All hearts come home for Christmas!

To me, going home to the place where I was raised (to see my family) was a very special trip. It reminded me of not only the olden days when the holidays rolled around, but also gave me appreciation for the new things I have in my life. It was very wonderful and special to hold Sheila and Dan's new little one in my arms and look upon her beautiful face. They are so blessed to finally be holding her, and to have such a sweet blessing in their life.


I was also able to enjoy some of the old traditions that I have grown to love, and haven't in the past several years been able to enjoy. We went to the spaghetti factory for mine, Dan's, and Ian's Birthday celebration. This was something we have done since I was a very young child, where afterwards we would trek around some toys store with our parents picking gifts for our siblings that would be given at the family gift exchange (for Christmas Eve gift giving). I miss those times.


My mom, myself, and my sister Sheila

Joshua (Micah's Brother), my dad, and Ryanne

Noah (Sheila's son), Sharon (my sister), Seth (Micah's brother), Ian (my twin)

Dan, Austin (Sheila's son), Noah

We went afterwards to a village that held the setting of the 1800's to try and enjoy a christmas setting set back in the day. It was absolutely bone chilling. The major thought that each of us had was to, "find the next fire" that blazed in huge metal barrels. Each of us was ill prepared for the below freezing (with wind chill) temperatures that challenged us. The few of us who were prepared (scarf, gloves, coats, hats) shared our goods, with the less fortunate ones. I ended up lending my scarf (and I needed it) to my brother Ian. I guess Christmas is about sacrifice and giving . . . hee hee.

At first the ride on the carriage seemed exciting and tempting, but after the wind started sending sharp needles of pain at our faces we had to laugh at the foolishness of it. Which in hindsite, is part of what was fun and memories that will be etched forever in our brain when it comes to remembering the trip.

Hallelujah! FIRE!

After so much cold and toe numbing walking, we decided our ten dollar admission had finally tortured us enough. It was time to head home, and each of us felt relieved to leave and glad we went. Strange how things like that are. Sometimes just doing things, no matter how silly they seem at the time become our fondest memories. Maybe we will chatter as old souls, around our fires in years to come about the cold trip back into the 1800's.

One of the things that was really important to me to do was visit my grandparents. As much as I try to ignore and forget that age is robbing me of my time of them, I know the facts. My grandma and grandpa are getting older and their health is lessening. It saddens me to think of losing them. It was so nice to see them, and enjoy their company, and remember all the wonderful times we have had together. To me, they were just as young and vibrant as when I was a child. I like remembering them that way, and I will never forget it. This may be my last time seeing them so I want to say . . .

I love you grandma and grandpa!

I love my family too! Until next time, best of wishes . . .

Happy Birthday, Arianna!!!

My baby girl just turned 8 years old on December 4th, of this year. She beamed from ear to ear that she finally had reached the age of eight. A day she had been counting down to for well over a year. We celebrated her special day early so her uncles and grandmother would able to attend the get-together.


First on the list of have-to's was a girls day out at the salon. Each of us were gladly spoiled by pedictures and a leg/foot massage. The Birthday girl recieved extra attention, and had her nails painted in a holiday red to match her toes.


The little asian women who worked there were very sweet to Arianna. Talking with her, telling her how pretty she was, giving her a free nail polish because it was her Birthday. And of course, she just grinned from ear to ear. Delighted. She looked over at me in the chair and revealed, "mom this is worth twenty dollars. Maybe I can save up my allowance and bring you and me here again." Such a thoughtful gesture. I replied, "that would be wonderful." In my mind thinking this would be great mother/daughter time together in the future, on my dime. A mental note filed for later use.




After we got home from our pampering, my stress level had almost completely vanished. All of a sudden I was pumped and ready to get the house decorated for the games I had put so much planning into. We treked Arianna over to Kirsten's house while Micah and I went out shopping for decorations. One of her few requests for her party were balloon's, so I made sure we got one for each child that would be attending. I knew she would be very pleased with this, and she was. When she walked in and saw the decorations, that was the first thing she mentioned.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

We played games where we passed presents around the table according to the cards we held in our hands. You were also able to steal the wrapped gift from another if you so chose to. I found it funny how, though the presents were wrapped and unknown to everyone, each person had a gift they fought over according to size or shape. Where other gifts were practically frowned upon, just because of their appearance. In the end of the game, we were able to open the gift we had finally ended up with. Most of us were pretty happy with our luck. But a few were trying to strike deals and trades for the gift they didn't chance upon.


Melany was guarding her present with a cock of the brow, and a scowl at anyone who dared think of taking it. It was pretty funny.

Some of us laugh and smile, and some of us just can't help but to break out in a dance. So Daniel, just dance! Hee hee.

I have to admit though, the favorite game of the night was the 'spot light' game. Where we split up into two teams and had to switch off posing and taking pictures with the cameras. I would call out a name of a person or thing that would have to be captured on film. Then the teams would have to transform someone on their side into that person/thing before the timer rang. BUZZ! Then immediately snap the picture. No rearranging. A few bent the rules a little, but it was worth it. The teams went as follows; Micah, Arianna, Seth, Janeel, and Isaac as team one. Emily, Melany, Levi, Lazarus, Kirsten, Daniel, and Ariella as team two.

Team 1: "choose your own" pose made Arianna a super hero.

Team 2: "choose your own" made Ariella as a magician

Team 2: "rudolph"

Team 1: "rudolph"

Team 2: "baby"

Team 1: "baby"

Team 1: "clown"

Team 2: "clown"

Team 2: "Christmas tree"

Team 1: "Christmas tree"

Team 2: "Irish man"

Team 1: "Irish man"

Team 1: "skiier"

Team 2: "skiier"

A Birthday Poem

Birthdays come and go each year,

Today is yours, so don’t you fear.

Conversations fill the air,

We have joined you since we care.

Funny jokes and laughs out loud,

We will always be your crowd.

Many friends you haven’t seen,

How long has it really been?

We shall dance all through the night,

Until our spirits are truly light.

Celebrate our dearest friend,

A birthday poem, we wish to send.

by Martin Dejnicki

What a great party for my little girl. Happy Birthday, sweet one!

Thanksgiving

(Micah and Lazarus - a very cute picture)

We were invited to go over to Jeremiah and Kirsten's home for a Thanksgiving celebration. I brought four different kinds of jello salads, while she provided the rest. This was a treat for me and my family because she is a fantastic cook. Everything my kids ate, they would ask Kirsten if she could give me the recipe so I could make it again.... good luck with that one.

(Me - Micah's lovely wife... smiles)

(Jeremiah - Micah's brother)

(Daniel - Micah's brother)

Micah's brothers (Daniel and Seth) and his mom visited us for the holidays. It was a nice treat.

(Janeel - Micah's mom)

(Kirsten)

(Seth - Micah's youngest brother who just got home from his mission he served in Argentina)

Seth was the only adult that was lucky enough to be able to sit at the kids table. The children decided this was a must, and he didn't mind. He fit right in.

(Lazarus and Melany - Jeremiah and Kirsten's daughter)

(Levi and Lazarus)

(Elizabeth - Jeremiah and Kirsten's daughter)

(Ariella -Jeremiah and Kirsten's daughter)

Thanksgiving was great fun and we had tons of left over food. It didn't even look like we hardly touched it. We actually went back the next day to have our pie because we were all full. It made it a much more enjoyable experience.