Stormy Start

The new year came blasting in with back to back winter storms, negative temps for days and then a snow squall! Within two weeks time, the kids had 5 no school snow days and 3 late starts. We received over a foot of snow and the winds drifted it as high as the powerlines in some parts of the county.  

Thankfully, I do not have a job that requires me to be outside, care for livestock, nor make critical decisions about event cancelations and people's safety. My only tasks were to feed and entertain my family of five, keep up with work online and attempt to hold my sanity somewhat in tact.

We did a lot of cleaning, organizing, purging, resting, movie watching, crafting, eating, playing and seeking out mother nature's beauty.

Christmas to New Years

Because Grandma and Papa Bose had to suffer through Christmas in HAWAII this year, we celebrated Christmas and New Years with them when they returned home on December 29th.  

Kelly and I preplanned and prepared the food so we were all able to relax and enjoy three whole days together.

Friday (12/29) night we drove to Arapahoe and watched Isaac and the Eagles win the holiday basketball tournament. It was an intense game of bad calls and high emotions but they came out with the W. I also got to say hello to several old classmates and friends.

Saturday (12/30) morning we celebrated Christmas.

 

The weather was perfect for building a snowman.  Here is Tucker and Uncle Chad's creation named Jonathan.

Nathan grilled us fantastic steaks for Christmas dinner.

Chad had us all laughing with his Pong Prize game.

With a group effort we completed two puzzles.

Anna brought a fun and easy Christmas Card Washi Tape craft, which revealed that some of us have more artistic abilities than others.

The boys got to do a little hunting on the Hamilton Tree Farm.

The annual talent show showcased Anna and her kalimba.  

Chad shared his talent of snowflake making.  So fun to see everyone's unique designs.

On New Year's Eve, we remembered to pop the Christmas Crackers and played games to stay awake until the ball dropped in NYC at 11pm.

2023 brought us its fair share of hardships but with those trials came new knowledge, growth, perseverance, character and hope. 

I look forward to 2024 with great expectation.  Even when the highs turn to lows, which they surely will, we will carry with us the wisdom gained from the year before. We will march forward with peace and strength towards the home He has promised us all.

Christmas Party of 5

Jentry arrived home from Arizona late on December 27th and the next morning we were finally able to celebrate Christmas with all 5 of us + Millie.

Christmas Morning

This year Christmas morning was quiet and snowy.  Santa brought Mason a trumpet and Tucker a black cowboy hat and belt buckle with a 'T'. He also stuffed the stocking full of goodies.

A few months ago, Tucker asked me to trick him with candy coal in his stocking just like Jentry had done to Mason last year.  Well apparently he forgot about his request because when he found nothing but coal in his stocking the poor kid was instantly streaming tears. I felt so terrible so I didn't take his picture but I could help but laugh a little.  Mason was quick to bring Tucker his actual goodies from Santa which immediately dried his tears.

It was a perfect day of relaxing, playing in the snow and watching movies. Nathan made omedillas for brunch and we enjoyed beef brisket for Christmas dinner. 

The only thing missing was our Jentry who was celebrating with the Stengers in sunny AZ.