Welcome 2008!

We ended the year with our annual New Year's Eve celebration. Heath's brothers and a few of our friends came over to ring in 2008. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

No Room in the Inn

A house full of 45 people is a little insane. But such is the norm at Stuenzi-family gatherings. We rented a beach house in Kill Devil Hills, NC, for our whole group. 3 cousins were missing, but everyone else in the family made it. As usual the week was filled with games, lots of laughter, and tons of food. (I don't think Jesse ever stopped eating except to sleep.) My cousin Justin got engaged while we were there! We also made a "grandparent interview" video, involving all the grandkids. Though we came back exhausted, it was a wonderful way to end the Christmas season. This picture is of Grandma & Grandpa, with (almost) all of their grandkids and greatgrandkids.

'Tis More Blessed to Give than to Receive

Christmas morning had a lot more "hustle and bustle" than usual. My family was all here, except Michael (who's stationed in Alaska and couldn't make it home). Carrie also brought her boyfriend Lcas. With all the commotion, Ethan and Jesse didn't even open all their presents--it was just too much for them. (So we've got a head start on next year's Christmas shopping!) =) This picture captures my favorite moment of the day . . . Ethan was thrilled to death to give Heath his present. A remote controlled airplane that he'd been keeping secret for weeks. We all had a fun morning together and then packed up and headed to North Carolina to join the rest of the Stuenzi clan.

Visit to Grandmom & Grandpop

While my family was here visiting, we all went up to Lancaster, PA, to visit Grandmom & Grandpop Taylor (my mom's parents). Our cousin Taylor was also there. We got to see their new place, videotape a "grandparent interview", and enjoy a great meal together. It was a long day, but definitely worth it.

Ethan's Debut

Ethan had two special performances this Christmas. At CBS (the Bible study we go to Thursday mornings), he got to "sing" with his class. Of course he didn't actually have any sound coming out of his mouth, but he did stand up there and look cute. Then, in our church Christmas pageant, all the 4-year old boys got to dress as shepherds and sing a few songs. Again, no actual singing took place on Ethan's part, but he did look really cute.

Raining Friends and Family

It's been said, "When it rains, it pours." Well, that's what's happened this month! I had the great privilege to have 3 old friends plus my dad visit over the course of 10 days! (Dad, notice I called my friends old, but not you.) :) Kelly came for a few days, then Jen & Brenda, then Dad. It was great to spend time with my girlfriends, sharing mothering struggles, reminiscing about old times, and just talking. Heath was even nice enough to give Jen and Brenda and me a kid-free day at the mall! Of all the blessings God gives, friends are one of the greatest. Plus, I get to see Dad again, with the rest of my family (except Michael) in just a few days. They're coming here for Christmas! December is turning into a very full month, busy and a bit exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

First Snowfall!

We had our first snow day on December 5th! We ended up with a few inches, which lasted a couple days. Kelly and Ian Burtelson were visiting at the time. The boys had a great time playing, while Kelly and I froze. It was very pretty though. Then it got back up to the 60's a few days later. The weather sure doesn't get boring around here!