Great Grandma

We lost a huge part of our family today.  Great Grandma Carlson is now singing and dancing with the angels and walking with Jesus.  She is no longer in pain and I am sure she is looking down on us.  She is the most amazing woman I have ever met in my life.  She had such a special relationship with Cavan, and always had a huge soft spot for little Brayden.  We will miss her but are rejoicing in her life and cannot wait to see her again one day in Heaven.

New Year's Eve

Hello 2014!!  With 2013 coming to a close, we decided to spend the day with my Mom and Step Dad.  We had a ton of yummy food, movies, and laughter.  Even though we came home at 8:30, I'd call it a success!  The kids had a blast and our bellies are full!  Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2014!

Giddy Up!

My cousin and her girls just got a new pony.  Leah and I have been itching to see him.  We were so excited when we were able to go visit and go for a little ride.  Leah is obsessed with horses and although she respects the horses, she is very confident.  I can see so much of myself in her when she is on a horse.  She was beaming from ear to ear when it was her turn to ride Merlin.  Even though she is 21 days too young for 4-H this year, she will be learning from and cheering on Grace, Sarah, and Alivia this summer.  Thank you Amy and girls for taking the time so Leah could ride him.

Merry Christmas!

Enormous falling snowflakes, hot cocoa, and tons of family gathering together made the perfect most Christmas this year.  The sweet squeals of my children after opening "just what they wanted".  Oh what a joy.  Finally settling down and enjoying the holiday time with my family was amazing.  

A little back story of Leah's "best gift ever"... The day before Christmas Eve my mom and I trucked the kids out on the ice filled roads.  Ten stores later we were at the much anticipated toy store.  Literally, the second she stepped her pretty little toes into that store she saw the cutest little stuffed Pug, ever.  She wouldn't put it down the entire time we were in the store.  I felt the biggest Mom guilt ever when I made her put it back.  She tried so hard to be a big girl and hold back the tears.  "I am going to put her right here, and I promise Puggie, I will be back.".  Oh boy.... Ok Grandma... Distract her please.  I quickly scooped up this epic Pug and had the cashier exchange my gift for her (because obviously I didn't pick out the right one!).  She carefully wrapped it behind the counter with the cutest wrapping paper.  Just then, Leah came back around the store with Grandma... "Oh no!  Where is the Puggie?  I really remember setting her. right. here.  All I wanted to do is hold her one last time."  Now this is where the tears quietly and softly started trickling down her face.  The lady at the register said, "I am sorry honey, someone just bought it."  She sadly grabbed my hand and was ready to go home.  Oh how I wish I could have given it to her right then and there.  

Once Christmas morning came along I made sure the Pug was the last present she opened, and let me tell you, it was EPIC!  She was floored and the first thing she said was, "MOM!  Did you get this?  You got this when I walked away!".  Oh such a good feeling!  She is in love with Rosie!

Brayden is at the tail end of a yucky sickness.  He had a quiet Christmas but he's starting to feel better finally. He has been having a lot of fun with his Nabi2  he received from Granmo and Papa.  I want to say the highlight of his Christmas morning was sledding with Daddy.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It was the cutest thing.  I think his smile was the biggest I've ever seen it.  Daddy has been really enjoying building little ramps for Brayden to ride over, it's quite funny.

All in all, our first Christmas in Michigan was a huge success and so much fun. Enjoy the pictures!

 

Oh Michigan Fall... How I missed you!

Oh the smell of the fresh crisp air with a slight must of leaves.  How I missed you so!  Fall is my favorite season in Michigan.  I love everything about it... well almost everything - I don't like that winter soon follows!  Cavan spent a good amount of time raking up a nice leaf pile so the kids could ruin it.  They did just that and had an absolute blast.