Finally!

Well, it has been over a month since I posted anything here! Terrible! So, here it is - don't expect this to be short! :)
On Thursday, December 19th Jeff's parents arrived from Colorado for Christmas week. We were thankful that they made it with no problems in Denver as last year many people were stuck for several days around Christmas as they waited out a freek snow storm. On Friday, December 20th I got a phone call informing me that my sister, Valerie was going into labor and they were on their way to have their baby - four weeks early mind you! My mom and grandparents were scheduled to come in January - when the baby was due - and were even trying to get everything on their end done and be ready to come a little early - not four weeks early! So, Becky and I ran to be there for Valerie - just in case she needed us. :) Jeff was working late that night and so I was relieved that his parents were here and I didn't have to worry about my kids. My niece, Sophia Noelle Darrow was born at 12:02 am on Saturday, December 22nd. Valerie went with mid-wives and so was sent home three hours after giving birth. So, Becky and I played mom/nurse/consultant for the next two days. My mom and grandparents arrived on Monday! Whew! On Sunday - the 23rd - the rest of Jeff's family came into town. I am so thankful that they were all okay with me going back and forth and things being a bit more crazy than we had originally planned! So! I am now an aunt - finally! Becky and Valerie said - O ya, you haven't done this before - we forgot! Jeff hasn't been an uncle yet either so something new for the two of us! Spoil the kid and send her back to her parents - yippee! :)
We had a very nice - warm - Christmas and a nice visit with Jeff's family while they were here. I was glad they were all willing and able to make the trip down here this year as we would otherwise have not been able to see them.
Jeff got four days off while everyone was here and - hopefully - got a bit extra rest. He has now started classes up again - although not as many this semester. He is going more hours at work for now.
My dad flew in on the 10th of January and so we have been enjoying having him here now, too. My kids think that Christmas is going to last all year! Boy do they have a big shock coming! I am thankful for the flexibilty of homeschooling as we are able to not have to worry much about things right now and will make it up later. We are assuming we will not be getting to go to Colorado this year and so are taking advantage of the time we have now.
Joshua has been spending a bit of time out watching the stars and looking for anything neat in the sky - having received a telescope for Christmas. Michael has been busy doing all the extra crafts he received. Abby is enjoying her dance outfits and has re-discovered her dolls now that Anna is more able to really play house with her. David is thoroughly enjoying his Spiderman suit that Michael got him for Christmas and Anna is just having fun playing - anything! They are enjoying all this extra time with grandparents and they all think their first cousin is pretty special. Aunt Valerie let the three oldest kids hold Sophia the other day and they thought that was just wonderful!
We are so thankful to the Lord for a wonderful family - our own as well as all our extended family members - thankful for each of you that we received updates on over the holidays - thankful for the fact that He loved us enough to save us and that He cares for us and provides for our needs. We pray this new year will be one that will be marked by passion for the glory of God in our family and that He would be seen in and through our lives as well as you and yours.
Happy New Year!