Back to the Christmas posts. I know, I know..it's February. Maybe I'll get all 3 done BEFORE Valentines day. But don't count on it. See this is part of my New Years resolution to relax a little. But, you probably didn't know that since I never did a New Year's resolution post. See how relaxed I am! This year we started a new tradition with one of our most cherished families. We had the Rogers' over for dinner and a gift exchange.
When I look back at the hard times Brandon & I went through at the beginning of our marriage I totally understand why. AND I would go through it all over again as it led us to our church and people like the Rogers'. At a time in my life when I really need a "Dad" and my own father has pretty much disappeared from my life (and the boys lives) in steps Bruce. I really can't even tell you how much I love this man. He treats me like a daughter. He even calls me daughter. I am so thankful that Tara has allowed me to share her wonderful father. Between him and Pops I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world. They are two of the best Dad's I have ever met and I get to share my life with both of them. And they don't love me because we share blood, they just love me. Anyway...before I get too sappy (you know I don't like to do that) I wanted to show you what Bruce got me as my special eclectic "from Dad" gift. It is from Ten Thousand Villages, it is beautiful and I hung it right above my kitchen sink. If you ask the boys why I hung it there they will tell you "it is to remind Mommy that Uncle Bruce loves her".
Bruce also made Brandon a bible box. Yep, I said made. He is so talented! 
The boys got more gifts than I can name from Uncle Bruce, Aunt Kathy, Tara & Johnny. They love, love love their Super Mario Brothers game. And Johnny has been very patient playing it with them whenever he is over. 
They even got some spending cash to pick out their own gifts. So far Connor has bought some dinosaurs and Hudson is stuck on cars that change colors.
They also got cool cars...actually Hudson got a fast car and Connor got a replica of his favorite truck...Uncle Bruce's truck of course! The boys opened embroidered towels that Kathy had made for them and Brandon immediately knew what his special gift from Kathy was. He didn't even wait for his turn, he just tore open his box to discover his set of towels with his initials embroidered on them. He loves them so much and uses them every time he is doing a project around the house. 
My special gift from Kathy was an apron. Erin got one too! I love that Kathy & Tara picked out the fabric especially for each of us. I have been using the same old apron for 12 years now and I love my new one made just for me!!!I love the care and time that goes into each of these gifts. Kathy is always there for me when I need her and I don't know if I can ever thank her enough for all of the kind words she has said to me over the years. And all of the love she has shown the boys is beyond measure and saying thank you just never seems like enough!
Just a quick note about Tara & Johnny...I am so happy that we have had the privilege of knowing these 2 since they were barely teenagers. They are such a special couple and It has been a pleasure watching them grow up. They are getting married in October and the boys are going to carry their rings down the aisle. I am so happy to get to help them plan their special day and I can't wait to give their kids as much love as they give ours! (no pressure guys!).
Bruce also made Brandon a bible box. Yep, I said made. He is so talented! The boys got more gifts than I can name from Uncle Bruce, Aunt Kathy, Tara & Johnny. They love, love love their Super Mario Brothers game. And Johnny has been very patient playing it with them whenever he is over. They even got some spending cash to pick out their own gifts. So far Connor has bought some dinosaurs and Hudson is stuck on cars that change colors.They also got cool cars...actually Hudson got a fast car and Connor got a replica of his favorite truck...Uncle Bruce's truck of course! The boys opened embroidered towels that Kathy had made for them and Brandon immediately knew what his special gift from Kathy was. He didn't even wait for his turn, he just tore open his box to discover his set of towels with his initials embroidered on them. He loves them so much and uses them every time he is doing a project around the house. My special gift from Kathy was an apron. Erin got one too! I love that Kathy & Tara picked out the fabric especially for each of us. I have been using the same old apron for 12 years now and I love my new one made just for me!!!I love the care and time that goes into each of these gifts. Kathy is always there for me when I need her and I don't know if I can ever thank her enough for all of the kind words she has said to me over the years. And all of the love she has shown the boys is beyond measure and saying thank you just never seems like enough! 