This was taken while we were in Independence with Susan after Christmas. I love my sisters.

Pete in his elf ears on Christmas day.

The kids waiting to come down and open there presents. They have to wait till we are up and ready.

Every one got new slippers on Christmas eve.
Just before heading to Christmas eve service

Em right before getting her braces off. The other picture didn't download. I will add it later

Getting our Christmass tree and sliding down hills on backs and butts

Rebekah on her birthday with icecream cake

Luke at his Christmas concert playing the recorder.

Emily sticking her beam routine and her back walkover. She thought she was too wobbly, but I am impressed with what she can do on a 4 inch beam.

School's coming

We start school on Monday. I am not ready as always. This summer I especially feel that way. Since I had surgery in June and have been recuperating all summer, my kids have been with other people and doing things without me and growing up before my eyes. I feel this longing to hold on to them and take them away on a vacation just our family, just to get a few more days to snuggle, play and laugh together. I am reminded that even though Emily has 3 year before she graduates, it will come so fast. As Rebekah starts middle school, Emily and I both can't believe how fast she is growing. Emily admits it only seems like yesterday that she was starting middle school. Luke is in 4th grade which is such a pivotal time and seems full of big changes for my kids. After a week or so I will be adjusted and enjoying the days of freedom and their after school activities, but I will treasure the last 4 days of summer vacation as much as I can.

The American Family

I have started watching a series from PBS called American family. My friends Michelle and Tito were watching it about a year and a half ago and said it was great, but said I probably wouldn't want to watch it yet. I started watching it last night.
In the first episode, the mother dies of a stroke. In the second episode, it is three months after her death and shows the struggles the family is having adjusting. Michelle was right. A year and a half ago I wouldn't have been able to watch it. Even tonight I am having a hard time going to sleep because of it. Too many memories and missing Mom so much. It is very good though and I think to a certain degree, helps in the continued grieving process. Would recommend it highly.

The kids with their new cousin Elliana. They loved having a new baby to hold. She is Kirk and Bethany's newest.

Happy Birthday Mom

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you so much. I was thinking how I love that Karen shares your birthday. She is so dear. I love that she loved you and that you loved her. I went to a funeral today that was very hard. It reminded me of immediately after Mom died and the funeral home came to get her body. I just broke down and sobbed as I held her body. I thought how much harder that must have been for this mom who had just lost her 18 year old son to suicide. Only God is big enough to understand all of that. Some days I am overwhelmed with missing you. Other days I just smile thinking of you. I love you Mom.

Luke Wilbur Joy

I took a walk with Luke the other day near our house. We walked the trail while throwing a raquetball back and forth. We stopped at the river to skip rocks and played in a big ditch with snow but no water. It was really fun. He loves the outdoors and is so creative that it is always a delight to go for walks with him.
One of my favorite things about Luke is how he always asks so many questions. He absorbs everything that is going on around him and then asks lots of questions. He wants to know alot about death and heaven. We have had some great discussions about that. He thinks alot about growing up and having a family and how he will provide for them and take care of them. I am so glad he has a great example in that.