Christmas Music From Afar

This was the first year that we had to attend school music concerts on separate nights. 

This was also the first year that attendance has been limited to two family attendees.

Jentry performed in chorus with the the other 7th and 8th graders and then played her alto saxophone with the junior high band.

Mason performed "It's Snow Time" with the other K-3rd graders.

Both shows were excellent and this year our extended family got to join in watching via Striv. 

We too got to watch my niece and nephew perform beautiful Christmas music at Southern Valley via the internet webs. There have been a few benefits to the whole Covid craziness.

Young Wild and Three

Three years later and the hat still fits! 

This year, Tucker received a wintery surprise on his birthday as he woke up to 6 inches of snow. We had a great time celebrating our little holiday baby. Cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate for breakfast, neon blue cupcakes with neon green icing for his daycare buddies and plenty of time throwing snow.

Papa and Onnie came in for the dinner celebration of spaghetti and meatballs with brownie sundaes for dessert.

The next day Papa and Onnie surprised him with one more big gift...his very own Mack truck!

8 Years

On 12-8-12 Nathan and I had the best day with the people who love us most.

On 12-8-20 we celebrated 8 years of marriage. 

The kids loved our reminiscing, hearing the stories, looking at pictures and wearing my veil!

These hooligans! 

 How lucky are we, I ask you?  

Broken Bones

It was only a matter of time but Sunday, December 6th was the day it became a reality. Mason had his first accident that resulted in a broken bone. Broken bones to be specific. His left radius and ulna were broken as he put his hand out to brace himself while the go-cart tipped from two wheels to no wheels on the ground. 

The first doctor's appointment was in Sutton were they x-rayed to confirm and then temporally casted his arm. 

The second appointment was in Henderson with the orthopedic surgeon who determined that it should be reset and casted. 

The third appointment was back in Henderson for a pre-op exam and Covid test. The Bee book we brought along to complete homework on in the car was also entertaining while waiting in the exam room.

The fourth appointment was at York General Hospital where they used anesthesia to put him under for about 10 mins to reset the bones and cast his arm. Tom, the anesthesiologist, was impressed with Mason's knowledge and even tried to set him up with his granddaughter in New York. The only stipulation was that Mason was not allowed to drive her around in his go-kart.

Dr. Bigelow, RN Jolene and the staff took great care of him. Mason's Sunday school teacher, Maryah Friesen, was a familiar face as the operating room nurse. We are so fortunate to have access to excellent healthcare in our rural community. 

We were in and out of the hospital in about two hours time. Mason did so much better than expected. He woke up smiling telling stories about his dream of driving a race car and couldn't wait to head home to play. He wasn't even hungry after fasting for 18 hours. He never once complained about pain or discomfort so we didn't even give him any pain meds. 

Needless to say the broken bones haven't slowed him down one bit! He chose a black cast to wear for 5 weeks and then I am sure he will be right back to whipping kiddies. Thank goodness he melts this mama's heart because some days I wonder if the stress he creates is worth my health. 

Aunt Kelly said, "He is the cutest patient she has ever seen." I have to agree!

Thankful

This year I had two handsome sous-chefs in my kitchen helping me cook up some tasty dishes for our Thanksgiving celebration.

Papa and Onnie hosted Nathan, Mason, Tucker and me at the farm. Jan roasted a fabulous bird and had prepared a beautiful fall colored table. Because of Covid we had a smaller crowd around the table but this allowed us to pass the food traditional style. It was cozy and delicious.

The Unterseher cousins came out for an afternoon of riding toys. We were grateful to at least get to see them, even if we had to social distance outside.

The rest of Thanksgiving weekend was spent in Harlan County. Oh how we love making messes at Grandma and Papa Bose's house. 

After a weekend of thanks we were happy to be back home in Sutton. Let the Christmas preparation begin!

 

The kids were thrilled to see David again. I was thrilled to see that he was wearing a mask. We certainly don't need the elf bringing in bad germs from the North Pole.

Winter Showcase

This year's Winter Showcase was much different than years past but our tiny dancer absolutely nailed it!

It is so fun to watch her perform and this year the ballet routine was stunning. 

40 and Fabulous

I am so lucky to have been invited to join my sweet sister on her 40th birthday excursion to Kansas. Yes, I said Kansas folks!

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Gella's Diner in Hays and started the party right with a flight of beers. 

Cheers!

Next stop was the Rock Haven Spa and let me tell you this did not disappoint! The place is so unique and the atmosphere is almost indescribable. The entire afternoon was spent relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with my mom and sissy. 

We love you Kelly Bean! May God grant you many more fabulous trips around the sun. You are so easy to celebrate!