family

I was looking though old pictures tonight and just had to post this video.   I'm so thankful for this bunch of people God has allowed me to share this life with.  They sharpen me and make me laugh.  I know more about Christ because I know them.  I love you Jason, Jonas, Ella, Kate, Isaac, Mom, Dad, Mark, Anne, Titus, Ezra, Simeon, Levi, Mark, Amy, Ian, Emmaline, Justin, Stephanie, and Max!

Christmas

There are 13 of us in the house this Christmas.  It's cozy.  We are loving it.  Jason's parents and sister are here.  There is nothing better than family and I'm so thankful they can be here this Christmas.  We could NOT believe the piles of presents that kept accumulating under our tree.  We are really blessed, but keep in mind- 13 people!

BEST. GIFT. EVER.  = baby Emmaline

 We had to have a little photo shoot with our baby doll tonight since it's her first Christmas.

Aunt Elizabeth is staying in the girls room and they are loving their "sleepovers" and Ella's bed on the floor.  (Kate always sleeps on that little crib mattress and then shoves it under the big bed during the day.)

 best friends

Today at 4:50 (of course, minutes before hardware stores shut down for the holidays) we noticed a huge water leak in our basement.  Yep, the water heater busted.  That means 13 people are down to one toilet, no shower or tub, 1 bathroom sink, and 1 kitchen sink.  2 weeks ago our dishwasher broke (It's just because we went 4 years using it without a water softner).  So, I'm now doing dishes by heating water on the stove!  Fun Christmas memories are happening all around.  Tonight Jason and I posted the following on facebook.  At least we have our sense of humor and each other which of course is all that really matters.  We are blessed and no matter what curve comes down the road we have abundant grace for each moment.  We are joyfully celebrating our Savior this Christmas season!

by Jason:

Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a drop of hot water
Yet the carpets were doused.

The water heater tank
had been cracked with such care
By rust and by age
Well beyond repair

And mamma in her kerchief,
and I in my cap
No showers for us,
Well, we're just going to stink tomorrow I guess.

my response:

Twas weeks ago, dear 
that our dishwasher broke
the replacement was me
and that's really no joke.

I thought I might get one
from old St Nick
but now I'm afraid
that we'll get a new water heater instead and until then I'll have to keep boiling pots of water on the stove just to wash my dishes by hand but I'm not complaining because at least I have running water and don't have to chop wood and haul pails of water from the creek out back

announcing...

      Emmaline Rose was born on 11-14-11 at 11:20 AM.  She weighs 7 lbs 7 oz and is 21" long.

And here are the pictures of her first day.  She was all of 7 hours old when little brother, Ian, and aunt Beth got to visit her.  First of all here is the cutest little, big brother bringing flowers to mommy.  

This hat was knit by a few older ladies who volunteer time and talent at the hospital.  This one was their gift of love to Emmaline.  She's wrapped in a fleece swaddler provided by the hospital.  She'll be sent home with a pink one.

 Amy's food tray's are delivered with fresh flowers.  They are beautiful and we had fun with a little photo shoot last night.  

Emmaline's first day was of course full of sleep, but when she was awake she seemed perfectly content even with our playing dress up with her!

And here is the new little family of FOUR!