New Years Eve

On New Years Eve we typically go to the Papke's to ring in the new year.  We had planned to go over there again this year but Madelyn woke up on NYE and had thrown up at some point during the night.  I would have never known except she smelled like it.  She didn't wake up during the night and she seemed fine in the morning.  She looked a little washed out as we were starting to get ready for school so she stayed home with Ryan.  She wasn't happy at all about that - she wanted to go to school!  Ryan & Madelyn had a good day at home and we figured it was best not to push it.  They watched Frozen and built Peppa the Pig from clay.

That night we decided we still needed to celebrate so we went to have ice cream!  We went to our favorite home made ice cream shop.....Honey & Mackey's......it is so good!  Fun way to celebrate the end of 2014!  Love our little family!!!

Special Night

My mom called me on Sunday (12/28) afternoon to let me know that my grandma wasn't doing well.  She has been in hospice for a few months and we knew she was failing but she has kept hanging on.  We had just stopped to see her on Friday, 12/26 on our way home from Iowa.  She had just had a bath and was in her chair, resting.  She wasn't very responsive but she was awake and alert.  Madelyn was so excited to give her the book we (from Carla & our family) made her.  Madelyn was telling Great Gma who everyone was in the pictures.  Grandma hardly responded.  At that time we didn't think much of it as my mom had been to visit her on Christmas Day and she was talking and much more alert.  She has had good days and not-so-good days so we just thought this was one of the not-so-good days.

My sister went down to Owatonna on Monday (12/29) and said my grandma wasn't doing well. We decided to go down and visit grandma that afternoon.  Ryan & I picked up the kids and headed to Owatonna.  We got there around 5:00 pm and met Carla, Luke, Bishop, Nora and my mom at Clarebridge.  My grandma was just laying there but you could tell she knew we were there as she would respond by trying to open her eyes when she heard our voices and felt our touches. 

We said good-bye to grandma and went back to my parent's house for dinner and family time.  We knew it was only a matter of time and for my grandma's sake we were hoping it would be soon and she would be comfortable.

She passed at 11:30 pm on Monday (12/29) evening her sleep.  For as sad as it is that she isn't here with us anymore, it is a blessing to know she is reunited with grandpa and free from the dementia that has hindered her for the past few years.  It was a special night as we were all together with her and that is exactly what she would have wanted.  She loved her family so much and would do anything for any of us!  We are so blessed she was our grandma and great-grandma!

The kids watching a movie on Monday evening before we all headed home.

Bishop Christmas

On Saturday we had the Bishop Christmas.  Carla and Luke hosted again this year.....they do such a great job and I know everyone loves going to their house!  It's such a fun afternoon/evening when we can catch up, be together and enjoy family time.  The kids had a blast playing together - which always helps when they are happily entertaining each other.  Love our family and so thankful we still get together to celebrate!  It was the last Christmas celebration for this season - it always comes and goes so quickly.  Madelyn has already asked how many sleeps until next Christmas :)

The only way to get Jack in the picture with Great Gpa & Great Gma was for me to be in the picture!

Elsa dolls and dresses that sing "Let it Go" from Great Gma Darlene - they were/still are a HIT!
Madelyn loves hers!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day morning brought an eager 3.5 year old who couldn't wait to see what Santa brought her!  And of course our almost 2 year old was excited too because if his older sister is excited.....he is excited! :)

The kids were excited to play with their toys and gifts from Santa.  Theme for Madelyn was Peppa the Pig and the theme for Jack was Elmo!

We spent a couple hours playing and then we packed up and headed to Iowa to celebrate with the Bormann's.

The Bormann's.....missing Eric and Heather

The kids did well on the trip and were so excited to see Grandpa and Grandma!  We had a wonderful stay on the farm.  The kids were showered with gifts and loved every minute of it.  Jack was really into Uncle Marc and Uncle Chris!  Jack got to visit the pig barn, see the cows and pet Milton.  This trip Madelyn preferred to stay inside although I think she still managed a trip to see the cows.

It's always a fun time on the farm!  Grandma Emily made an awesome Christmas meal - stuffed pork chops - and Aunt Jody brought my favorite sugar cookies.  Family and great food - doesn't get better than that!

Jack was more excited for his M&Ms than his presents!

Grandpa Kenny always surprises us with amazing toys he makes for the kids!  This year he made a music maker and a train.  Such cool gifts and the kids absolutely love them!  So blessed to have such special toys!

Christmas Eve

This year was our year to host Christmas Eve with my family.  What a fun afternoon & evening!  We went to the 2:30 pm Children's Christmas service at Lord of Life.  The kids did great......and Jack even got a little nap on my shoulder during the later part of the service.  Then we came back here, the kids played, the adults hung out and then we ate dinner and opened gifts.  We tried a new thing this year and the kids opened their presents in phases which seemed to help the chaos......the last couple years we hardly knew what happened and/or who got what as there were wrappings all over.  Everyone went home so we could all wake up in our own beds to wake up and see what Santa brought! :)

Madelyn went straight to bed and didn't even watch the Peppa the Pig......like she usually does.  I later found out that Ms. JoAnna (her teacher at school) told all the kids they needed to go straight to bed if they wanted Santa to come.....and Madelyn being the rule follower she is did just that!

Pictures before church........

The big kids - so grown up and so cute together!

Where it all started!

Love this family!!!

Nana & Papa with their kids!

Pictures during church......our pastor had everyone take a Christmas selfie during the sermon!

Pictures after church.......

Love my Bishop!

Shoveling and eating chocolate.....doesn't get much better than that!

We gave Bishop a remote control rat!
He loved it.....I was glad it was out of our house :)

Jack got 15+ trucks for Christmas.....all boy and loving it!

Auntie & M......special bond! :)