TOGETHER

Last Sunday we were all at church TOGETHER. That's cause for a picture...even if our clothes weren't coordinated and we pulled over a friend to snap the picture with my phone. I'm so thankful for the wonderful worship and teaching we get to experience together (the WORD taught this week was STRAIGHT TO MY HEART), and that my 2 littles are being taught THE WORD in KidLife. It's our first Christmas at NLC, and that's just ONE of the big transitions of 2014. SO THANKFUL. 

December 25

Christmas in Mountain Home...with all 8 of us, 3 of my brother's family, and my parents. It was kind of tight, but fun for all the cousins to get to know one another. It was Jordan and Cameron's first Christmas at the Boogaart's and I'd say they loved everything from the breakfast monkey bread, the stockings, my dad's huge Christmas tree, the presents, a delicious Christmas dinner and desserts to wrap up the day. We took everyone to a movie on Friday, after a morning of games at home. We finished off a great day with my dad's famous chili fiesta for dinner. The kids all got time with their grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin.

Boogaart Christmas 2014

December 24

December 23

Cameron's first Christmas here. Cameron's first Christmas present from us. The first BIG SMILE of many.

Sibling gifts: A sweet message from Sheridan to Jordan. A HUGE candy bar from Ryan.

LOVE NOTES

My kids are a hoot! They showed up to our Christmas dinner in Christmas sweaters from my past. Even Cameron had a snowman vest on, you can't appreciate their workmanship from this pic, but you can see the shoulder pads in Ryan's cardigan! 

My favorite Christmas tradition starts before any gift is opened. AND, it was Jordan and Cameron's first time to write and read their own LOVE NOTES. I wasn't even interested in presents after reading the love notes from my family. Call me needy, but kind words of love are balm to the soul. 

 
 

Basketball Season!

We took in a few Razorback basketball games last year, but more because we need the outing than because we wanted to cheer on the HOGS. This season Richard loaded up 3 of the kiddos and took them to Bud Walton Arena for a game. Not sure the size of the crowd, but I was sent these two pics during the game. GO HOGS! 

The Christmas Story

Best part of the Christmas season so far? Telling Jordan and Cameron the Christmas story...over and over. "Is there more? What comes next?" Jordan gets her bible and we always read it there after I have told them the story...I LOVE THAT. It's like discovering it all for the first time, and although neither of them believe yet, they don't doubt it's true.  

Bedtime

THIS does my heart good:

At the Manor - Take 2

At the Manor

Our family, all together, eating food other people cooked, by candlelight! Erin's senior Madrigal Dinner was a great event for the holiday season. Her dress was perfect, the songs on key, and the dinner was wonderful. We're so thankful for a choir program that produces excellent programs like this one as a memory the kids will have forever. At about 8:30 Cameron asked if he could put his head down...and he was asleep, for the rest of the meal.

One thing I can get happy about...that my college kids are all close enough to come home for the night, to support one another, give hugs and be TOGETHER.