So Long....Farewell

Whew.....what a year this has been. I don't typically just post my thoughts without pictures on this blog, but I thought....why not? Tonight I sat down to think about all that has happened to myself and my beloved family over the past year. We have been through so much as a family, it's almost overwhelming to think about all of it at once. Michael didn't work at all in 2009, but that doesn't mean he wasn't crazy busy. He proved himself to be the best student and graduated nursing school with a GPA of 3.69....pretty impressive if you ask me!! We welcomed our fifth child to this beautiful family, little Esme' Lucille. Ava started preschool....Elijah started piano lessons....Jack, Eli and Ava started AWANA.....these are just to name a few.

When the 2009 began, I couldn't even imagine how it would end. I would have guessed that we would be homeless (living at my parents) and stressed out to the max. Plus, never in a million years would I have guessed that we would have added another baby girl to our family. Boy, was I ever wrong!!! To be honest, I have never been more thrilled to be wrong about something. God has blessed us so much with our faith, wonderful family and better friends than I ever imagined I could have. Don't get me wrong, this past year wasn't without stress and situations that I would never have chosen for my family. Having said that, I do believe that it was one of the best years we have had together. Never before have we relied so heavily on the Lord (I get it God, you were trying to teach us something...still are!) There is something magical and precious about sitting in a circle on the living room floor, all holding hands, praying to the Lord. God does tell us that where ever two or more are gathered together in His name, He is there! We trust that! With all of our financial downfalls right now, we truly are not stressed about it. Actually, we rarely even talk about money. We have learned that material things are much less important than we once thought. Does that mean that I never stress out or that I don't ever long to have new clothes, or a great picture to hang on the wall? NO! But it does mean that when the day is done, and I don't have those things....it's alright. What matters most to me is that I have a beautiful room waiting for me up in heaven where I will spend eternity someday....that's a LONG TIME! It's even more important to me that my children understand this.

This has been a big learning year for me and my family. We are still so far from having it all together, but we're getting there! There are still those days when we bicker and fight, or Mommy freaks out because the floor isn't clean. But, I'm trying to be a bright light in this dark world for all to see. Recently Michael and I ran into an old friend at Target and he said "when you're on your way to heaven, will it really matter that you had crumbs on your floor." So, whether it be crumbs or clothes...I'm trying to just let go. When the times arise that I can't seem to let go, and I do indeed freak out, I've learned to ask for forgiveness and to forgive myself.

Whew...that was probably a lot of rambling, sorry if I made no sense whatsoever. So, back to 2009....so long and farewell. We look forward to the next year to see what the Lord has in store for us, I trust it's going to be well worth it!

This is how WE roll!

You may wonder what in the world those Grabinski children are just so darn happy about? Well, this year we did it! Yep, we did the thing that Mama said we would never, ever do. I said, "it's too dangerous." I said, "someone's going to get hurt." I said lots of things, and then I finally caved in and said "YES."

So, now at our house....this is how we roll, or maybe I should say FLIP!

Well, not all of us actually. Jack and Daddy are the only ones that can do the back flipping- Mama heart attack giving-death defying things. Jack has gym experience and Daddy is....well...he's a nut! Elijah and Ava do enjoy jumping around like crazy. And to be honest, Mama has been on it a bunch already. It is a ton of fun and a great exercise, in case anyone is curious. So, for all of you out there that fear the worst......take heart, there's an enclosure that will be put up ASAP (just in case:)

Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Grabinski's.

Have I mentioned it's next to impossible to get a good shot of all of us:)

Mama and her sweet little Esme'....yup, she's still our blued eyed wonder:)

So my nephew moved to Nashville and outfitted my youngins' for a round-up.


All the cousins with Grandpa Bip

Our children before all the festivities...again, IMPOSSIBLE to get a good picture, ugghh!!

I pray that you had a glorious Christmas with your loved ones, celebrating the birth of Jesus our Savior, for without Him all would be lost. He truly is the very best gift of the all!!!

A little girl named Mary...I mean Ava

I think for the most part, this photo speaks for itself. Ava and Tessa had been upstairs rummaging through the dress-up clothes.....and this is what she found! I thought it was precious, and she took her role very seriously!

Sing your praise to the Lord...Reprise:)

Jack and Elijah before their Christmas concert

Ava singing with all her might.....she did so great!

Ava, Charlie and Greta at the concert....weren't they adorable:)

This past week was filled with lots of things Christmas! On Wednesday, the boys had their annual Christmas concert for school. They were a little excited, but a little nervous too. They did wonderful....singing and dancing. I am always so proud to watch them sing praises to our Lord!

On Sunday, Ava had her very first preschool concert at our church. She, unlike her brothers, was way beyond excited to perform for everyone. She has been making invitations at our home for the past month or so. She kept insisting that I send them out to all of our family and friends....what a tragedy it would be to leave anyone out:) All three would sing their songs everyday when I would pick them up from school. I was actually quite amazed at their ability to memorize so many songs at such a young age. Ava sang them so much that Mommy was able to sing right along at the concert:) It was such a joy to watch our little girl perform, she really gave it her all and enjoyed it all.....well most of it all. She was on the very top riser on the end. The whole time she kept looking at me saying she was afraid she was going to fall. Literally, only moments after her last fearful complaint, about 3 little boys tumbled off the back causing her to be bumped. The boys did not get hurt, and thankfully Ava did not fall of the riser....but it made her fears valid, and made Mommy a little nervous!

The rest of the concert went on without a hitch......praise the Lord!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Time to Celebrate!

Although yesterday wasn't Elijah's official birthday, it was a great day to celebrate. Since his birthday fell on a Wednesday this year, we decided to wait until the following Saturday to have the family over to celebrate. The kids love this tradition, when aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma's and grandpa's all come over to endure some chaos for a while, all for the sake of celebration! Mommy has started relishing these occasions since cake decorating has become a new obsession. Happy birthday....again....my dear sweet Elijah!

Make a wish Eli!

Elijah's cake, made with lots of love from Mommy!

Quite a nurse....quite a handsome nurse!

Look at this man, isn't he so handsome. I am incredibly proud to say that he's my husband:) Tuesday night was a big deal for us....not only did I get to see my husband of 10 years in a full suit for the very first time ever, but he was officially pinned as a graduated nurse. When we started this journey, it seemed overwhelming and nearly impossible that Michael would be able to get into school and succeed with a family at home. But, he DID get into school (with flying colors) and he DID SUCCEED, graduating with a GPA just shy of perfection. It took a lot of hard work and dedication. I know that sounds like a cliche', but it's very true. We sacrificed most weekends so Daddy could get his homework done. In fact, the first thing Ava said when she realized Daddy was done was "great, now we can all go to the lake together!" It's true!!!

While we know this is a stepping stone in Michael's career as a nurse (he is going on to get an RN license) we are still glad that it's over. He is looking forward to some much needed, and deserved, R &R over the Christmas season.

We're so proud of you Daddy, you're going to make a wonderful nurse!!!

This Sweet Boy

Wow, look at this sweet little boy. It honestly feels like it was just yesterday that this precious one was anxious to hop up on my lap for a story or cuddle. He still does like to cuddle and have stories read to him, but it is not nearly as often. How time flies.....I am so proud to see him grow and become a wonderful little boy. He is so full of love, a great big brother, a wonderful friend...and from what all of his teachers say, and outstanding student!! Now, while I am proud of all of these things, I can't help but long for those days when he was just a wee little one that wanted not much more than his Mommy. Children grow so fast and the time with them is precious and fleeting....I love this sweet boy of mine. Oh, and did I mention that he's SEVEN today. Happy birthday dear Elijah!

Celebrating with Ava, Claire, Charlie and Jack

The handsome birthday boy!

Family Tradition

Our family has lots of traditions. We get our Christmas tree the same time every year. The kids always have hot cocoa with whipped cream after a day of playing in the snow. We always go out to dinner for someone's birthday. We ALWAYS frost Christmas cookies as a family...Daddy included. Once a year, mommy sets aside her compulsive neatness for several hours while the kids and daddy go crazy with the frosting and sprinkles. They all look forward to this all year long, and this year was no exception. We tried to include Tessa as much as possible, but she just didn't understand that the frosting goes on the cookie, and not in her mouth! The rest however, enjoyed the decorating.....and we can't wait to eat them!

Jack carefully frosting a bell

Tessa enjoying her frosting

Let the mess begin!

Frosting done...let's dig into the leftover frosting!!!

Ahhh....aren't they beautiful. Not the most traditional cookies, but have you met my husband?! Notice the egg yolk bell??!!

What's so funny?

You may wonder what sweet little Esme' finds so incredibly funny. Well...first let me say that we do whatever we can to entertain this sweetheart while we feed the troops. Also, don't you think she's simply adorable? I do!


Yep, that's it....a printed sheet of black and white patterns. Gee, if life could only stay so simple!