Christmas with Dad

We finished up our Christmas day at Christopher's house to spend some time with Dad.  I haven't mentioned it here on the blog, but my dad was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer 10 days before Christmas (this is part of the reason I am so far behind on posting).  At this point he was still in a lot of pain and going through radiation treatment.  It was nice for me and the boys to spend time with him.  I wish Sarah could have been there, too.

 

Dad has a funny look in this picture, but I wanted to post one with Benji in it

White Christmas

After Christmas at Nana's we headed over to Grandma and Grandad's house for some Christmas day fun.  The snow really started coming down hard on our drive over and Luke was really looking forward to playing in it.  Thankfully Uncle Robert was a trooper and played in the snow with him so I didn't have to -- it was cold :)  The bad thing about me not going outside with him is that I don't have many photos to share :(  Here are a few though to remember the Christmas it snowed in Texas!

Meet Robert

Today I am taking a brief break from gushing about my kiddos to link up with up with Kelly's Korner for Show Us Your Singles.....

 

Meet Robert!

Robert is my single brother-in-law.  I know that he is a great catch for the right lady.

Robert is 34 years old and graduated from Texas A&M Commerce in 2001.  He currently resides in the DFW, Texas area and works as a State Food and Drug Inspector.

As for his interests and hobbies.....
He volunteers at a homeless shelter, loves to cook and try new foods, science, being outdoors (except for swimming), technology, and trying new things outside of his comfort zone (like skydiving!).  Some of his favorite TV shows are Mythbusters, Big Bang Theory, Person of Interest, and Survivor. 

When I asked him to describe himself he told me that his love languages are Quality Time and Acts of Service.  He is also loyal, detail oriented and considerate.

    

Robert is looking for a lady with Christian values and who is a good communicator. He would love to date someone that enjoys quality time hanging out together and someone who is also willing to pursue God's call when it is apparent.

When I think of Robert, I think of a loving uncle who is great with my kids...they LOVE their Uncle Robert!!  I know he would make a good husband and great father.

Robert with little sister

Robert with older sister

 At the zoo

Family shot

 Reading books

Catching snowflakes!

 

Christmas at Nana's

After spending the morning at our house we headed over to Nana's to celebrate.  When we got there we found out that there was a small fire next door and that her power was out.  Thankfully, most of lunch was cooked before the power went out, and for what wasn't cooked her neighbors were willing to help out.  It was interesting to celebrate in the dark.....definitely a year we will not forget!  Also, before we left Nana's to head to Grandma's house it started to snow!  What great memories!!!

I love this picture of the kids catching snowflakes on their tongues!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

One of our family traditions is to make birthday pancakes for Jesus on Christmas morning and sing happy birthday.  We got a little creative this year and decided to add sprinkles to the pancake mix which turned out great.  I am thinking that next year I may add some whip cream :)  I really love this tradition and I think it is a great way to remind the boys that we are celebrating the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas Morning!

We spent Christmas morning at our house, just the 4 of us.  Luke woke up around 6am and came to our room saying, "There is a big truck in the living room!!  Can I go look at it?"  He was so excited, but had no problems waiting until little brother got up an hour and a half later to get the morning started.  The boys spent a lot of time playing on the tractor, then we ate pancakes, then we finished up by opening a few presents and emptying out the stockings.  We had a great morning playing with the new toys and climbing on the tractor (it was too cold to take it for a spin outside).

Just a side note...the boys were dressed in matching Christmas jammies when we put them to bed on Christmas Eve, but Benjamin was soaking wet when he got up.  Thankfully, he fit into the same jammies that Luke wore on his first Christmas!

 This kid loved climbing on the tractor!

 Thank you Grandma Blum and Grandpa Herb for sending presents!

He loves this puzzle!

 

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve down at the Keels' house like we do most years.  This year was a bit smaller considering Uncle Bub (and family) and Brian and Channing couldn't make it.  Despite the smaller crowd we managed to have a good time!  Thanks Ginger for hosting and feeding us some good food!

A Night Out

Gigi was nice enough to watch the boys one night while Andy and I went to his work Christmas party.  It was nice to dress up and get away for the evening.  I think Luke and Ben had fun hanging with Gigi, too!