an acceptable price. Thankfully a nice lady in the dressing room offered to help show us how to tie the back up on our dress.... I am missing my girl card I guess haha! 

Arnold and I enjoyed going to the football games to see the kids this season. Football season went by SO fast! But now we have basketball season to look forward to. 

I started back on my weightless shots. I had taken a pretty long break due to supply issues and dad dying and stuff.... I told the dr bummed that I had planned to lose so much weight this year but I had failed... and she said that it wasn't the end of the year yet, so keep trying! I am doing pretty well so far! 

Arnold and the band he is in played another show at a local tavern. I got dressed up and went out to see him that evening and stayed the whole time! the guys did a really good job. I think I was the only one in the whole place not drinking, haha. 

Jess came out and hung out with me a lot of the evening! We had a lot of fun! 

Arnold was definitely in his element! I am proud at how good of a musician he is! 

Brooke went to the homecoming dance! Her dress was so pretty! I wish her pop pop could have seen her that night! 

We had someone do her hair.. it turned out so pretty! She had picked a similar hairstyle offline and showed them the picture. 

We went to Morganton and took some pics before the dance. I love how they turned out! Brooke and her boyfriend said they had a good time at the dance. 

I finally went and saw Taylor and got my hair colored! No more grey! She always makes my hair look amazing! I can never recreate the pretty waves and curls she puts in my hair, haha! 

On Halloween night Brooke went to her boyfriends house for dinner and I went out with just my guys to dinner! We went to Mellow Mushroom for pizza. I miss the days of the kids dressing up and us taking them trick or treating. But we still had fun. And I of course got them boo baskets with some treats! 

October was breast cancer awareness month. The cheerleaders wore pink bows and accessories to the game that month. One night they honored the people who had been survivors and released balloons into the air at the game. Brooke released one in honor of her grandma.. my mom. Mom is now a 19 year survivor! We are so thankful she is here with us! She is such a strong woman! 

There was a special day at moms church (my childhood church) called All Saints Day where they recognized the members of the church who had gone on to heaven already in the past year. So they recognized dad and lit a candle for him. Mom got to keep the candle. It was a beautiful service. 

It still seems so surreal to me when I see a picture of dad up and his death date is beside it. Oh I miss him so much! I started crying during the service. I remember sitting beside him on our favorite church pew when I was a kid on Sunday mornings. I am really going to miss sitting beside him at Christmas Eve candle light services! 

We wanted to take a day trip to the mountains to see the pretty leaves so we took mom and all went up to Boone and had a picnic. Everyone else had the same idea and it was packed at Julian Price park, but we were able to snag a table! We had a lot to fun just hanging out. 

The North Carolina mountains are the BEST, especially during the fall! Gorgeous views and scenery. 

Rachel got back her 8th grade pic! I don't know why she smirked in this picture! She also decided not to wear her glasses for the picture! But she looks so grown up! 

We celebrated moms birthday on October 18th! she turned 71! Its been a hard year but she has been so amazing and strong and I am so thankful to have her as my moM! 

Arnold's cousin's daughter Peyton is having a baby in March and we went to her gender reveal party! It was such a fun party... they had chili and cupcakes and then revealed using colored smoke coming out of a pumpkin. And the baby is a GIRL!!!! I knew it, I had a feeling from the beginning! 

The theme was so cute! Team BOO-Y or GHOUL. The cupcakes had fall flavors like caramel apple and pumpkin spice. 

Arnold and I went together after work one day and voted! I won't get into politics but we were pleased with who won in North Carolina. I didn't really care for either of the people too much but I am definitely team red. 

My 2nd mom and her husband hosted and taught a grief class at our church.. called surviving the holidays. Mom and I decided to go together since this will be our first year without dad. We learned a lot and I hope to use some of the tips to make this year easier on us. Hearing everyone in the group tell the stories of how their loved ones passed was heartbreaking.. we were all crying. But it was comforting being able to share memories and support one another. 

Brooke's Sweet 16 Questionnaire & Party

Shoe size- 9

Going into Grade: 11th

Party theme this year: Boho 
Gifts this year: money, flowers, clothes, etc. 

Favorite Color: pink 

Favorite Game: Roblox

Favorite Animal: cats

Favorite Food: steak and fruit 

Favorite Drink: pink lemonade 

Favorite Snack- yogurt bites 

Favorite Dessert- fruit popsicles 

Favorite Season: summer

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Favorite Restaurant: El paso 

Favorite Tv Show- On my Block 

Favorite Movie: The sandlot

Favorite Book- babysitters club 

Favorite Flower: tulips 

store: Ross

Favorite Thing to do: hang out with friends/boyfriend

Favorite Thing to do outside: tanning 

Favorite part of school: History 

Favorite Thing to Wear: cute outfits 

Best Friend: Alana

Boyfriend: Jesus 

What are you afraid of? space 

What do you want to be when you grow up? IT Tech or lawyer 

What do you want for Christmas this year? A vanity 

Proudest moment from the year? Getting her permit 

We threw Brooke a bohemian (boho chic) themed party for her 16th birthday! Thankfully Arnold's parents were able to get the gym in their church for us to use, so that gave us plenty of space and saved some money! Her cake turned out amazing.. but I didn't't even know they made GREY icing?! haha. You'll never believe who made the cake.. Walmart! They have really upped their game and have some cute stuff! We got a lot of compliments on the look and taste of it! The bottom tier was vanilla and the top was chocolate. 

We bought a balloon arch kit off amazon since it's the "thing" right now. I knew it would be hard to do but WOW! It took forever. Our's never showed up with directions so we kinda had to wing it. Arnold and Caleb tried blowing all the balloons up with a little pump but that was a bust. Then we had to string them onto these plastic strips in groups of colors, then adhere it to the wall. But it wasn't sticking well! Arnold could only get it to go BEHIND the doorway but it was still cute! Such a long time and effort to just pop and throw away at the end though :(

We did a small candy bar with pink and gold colored candies and treats. We did stuff like Twix, gummy bears, starbursts and sixlets. We had little bags so guests could take home treats with them. 

Brookes great uncle and aunt came and in their gift they had printed her out a card with an old baby picture they found of her! Love that.. I miss her being that little! 

The cute tablecloths came from amazon. We used a lots of plants and decor from Brooke's room to set out around the party, and some framed pics of her. 

I set up this table as a "head" table for Brooke but she hardly used it, haha. We did have the cake cutting there and the gift opening there. I had a tealight candle lit in  a little jar. And the table runner was found at hobby lobby. And the leaf garland was found on amazon.. they sent 8 strands. But the packaging they sent it in smelled AWFUL and we had to let them air out over night! 

Found this background at the store so Brooke and her friends could take pictures. Also bought some silly photo props. At the last minute we found this big plant in the bathroom of the church and "borrowed" it for the party!!! haha.. use what you can, right?! Yes, we returned it afterwards. 

Arnold helped me make a photo holder for decor. We spray painted a hula hoop gold and glued white ribbons down it, and used tiny clothes pins to attach pics of Brooke over the years. I was only working with what I had laying around the house... we mostly have our pics online. But I found one of dad holding Brooke as a newborn and that had to make it in the pictures!!! We missed him soo much at the party!! 

Brooke wanted a gold sweet 16 sash and tiara to wear to the party. She also wore a fancy dress and I thought it was a little "extra" but I figured why not?? It was a special day! 

My sweet 90 year old Grandpa was at the party!!! :)

Love that my daughter now gets to know one of the most important women in my life!!! :)

We love our Katie!!

Mom and her best friend Nancy! We sure were missing dad at this party! Im so glad Mom had her bff and her dad there to talk to and hang out with. Ive always known Nancy but we've all gotten way closer since dad passed and she's awesome! 

After the party Brooke wanted to take her bf and 2 close friends out with us to dinner. We went to Ranch Viejo and got Mexican food. 

She also wanted to go downtown and take some pictures as the sun was starting to set. She actually hates this pic... says its embarrassing.. but I loved it! We just kept snapping pictures and picked our favorites to keep! 

Here's all the kids (sorry, teens) on the stairs. Rachel jumped in too. 

I made her take a pic with her mom and dad too! And yes I brought back out the famous beach dress I bought last minute! It has really come in handy! And I normally hate dresses but this ones so pretty!