Change

We hope that everyone has had a wonderful holiday season.  This time we get busy with all the hustle and bustle, trying to get everything ready for gatherings.  We often forget the real meaning behind the holidays.  I feel like our kids often remind us by seeing the joy on their faces.  Jayden said he would be very happy if the baby would share Jesus' birthday.  It's the little things that make the holidays so magical.

In preparation for our new arrival, Jeff and Jayden built a loft bed.  Let's just say Jayden is loving it.

Grandma and Jayden decorated their new "kids tree".  Jayden loving every moment.

I had the privilege to go to the December 8th Packer game with my sister and had a blast.

Baby's first game.

Cookie decorating with Autum at our cousin get together.  The kids sure have a good time together.

Decorating our tree at 5:30 in the morning.

The finished product. 

Jayden's last Nature Ranger class was all about outdoor survival.  They were able to make a campfire and loved it.

Gabbi was over for a sleep over and the kids were watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  While watching the show that thought it would be fun to make a blanket sleigh and deliver toys to all the good boys and girls.

Tired kitty.

Every year the Stoffel family gathers at one of our houses for a meal and relaxation.  The host will pick a charity that they want to make a donation to and we enjoy seeing all the items we get.  This year I was the host and chose to donate stockings filled with goodies for the kids at Children's Hospital oncology unit.  A co-worker of mine has been through a lot this year with their 2 year old son battling a rare form of liver cancer.  When I seen pictures and updates from her, I wondered how can I make a difference in these kids lives.  So I seen a pin on pintrest of a stocking exchange and changed it up for this occasion.  After everyone donated, we collected 33 stockings in all.  My co-worker was so thrilled it brought her to tears and speechless.  It sure feels good to know we can do the littlest of things to impact someone so much.

Jayden's class along with their kindergarten buddies went caroling in the neighborhood.  They had a blast.

Never too late to send Santa a letter (only 2 days before Christmas)

Game night.

Christmas Eve with Grandpa and Grandma Kraus.
 
Better have your quarters ready when you come visit.  Gumballs for sale!

The kids all ready for Santa to come.

Claudia looking so cute in her Christmas dress from Auntie (me).  Grant was too busy to get a picture of him; maybe next year.


No baby yet, but Jayden can't wait for his new little brother to come.  A few shots Jeff took to capture the beauty of a new life before joining our family.
 

We hope that your holidays have been magical.

Until next time,

Jeff, Heather, Jayden and

Giving Thanks!

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of the year.  Its a time to reflect on what one is thankful for and to be surrounded with family and friends.  Our family has so much to be thankful for as well as I'm sure your family does too.  This year we didn't have the whole day to spend together, but were able to have some family time.  Working in health care allows me to share time with the patients, most of which don't have any visitors the whole day.  Their families are out celebrating as their loved one is ill.  It makes going to work a blessing for those patients; they actually become part of "our" family.  The best part is knowing that my family understands and is very supportive of my, especially Jayden.  Jeff and I are so blessed to have Jayden and he is growing up to be an amazing person with such a big heart.  Truely, our family is so blessed and hope that your families were able to share in some special moments.

This says it all!

Hope everyone has safe and happy holidays!

Until next time,

Jeff, Heather, Jayden and Baby