Converse Christmas 2017

Another first. Our first Christmas without Mom. Brook ended up with the flu as it made the rounds in our family over the past week, which left me in charge of mom's kitchen. We did soups again this year for Christmas because it was what mom did last year, and it was such a big hit. Tara was such a huge help with making food and making everything go well. The food was good (probably not as good as mom's), but we were able (almost all of us) to get together to celebrate Christmas and remember mom. We did a memory tree in honor of my mom. Everyone brought an ornament out that reminded them of my mom somehow. It was amazing to see what everyone brought. 

The video below describes the ornaments on Nana's Memory Tree

Piper opening her first present, ever :)

12 Bars of Christmas Night Out

The other weekend, Joe, Tara, Caleb, Shawn and I went out in Des Moines for the  12 Bars of Christmas. It was short, yet fun night out.

Christmas Caroling with Church and Santa at Church

Last week, we were able to see Santa at church, which clearly was a hit ;) Then, we went Christmas caroling with the youth at one of the nursing homes in town. I felt my mom with us the whole time. I haven't felt that in quite a while. 

Surprise Visit from Banx and Aunt Brookie

On our last day of school before break, Brook and Banx decided to first come see me at school during my prep period and bring me a McDonald's Sweet tea...they know me so well. I love it when Banx comes to school and sees me. She is most definitely a mini-me and Brook. Then, they decided to head to the elementary and surprise Beau for lunch. It was a special treat for us all:)

Gingerbread Making Time

To start off Christmas break, I decided to make a gingerbread house with the boys. They were actually into it this year and we had so much fun. After we were done, granted Beau and I did most of it, Baine yelled "Look Mama, I did it!!!!" Looks like we have a new tradition on Christmas :)

Beau's Church Christmas Program: 2017

Beau was NOT impressed with the angel costumes this year for the Christmas program. He would through a huge fit every time he had a dress rehearsal and say it was a girls costume! That kid :) Well, he pulled through and tolerate the costume after many threats and bribes from me...not a proud mom moment. Joe was home with Baine who was sick so I had lost all patience already that morning. Overall, it was great and Beau even smiled a few times on stage :)