I'm going rather far back in my short term memory bank for these posts, so they will simply be brief.
I finally grabbed a Holy Family statue that I love.
It's right at home in our succulent/cactus garden.
The kids wanted to turn carnations colors, so we did. It was neat to see how the food coloring traveled up the stem and out into the petals. So pretty and dainty.
The red ones were the most dramatic. Wow!
Gingerbread playdough was a hit all December long.
Boy, did it smell yum, and it was tons of hands on fun too.
For St. Nicholas Day, some fun coloring books and dry erase books and peg painting supplies arrived!
I got to attend a LOVELY baby shower for my dear friend Cate.
She's was expecting her 7th and we had so much fun celebrating.
Smoky had surgery and got lots of pets because he did not love his 'cone of shame'.
We love you, Smoky!
You can barely see her in there, but that is sweet, shy Ava through that glass making her First Confession. She was so nervous to talk to him because she's so shy, but she was so brave.
We hit up Freddy's afterwards for frozen custard. Ice cream goes well with squeaky clean souls!
She was so radiant and pure.
The kids took these....
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!!
Mama, pray for us.
Chris attended his brother's wedding, and we were unable to attend, but my friend Bernadette knew we were sad about missing out, so she flew out to us to pour out love and have a great weekend together.
My neighbor delivered pizzas so I didn't have to cook one of the meals that weekend as well. Thank you, Amy.
Bernadette stopped at Target to grab some essentials for a fun girls (and Kolbe!) weekend.
We played a crazy game of Dominoes.
Well, actually, MANY crazy games of dominoes. This is where Bernadette's alter ego, Veronica, came out. lol. wink. But seriously, so much fun and laughter.
The older girls, Bern, and I painted a peg nativity set to give my brother's family for Christmas. You guys, painting pegs was way fun.
Look how much fun we're having.
Seriously love you, Bernadette, and I'm so blessed by your friendship and 'sisterhood'.
Theotokos forever.
Kisses from Smoky.
Oh, and Bernadette got the kids a gingerbread house kit.
We had fun building them together (and watching them fall down because apparently we should never build houses).
Bernadette and I attended a Night of Hope with Franciscan University of Steubenville online and it was POWERFUL. How I miss praising and praying with friends like this.
Kolbe joined us for some of it.
We scared ourselves by doing face masks one evening.
Our skin was flawless afterwards. Don't you agree?
We celebrated St. Lucy's feast in our usual fashion. It was Elise's turn to dress as St. Lucy.
What a beauty.
We celebrated Sophie's 6th birthday with a visit from neighbors, friends, and of course, Bernadette was here. She wanted to play some charades with everyone. It was so fun.
When Bernadette left, we said sad goodbyes. The kids and I had SO MUCH FUN with her that weekend. Please, come again for another one soon, Bernadette.
College roomies and besties forever.
I love you.
Finding Kolbe selfies on my phone is one of my favorite things.
In honor of Michael and Becca's wedding and because we did not get to dance like we like to at that reception, we did it from home and sent them ridiculous videos. Happy wedding, guys!
I am a terrible dancer, but boy do I love it. Dancing brings such joy.
Snowy fun
Our peg nativity set for my bro's fam
wisemen and camels
shepherd, shepherdess, and sheep
angel, donkey, and the Holy Family
Winter neighborhood storytime!
Snowy December walks with Smoky
Cookie baking
When the kids want to take the photos...
More fun and silly selfies found on my phone. hehe.
The kiddos and I went sledding one evening. It was SO fun and SO beautiful.
apparently they wore gymnastics outfits under their snow pants. haha
a beautiful Instagram friend sent me a care package. It was timely and wonderful. Thank you, Stephanie Weinert.
More cookie baking
We have serious cookie making fun around here
park fun
When the kids grab my camera, I always end up with interesting pictures
The kids wanted to have a restaurant, so Kayla made up a menu
I was the waitress
Our restaurant was amazing
Another night we did face masks.
Sophie and Kolbe did NOT love the way the masks felt and wanted them off immediately. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
Kayla and Daddy playing Mario Kart forever. It was like 24 games or something nuts like that.
And that's a wrap. Live life to the full, friends.
