Memories and Gratitude from Christmas and New Years

Thankful in 2016

We had a wonderful visit with Sam over Christmas. For now, he is our only college kid who still lives at home for his breaks. Theron, also in college, works full-time for FedEx in Pensacola, so he can't make it home for Christmas anymore :-( Sam gave his dad and me each "PCC parent" shirts. For those who have followed my journey as a step-mom, you'll know what an answer to prayer it is that my son can give a gift to his "mom" as if it is no big deal. Praise the Lord for healing that relationship!

We also had the incredible privilege of hosting our niece and nephew, whose family are missionaries in Bolivia, over the Christmas holiday. Trevor, a senior at USC in California, had fun teaching Esther some new skills on her ukelele. Tasha, a sophomore at Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, received a puzzle from one of the kids, and had fun putting it together with her cousins. We made lots of memories, and enjoyed many hours of sitting around, talking, reading, playing board games, and ridding the Robart house of every last chocolate chip! Great times... we look forward to hosting them, and maybe their brother, too, in the future! :-)

The day after Christmas, we were surprised by the arrival of Daniel (our oldest) and his wife, Justine, visiting from Ohio! It was so great to see them and get some hugs. They're in the process of adopting through the fostering system, so we didn't expect to get a visit from them until May, if then! The kids enjoyed playing board games with their brother and sister-in-law, and making lots of memories together.

When we finally hit the road for our long-awaited trip, we were already filled with happy memories and all the yummy Christmas treats we had enjoyed together. Our first stop was Pensacola, where we enjoyed some fellowship with the Grays, former members of EH and good friends from KC.

We also spent a few days with Theron, who hadn't made it home for Christmas due to his work with FedEx in Pensacola. He is so great with his sisters, and they enjoyed the time with him immensely. He even taught us a new board game! (Don't ask!) :-) Being the horrible mother that I am, I convinced Dan to find us a beach where we could put our toes in the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, it was 38 degrees, and the winds were incredible! But that's how you make memories, right?! Of course right! :-)

We left Pensacola on our 13th wedding anniversary, headed west toward Texas to meet a new grandson and visit a couple more kids. That will have to wait for another post, though, because you'd better believe there will be LOTS of pics of these sweet grandboys! :-) What are you thankful for as you look back over the last couple weeks?

Rachel