Never Say Never

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Making our way to Christmas!

We are LOVING all things Christmas around here...

We finally made it to Peacock Lane. I've wanted to stroll down this street since we first moved to Portland.

Christmas lights are ALWAYS better with a red cup :)

Santa sent a special video message...Drew was captivated!

What would the holidays be without a Rams football game?

Making cookies for Santa - a Christmas Eve tradition

Very proud of the final product!

Leaving carrots for the reindeer

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

It was truly magical to be in our new house and with our family this time of year. Nothing beats being home for the holidays and to be in our own "home" was even better!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

We are loving all-things-Christmas around here! Yesterday morning we had hot chocolate, donuts and watched the Polar Express. Little did the boys know, we'd be boarding the Polar Express train that evening. They loaded the car in pajamas (without really asking why) and were full of excitement when we arrived and they realized what was happening.

The company did a nice job of bringing on characters from the movie and filling the ride with Christmas magic. Both boys had constant smiles...I love this time of year!

When they saw other kids with their "golden tickets," they connected that THEY too were riding the Polar Express. :)

He just heard that the train was stopping at the North Pole!

From the movie, this guy was the transient character who rode on the top of the train. He had to sit down next to Drew because the conductor was coming through and he was afraid he'd be caught. Drew was NOT amused.

The silver bells...from Santa!

Two days 'til Christmas!!

Friday, December 12, 2014

Happy Birthday, Luke!

Our sweet boy turned 7 last week! It's hard to believe we've been parents for seven years already. Luke has filled our lives with kindness, sensitivity, sports, and JOY.

This kid is all-things-sports. He watches Sportscenter daily, Football is his go-to choice of television, and Football or Basketball is his go-to sport to play with Ella. To say he's obsessed is an understatement. He LOVES the Ducks, which makes me VERY proud, the Philadelphia Eagles and LeBron James. Not only does he watch the game, he studies the game. I hear him try to teach Drew moves and it's particularly funny when Ella messes up a play. It's a daily reminder that Ella is a dog, with four legs, and can't physically catch a ball. The first question every night when Adam walks through the door is, "Dad! Will you play football with me?"

Balloons sent to school

New Jersey! Thanks Ms.V!!! (It hasn't come off him yet!)

Treats in his classroom :)

Boys each got a new bike for their birthdays! Luke has been a rockstar riding along with me as I run. Fun!

We are so thankful you are OURS, Luke. Thank you for softening our world and showing us how to care for others. And, thank you for reminding us that football is the answer to all-the-things.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Thankful

'Tis the season...

Giving thanks is something I definitely do not reserve for the holidays. I try to stop and make time for gratitude in my life daily. And I feel blessed that I don't have to look very hard. Gratitude is what gets me through difficult times, it's what reminds that what I have is enough and it always sheds a positive light when the light feels dim.

I once did a Thankful activity with my students and the quote I wrote on it was: There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. So true.

We had a wonderful time in Roseburg celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with our families. Sitting around the table, eating together, laughing and talking was JUST what my heart had missed so, so much. Don't get me wrong, we loved our Thanksgiving potlucks in Singapore and our friends there made the holidays brighter. But simply put, HOME is where I want to be, especially for the holidays.