Burlington with the Van Osdols!

Instead of meeting up in Montana, the Van Osdol family decided to travel east to Iowa to visit Grandpa Van Osdol and the rest of our family. After very long drives, we all met up at Grandma Horn's house. (Memory I'll never forget: Grandma Horn slept in the bathroom, yep bathroom, on a mattress so that we could all have a room!) The kids were wonderful and the tight living quarters just made for more family time! We visited Grandpa at the hospital in shifts and spent time with the Horn family. The Horn's rescheduled their family get-together so we could join in the celebration. (There were too many little ones to count!) Our last day in Iowa, Grandpa got to head home for the day where we all ate wonderful food and shared great conversation. The Anderson's crashed at our place New Years Eve and before you know it, the vacation had ended. Definitely a Christmas for the memory book! Wow, there's a ton of photos, enjoy!

"Happy Jesus!"

Sarah and Lee hosted Christmas in their new house and (after a minor turkey scare... uhhh... the lack of one) we all had a great time! Her house was decorated beautifully, the food tasted great, and the company was wonderful.

My favorite story from this Christmas, after everyone had settled in with their Christmas dinner and all was quiet, Elizabeth very loudly exclaimed, "Mom, Happy Jesus!" Priceless.

Cooking with Grandma Maloney!

Elizabeth adores my mom and I'm pretty sure the feeling's mutual! Mom surprised us all with Elizabeth's new hair-do (she claims it was all Elizabeth's idea...). Then it was off to make pies. Elizabeth used her own rolling pin (thanks Great Grandma Maloney), flour and water. She had a great time and even baked her own miniature pumpkin pie!

Our very own Christmas

We finally decided (after five Christmas' married) to spend an evening celebrating Christmas with just us. We ate delicious prime rib, potatoes, and squash and had a wonderful evening together. Elizabeth loved her princess high heels! It was a wonderful way to start our Christmas break!

Pics of the kids

Alexander is growing so fast! He's very tall and skinny which I think is cute (you should see his little chicken legs - they're adorable!). Here you see Alexander eating cereal for the first time (which he loves!), Elizabeth "studying" with Uncle Mike for finals, and Elizabeth "playing" with her brother (notice how excited he is...).

Grandpa Van Osdol

Unfortunately, just before Thanksgiving, Andrew's Grandpa suffered a series of strokes. We traveled to Iowa City to visit him and Grandma Irene. What a blessing to be able to show our love to a man who has made a huge impact in both of our lives! Grandma Irene is so good with Elizabeth. Who would've guessed that a 2-year old could have so much fun in a small hospital room?

First Corinthians 13: Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust;
but giving the gift of love will endure.

Author: Sharon Jaynes
Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

Time with Dad

Aren't they cute together?

Early present

Elizabeth got an early Christmas present from Grandma Van Osdol (NaNa). She was so excited!! She kept saying "Mom! Snowman!!" We're looking forward to spending Christmas at Sarah and Lee's house in Rapid. After Christmas, we'll join up with Sharon's family in Montana. Andrew and I are both looking forward to some time away with family!