Merry Christmas

I have so much to blog about this past week but today is Christmas so I'll write about what we did and go backwards.  Makes sense, right?  Ha!  After what has been a hard year for the country, we as a family, have so many blessings.  First we've stayed healthy.  None of us have gotten Covid.  Jay and Kim are the only ones in the family who were tested for it and both tested negative which is pretty good considering all of Jay's friends got it.  Second, we are all employed.  My heart aches for small business owners who have lost their life's work in the restaurant business.  Third, our four kids have continued to thrive.  Kim would certainly say that remote learning has been no picnic and that her children have suffered academically from it but again all four kids seem happy and well adjusted even during this time where nothing feels normal.  Fourth, my mom is doing well.  She broke her arm right before Thanksgiving and will be in a cast for another four weeks.  The pandemic has not helped her socially or physically but mom is a trooper and marches forward.  As we always say we are grateful she lives in her home with her dog.  Fifth and most important....in all the craziness that has been 2020 we have Jesus which quite frankly He is our hope, our joy and our light.   

Christmas eve was spent at my mom with the dogs.  We all loved Xmas eve this year.  It was relaxing and cozy filled with lots of laughs.  

I adore this picture of Harpy and her dog, Calli.  She is full of innocence and kindness and this picture reflects who she is.  

I bought Kim glasses that reads "Brad's Bar" for her basement bar.  She loved them. 

More dog pics.  One of them was always on a lap during the day.  

Since March we've gotten use to watching church from home.  This year all 9 of us watched church from my basement.  While there is nothing like the feel of being in church on Xmas eve we all agreed that we loved watching it from the comfort of home this year.  

My boys - ages 14 and 18.  I mean seriously can they be any cuter or taller?  Parents of littles...don't blink.  Savor every moment.  

This was Jay's most exciting gift - a car washing kit.  He was over the moon about it.  So cute.  We also got him a North Face coat and a Yeti lunch box.....such "adulting" gifts.  

Nick's big gift was a tool set.  We also got him more fishing stuff.  I was certain Nick couldn't possibly need more fishing things but apparently it's impossible to have too much fishing stuff, according to Nick. 

My momma.  I loved what she did this year.  She buys Kim and I jams every year.  This year mom called her friend, Donna, and Donna took mom out to get the jams bought.  Thank you, Donna.  And God Bless you, mom!  

Ausili's annual xmas even picture from TX wishing us well.  We spent last weekend with them (more on that later) and loved every minute of it.  

 Our annual xmas picture back to Ausli's from IL!  Merry Christmas, everyone!