December 2013-

December was full of adventure for our family. From snow days to travelling north for Christmas, there was rarely a dull moment.

December started with an ice/snow storm the likes of which Arkansas hasn't seen for a while. The schools were closed before the first flake began to fall and the sand trucks were ready and waiting for the impending disaster. Mommy thought she would make a Walmart run to buy stuff for cookies early in the morning to beat the crowds. Boy was she surprised to discover that everyone in town was in the store buying out all the staple items for what people were describing as the worst weather ever. CRAZY! The snow and ice came and everything was shut down. This made it really easy to sled in the street! Everything was coated in ice for a few days and made for some beautiful scenery. It didn't last long though and by the following week all was back to normal...except for many trees which lost limbs due to the weight of the ice. We enjoyed the extra time with Daddy and made cookies, went sledding, and huddled together for stories.

As Christmas approached, we awaited news from the judge about whether the girls would be heading north with us. They both were given a home pass so to speak and spent a long break home with their families. This was a difficult transition for us and a disappointment for extended family who were looking forward to meeting the girls. We did, however, enjoy the rest it gave us from getting up for night feedings.

Christmas break finally arrived and we packed the van and headed to Wisconsin. We had so much fun playing in the snow, visiting with family, and celebrating the birth of our Savior! Time spent with family always goes by much too quickly and we soon headed back to Arkansas.

As December wound to a close, we packed up the decorations, put away our snow clothes, and began to make lesson plans for when school would resume. 2013 was a year full of adventure for our family and many unexpected blessings. We are so thankful for our family, health, and our relationship with Jesus. We hope as you reflect on the past year you are able to give thanks to the greatest Gift Giver of All!

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