Christmas 2013

On a cold winter's night we enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace and our cozy, Christmasy house.

After spin class and some last minute errands, Rusty and I settled in for a nice T-bone steak, red wine, and a cozy Christmas by the fire.  We feel so incredibly blessed to have so many family members and friends who make our lives special!

For anyone who's spent time around Rusty in the last year, you've undoubtedly heard him talking about the monkey he wants to get.  My mother spent a week with us here in October and I think she found the monkey story a little tiring.  Her Christmas present to Rusty has given us much to laugh about.

Thanks, Mom!

On Christmas morning we attended church. and were joined later by Lindsay, Celeste, and Lindsay's boyfriend,Tyler.  We had some ham salad (made from real Kentucky country ham!) on croissants, and some Christmas cookies.

Celeste and I read The 12 Days of Christmas.

Rusty questioned Tyler about his intentions for daughter Lindsay.

Celeste was anxious to get started with the "present-opening" part of the day.

Lindsay likes her techno-gloves.

Lindsay's boyfriend, Tyler, likes his gift too.

Celeste, workin' it for the camera.

Thanks for joining us, Lindsay, Tyler and Celeste!!  We loved having you here!!!

During a Skype session with my sister, Darlene, she confirmed that she and Tom will be signing up for this summer's Tour de Nebraska bike ride.  YEA!!!!  That gives us something very special to look forward to this coming June.  If there are other family or friends reading this blog who want to join us, we'd love it!  Follow the link to sign up.

As our blog illustrates, 2013 was a busy year for us.  The most important part, was time with spent with family and friends.

Rusty and I attended a half day training class this past week for his upcoming surgery.  He will have total knee replacement on Jan. 23rd, and will spend 2-3 days in the hospital.  He will have physical therapy 3 times a week for several weeks.  It could be 6 weeks before he's allowed to drive, so that means we will start 2014 with a few more weeks close to home.  He has a good attitude and is anxious to get going on the path to a stronger knee.