Celebrating Two Men in the Family ~ Jan. 6-7th

Yes, that's right. There are now two men in my family and three boys. James turned 19 on the 7th, so at least technically he is an adult. I'm still adjusting to that concept in my mind, as of course he'll always be the beautiful little boy who taught me how to be a mother as we did everything first together. I feared this day with trepidation as well as with relief. He is now accountable for himself with the reality that I don't have to tolerate certain behaviour anymore. Not that anything is going on right now, which I am immensely glad for, and life presently seems peaceful. So I breathe deeply with gratitude. We may never have our act together as a mother and son, but there is some comfort that we've lived 19 years together which I hope James will appreciate as he matures. I certainly always will, and thank God for His gift of James...a technologically brilliant, sweet-hearted servant-natured, hard-working, motivated, forever loyal friend, and cherished family member.  Another day, another reminder...

We celebrated with our family at Northview Golf Course for brunch, and were especially pleased to have Kelsey join us. The smiles we see from James when she is in the vicinity are so heartwarming to us.

James also can't avoid pictures when Kelsey is near as he has to be nice to us. :) 

Mom and Dad K. are always looking good!

Uncle Stewart keeps the boys laughing.

Collegiate-looking Charles... he only dresses the part. :)

Nora visits the dessert buffet for the jellybeans.

The other birthday "Man" of the day. Thankfully he has
been a responsible adult his entire life. :)

Nora loves it when Kelsey is around, too.

In her Sunday-best.

See what I mean about the smiles? Kelsey makes them all behave!
 (The civilizing effect of women...)

The generations we are thankful to be between.

Happy Birthday, Scott!

Later on, the boys shared their cards with "Dad'. You never quite know what they're going to make.

This creation from Thomas was slightly creepy...

...which would be half the point when you're 14.
Also notice the Obama card, as Scott is such a fan. (Not!)

So here's to Scott celebrating the last year of  his forties.

Instant party, we decided not to cancel home-group after all.
 Thanks for a fun evening, everyone.

Scott's not 2119, we just didn't have a 4. :)

And just because I feel a birthday must be celebrated on it's actual day as well, James had his own cake and recognition the following evening. (Scott was working.) The boys are pretty low key about birthdays now, but Nora is right into it. (I was already anticipating Jan. 10th, when Nora would be at preschool and I could finally start my "vacation" after working the 8th, and taking CPR on the 9th. Christmas, working so much for everyone else, and then double birthdays just wiped me out!)

Tom and Lewis are chronically silly, while Charles always acts unimpressed.

Wow, a smile! But then look who's here...

A card that only a Dad would buy.

Yes, Kelsey came for dessert so their beautiful smiles once again graced our home.
Thanks, Kelsey, for making James smile so often. :)

And I'm already looking forward to next Christmas for James...

Happy 19th, James! Love you...Mom

Sweet times together ~ Jan. 4-5th, 2013!!

Christmas giving extended for Nora past the actual day, which really makes it an even better time of year when you're a little girl. Auntie Darlene and family sent these over for her, so these photos are for Darlene. :)

Nora says, "Thank you!"

A strawberry pillow!

Finger puppets galore...

To celebrate Scott's birthday, our friends Tom and Kim joined us for dinner. We had a lovely time at the Washington Avenue Grill in White Rock. Great food, although a younger crowd for a Saturday night in that part of town, a retirement haven. We were feeling a little "hearing-challenged" with all the chatter, a bit of a reminder that some of us are getting older! :) After working so much over Christmas, it was wonderful to be out with friends, especially without the "much younger people we live with".

Our new Christmas attire...

Here's to starting 2013 off with my best friend.

 Kim... always there when I need her.

Tom, a man of  wisdom.

A friendship that started  17 years ago has truly blessed our lives.

Ending the year well ~ Dec 29-Jan 1/13

Pictured below, Nora reflects on all the growth and experiences of her year... she's done so much, made new friends and definitely learned how to speak her mind! (Where's the "off" button?) Truthfully, this year is blurrier than ever, and I often fear that my brain cells are dying quicker than they should. (That is likely a job hazard of working with those with Alzheimer's dementia...) I do recall working enough, although not in my home as much as I'd have liked. Yet the walls still stand, I'm not aware of any sworn enemies and the sky is still blue. God is our sustainer, and I look forward to a new year of joyful experiences to celebrate, fresh challenges to learn as I possibly seek further employment, and the chance to love my family and friends more each day. No resolutions for me, just the choice to trust God's heart in how He leads us in 2013. His blessings to you also in the coming year.

Our time off school was low-key, but most everyone had a chance to rest. Here's Nora after church, as I try to get her to show us her new dress. 

We had an extended family gathering at Cousin Luke, Tricia and family's home Sunday evening. Very kind of them to host it, and to share such tasty appetizers. Sadly I didn't remember to take many pictures...

Our "adopted" cousin, Kelly, with boyfriend, Dave, and Luke's son Asher.

Luke, our host.

Christmas-time is always a good time to do puzzles...

The boys were able to do something "fun" with Dad by checking out the Winter skate event at the local arena. I was trying to sleep off a shift, I believe, feeling guilty that they were stuck at home so much. :)

Pretty unusual Christmas decor~

New Year's Day, Nana was feeling energized and had everyone over for another wonderful meal. [I was working double-time again...feel sorry for me yet? :)]

Nora gives her New Year's greeting..."Be Happy"

Happy New Year's  from our family to yours~ :)

Christmas Day ~ 2012

It seems like awhile ago now, but it's fun to look back at the pictures and realize that yes, we had a good day with much to be thankful for. Not just the gifts that people were hoping for or not, but moreso being with all our family members and having peace in our home, and a shared time of celebrating the reason for our hope in the birth of Christ. (We missed Ann, Steve and kids in Winnipeg and Nana being home sick for the day, though.) Also, with the amount of turkeys we've cooked in our home maybe up to 5 now, we had the cookbooks out on the counter in the morning following each step to the letter. So, we were very thankful to not see any pink meat in there when the turkey was sliced. :) We hope that you also had a special day with family, reflecting on the gifts in your life that God has blessed you with.

Off to Christmas Eve service...

Finally ready to open gifts at 11 am! Boys still don't look too awake...

Trying out the "Screaming Monkey" slingshot

Can't resist a new dress for Nora, and "My Little Pony" pj's!

For the hidden dancer in Thomas...

Entertainment options for Scott

 Yeah for recyclable bags!

Grandma and Grandpa look on, sharing in the fun.

A sweet moment with Nora

She enjoyed opening all of her gifts.

Mom is ready for walking...

Dad, too. True love ...

The gift of the day, a twin doll bunk. Just like growing up,
Dad is quick to put the new toys together for everyone.

 Not long after, Nora has loaded up the dolls, complete with  "blankets".
Was so sweet to see her nurturing side come out.

Grandpa babysits doll "Paul" for Nora...

Strange kitchen gifts for James'  new "Hope Chest"...
that would be made of Rubbermaid. :)

Getting Charles ready for his trip to Guatemala...

Just in case Thomas ever gets the opportunity to ski. Regardless he
 wore the goggles most of the day as he thought they were pretty cool.

The original Newsham smile...

Mom is surprised by the necklace she bought herself. :)
I buy my own gifts now, too... must be a "Mom" thing.

A beautiful Mulan doll from Scott's co-workers. How kind!

Immediately after gift-opening, Nora was giving her dolls their lunch.

A last gift before naptime... Nora was happy with her dollhouse, a place to
 put the furniture that Auntie Ann gave her  on her birthday.
Something to grow into in the months ahead.

A full house for a wonderful dinner.

Our two Dads enjoy talking together.

Merry Christmas!

Gifts for cousins Kailey and Kieren

Family friend Joan enjoys her gifts, too. :)

The only hitch of the day was getting called at dinner time to work night shift. (at 11pm) I reluctantly agreed, motivated by double-time, asking if someone else called back to give them the shift. The staffing employee just laughed in my ear, and I did end up going. I headed off for a nap after 8 pm, and at least I missed out on hand-washing all the china and glassware from dinner. :) Thanks, Scott... Next year, I'll be sure to book it off ahead of time!