I have no new photos, but...

I have a few minutes. By myself. With a computer. That doesn't happen often and probably won't happen much in the next four weeks so I better do this now.

It's the final countdown.

33 days left in my home state. It's gonna be a long AND way too fast four weeks.

The house already looks sad. We've done quite a bit of packing. Garage sale is this weekend. Lori is going to come down in a couple of weeks to hang with the kiddos and we'll probably do most of the packing that week. The truck comes the next week. It'll be paper plates, microwavable meals and/or take out until the truck leaves and we move into the Nutt house for a week.

I had my first good cry today. Karie called in the midst of it and being the best big sister that she is, there was a cherry limeaid at my doorstep with in five minutes. I love my family. I love my bestest friends here. I can hear Jared out in the living room with some of the boys now. Doing that comfortable, high-pitched giggle that he does around the guys he's known and loved for so long. I get so sad. I don't wanna leave.

Then, I remind myself to look forward. I think of my bestest friends and family in TX. I think of the new friends that God has already picked out for us (they're SO lucky ;) ). I think of what God is doing and how He's graciously allowed us to join Him in it. I get way excited. I really want to go.

I'm a hot mess, people. But I wouldn't change any of it. It's a peaceful place. Being right where He wants us. Doing what He's asked of us. It's humbling. I've already seen Him work in miraculous ways to get this church growing. I think of how our time at SCA, my time at Baylor, Jared's time at Anderson, our time at MMCC... It's all worked together to make this possible. It's crazy to look back on events in our lives and see God's hand completely directing us to this exact place, at this exact time, with these exact people. I can't imagine what's in store. The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful. But I'm excited. Nervous and scared, yes. But mostly excited.

We'll try to keep everyone updated on our progress over the next few weeks. And Dallas friends, if you ever feel like giving us a call in the next four weeks and reminding us about how great life will be when we get there, well, I'll need to hear it. :)

Baby Sluyk!!

I was so thankful to get to share in a special moment in the life of Danny and Allie. They had their ultrasound for the new baby while they were in town and we got to go register with them after they found out they're having a...

GIRL!!

I'm so excited for you Allie.

You're gonna be great parents and this little girl is gonna be a knock-out!

That takes my count to...

7 nephews

and

5 nieces!

Christmas Morning!

We had so much fun Christmas morning.

Sophia woke up and asked me through half-closed eyes...

"Did Santa come?"

I said "Yes!"

She ran out of her room yelling "Santa! Santa!"

Then looked at me and said "Where did he go?"

Whoops.

Guess we didn't really discuss that he's not there when you wake up. There was a short breakdown until she noticed that there was stuff in her stocking.

After we opened presents at home we went to The Nutt House for Kevin's traditional English breakfast... eggs, bacon, toast, fry-bread, donuts, tomatoes, baked beans... you know... the real healthy stuff. My favorite is that we eat it on mom's christmas china. It's the Lennox pattern that she has loved since she was a girl. It took us kids close to ten years of christmas presents to complete her set but we did it.

And love it.

Emma and her mama.

Devin and his buddy, Micah

Auntie Allie (and baby-girl sluyk in the tummy!) and Micah

After the Nutt House we went home and got to skype with the Doe family up in WA to open presents. Then we all napped. Then it was off to Auntie AJs for Christmas dinner.

We enjoyed being with so much family and

Baby's First Christmas was a success!

Christmas Eve

Here are some pics of my precious little ones on Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately we never got a full family shot.

Micah had a blow out in the nursery during service and had Sophia's pink pants on and I just couldn't bring myself to take a picture that would probably embarrass him for the rest of his life. Notice we start in denim and end in khaki.

The candle was a great bribe to keep Sophs interested during the service. She loved the candlelight part. Pyro like her mama.

We went to More Grandpa's house after church.

Micah opened his first present ever.

Big sister helped.

Averie looked ridiculously cute. OK, Mom, you did too.

We had our friend Michael Fay create a documentary type video on the life of Grandpa Lawrence and surprised all of his kids. I'll share the video after it's final edit. :)

And as usual, the night ended with all of the wrapping paper on top of Uncle Tito.

Gosh, I'm gonna miss this. (High school senior moment)

Eve of Eve (EOE)

Every year my bestie and her sisters have a party on the Eve of Christmas Eve. We have never been able to attend, but made sure to go this year since it's our last chance (are you noticing a trend here... I feel like a senior in high school). Karie and Ashleigh accompanied us and it's safe to say a good time was had by all.

Love you Shells

Young Women's Bible Study (20s/30s)

The week before Christmas, I attended my last Christmas party and ornament exchange with the Tuesday night bible study girls :*(

Karie made an "ornament" with pictures from each of the pumpkin carving nights and get togethers from the beginning of the group. The girls sneakily worked it out that I ended up with it and I couldn't have been happier! It will have a place of honor in our home next Christmas for sure.

I adore you ladies.

You'll shoot your eye out!

Doesn't he look a little like "A Christmas Story" Kid?