Christmas Part 2

We got my mom's packages from the states this evening! It was Christmas all over again! Here are a few pictures complete with the "Hannah Montanna" sparkle outfit!

the super sparkly Hannah outfit!!

Dean and his new Bill O'Reilly book!

The "abbygalla" with the bedroom and the "croy bolton picture"

Christmas Recap

Christmas was quiet this year. I think this is only the second time I have not been able to be home with my family and the first ever that I didn't see my sweet boys on Christmas. I know they had a great time in TN but I still really wish I could have been home! When I talked to them Daxton had recieved a guitar and Dawson a small ATV.They were super excited to see what other surprises were still to come. We had a nice day. Gracie got everything that she wanted from santa which included a kitchen, baby doll, and cash register. This was the first year she ever really enjoyed the santa thing. Of course we told her all about what Christmas was and that it was really celebrating our sweet Saviors birth.
She was quick to get up that morning but I don't think she knew what she was supposed to do when she came downstairs. She just kept saying that she had to stretch and just looking at her stuff. It was cute. Needless to say she figured out quick that she could open it all up!! My sweet hubby bought me a beautiful new watch and the most precious thing he got me was a little precious moments figure that is dressed like cinderella with a sweet note that said it was to always remind how Gracie is now. I don't collect figurines and don't plan to start but that little figure I will always cherish!
Other news our oldest boy (dean's son) Andrew proposed to his sweet girlfriend Courtney over Christmas break! We are super excited and can't wait to see them! Gracie is thrilled that she is getting a new sister!! They are getting married in May. She is so sweet and we loved her the moment Andrew introduced her!!
Alexa and Mitch seemed to have enjoyed their day as well. We found a signed Rudy Rutiger helmet from the movie "Rudy" he was really happy about it!
I guess that is about all. It is time to start making resolutions for the new year but that will be for another day! And finish taking all this stuff down! I have started and my plan is to finish today!!! I hope everyone had a great holiday!!

a few more pics from Austria

I found the little camera that Dean had with him and it had some cute pics of Gracie actually up on skis. I just had to share!

The Christmas Dress

Here is Miss Thing in her little Christmas number she picked out herself. She is becoming quite the little lady lately!

A Christmas thought...

Grace and I were baking cookies and she was rolling out the dough and wanted me to try a little piece, So i went in to try a bite and she informed "This is so good momma, try it, just don't eat the booger part!" Needless to say that batch went to the trash!

Christmas Performance

Here are some pictures of Gracie at the Holiday Performance! She was so cute, much better than the dance recital... there were no tears, or complete state of panic!! She went right out there and cheered and danced her little heart out!

Austria

Over Thanksgiving Break we went to Zel am See, Austria. The Alps are the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen! We had a great time. We stayed at the Gasthaus Schett. It was nice but a little different than your typical Holiday Inn. As in I don't think they have changed the decor since about 1970!! Dean and Grace skiied all weekend long. I was really nervous about her skiing but she did awesome. Dean took her to Ski Kindergarten the first day and by the end of the day she had graduated and needed a lift pass to go to the mountain! Yes my baby rode on an open ski lift. It makes me nervous just thinking about! But she loved it and can't wait to go again. I am going to take lessons next time so that I can ski as well. Gracie tells me she will teach me how to ski! Here are some pictures from the weekend! Sorry it is late!

Thankful... a few days behind!

We were in Austria skiing on Thanksgiving and I didn't have access to the internet while we were gone so this post is a few days behind. I will post pictures of that soon.
Thankful...
It is that time of year again when we all reflect on the past year. I am thankful for that God loves me with all my faults unconditionally, I am thankful for the trails the Lord has given me this yeay and although I didn't enjoy going through them I am grateful for the lessons I have learned. I am thankful for my sweet husband who is the funniest person I know and no one will believe me because he is soooo serious all the time outside the house. I am thankful for the belief he has in me and his support as I take on this new venture in my life. I am thankful for my three beautiful children. I am thankful that although I have a unique family situation with my boys they are happy and healthy and have two sets of parents that love them very much. I am thankful for Daxton's strong loving personality and Dawson's happy go lucky atitude. I am thankful for my sweet little Grace. I am so grateful for her.I am thankful that she is overcoming so much of her anxiety and she is blossoming like a little flower. I am thankful for my parents who love me always. I am thankful for my friends, old and new. I am thankful for the great country we have and all the men and women who serve.I am thankful for my puppies and my sweet kitty and thankful she is finally learning how to go to the potty box!!!Yeah lola!
Silly things I am thankful for.... coffee, and hazelnut creamer, the HOGS!!!, german chocolate and pastries,the two days of sunshine a month we get here in Germany, my 7 channels of AFN, my computer and many many more things!! Happy Late Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!!