My Christmas Break

Now that I am a teacher I think I can say that as a teacher I looked forward to Christmas break just as much if not more than my students did.  I found myself making a count down on the board and anxiously crossing off the days.  Once Christmas break did come it flew by all too quickly.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed my break and wished it would have lasted a little bit longer.

 This Christmas was very different from all others.  Christmas morning my older sister wasn't there to unwrap gifts with. However, she and her husband were able to come over in the afternoon to celebrate with us.  

This truly was an amazing Christmas.  Although part of me was sad to wake Christmas morning and just feel like it wasn't right without my big sister.  As I sat at the dinner table and looked around at my family I could not help but smile.  Nicole next to Jack..the two of them are perfect..that is just where she is supposed to be.  Seeing the two of them together fills me with a joy I can't explain.  I love Nicole and I love my new brother as well.  As my eyes shifted over to my mother  I couldn't help but silently thank God.  Just a few months before I heard the word cancer come across the phone.  Now, I was home with my cancer free mom- God is so good.  He never ceases to amazing me with His goodness. 

Having two photographers in our family now, we could not possibly let a holiday go by without a family picture.  I couldn't help but post the first two "oops" pictures. Apparently we didn't realize Jack  was taking pictures. 

A week after Christmas, Lauren and I were able to go over to Jack and Nicole's house for a couple of days.  We had so much fun just sitting around like little girls giggling and having fun.  Although, at one point I did have to stop and wonder: when did this happen?  When did we suddenly grow up?  I looked at my big sister who is now married to an amazing man and she herself is quite a wonderful homemaker.  I looked at my little sister who is in her second year of college and dating a nice young man. Time flies so quickly. We sat around reminiscing on old times and games we used to play laughing and sharing our memories with one another.  It didn't need to be said but I believe we all were thinking we have the best sisters ever!

Those two days went by to quickly, and once again before I knew it it was time to say good bye.  Although I hate leaving her and living four hours away I know distance won't change a thing we will always be there for each other. 

One evening before church I was able to go over to friend of mine's house.  I had the honor of being in Carla's wedding shortly before I moved to Ohio.  It was so nice to be able to catch up with her once again. While I was home I was also able to go for lunch with my friend Christina, who was visiting from Californian   The three of us started in kindergarten together and last May the three of us graduated from college together.  It is amazing to see how God is working in each of our lives in different ways.

ON the last day of my break, Kemisha flew back to the states from Grenada.  Although, I'm sure she hated to leave all her friends and family back in Grenada,  I was terribly excited to spend a day with my best friend before I had to head back to Ohio.  Although we didn't have much time together we always manage to fill the time we have with good laughs and wonderful times.

That same day Lauren's boyfriend flew back to college a little early and surprised her. My family along with Kemisha and Matt went to Chili's for a wonderful dinner.  

The four of us had a great time sitting around and playing games.

So thankful for these two.  They both have the ability to make me laugh like no one else. 

Although my Christmas break was a whole two weeks long.  It just didn't seem long enough.  However, part of me was also ready to head back to my church, friends, and students in Ohio.

But...I already put a countdown up on the board until Easter :)

All that she ever wanted and more

I remember the very first time I met him. In fact, I remember the very first thought I thought about him.  

We met up in Chicago for a Photography Shoot.  Upon meeting him, he immediately offered my sisters and I a coffee on him. As we entered the coffee shop- he held the door.  I immediately made a mental check mark.  

Gentleman

Unbenoticed to this poor fellow he was definitely under my extreme interrogation.  For the rest of the day I scrutinized every step that he made.  However, in the process I made several observations about him.  I noticed how well he treated his sister.  I once again made a mental check mark.

Loves his family- will one day be a "family man"

The rest of the day my little mind was furiously at work. Did anyone else see it? I mean, was I the only one who saw that this young man and my big sister went absolutely perfectly together.  I remember scheming to get them in a picture together.  I knew she would thank me one day.

Eventually, that young man, Jack, and Nicole started dating.  Luckily I was able to tag along on a few of their outings.  I remember one of their very first dates: Bowling!

Once again, I simply sat back and observed. On the way home, Nicole seemed to have a gleam about her; I actually think she was glowing!  We drove home in silence.  Nicole no doubt gloating over the fact that she had just had one of the most amazing days ever.  However, I on the other hand began to go back in my mind to a several  years before.  I thought back to the times when my sisters and I would all come together in one room and have our slumber parties together.  Somehow the topic of "boys" always came up.  We would all share and discuss the kind of man we wanted to marry.

As I went through her list mentally in mind I once again began to make mental check marks.

I smiled to myself- He is a perfect description of her list

A short time later Nicole and I traveled to Jack's place for a game night. I once again had a great time playing games and getting to know some of Jack's siblings.  However, I enjoyed quietly sitting back and watching Jack and my sister.  

Something about Jack brought the kid out in my sister.  I noticed He could make her laugh like no one else.  I noticed how he would simply look at her and smile to himself, as if he were saying- "lucky, lucky me"

On the way home Nicole and I chattered, she simply could not stop speaking about him. He had the ability to make my sister the happiest woman in the world.  And that's when I determined- I completely and entirely approved of this young man in my sister's life.

A few weeks ago, Jack popped over at our house and surprised Nicole.  He then took her to the dunes for a picnic.

There at Lake Michigan he asked my sister to be his wife.

You know, in my mind I had a plan of exactly how I wanted to react when I heard my sister got engaged.  In my mind I wanted to jump up scream and hug her.  However, when she walked into the door and screamed, "I'm engaged!" A lump came in my throat.  Instead of jumping up and screaming like I had every intention of doing, I simply sat there and starred.

And then I realized that Jack was truly all my sister ever wanted and so, so much more.

Congratulation Jack and Nicole!

I love you both with all my heart

Christmas Celebration in Photographs

Because Christmas landed on a Sunday this year, our celebration was a little different than most years.  

We started off the day by all traveling in our separate directions.  We each hopped on our buses to go pick up children for our Christmas morning service.  

Our Christmas Service was absolutely wonderful.  The children did a short Christmas program in which they portrayed the true meaning of Christmas. How easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle the holidays bring, however Christmas is all about the Christ Child who was born to die for you and me. 

After the Christmas service we headed back home again.  We all helped finishing up the last minute preparations before our dinner.

A confession: This cheese ball is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.  It is divine!

Some others get a little too excited about the deviled eggs!

Homemade candies, a holiday tradition.

While the ham was in the oven we enjoyed messing around getting a few pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

Anticipation is building...

This Christmas was absolutely wonderful in every way!

Merry Christmas to you!