News

 I don't really have any news that's newsworthy, but I'll fumble through in order to get a post in for 2024 before it's 2025.

Christmas came and went without too much fanfare. It's getting difficult to have Christmas Eve supper and gifts. It's hard for Ariya and Hendrix to get themselves showered, have a story, set out Santa's treat, and get to bed before 10:00 PM if we're celebrating in the evening. So this year, we've started a new tradition: Christmas Eve brunch! This year was at Braunt and Breanna's. It was a lot of fun. Everyone was in their Christmas jammies, Bre put on an amazing spread, and presents weren't rushed and were enjoyed by all. The kids are who make Christmas what it is. Ari and Hendrix are old enough that they played our gift exchange game, and Lily was a little joy to have around. We bought Ariya a gown and she and I went to see The Secret Life of Christmas Trolls. It was a lot of fun. We love dressing fancy for the 'theatre'. We need to go shopping for one more outfit as she missed out. Hendrix got two new outfits. He also got to go with Popa, and take a friend, to Galaxyland to go on all the rides and the play place. They had a great time. We bought Lily a play yard. It's adjustable, but goes as large as 5' x 7' so it's a good size. High enough to keep her in and lots of holes and toys around the outside to keep her entertained. I'm sure Kiershyn and Tyler will get a lot of use out of it.

Speaking of grandchildren, ours are growing like weeds! Ariya and Hendrix are quite independent now, and are involved in hockey, dance and 4H. Popa and I don't go to practices anymore - just games and performances. Ariya has a 4H public speaking engagement in February and would like an "audience" lol. Auntie Jessica and I will be there; Popa too, if he's not working. Hendrix is rocking hockey and really enjoying himself. Ariya is in dance this year again, although I can't remember what styles. I think hip hop is one. She's got a bunch of competitions coming up, so that will keep me busy.

Little Lily, aka Pickles, is growing and changing so much. She started out on the wee side, but has fluffed up nicely and is just precious. She recognizes Popa and I, and lifts her little arms to be picked up. She has two bottom teeth, and the top two are set to pop out any time. She's started crawling; she looks like a wounded soldier as she leaves one leg back as she pushes off with the other. Every so often she gets them both going, so it's only a matter of days before she gets everything worked out. Then the fun will begin! Chasing after a toddler is so tiring. They move quicker than lightning, and can be into something before you turn around. Kier and Ty have their work cut out for them.

The adult kids are doing well, too. Drey and Joanna are busy with their fire extinguisher business. Now that Jo's certified, she's a huge help to Drey with recharges and such. Their cats, Scrambles and Chippy, keep them on their toes with their antics. Tyler's busy with work and being a daddy, among his other projects. He and Kiershyn are finishing up their house, to put it on the market. I hope it sells quickly and for a fair price. Real estate is down right now, mainly because of the exorbitant interest rates. Winter is also a hard time for sales. Fingers crossed that it goes well. Braunt and Breanna are doing well too. Braunt works one week on and one week off, so he's got a lot of free time. He works for Dustun sometimes, helping with running the equipment. Bre is constantly running with the kids - there's always something on her plate. Overall, everyone is mostly happy, healthy, have food in their tummies and roofs over their heads.

That's all for the first post of 2024. May the new year bring you health, love, happiness and prosperity.