Being a Mom....

means that you will drag your tired sick body out of bed so you can hold the tired sick body of your baby. It means you will rub her back and comfort her even though you want some comfort yourself. You will hold off on some much needed rest just to make sure the Tylenol is bringing her fever down. It also means leaving your to-do list untouched so you can hold your baby on the couch for the better part of the day, because that's what she needs at the moment. Being a mom also has you sitting in the movie theatre with a splitting headache and upset stomach because you promised your oldest daughter that she could go to the movies during Christmas break, even though you would rather be in bed.

You do these things because, like all good mothers, you adopted a new motto on the day your first baby was born : Life just isn't about me anymore.



**I'm trying to redo the look of my blog, so it may look boring for a little while.

Christmas Crafts

I made these Christmas countdown blocks for Gracie's teacher. I sanded down some wooden blocks, painted them, and then modge podged several different types of scrapbook paper. I used stencils and a sharpie for the letters and numbers. You can get more specific directions here. I originally got the idea here, but I liked the other sites directions better. I was really happy with how they turned out. I have enough materials to make one for us, but I'll have to do it later. I've had my fill of Christmas this year. ;)

I was in charge of the snacks for Gracie's school Christmas party. I made these snowmen pretzels from the Family Fun magazine. They were really easy to make, and looked so cute! I also made fruit and cheese kabobs, but I didn't have time to take a picture of them. But they turned out cute too. I didn't realize Family Fun had directions on their website. So if you want to make them click here.

There were several crafts I wanted to make, but I just didn't have enough time this year. There is always next year!!!

Gracie's Christmas Eve Prayer

Dear Lord,

We know it's getting ready for your birthday. We want to celebrate you more than Santa or his reindeer. (except for Dasher)

Watch us on our trip to Indiana, and help us have a good time.
Thank you for our food.

Amen.

We had a blast!

I can't wait to tell you all about our trip to Disney World! We had a lot of fun. But it will have to wait until after Christmas. I have a huge pile of laundry to do, presents to finish wrapping, and packing for Indiana. So I'll just post this one picture until then....

One Party down....

We had Christmas with Scottie's mom,dad, brother, and his grandma/grandpa Conner last night. His brother Joe took us all to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse! He had some certificates that he got for Christmas at work. He works at Meridian Hills Golf Course as a assistant golf pro, and the members always give him awesome tips at Christmas.
I was the only one that didn't have steak. I know steak eaters probably think it's a sin to order chicken at a nice steakhouse, but the chicken was really good!! Thanks for the great meal Joe!

(I promise Scottie isn't ready to come across the table and punch me. I just caught him and Joe off guard. But it was the better of the two pictures I took. I need to remember to take several at one time so I have a chance of getting a good one.)

Gracie received a wad of ones from Uncle Joe. She thinks she is rich now. Avery got an awesome jacket, but I didn't get a very good picture of it. It's a cashmere blend of some kind. It is so soft and beautiful. He got her a blanket with the same material last year. Uncle Joe always spoils his nieces!!!

Beautiful sisters!

We tried to get a family picture at the end of dinner. It didn't work out very well. We were all tired at this point and still had a two and half hour drive ahead of us. It felt so good to sleep in our own beds last night.

Grace started playing with her first Christmas present this morning. She got a container of Lincoln Logs from Mam-Maw and Pap-paw. She has had a lot of fun playing with them already. She's also wearing her new leotard from Grandma and Grandpa Conner. The first day after getting presents is always the best!!

Thanks everyone for the presents, money, and dinner last night. We had a really good time, even thought I could have fallen over and gone to sleep at any moment. ;)

Peek-a-Boo

I see you!!

We are crazy, but on Friday.....

This is the sign we gave to Gracie, and told her she had to read it by herself in order to get the surprise. She did a great job reading it! This vacation is very spontaneous. Scottie only gets a week off this year, and it's the week before Christmas. This is also our graduation vacation. Scottie has to do basic training for four or five weeks after graduation, so we can't go then. (Don't get me started on the air force staff member that didn't get his paperwork in at the right time, which caused Scottie to miss basic training two years ago! I'm still a little mad, but like all things in life I just have to go with the flow.) We got an amazing military discount, and they had a great deal going on that only lasted until Dec. 23rd. It was too good to pass up, and I may sound selfish but we deserve this vacation! As a family we have worked hard, and sacrificed quite a bit the last four years that Scottie has been in school. I'm not saying that life has been terrible, or we have had to sacrifice any of our daily needs. But it's been a long journey, and it feels good to celebrate. (Even if it's five months early. :) So we fly out on Friday and come back Tuesday evening. I am so excited, but a little stressed. We have a lot to do before we leave, but it will be worth it. We've been planning since Wednesday, and everything seems to be falling into place. Let's just pray the weather is nice! We'll try and update while we are there, but I'm not making any promises. ;)

Finally!

I know this seems like a really random post, but I'm so excited about my snowman bucket. I have had this bucket for six years. Mom bought it for me in 2003 and I have always liked it, but couldn't find a purpose for it. So every year it just sits empty near the tree, just waiting to be filled. Well, this year I had an "a-ha" moment after I bought a pack of Christmas books for Gracie through school. I was switching all of her fall books out of her bookcase in her room and replacing them with winter/Christmas books from the bookcase in the basement. (Yes, we have so many books that we have to have two bookcase. What can I say? Once a teacher-always a teacher!) I saw the bucket on my way back to her room and I got the great idea to put all of her Christmas books in there. I love having it sit by the tree so we can pull a book out and read together anytime we want. So now my little snowman bucket finally has a purpose. I know no one else will probably share my enthusiasm, but I wanted to share anyway. :)

Mom and Steve's Wedding

I know most people already saw these pictures on facebook, but I want it documented on the blog as well. The wedding was beautiful and everyone had a good time. Doesn't Curt look handsome walking Mom down the aisle? Doesn't Mom look beautiful?!

The happy groom waiting for his bride. If you haven't met Steve, I'll tell you that he is a great guy!! He is one of the nicest people I've ever met.

Kelsey and I walking behind Mom and Curt. Avery only wanted Mommy at that time, so she came with us! :)

Grace did not want to be disturbed during the ceremony. She took her flower girl duties very seriously.

My cousins Amanda, Katie, and Sarah sang during the lighting of the unity candle. This is a picture of Mom and Steve listening to them sing "This Day" by Point of Grace. They did a great job, like always!

Grace was so excited to be a flower girl. She looked beautiful!

Avery was in a silly mood after the ceremony.

We were being silly together.

One of the few family pictures we've taken since Avery was born.

She wasn't feeling the greatest that day. Her tummy was bothering her. We realized later that she needs soy milk instead of cows milk. It has made a world of difference for her. I just wish she could have enjoyed the wedding a little bit more.

I love this picture of Avery. She is still smiley even though she doesn't feel good.

Nana and her girls.

Mom with all of her new granddaughters. Don't they look fabulous?!

The girls got a little nutty with Steve. I think they were done posing for pictures at this point. Poor Steve!!

I love this cheesy little baby. She just makes me smile.

Avery was stealing Nana's food!

Mom and Steve dancing. They make a great couple. I'm so happy that Mom found someone who treats her so well!

This picture melts my heart. How did I get such beautiful girls?

The first seven Jenkins grandchildren, aka The Magnificent Seven.

We aren't shy about showing off our dance moves. ;) (Although Curt looks a tad bit embarrassed)

We are just goofy, and we like it that way! If you ever wondered why I act the way I do, well now you know why. I can't help it, my weirdness is inherited. (now Andrew looks embarrassed)

This is a great picture of all eleven Jenkins grandchildren. We came in two waves. The first seven grew up together, and then the next four grew up together, or still growing up. ;) (See the big guy in the back? That's my cousin Mason and I held him when he was a tiny baby. That doesn't even seem possible!! I am old! )

There was a Christmas parade that passed right by the reception. I bought the kids stockings to catch their parade candy, and put their initials on each one. I had a great vision of hand making the stockings, and embroidering the initials. But there were thirteen kids to make them for, and I just ran out of time. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right??

It was a fun evening full of dancing. I think everybody had a good time. Congratulations to Mom and Steve. Here's to many happy years together!

Thanksgiving 2009

This is the first Koehler Family picture we've taken in sixteen years. It's the first time we've all been together since Uncle Bill and Aunt Elaine moved back from Hungary. The only people missing are Jill, Jake, and the boys. We were able to get a picture with them, but some of the other family members had already left. (Thankfully we are all dressed nicely and no one is wearing pig tails. The last Koehler picture was a dandy! )

I really like this picture of Uncle Bill's family. It has been so nice having them back in the states.

Uncle David and Aunt Susie. David, Amy, Heather, and baby Ethan. Heather's fiance Cole wasn't able to be there. Hopefully we can catch him next time.

Four generations: Grandma Pat, Aunt Susie, Heather, and Ethan.

Here we all are, minus Jake. The handsome guy in the back next to Curt is Kelsey's boyfriend Joe. We really like him, even if he is originally from Jersey. ;) He says things like "coufee" Just kidding, we love ya Joe!!

I included this picture because Kingsley felt like he needed to be in the picture. And I like this picture of myself better. Hey, it's my blog! :) (p.s. Dad, you really need to do something about those wires. I bet you could hold them together with a bread tie. Just a suggestion...)

Avery playing with one of her birthday presents from Grandma and Grandpa. It's a machine that blows balls up through a tube and then back down again. Avery has a good time with this one.

Eating her first powdered doughnut.

We have to make the face. It's quickly becoming a habit.

Avery enjoying her first Thanksgiving meal.

Grace showing off our little turkey crafts. We filled them with candy, and then she put one at every persons chair.

Grace and Stuart. They always have a good time together.

Grace got caught by Uncle Bill. Stuart was keeping a safe distance.

Uncle Bill is giving a sad face because of the drawings Grace and Stuart made for him. There is one picture of him getting eaten by an alligator. He's drowning in another. I think they lovingly made a picture of him being shot to death. I'd be sad too. I'm not sure where the violence came from. Grace usually draws pictures of kittens and hearts. It must be a boy thing to draw guns. Maybe I'll just stick with girls. ;)

Sorry Uncle Bill!! I'm sure you never teased them or played around with them, which in turn prompted them to use you as a target. We all know what a wall flower you are.