Christmas Round 1

As expected, the past two weeks have flown by, and here were are on Christmas Eve.  We have had another busy weekend of wrestling and basketball, as well as Christmas parties and a trip to Arrow Rock, Missouri to see "A Christmas Carol" performed live.  One of our friends has a daughter in it who played Belinda Cratchit.

YESSSS!!!  A great run on a great day!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!
I had a great run this morning and had my mantras running through my head almost the entire time.  Some things that keep me going:
She believed she could, so she did. -not sure where this is from

Run with perseverance the path that is set before you. -Hebrews 12:1

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  -Reinhold Niebuhr

Just keep running, just keep running, just keep running. -Dory

Some mornings are better than others, and I can't always explain why.  This was the best run that I've had in a long time.  I got to run with my favorite running partner over the weekend at a conversational pace and was inspired to go farther and harder.


Basketball in Boonville

The first game played in Boonville was against the hosting team and they are the only team who have beat Southern Boone this year, during the first tournament in November.  This time Southern Boone girls came out on top by only 2 points.  It was the most competitive game they have played all season and fun to watch!

Gracie taking the ball out

Shoe lace time out

Shooting more free throws

This was the second game.  Despite the size of #55, the girls won this one by quite a bit.  Luckily we were the more competitive and athletic team.

Jump shot!

Wrestling in Moberly

Owen's second tournament of the year was a little more competitive for him, as well.  He had 3 pretty good match-ups and wrestled the entire time for each match.  His first match was against the wrestler who won second the previous week and he beat him again.  This was the hardest competition so far.


Ready to wrestle again.

Locking in the Half Nelson

Working on more back points

And...Go!

Another tournament win and undefeated so far this season. We'll see if the schedules cooperate to get another one in during January!

Magic Tree
After Gracie's tournament in Boonville, we made it to a Mizzou Women's basketball game and then to the Magic Tree.  This is fun every year and it's so beautiful!


Owen counting the lights...he didn't make it very far before he lost interest.

School Parties

This is the last year for Gracie celebrating parties at school, so I helped out in the 5th grade classrooms.  I was able to sneak away for a bit to visit Owen in his classroom, as well.

Owen made a donut snowman!  
He told me that he ate 40 Hershey Kisses.
GREAT.

Gracie was the tree in a game that was played in her classroom. 
Everyone helped to decorate her.

Christmas in Iowa

Friday afternoon we made a trip up to Iowa to stay with my sister and celebrate Christmas.  We saw my cousins and aunt and uncle at their house in Clive, also.  Annie and Chad are in their new house and it was great to stay with them!

Owen, Kaia, and River

Opening gifts at Annie's

Kaia seems pretty happy!
She's such a cutie.

River opening his presents

Another NERF GUN!!!
Thanks Annie!

NEW SHOES!
Just what she wanted!

Grandma Kate playing the Reindeer Toss game at Jay and Mary's house

The whole family...
Except for one person this year, who is missed very much.
I have thought about Grandma Jeanne a lot in the past week or more.  A year ago we were traveling to and from Iowa at least once a month, and sometimes more to see her.  I don't think I've spent a Christmas without her in it until now.  When I was young we always made the trip through the back yard to her house except for the year we spent in Colorado, and she went with us.  Then later in life we still went to her house every year, even after she moved away from Ogden, to Grimes. 
We are celebrating your life, still, Grandma Jeanne, and remain so grateful for everything you have provided for us. 
Merry Christmas in Heaven.

Until next time, Iowa.







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