New Year's Eve 2011

Tonight we joined 50 of our friends from church at the Gillen Home to ring in the new year. Of course since this was a family event, we counted down on the Eastern time (9pm on West Coast). The kids had a blast playing outside and running around while the adults enjoyed some great conversation and lots of laughter. There was even some spontaneous singing involved. All in all, it was a great way to end 2011!

Nathan!

Jason!

Melissa & Dan

Betsy Wilson & Melissa

Luke Wilson & Nathan

John Wilson & Jason

Happy 2011, you were an amazing year and Happy 2012, for the blessings that are yet to come!

"See You Later!"

Instead of goodbye, Julie and I have said "see you later". Who knows when that later will be, but I am prayerful that it won't be too long.

This morning we headed out bright and early for our last walk in California. Julie and I have been walking together for several years. It used to be as we pushed heavy strollers with young children and then it was as the children rode scooters or bikes. Eventually the kids were in school and we were able to do it alone. No matter how we did it, it was a special time.

Julie is my accountability partner- she asks hard questions and really makes me examine the choices I am making and whether they are honoring to God and my commitment to Him. I can do the same for her and it only grows us closer to each other as well as to Jesus. I will miss doing this face to face, but am thankful for the phone and Skype that will keep us close as the miles keep us apart.

After our final walk we headed to Lowe's to get the last few boxes they would need to finish packing up their home. There have been so many tears shed, but today we could say goodbye with smiles and the hope of our next meeting.

I love you dear friend, I love your family and will miss your physical presence here in California. Georgia is a lucky state to get you!!

Christmas Day 2011

The Crout Family 2011

In the afternoon we headed over to my mother-in-law's home for dinner and presents. Mary makes the best enchiladas. Along with yummy rice and beans from a local Mexican restaurant, it is a meal I look forward to every year! What a blessing it is to give and receive gifts with your family. The best gift of all is spending time together!

Everyone loved their gifts!

Steve, Mary, Jason, Melissa, Dan and Nathan-

an intimate Christmas Dinner!

Mary and her two youngest sons!

Melissa & Her Mother-in-Love, Mary

Christmas Pie

I was asked to bring dessert for Christmas so thanks to Trader Joe's, an apple pie was easy and delicious. Besides the jar of apple pie filling, I sliced three granny smith apples and added those to the pie. They were a nice addition to the apples, spices and other yummy stuff in the jar. The pie was a hit and even better the next day!

Christmas Morning 2011

Merry Christmas!! After walking the dog, I read an amazing book to the boys about the first Christmas. I like to start the day reminding us of the reason we celebrate this joyous day- Jesus Christ!!

After stockings were opened, we started in on the gifts. Everyone enjoyed giving and receiving gifts and even Chloe got in on the action. We had to be quick about it since were due at my brother's home for breakfast.

Nathan, Gracie, Gidget & Jason

Pajama Party-

Jason, Ryan, Nathan, Gracie & Gidget

We were in Costa Mesa by 9am and had a wonderful breakfast (thanks Curt & Sherry) and enjoyed hanging with family! Although the whole family wasn't there- we sure enjoyed being with Mom, Fred, Sherry, Curt, Gracie and Gidget (plus the 5 Crouts)

Christmas Eve 2011

Today was a super busy day. It started off with cleaning up at my dad's place and getting his paperwork in order (he is in a rehab right now and is unable to do it himself). Dan was an awesome help and we got it done quickly. Afterwards we headed over to Tustin Rehab to visit my dad and wish him Merry Christmas (not a fun place to be around the holidays- or any time for that matter).

Since the next few days would be full, I decided that the boys should open their big present from us a day early. It ended up being a good thing since it took about 2 hours to put together the Play Mobile sets they got. The got the Secret Agents and Robot Gang sets. They are the coolest sets and the boys were thrilled with them-right up their alley. We have to keep reminding them that it is a joint gift and that they have to play together, but for now it is working.

After putting those together we headed for church for an early service (3:30pm). As I looked around the filled sanctuary I saw my family members sitting all around me. I appreciate our little body of believers and I love seeing their faces full of joy and their hearts full of worship- especially on this special day- truly a gift!!

We headed home for a home made meal by me (can you believe it?) We had lasagna, salad and garlic bread (oh, don't forget the sparkling apple cider). This year Ryan was with us for Christmas Eve and we didn't have any place to go.

After dinner, baths and more playing- the boys watched "Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas" while Dan and I played a 18 holes of Wii Resort Golf. It was a great evening and I look forward to tomorrow!!

Christmas Decorations

Here are some pictures around the house of our decorations- enjoy!

My mother made this advent calendar 40 some years ago. It was a favorite tradition of mine growing up and I enjoy doing it with my children too!

Every year our Christmas cards get put up on the mirror in our living room. It is always fun to see how families change, kids grow and how people are blessed!

My mother also made these stockings. Mine is original from 40 years ago (Missy). She has since made them for the other members of my family as well as my siblings, their spouses and all the grandchildren. It is something that we all have in common- we can't say that about a lot of things these days!

Pictures with Santa are a fun tradition. Here are 5 years worth with Jason and Nathan. We didn't get to take one in 2010 or 2011, but I just love seeing my little babies and how they have grown!!

Our tree!! I got it a month ago and have learned my lesson. The tree is now dry and brittle. I am taking it down as soon as Christmas day is over. I do appreciate the fragrant smell a real tree offers vs. an artificial one!!