Great Christmas

Mike, Lori, Julie, Dan, Norman and mom Diane in front

Are we from the south?

Jakob and Dylan

Rock Star

Keaton and Michelle

Our matching sweatshirts - Go Wolverines!

Goin' "Gangsta"

Mic's new bomber hat

We had such a great Christmas! Our travels to Sioux City had good weather and tons of laughter in the van all the way there. I can't even tell you what all we laughed about but it was a noisy trip. :)

We got to meet Randy's new sister-in-law, Georgia, on Christmas Eve. We are happy for his brother, Don, who found new love after being widowed a few years ago. Randy's mom was having a better day with her health than usual and it was good to spend time with her. She turns 80 next week and her Parkinson's Disease is progressing and causes her a lot of discomfort. It's sure hard to see her aging and struggling with everyday tasks.

Christmas Day we spent partly with my family and back at Randy's mom's. We got to see my brother, Mike, for the first time in at least 8 years. He has been in prison for drugs but is doing great now and has given his heart and life to Jesus. I am so thankful that all of my mom's kids could be together for the day. We are like so many other families with "issues", but it was a great time with everyone. The twins are now 8 years old and were actually excited to see us and gave voluntary hugs! They are growing up. Not sure what my brother was thinking but they bought them BB guns for Christmas!! Yowza...I wouldn't be that brave (if that's the right word!)

We bought Micaela something she has wanted for four years...a bass guitar. She was pretty excited and has been fiddling with it none stop. Thank goodness it came with headphones so we don't have to endure her teaching herself how to play it. I threatened to send her out to the Main's house to make noise, but I love them too much!

We even got to spend some time last night with Keaton's friend Michelle and our second son Michael aka Obie. I feel so BLESSED to have my kid's friends come to our home and actually have fun hanging out with us. My sides hurt this morning from laughing so much! We had a slight scare with Michelle and a kernel of corn at dinner but all is well...no medical attention needed! :)

We praise God that our holiday was so good with family, friends, food, travel, and new ministry excitement and are mindful that not everyone had such a great Christmas. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and can share our fun through some of these pictures.