2012 wrap up

2013 is here and it has great promises to be an excellent year! We have a big wedding in June where the kids will be a ring bear and flower girl for Jeff and Lina. Jarren turns 30 in July and I follow in August by turning 30 myself. I can't look ahead to 2013 without taking a moment to reflect back on 2012.

Eleanor had a great year of growing and learning. In August Eleanor joined her brother at Generation Next. She has thrived at Gen Next and amazes us with the knowledge she has. She continues to sleep through the night with a bed time of 6:30 and waking up about 6. She is a quiet mischievous child who is fine entertaining herself or playing in a big group with others. She loves to dance and is always watching everything her brother does. Eleanor loves her puppy and B and also loves to blow kisses and gives hugs.

Hudsen had a great year as well. This year he was a junior at Generation Next. He impressed his teachers with his drawing and cutting skills and even helps other kids in his class with their arts and crafts. He also did flag football (spring and fall session) and blast ball this year. Both he loved to go to and still asks about every other day when they start back up. He is a great big brother who does a great job of sharing for the most part. He has a bed time of 7:15 and does a good job of just heading to bed with no complaints. Hudsen has a big heart and likes to have everyone included. He is a great little boy!

Jarren started a new job at DMU in 2012. It has been a great switch from public accounting! He even plays basketball on an intermueral league with some other staff members. Also in 2012 Jarren ran his first half marathon. He finished the Des Moines half and the kids and I were at the finish line to let him know how proud of him we were.

In 2012 I was able to start working part time. In April, I started working 7-12 and spending the afternoon with the kids. I am SO lucky to be able to do this and have those memories with the kids. In June I ran Dam to Dam for the second time.

Our lives are so full with joy and blessings that sometimes I just need to take a step back and thank God for everything we have.

And now because they are fun to look back on, here are the New Years resolutions:

Jarren-complete a half marathon
Jen-finish reading The Story
Hudsen-clean room and play a lot
Eleanor-dance and play a lot

Christmas with the Grandparents

On December 15th we celebrated Christmas with the Hummel family in Cedar Falls. Seeing all the cousins together opening presents was SO much fun! They all have such a good time together and truly enjoy each other. Below are a few pictures from the day.

Every year Uncle Jarren (or Dad :) reads a story to the kids. They all sat still the whole time while he was reading. We were all very impressed!

Grandpa Dave with Eleanor and Isabella.

The cousins with Grandma Kim and Grandpa Dave in their new pjs!

The cousins with GG

Our family picture at the Hummel Christmas

On the 23rd we headed to the farm to celebrate Christmas with Grandma Pat, Grandpa Gary, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lina. The kids were so excited about opening gifts and seeing everyone. My cousin Joe road home with us and also joined in on some car dancing on the way home. Jeff and Lina had to head back after opening gifts but we were able to spend a few days and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas day with Grandpa and Grandma. The days went by so fast and were so fun.

The kids getting ready to start opening their gifts and Grandma Pat's and Grandpa Gary's.

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lina giving Eleanor kisses after opening gifts.

Eleanor fits right in with the snowman family :)

On Christmas day we went to the Tindall family Christmas. Every year the Christmas is held at the Catholic Church and then we go to Nancy's afterwards. But not before the dishes are done :) This is the first year that Hudsen helped with the dishes and Mom could hang up her towel :)

Dad and Hudsen both wearing their new ISU shirts and relaxing on the farm.

Celebrating Christmas with family is always a special time. We feel so blessed to have so many people in our life that we get to spend this special time with and love that our kids have so many people that love them. As our kids grow we will continue to help them grow in their faith and understand the true meaning of Christmas and why this day is such a special day to all of us.