HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

JOHN AND JEAN!!!!

2008 brought 50 years of marriage for my parents in July and for Joe's parents in December. You may remember from previous postings that in July we celebrated 50 years of marriage for my parents at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri. On December 27th Joe's family gathered to honor his parents as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The day started with Joe and his siblings decorating the Knights of Columbus Lounge. Then, family picture, a come and go reception, Mass and then a dinner at the Knights of Columbus Lounge. On December 28th Joe and I woke up tired, as Keylee had the idea that she would be up most of the night, only to realize that it was our anniversary too. Joe and I have been married 12 years. I realized that between Joe and I we have 112 years of marriage. Both our parents have reached 50 years and Joe and I have now reached 12. We are blessed to have parents who have set such a great example for us.

Ladies and Gentlemen . . . Introducing . . . Grammy and the Grands. . . It has been a tradition for Joe's Mom (a/k/a Grammy) to put on a concert with the grandchildren at Christmas (and other times when the family gathers). This year was extra special as even the two oldest grandchildren, Jenilee and Ryan, were able to make an appearance at the concert. I know my kids love it and maybe next year Keylee will be able to join the band too.

Kira loves to visit Aunt Tam Tam (that is what she calls my sister Tamie) so she can ride my nephew Isaac's horse, Sarge. My nephew Isaac recently accpepted a job in California training horses. Fortunately, he was able to make it back to Dodge City for Christmas so he and Kira could ride Sarge.

Nap Time

We celebrated Christmas day at my sister Tamie's home in Dodge City. Keylee was ready to take a nap so Umpa (my Dad) offered to rock her to sleep. Who do you think fell asleep first???

Christmas Eve (morning)

Kira and Keenan played outside in the snow . . .

From inside, Keylee watched Kira and Keenan play outside in the snow . . .

This is what I go through every night . . . Every night I put the kids in their beds, tuck them in and remind them not to get out of bed. Kira does pretty good and generally falls right to sleep. Keylee usually fusses a little and sometimes requires some rocking by Joe. Inevitably, Keenan gets out of his bed several time and will come to find me to tell me something he forgot ("Mom, Mom, I forgot to tell you . . . ) or, tell me he has to potty ("Mom, Mom, I have to potty and don't worry I won't potty on your toilet seat"). On the particular night pictured above, Keenan came in and said, "Hey Mom how do I look?" He was wearing his reindeer hat he made at preschool, his sunglasses and carrying his water and flashlight. I couldn't help but laugh and I grabbed my cell phone on the counter to take a quick picture. It was hard to get mad at him for getting out of his bed after he looked so darn cute.

On Saturday, Kira performed at the Mall with her dance class. When watching this video ignore me saying "crap." I said that when I realized the only person that I may get any video of is the high school girl standing in front of Kira leading the dance. As you will see from the video, I do have some footage of Kira.