Colby - Christmas Morning

Creighton - Christmas Morning

With Love, From Santa.....

I don't think it would have mattered what was in the boxes this morning. These kids were just thrilled. Colby told us that we were having a birthday party for Jesus. And what a party it was.....

The kiddos

Maddison just being Maddison.....
Creighton checking out his Magnetix set.....
ALL three of them enjoying Colby's spirograph.

Christmas with Gramma & Grampa V.

He was soooo happy with everything he squealed with the opening of each of his gifts.

Colby is the helper. She likes to be the gift bearer.

Maddison is listening to Colby read.

Berries.....

God's beautiful creation right outside my back door just waiting to be photographed. These photos and all others that follow were all taken on our property. I was reminded that this is why I live in the country. No matter how many times I hate the long drive home or feel disconnected from the rest of the world, these days (among many others) make it so worth it. God's majestic creation right in the palm of my hand. It was so beautiful out here this morning.

More nature stuff.....

I love frost.....

my back"yard".....

This morning.....

I woke up this morning to a beautiful heavy frost. I raced downstairs, got the kids situated in front of the tv (bad mom I know, but I was on a mission) with their oatmeal and headed out in the backyard for some frosty nature shots. I shot until my "trigger" finger was too cold to move anymore.

(Lots more pictures to come later, but having blog problems so I'll wait and continue fighting with it later.)

Snow Likely Tomorrow :)

Tonight I was giving the kids the run-down on our schedule for the next few days. I was explaining where we were going and what day, etc. I said to them "tomorrow is Christmas Eve so after church we will be going to Gramma and Grampa's at around 5:30 or so." Creighton said, "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve? Good I'm going to play in the snow". Obviously we have been reading way too many Christmas stories lately which always depict Christmas Eve as a snowy night. Never mind that it is going to be 45 degrees. According to Creighton, if it is Christmas Eve, it WILL snow.

Excitement in the air!!!!

Colby and Britney playing the fish game...

Britney.....a beautiful bride-to-be.....

Last night we had the "Kaalberg" side of the family out for dinner and a few beverages :) Tom and Britney came down from West Liberty, Jim and Nancy from St. Louis and mom, dad, Jay and Brenda were all here too (and of course, Greg and I and the kids). It was a fun get together. So nice to get to see everyone this holiday season.

Not only was there the excitement of the holiday season upon us, but also the excitement of a recent engagement and upcoming wedding (Britney's) . Last night Britney asked Colby to be a part of her wedding (the flower girl). Colby's feet have not hit the ground yet! She is literly floating on air! She is very excited to go dress shopping in January. I can't wait to see my baby girl walking down the aisle in her beautiful dress. Thank goodness I have many years to wait before I have to see her do it for real! Anyway, we are so happy for Britney and I am sure it will be a fun-filled day this coming July! It can't come quick enough for Colby!

Gone Fishin.....

Creighton had his exchange at school on Thursday and got this game "Let's Go Fishing". There have been some pretty intense moments of fishin' going on around here. :)

Should have skipped the Christmas Card....

I struggled for days trying to find and/or take a photo of the kids worthy of being on a Christmas card. Finally about 12 days ago I gave up, used the picture of the kids on Santa's lap (totally what I had intended NOT to do), sent in my order and thought for sure they would be here in time to get them sent out by today. So far they haven't shown up. Pretty much impossible to get them out on time now. So, typical Heather fashion, they will be late. Should have done the Happy New Year cards instead.....

Yeah for Colby!

Sitting at work today. Cell phone rings. Check caller ID. It's Colby's school. Heart starts racing and sick feeling in my stomach instantly. Answer phone. Conversation goes like this:

Caller: Hello, Heather?
Me: Yes.
Caller: This is Mr. Williams (principal at Colby's school).

(Heart racing faster, starting to sweat. It's the PRINICPAL--this must be BAD!)

Mr. Williams: I just wanted to pass on some good news about Colby.

(whew....heart slows a bit)

Mr. Williams: Every once in awhile when a student does something really good or something extra special, I like to give the parents a personal phone call to let them know how well their child has done. Colby has gotten 60 or better in Computer Lab for 3 days in a row, and this is not that easy to do. She is showing tremendous effort and working really hard. And 60 or better 3 days in a row....that's awesome. (60 or better meaning 60 questions completed and correct in a short time period)


I was so impressed. Not necessarily with Colby's academic achievements (while that is great), but with the fact that the pricipal would take time out of his busy day, this hectic season, single out a child who has achieved a difficult goal, and make a personal phone call to their parents so that this child will get an extra pat on the back when she gets home tonight. Or maybe even her choice of dinner out :)

Way to go Colby! We love you so much and are so proud of you for working so hard at school!


Ok - heart rate back to normal. Stomach feeling better. Sweating stops. Now I must go re-apply my deodorant.....

Craziness....

I feel like I have been running a marathon lately. The days have been starting early and ending late only to get up and do it all again the next day. I have barely had time to get out the camera to get any shots of my kids and I missed photographing a beautiful sunrise yesterday morning because I didn't have 5 minutes to spare. I get so mad when I find myself joining the holiday rat-race, shopping, cooking, entertaining, etc.

I want so bad for my children to see in me a woman who loves Jesus and is celebrating this season because of Him.

A baby Boy.......the beginning of Jesus' journey on earth......... a most remarkable day in history.....there is no better reason to rejoice. Going to bed with the Manger on my mind and thanking God for giving us this special season to celebrate.......

Cousins....

Mackenzie making Colby beautiful today....

Colby discovered 'kinked' hair the other day after I had braided it for school. She was amazed at what her hair looked like after being braided all day. Now she wants it like that all the time. Mackenzie said she had an old crimping iron that she could have. Nope, that's where I draw the line :)

Colby had fun with Mackenzie today. I am sure there are many things Mackenzie could rather be doing, but she is such a good sport about coming out to hang out with Colby. They had lunch together in Colby's room while watching a movie, fixed hair, rode the four-wheeler and played a little make-shift tennis in the garage. Colby is just plain wore out this weekend. Lovin' this warm December weather.

The kids had a long day today and their attitudes by the end of the night had me just about ready to burst. They got wound up and wild and didn't listen to a thing they were told. Not like them.....Thankfully they are in bed sound asleep and I am enjoying a little peace and quiet (with the exception of Greg's obnoxious snoring coming from the living room).