Monday, December 31, 2012

Wrapping Up A Month Of Blessings

The month of December has been crazy, busy.  I have only slept in my own bed sixteen out of the thirty-one days and have only worked seven days total.  So many things have happened in one month it is hard to even remember them all, however each one of these things and/or events has great meaning in my life and I want to remember each detail as much as humanly possible. 

December 1, 2012 - The Huskers lost to Wisconsin in one of the most embarrassing games I have ever watched.  OK, so that detail I would rather forget!

December 3, 2013 - Jentry and I got our very first experience of  Sutton's annual Parade of Lights.  At 6:30pm everybody lined the main street and waited for the town lights to go out.  The lighted floats made their way down the hill.  Much to my surprise there were several entries and some amazing light displays.  My favorite was a boy on his bicycle entirely lit up in Christmas lights.  Of course, Santa and Mrs Clause made an appearance at the end of the parade which made Jentry's eyes light up.  The businesses in town were all open and offered drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy.  I felt like I was in the movie Funny Farm and Sutton had transformed into the charming little town of Redbud.  I can't wait until next year!

December 6, 2012 -  My father turned 60!  Yes, it's true and I can hardly believe it.  He really seems much younger to me.  May God bless him with many many more.

December 7, 2012 - My mother, sister, niece and nephew were here to help me get ready for the wedding, but that is not exactly what took place.  Kelly woke up with a terrible headache and we decided that she needed to see a doctor here in Sutton.  After a trip to the clinic here in town, a trip to the Hendersen hospital, a CAT scan, a trip to the Grand Island hospital, a MRI, and a SOS call to my dad and brother-in-law, Kelly finally made it back to my house in time for the wedding rehearsal.  She was on some fun pain killers but at least she was able to attend the festivities. 

December 8, 2012 - I became Mrs. McKenzie! I married my Nathan, my love, my best friend, my teammate.  It was a beautiful, crisp winter day and I could not have asked for anything more.  Everything was not perfect but it was just right for us.  I will forever cherish the memories of this day.










December 10, 2012 - After a quick stop at the Social Security office in Lincoln to change my name, Nathan and I headed to the Omaha airport.  Let the honeymoon begin!

December 11, 2012 - We flew from Miami to the beautiful St. Lucia.  The next seven nights were simply amazing.  We laid on the beach, soaked up the sun, swam in clear blue waters, drank fruity drinks, took a tour of the island, went zip lining, ate way too much food and enjoyed time with each other.  We even had our very own butler!  It was paradise for sure.  Nathan planned the entire trip and let me tell you, I am one spoiled girl.  I really don't think he should have set the bar quite so high. 

December 19, 2012 - We arrived back in Nebraska and boy did it feel good to be back on our own soil.  I was beginning to really miss my little girl and was so ready to sleep in my own bed.  Unfortunately, mother nature had her own plans and it took us four hours to drive 100 miles.  A blizzard had hit the state and we had to give up the drive and stayed in a motel at York.  We were so close to home yet so far that it just would not have been safe to try and drive the rest of the 30 miles home.  I didn't even have any proper clothing with me to keep me warm if we had gotten stranded.  I laughed as I told my sister that my pink polka dotted bikini wouldn't be very helpful in the snow.  She replied, "At least it would work to flag down some help." 

December 20, 2012 - We finally made it home the next morning.  We scooped the front walk, started the first of many loads of laundry and then Nathan went to get Jentry from his parent's house.  I was so excited to see her!  I felt like a little kid continually watching out the front window to see if they were back yet.  It was nice to have some adult time, but Nathan and I were both ready to see her little face and hear her little voice again.

December 23, 2012 - We loaded the truck with presents and headed west to Orleans.  I was looking forward to some quality time with my family.  The Boses gathered at my Aunt and Uncle's house for supper and some quality entertainment from my cousin Jason and his sister Dani.  Nathan said he laughed so hard his gut hurt the next day.  We had a great time and it was fun to be back in Grandma Bose's home where so many of my childhood Christmas memories were born.  It is hard to believe the next generation of kids are now sitting at Grandma's kitchen table. 



December 24, 2012 - My sister woke up with another bad headache.  Chad took her to the doctor in Holdrege and mom and I watched the kiddos.  Apparently, she went numb and was not coherent, so the doctor referred her on to a Neurologist in Lincoln.  I was happy to think she was finally with specialists and told Chad not to leave without getting some answers.  She was not able to meet with the Neurologist until the next morning so she settled in for the night.  Back in Orleans, Nathan had the wonderful idea of watching a movie with the kids so we all enjoyed the movie Brave and then tucked the little children snug in their beds.  Well acutally snug in Grandma's beds. 

December 25, 2012 - Mom and I tried to keep the three kids busy with stockings until Nathan and Papa returned from doing cattle chores.  We opened gifts the rest of the morning.  Isaac's favorite gift was a Nerf gun and Anna was excited about everything even her new pajamas.  Jentry wanted to know where the rest of her presents were.  I told her she really didn't deserve any toys because she had been so naughty.  She thought for a few minutes and said, "Well maybe Santa just ran out of coal." 




Thanks to my mother's amazing cooking we had a fabulous Christmas dinner and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.  Kelly called and said that after yet another MRI the doctors had determined that she was suffering from severe migraines.  They gave her some medication and released her from the hospital.  We were sad that she will most likely suffer from migraines the rest of her life but so thankful that it was nothing more serious.  It was a crazy Christmas, but we thanked God that she was able to come that night.

December 26, 2012 - We bundled up and walk across the street to my sister's home to open even more presents, but this time we were finally all together.  Santa had left even more presents for the kids and they had a great time playing with their new toys.  After even more wonderful food, Nathan, Jentry and I headed home to Sutton and we were so thankful to finally be home for more than just a few days. 

December 28, 2012 - I took Jentry to her dad so that she could celebrate the holidays with the rest of her family.  Nathan and I were happy to curl up on the couch and watch a movie by the fire as two, very lucky, newlyweds. 

December 30, 2012 -  Nathan's parents arrived safely home from their trip to Arizona.  We attended church, ate lunch at the Legion and began planning our last Husker football party of the season.  Nathan purchased a new TV and surround sound for his new, basement Man Cave and is excited to host his first party.  The carpet and the ceiling tiles are not yet in, however we are happy to be close to finishing the project we started in July. 

We really don't have any big New Years plans but after a crazy year of moving, relandscaping our yard, finishing our basement, getting married, honeymooning in St. Lucia and celebrating Christmas, I am wishing for a very uneventful 2013.  May God continue to bless our family!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Stepdad

Let the countdown begin!  Everyone at this house has been very busy and very excited about the upcoming wedding.  Everyday Jentry has been placing a sticker on her "countdown to the wedding calendar" and it now reads 15 Days.  At first, the countdown idea was fun and motivating, however lately the countdown has been raising my blood pressure.  The biggest worry I have right now is all of the unknown things that I am not thinking about!  Oh well, the show will go on with or without the perfect shade of napkins...right?

Jentry is very excited that on the big day Nathan will become her stepfather.  I wasn't sure if she would even understand, however when I began to explain she already knew entirely more about it than I had anticipated.  She is the one who first referred to him as her "stepdad".  It simply amazes me how quickly children gain knowledge about this huge and complicated world we live in!

Wednesday night, I let Jentry get out her Fisher-Price Nativity.  We talked through each animal and character.  When we got to Joseph, I said, "Well, Joseph is Jesus' step-dad, I guess."  Jentry's eyes lit up and said, "Just like me! I will have a step-dad just like Jesus!"  I could not help but laugh out loud.  Her excitement was so pure and innocent. 

It was amusing to hear her questions and see her interest in knowing more about the Christmas story.  I even decided to get out her toddler Bible so that we could read about the story too.  She intently listened to every word, which made this mama very proud.  If I do nothing else for my daughter but teach her to know and love Jesus, I will have done enough.

The next morning Jentry picked right back up playing with her Nativity.  Nathan was drinking his morning coffee and watching ESPN, when I heard Jentry ask, "Nathan, will you read me the Christmas story from my Bible?"  I quietly listened from the hallway as the soon to be stepdad and stepdaughter shared this wonderful moment.  Truly blessed!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Five Years Ago Today

Five years ago today I was on my way to Omaha to meet the most amazing little baby I have ever known.  My very first (and only thus far) nephew!  Isaac Lee Hamilton was born on November 16, 2007 and has brought joy to our family ever since.  The minute I saw is tiny face tears of joy filled my eyes, which in turn made my sister cry too.  I will never forget that special moment that the three of us shared.

I remember thinking he looked like a porcelain doll.  He was so perfect!

Our little Turkey!

Turning ONE!

Tractors and TWO!

Let's Play THREE!

Fabulous FOUR!

He has grown into such an interesting little boy.  His intelligence never seizes to amaze me.  He loves to learn and never stops asking questions.  He can be a bit geeky at times, however I think he is a very cool nerd.  I mean how many five-year-olds make a to do list for their Sunday?  As a fellow list maker, this absolutely melts my heart and I just love him to pieces. 


How can FIVE years have possibly gone by so quickly?  Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy!  May God bless you with many many more.

Love,
Aunt JJ

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Outstanding October

I don't think I could have planned a better weekend to wrap up October.  Family, friends, football, leaves, costumes, bonfires, candy, gifts and amazing food.

The minute we arrived in Orleans, Grandma, as usual, put the big kiddos to work raking leaves.


By the looks on their faces I don't think they found this to be hard work.

Isaac and Jentry were both big helpers with Papa's chores.  They were gone for several hours and when they returned, they were covered from head to toe in hay.  Papa said there was nothing he could do, "This is simply the environment I have to work in."  I agree farming is messy, but did he have to let them roll around in it?  Geesh!

 
On Saturday evening, the kids put on their costumes and we headed to Stamford for the bonfire and costume contest. 

Jentry was more than excited to put on her Butterfly Princess dress.  I decided to surprise her with matching purple hair.  By the end of the night I think she was glad to have the hair out of her face.  Hopefully she learns to appreciate her natural, short hair just a little.

Because Isaac has been a Packers fan from the womb, he was thrilled to have his very own football jersey.  I think his dad may have been even more excited than Isaac.  It may be difficult to see, but he even had shoulder pads.  I think the boy might need to beef up a bit before he hits the field.

Anna was the most adorable cheerleader ever and Grandma even managed to dig up some old Orleans Oriole pom poms.  What a hoot! Go Pack Go!


Ready, set, CANDY!

When we arrived at the ball field in Stamford, they had two bonfires going and boy did the heat feel good.  It was rather chilly that night.  I think this mom was more worried about her kid staying warm than dressing warm enough herself.


The butterfly princess was mesmerized by the fire.

They lined up the kids for the costume contest and it was so fun to see all my old friends with their adorable spooks.  Jentry even won second place in her age group.  After they gave her some money and took her picture for the paper, I said, "Jentry you won!"  She replied, "I did?" 

On Sunday, my aunt Sonja and a five of my mother's friends hosted a bridal shower for me at my Aunt Sonja and Uncle Bob's beautiful new home on the lake.  We had a wonderful time and the food was amazing.  It was so fun to see everyone.


My aunt Sonja went out of her way to make my shower very special.  Maybe it is just me, however I think we definitely look like family. 

My mother, sister and soon to be mother-in-law where all able to attend the shower.  I felt very lucky to have so many friends and family take the time to come help me celebrate. 

October has always been one of my favorite months.  It is such a fun time of year for many reasons. 
1.  I love the colors of fall
2.  My one and only was born on October 6th
3.  Harvest and all its blessings
4.  Football is going strong
5.  Carmel apples
6.  Pumpkin carving
7.  Halloween and the excitement it brings to the kids in town
8.  My grandpa and grandma Bose were married on October 28th and I could not think of a better way to celebrate their anniversary than having my very own bridal shower.

Here's to an outstanding October and may November be just as wonderful!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Bachelorette

I celebrated the last days of my bachelorette lifestyle this weekend in Lincoln with wonderful friends and family.  This really seems quite silly to me because, I haven't felt like a bachelorette in years.  Well, approximately fives years to be exact because of the whole being a mother and all.

The weekend began with an adventure on the back roads of central Nebraska.  I dropped Jentry off with her dad in Heartwell and thought I would live a little on the wild side.  I risked it on some uncharted territory north to the interstate.  After listening to my phone give me some wild directions, a few winding dirt roads, and a brief stop on the side of the road to... actually I will spare you the details.... I eventually ended up at the Gibbon interchange of I80.  Whew!  It was exhilarating to feel reckless and free for a while, however it sure felt good to get back to some familiar sights. 

When I arrived in Lincoln, I met Nathan's mother and she took me out to a wonderful dinner at Shogun.  We had a great time eating sushi and drinking wine.  Saturday morning, I met up with two of my besties for brunch and did a little shopping.  For lunch I met my mom and sister and we did a little more shopping.  So far, this weekend was everything a girl could ask for in life.

Saturday afternoon, my sister, mother, bridesmaids and soon to be mother-in-law hosted a fabulous bridal shower.  It was so fun to see all my Lincoln friends and I was blessed with very generous gifts. 






After the shower, we all moved to The Green Gateau for outstanding cuisine and girl talk.  After many laughs, reminiscing and some roasting at my expense, we walked around the block to The Alley for a night cap.  There was a very fun band playing called Red Delicious.  It has been a while, but I have to admit that it felt good to dance the night away. 










It was the perfect weekend and I so enjoyed the time with everyone, however I was very happy to be able to come home to my fiance and baby girl.  A very small part of me was sad to think that the "single" portion of my life was over, however I am very thankful to have my daughter and soon to be husband in my life.  The bachelorette days were great days, but I would much rather share my days with those that I love. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Doin' Things

We have been doing all kinds of things this past week.

Like....

Making Aunt Jemima, hat, creations out of blankets.  Jentry insisted on wearing her hat to the park, while pushing her "baby and kid" in the doll stroller.


Trying not to "step in the chocolate" on our evening walk.


Learning about Fire Safety with a trip to the fire station during preschool.  Jentry got her very own PINK fire helmet and wore it to bed that night.  OK, so not really, but I'm sure she would have if I had let her.  She did, however, wear it to the volleyball game that night.  It was Pink-Out Night for breast cancer awareness, so she fit right in with the crowd.


Cheering on the Fillies with Jentry's friends Isabella and Avery.  Take note of the Isabella and Jentry's shirt ties in the back.  Jentry asked me to tie her shirt with a hair tie before we left to the game.  Apparently, this is a new fad that this old mom knows nothing about, because Isabella had the same thing!  Jentry has also been wearing her pants rolled up above the knee. I had no idea the fashion trends would start at such a young age.


Carving pumpkins!  Jentry chose this lovely minx.  She gutted the pumpkin herself and carved it with just a little help from her mother.


Nathan, of course, chose this very tuff and scary, crossbones skull.


And loads of adorable laundry!