Just a few words from mom...

I can't recall a slow moment this year.  As I sit here, my mind races about a thousand things I can't find--can't recall if I donated them, or they are just misplaced.  This year, Eric and I moved from our 3rd into our 4th house together--one we didn't even live in for months, and now that we're here (over 5 months now) I just feel like we're getting the hang of things.

We had a lot of change going on, no doubt, but with change has come the blossoming of our family into a new order.  One where the girls roam and play about much more freely than we ever knew them to.  Where Eric is gaining knowledge and confidence as a handyman, spouse and father--in ways he never knew he wanted to, but is growing daily.  Me? I still feel as if I don't have my 'sea legs' half of the time--but I'm sure I'll get there.  There are moments when I regret the move, the sale of the Copper ct. house, but there are moments too that I love the house and property where we are.

This too is the last year before Amara starts school.  I'm trying to cherish every moment of her before that phase in her life takes over.  I love the way she likes to cook, bake, do crafts, paint, sing, dance, and make people laugh.  She turns to Cora almost as if an advisor or a confidant, and their relationship is becoming quite sisterly.

Cora is free-wheeling and cafefree.  She gives 100% whether she's playing or mad at me--she leaves nothing in the wind, and loves with her whole heart.  She has blossomed as a leader with some of the smaller children at Mrs. Sarah's, especially on the days when Amara and Jonathan aren't there.  She's quite kind with other kids and dogs, and is quite giving of her heart and spirit.

We took two vacations this year--firsts for our family, and I know the firsts will continue--as they have for 5 1/2 years now.

This will also be our last full year with Mrs. Sarah--as she prepares her life and her family for their journey to Africa starting in June of next year, so while we have had an amazing year with her, we're already sad to think of her not being part of the family.

People keep reminding me of all we have accomplished this year with the move, house, etc. but I still feel like there is so much more to go, or to come.  Getting organized will help me I'm sure--but my goal for our family is to continue to provide a safe and happy home for all of us. To support our girls and give them all the tools they need, the love, the sense of family, God, and love that they need to succeed each day.

This is the last year I will have a 2 and 5 year old daughters--never again will any of us be this age or in this moment again, so as the year closes--I am happy with what this 2013 has brought me and am thankful too.

Daddy checks in...

Eric doesn't chime in often, but I specifically asked him to put some words together for this year.  He writes:

"Not much has happened this year - I don't know what I should write about ... OK, really : 

Let's start about my girls maturing ... sometimes way too quickly.  See that picture of Amara in her Christmas dress ... beautiful, stunning, but way too much in the category of "5 going on 15".  With an attitude of a 15-year-old, to boot.  But, I wouldn't change a thing.  

Amara, I can't put into words how special and amazing it is to watch you, apparently on a whim, gather up a bunch of craft supplies, and whip out a picture for someone.  It doesn't matter if it's Susan Blaies (one of your all-time favorites) or some handyman you've never seen before and will never see again ... you magically create the most beautiful things.  We're not talking about a couple stick figures and a sun - I love seeing what complex art your mind dreams up and that you're able to put on paper. 

 It's also really fun watching people's reaction, especially people that don't know you - I hope you're disappointed when they seem to not react with a bunch of energy ... but let me tell you, I watch their faces and it's pure amazement and surprise in their eyes.  Not many souls in the world are as genuine and sweet as yours and it just shocks people that a little girl they've never met would create something like that for them.  It's a beautiful trait sweetheart, and I hope you always keep that quality (along with so many other wonderful things about you).  And, I'm so proud of you for your gymnastics and cheerleading!  It's awesome watching you develop and try so hard and get so great at it.  I'm really happy for you and look forward to years of it, if you decide you want to keep doing it.

Cora - what a wide, glorious range of personalities.  YOU'VE been the one to get your BIG sister even more into makeup and dress-up, And you love your dolls!  But at the same time, you're as rough-and-tumble as they come.  I love how you appreciate being outdoors and you don't shy away from any challenge.  I love how much you admire and adore your big sister, which is obvious in all the pictures of you two. It's impossible to say the words of how much that means to your mom and me.  There's nothing we want more for both of you than for each of you to be happy and for you to realize what a special gift you have in each other.  You are such a character ... literally - the way you put on shows and sing  ... and your facial expressions!  You're hilarious and true to yourself, and you simply amaze me.  One of the other things I treasure is our little "I love you" exchanges.  Don't be surprised if "so much" ends up being on a plaque or something ... it just hits my heart a special way when that's how you respond when I tell you how much I love you.

Then there's the house ... the old new house ... or the new old house ... however you want to say it, it's OUR house, OUR home now.  The year started with this not even on our radar.  Then, we stumbled on it, which resulted in us stumbling onto the most frustrating but rewarding "ordeal" of our lives.  3 contractors, 9 months (after we closed) in April, and many more gray hairs later ... we've got this one-of-a-kind wonderful home and property that is better than I could've even imagined.  The headaches were there, but they were worth it - we were able to put our own stamp on just about everything (and by "our" stamp, I mean mostly Micki's stamp - thankfully).  I know we've still got a lifetime of maintenance and updates and fixes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I'm not going to ramble about the house - Micki has done a more--than-amazing job of perfectly documenting everything in her blogs.  Let's just say I'm so thankful for this place.

Which leads me to ... my wife.  Who clearly, is responsible for all of this - everything good that happened this year.  It was she that found the house online and prompted the "pursuit" of it.  She had to bear the brunt of the contractor visits (or non-visits) and the debates and the inspectors and all of the other headaches.  But, she's also the one that had almost every design, structural, functional idea - every one of which came out perfect.  Thank you for all your patience and hard work and foresight, honey.  I know a lot of this hasn't been particularly fun, especially for you - but I know that you appreciate how much this means to me, and words can't fully express how amazing you are for putting me, the girls, and this house above yourself.  And, the girls are who they are (and who they are becoming) because of you.  You expose them to so many important and valuable things that I (nor anyone else) could.  Their flare, their appreciation for cooking and crafts, and their sense of humor are all thanks to you.

This year certainly had its up-and-downs ... but all of it just set the stage for 2014 and for all the years to come - and I couldn't be more thankful and excited!"

Closing words from Mrs. Sarah

For the last 3 New Years, I've asked Sarah to do a year end summary for me on her time with the girls...This year was no different.

This is the note Sarah sent.  I was completely happy and proud and smiling until the end--we are going to miss her so very much.

****

"Time always flies but it really flies when you are surrounded by children!  In 2013 it was a blessing to be able to care for Amara and Cora for another year.  

Both girls have grown up so much.  

Amara has really taken on a motherly role in my house and caring for the little ones.  She has loved playing pretend and role play which has included babies, restaurant, camping, and doctor.  One of Amara's favorite things to do while in my care actually takes place in the car.  

She has come to love this praise song called, "Higher" which talks about God's love for us. During the song we all reach as high as we can, as wide as we can, and then we reach out in front of us.  She requests it nearly every time we are in the car.  It has been amazing to see how far she has come in her gymnastic skills this year and updates me on the progress whenever we go outside. 

It has been a joy to see Cora grow up from the little toddler that was in a high chair, stroller, and pack-in-play into a little girl who can now take over her own plate ware, walk wherever we go, and sleeps very well in a "big girl" cot.  She is very bright and learns very quickly, like her older sister.  After seeing a few children using the potty, she decided that she was ready to use it as well and really self potty-trained.  She loved playing outside in the pool, on the swing set, and especially the snow!  

Knowing that we will only be together for another six months is hard to believe.  We will definitely have to make the most of our precious time together!  My prayer for them this year is that they will remain healthy  and they may continue to grow in beauty, wisdom, and continue to develop their love for the Lord. -Ms. Sarah   "

******

mani/ pedi's

The girls have been SUPER into getting their nails done lately and I'm normally happy to paint some nails most anytime.  Nails are pretty quick--especially if they let me use the drying spray...

For Christmas, Aunt Steph and Uncle Matt stepped up the game and got the girls a mani-pedi at home set.  It's too cute! It has a little inflatable 'pool' for them to soak their feet in, and let the little heart shaped confetti melt, then the paint and of course the custom stickers were adorable too.

We spent the day after the Young family Christmas doing pedicures together and I totally loved it.  Nothing better in the world.

Young Family Christmas

With the Young family all having small kids this year, everyone opted to stay home on Christmas morning.  G'ma and G'pa Young still came to us--but we didn't get to see everyone else.  Instead though, we planned to have everyone to our house on the 27th so we all could be together and that's what we did.

Cindy and Alan brought the ham and everyone else brought sides (Kristin's "Mrs. Kay's potatoes were a hit!) We provided the appetizers and the dessert (texas queso, cowboy caviar salsa, and baked alaska) and the house :)

Only Alan and Cindy had been down since August, so we were excited for everyone to see the finished product and everyone thought what we've done was great!

The girls were in FULL BLOWN hostess mode--running around, giving tours!  It was a sight to be seen.

We kept things pretty low key--Amara broke out the tattoo kit and some other crafts she received and started passing around the gifts.

While the musical ones of the group, Cora and Coulter, entertained us all with some Christmas melodies.

The kids played--Coulter, Amara and Cora ran literally in circles for the better part of an hour chasing each other, while Connor crawled around a bit and Kamryn mostly enjoyed being held :)  They all opened their gifts from each other and got to playing with their toys immediately--Amara leading the group like a true first-born, and Cora was playing with the backback and stuffers she got.

Christmas afternoon at the Jahns'

After a big Christmas morning, everyone needed a nap--and SOME of us got them, but some not so much.

Regardless, the girls and we bundled up (them still in their jammies) and we went to G'ma and G'pa Jahn's to see Tim, Carrie and the boys and see if Santa left any presents over there.

The girls had fun opening presents with the boys--then playing with them in the basement too.

After a food break, Amara, G, and Kalvin all played with their rainbow loom bracelet sets, while Cora flirted and chased Jackson around, until everyone was tired and ready to go. 

 It was a long day, but a great time and always fun seeing the kids play.

  And who really wants to open clothes on Christmas anyway? kidding...

Christmas morning

I'm pretty sure last Christmas, Amara was up at 6--i remember i was making sausage roll and I saw her at the stairs and it startled me!

 This year, however, we were all sitting around, LITERALLY waiting for her to wake up.  We told the Youngs to be here at 7--and with their drive, there's not much we could do to change that.

I still got up early to make the sausage roll, but we had sugar cookies made already and some candies, so I didn't have to do much else. 

 Cora slept in till probably 7:30 and Amara pushed it till 8--and even that, was with sissy climbing up into her bed and literally jumping on her to tell her Merry Christmas.

Amara was so sound asleep, she was out of it and forgot it was Christmas morning!!

We went downstairs and the girls were thrilled to see the stockings filled and all the presents around the tree!

Grandma and Grandpa Young got big hugs and then the girls took to examining every detail.  In just another second, the Jahns came in, and brought even more presents!

Amara loved her rainbow loom bracelet and storage box (haha) while Cora took to her her books and panda flashlight friend.  Both girls loved the Rapunzel cone that Santa brought back all the way from Florida too!

Cora grew tired of opening pretty quickly and settled with finding all the chocolate.  Amara was more eager to unwrap and even offered to help others unwrap--which was great to see and do with her.  Amara was very kind with Cora--offering her presents and helping her all morning long.

The grandmas and grandpas enjoyed some gifts picked out from the girls, and some photo books of the girls. The girls got their own photo books too--a summary of Disney, that I made for them after the trip.  Everyone seemed to really like the books!

After some opening, we all took a break in the kitchen for some food--mom had brought breakfast casserole and I made coffees for everyone and juice for all the sickies in the bunch--since we've all been passing this cough around!!

The break didn't last long, before the girls started digging into the boxes.  Amara and Eric got out a tracing toy and she was loving making her own drawings.  Cora was unpacking more dolls and playing with her race track set--but the star of Amara's morning was her Furreal friends kitty Daisy, which she had diligently asked Santa for, it was amazing to see how happy she was and how well she took care of her all day.

I am so glad the girls had their grandparents here this morning--it was so neat, especially since it's something I was never lucky enough to have, and I welcome mornings like this for as long as we can have them!

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve is always a bustling time and this year was no different.

Mom and dad wrapped presents while the girls snacked, played and enjoyed being home!

We headed to church for the 4 pm service--a childrens service, which was great.  Next we headed to Golden China for our Christmas eve tradition, chinese takeout, which the girls inhaled! (I guess it's been a while...)

Last, opening a box we wrapped just for Christmas eve, with Christmas jammies, new tumbler cups, slippers and then some time by the fire.

We watched Polar Express (for the billionth time it seems like this week) then upstairs to read Santa comes to Ohio, Duck and Goose it's time for Christmas, and of course the night before Christmas.

Beanie went to bed more quickly than Cora, but they were both pretty excited and eager for Christmas to get on its way!

Christmas shopping at Rural King

What do you buy for the man who TRULY has everything and wants for nothing? Well, we don't know either, but we went looking for it at Rural King in Circleville.

And I should know better by now--if I take one picture, it won't end there!  However, Eric needed a hat, and the girls needed gloves--which started the shopping right there.  What followed was almost 2 hours of sometimes hilarity, sometimes frustration, but always awesome.

It was hilarious.  Mom had built up the whole trip saying "you get free popcorn and can walk around and shop!" and sure--you do get a bag when you walk in, and can shop--but it's so much more than that.

The girls tried on hats, and shoes, and socks, and picked out silly pants, and sat on weird motorized vehicles.  Our cart filled with items for Grandpa Jahn--and so much more.  Eric grabbed more holiday totes, the girls got MORE sunglasses, and I honestly can't recall what else.

Even though we had a goal, and we accomplished it, the best part about it for me was being silly, shopping with the girls and daddy on December 23.  No malls, no Easton, just us and popcorn and lots of picture taking on my phone.

Merry Christmas to all the Rural King-ians too, who had to listen to us all through the store, lol!

lights at alum creek

We decided to head up to see the lights kind of on a whim this year.  Things had been busy in the month of December and we really left ourselves with one day as an option.  After a morning of baking sugar cookies, we packed up the girls, still in jammies, with blankets and snacks and got snuggled in for the ride.

Cora insisted on having her window down--but the "WHOA" she let out as we rounded that first corner could be certainly heard by those around us.

We enjoyed all the displays--no snow, in fact a big melt made quite a few puddles, but we thanked the workers and wished them all Merry Christmas as we left.  Amara added her own "Happy Merry Christmas" to the greetings too, and was pretty proud of herself for thinking it up, haha.

Christmas sugar cookies

We continued our holiday baking and traditions with sugar cookies this year, but now--with a great big island to work on!  Grandma Harmon's recipe lives on--and everyone who has them tells us they are spot on!

The girls helped us assemble the dough--Cora got her hands in on the egg cracking and Amara is always helpful measuring ingredients.  You can tell the level of seriousness as Cora transitioned from bow--to headband, lol.

I worked the dough for the most part, but we got out the rolling pins and let them roll and cut dough themselves--that was great fun :) 

Into the oven and then down for a quick nap, the girls got up and ready to decorate--but no average decorations for these girls!! They insisted on pink, purple, green, red and white icing, and would have had more if we'd allowed it--really, if we had more frosting!

Sprinkles came out of the cupboards too, and and we all got in on the action!

Amara was particularly fond of a cookie she made with a fox cutter--her Ily cookie of course :)

They got tired about half way through and Eric "speed-frosted" the rest of the cookies so we could get to see the Alum creek lights later that night, but it was great fun and kiddo watching--Amara had some great details in her gingerbread people this year and Cora is getting quite good at spreading too! 

Daddy was the resident taste-tester.  Every one they messed up, he was *forced* to eat and enjoy it!

Our little betty-crocker-picasos at work!

And our finished products! Aren't they the cheeriest!  They may not be your obvious Christmas cookies, but they are the BOMB if I do say so myself--and every single one was made with love.