December Happenings

Hunting season is in full swing for Nick.  He has killed two doe's.  He was laid off all last week and he hunted the entire week.  He loved it.  He's back to work today for who knows how long.  He works outside and the weather is bitterly cold.  

I have to admit I really hate these pictures but hunting is important to Nick and he loves it.  Rylan went with him last week but I don't think she loved it.  It was terribly cold.  She said next year she'll go with him earlier in the season when it's not so cold.  

On Friday night me, Kim and Lauren went to a Christmas market to celebrate Lauren's birthday.  We had a great time but it was bitterly cold.  I've lived in Illinois my whole life so I'm use to the cold but the older I get the more I dislike the cold - just saying.  
 

The print

 Several weeks ago mom went on a shopping field trip with Luther Oaks.  She came across this print and I'm sure it reminded her of her grandparents farm.  On the day she bought it she asked the van driver to drive by her grandsons home so she could give it to him.  Bless that driver's heart, he agreed.  Then mom asked a CNA to deliver the print to Jay.  The kind CNA knocked on Jay's door and Jay happily went out to the van to thank his nana.  Such a sweet moment!  Jay loved the print and got it hung in his new home this week.  My hope is everytime he looks at that print he'll be reminded of his nana's thoughfulness and the kindness of others to make it special for Jay and mom.  

Happy 18th Birthday, Lauren

 Lauren celebrated her 18th birthday on Dec. 3.  I kind of had to pinch myself that she's 18.  It seems like only yesterday she was a little peanut in the NICU.  She is truly one of our families greatest blessings.  Her faith is inspiring and she's just a joy to be around.  I am a boy mom and having my precious niece is a gift.  I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for her in the years in the come.  

Happy Thanksgiving

These pictures are in no particular order and after I downloaded them I realized I didn't have any pictures of Lauren and Kim but I assure you they were with us.  In fact Lauren helped me decorate my mantle this year.  Rylan helped me with my tree and Hannah helped me with my table centerpiece.  I'll post pictures of them later this week.  For the second year in a row we celebrated thanksgiving Saturday, the day after Black Friday.  It works out better that way so the boys can do their own thing with their girls on Thanksgiving.  However, this year we were hit with a major snow storm - like 6-8 inches of snow.  Thankfully everyone made it here and back safely.  

My mom loved cuddling with Steve's dog.  He would just sit on her lap and mom loved it.  

Uncle Steve and his dog! John and Judy could not join us as they remained in Florida but they will be with us for Christmas.  

Two of my favorite girls.  I just love this picture of them.  Frame worthy for sure! 

My yearly picture of Mike and the turkey.  He fried two turkeys this year and they did not disappoint. 

 This picture just made me laugh.  Rylan was decorating the top of the tree from the cat walk and Nick was helping below.  

TX Trip

2025 has been my year of trips.  God has blessed me this year with good health and the financial means and that blessing is not lost on me.  Mike and I took our last trip of the year to Texas to visit Mike and Jenny.  We spent our first night in Fort Worth and had such a nice time.  Another huge blessing is our friendship with the Ausili's which has spanned over 40 years.  Every time we get together we pick up right where we left off.  

Here we are at the Fort Worth Stock Yards.  We spent four days in TX and it's always bittersweet to head home.  I'm glad to be home but always miss Mike and Jenny.  
 

Gods Timing

 Jay has bought a house!  And in 2 days (Oct 31 - Happy Halloween) he will close on his home and start a new season of his life.  When Jay graduated from highschool in the challenging times of Covid he flipped flopped around in his career(s).  He landscaped, dabbled with plumbing but in his heart he knew he wanted to be an electrician.  However, passing the test was another story so as we like to say he got in through the backdoor.  He got hired with the company he now works for as a shop hand, all thanks to positive enforcement from his best friend Aaron Neal because in life sometimes it really is all about who you know.  Jay worked for this company for a good 18 mos as a shop hand, earning the union hours he needed so he could bypass the exam and instead try to get into the apprenticeship program through an interview.  By that time the people at the hall knew him and his work ethic.  He got into the program and he's now into his 3rd year as an electical apprentice.  As I look back on my dear son's life I see the hand of God all over him.  He is a sweet soul who loves family, friends and most importantly his precious Hannah.  He is so aware of the character traits he desires for himself and surrounds himself with people who build him up. I remember all those years raising him and the worry I felt.  Would he ever learn how to read?  He did.  Would he find a job that would provide for him and not make him miserable?  He would.  Would he find a woman who would bring out the best in him, love Jesus and adore Jay?  He did.  Would he understand the gospel and the gift of salvation that is given to us freely by Jesus?  He does.  After all this why would I worry about whether or not the right house would come along for him but I did.  Buying a house right now in Jay's price range is challenging but as usual God opened the doors.  God's timing is so perfect.  I'm reminded of this over and over when I look at my children's lives.  Jay will soon begin a new season of his life and I know God has him.  God knew I needed these 23 years with my boy and these past few years after high school Mike would say Jay needed more time on the runway.  Well now it's time, Jay.  You are ready to take flight.  Your dad and I love you so much.  We are proud of you and can't wait to see what you do with your humble abode. Invite us over every now and then and call your mother.  

Bourbon Night at the Siebert house

On Saturday Sieb and I threw a bourbon party.  We asked our guests to bring their favorite bottle of bourbon.  We had a great time.