2019 Christmas Card ~ Blog Post Style

What better time to write in my sad, neglected, blog, then for the Holidays!

The last time I sent out a Christmas card was the year Kylan was born. 6 years ago. So here I am, 6 years later, deciding to ‘send out’ a blog post in lieu of a Christmas card. However, I’ve never written a letter about us. So this seems odd…please excuse my rookie Christmas-writing skills.

Travis ~ He’s been with Kuehne + Nagel in Elk Grove Village for 2-1/2 years, and headed into December with a promotion as Manager, Midwest Control Tower, ISC (whatever that means 😂). This past year he coached Talan’s Basketball team through Upward and will be coaching again in January. He continues to be the solid rock of our beautiful, chaotic, messy, BLESSED life, and helps keep my head from spinning with juggling all the schedules for everyone.

Mandy ~ This year brought many changes. The major change being that I am no longer juggling 2 jobs (working from home) while also being a stay-at-home mom and trying to keep myself healthy. As scary as it was to take a step back and focus on what’s most important, God has once again, proven that His plan for our family is so much bigger than what I thought I was supposed to be doing! Besides managing the household, I have been able to use my talents doing what I love…hair! Chiropractic care continues to be my #1 when dealing with CVS (Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome), and God has placed a special Mama in my path, who has a daughter in Grayson’s class, that also has CVS. It’s been good for my soul to connect with someone who gets it. Our church and school family continues to be such a blessing in our lives, and the word that sticks out for this past year has most definitely been ‘Connection.’ I’m so thankful for all of the connections I’ve made!

Talan ~ (10-1/2 years old, 5th grade) Played soccer for 2 teams this fall (U12 and U14), he played basketball for his school, Immanuel, last school year and is playing again this year. He played his 2nd year of basketball through Upward, enjoyed a week away at summer camp, and went to basketball camps over the summer as well. Math continues to be his favorite subject (he can’t be my kid 😂). He’s our wise-beyond-his-years child who amazes us daily. He continues to push himself out of his comfort zone (with little nudges from us), and it’s been fun watching him grow into such a cool kid. Oh, and I now slip his shoes on to run outside…and they’re too big for me! Time needs to slow down with this one.

Grayson ~ (8 years old, 2nd grade) Played his first season of soccer, and decided baseball wasn’t his thing. At that age, it’s not our thing either. 😂😅🤷🏼‍♀️ He enjoyed making a ‘bucket list’ for the summer which included learning to ride a bike (he’s previously had no interest, but wanting to take off with Talan and not be left behind I think was the appealing factor in this), and learning to tie his shoes. He completed both and I can’t wait to see what goals he sets for himself this coming summer! He continues to be our most ‘exciteable’ kid and has the best comments. The other day he told Trav, “Sometimes I think about stuff, and just get so excited…I just need to SHAKE!” 😂😂😂 He is also our master at putting puzzles and LEGO kits together, loves Pokémon, and likes the social part of school the most.

Kylan ~ (6 years old, Kindergarten) Played his first season of soccer with his best buddy this fall, who’s amazing Mom was his coach (I’m SO thankful for her!), he started all day Kindergarten, and continues to be our #1 Chiro kid. He knocked social services off his IEP in October! He’s still receiving services in PT, OT, and Speech. Whenever I go into his school, the main response I get from people is them putting their hand over their heart and whispering to me, “I just LOVE him!” It makes a Mama’s heart swell to see he has such a big Village genuinely loving on him daily. After school is our biggest challenge, but I would prefer to be the brunt of his emotions/outbursts. He looks forward to his veg time once he gets home, so leaving to bring his brother to basketball practice or appointments right when he gets off the bus is not his favorite. The growth he has made in the past year is still amazing when we take the time to see how far we’ve come. He continues to love police cars, ambulances and fire trucks and can spot them from miles away! He also told me he “loves school because people always says “WOW!” To me.” 😂

Isla ~ (3 years old, ‘Mommy School’ as she says 🤷🏼‍♀️) Started Tykes Yoga where she LOVES all the singing and nursery rhymes/actions she gets to do. She also started Kindergym Gymnastics which she LOVES, and likes to remind Daddy that they need to “go swimming” together. So that may have to be an added activity at some point. When schedules aren’t so crazy. Ha! Who am I kidding? The schedules are only gonna get get crazier. She was a trooper going to all those soccer games and talks about wanting to play every time we’re at Dick’s and she sees all the pink cleats 😉 She loves singing at the top of her lungs and continues to enjoy being extra… and I can confidently say, the boys are loving what she brings to our family as well.

2019 had some fun memories. The guys went on a trip in Northern MN with Travis’ Dad, their Papa, in July. We went on a family vacation to TN and KY in August, and Travis and I were able to get away in October for a few days. We will be rounding out our year going to Tucson, AZ for Christmas to be with my Mom, Step-Dad, and one of my brother’s family. Say a prayer for us as this will be the first time flying as a family of 6!

We still had some not so fun times…the main one being my Grandma passing away in June. She was 95 and our last living Grandparent. While we rejoiced that she went Home to her Heavenly Father and was reunited with Grandpa, it has still been difficult.

We are excited for the new decade and all that 2020 is going to bring.

May you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

~XOXO