Happy New Year, Friends and Family! The motivation for my post tonight is totally for my mother-in-law, Marian, and I know others will appreciate the update and pictures as well. I have recently become a "face-booker" and I forget that many of you faithful "bloggers" are not and I want to keep you as updated and included as much as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Thanksgiving was a festive time here at our house. Spencer and Mikaela were home for the long weekend....and so were about 20 other Navlet family members! It was a wonderful time for the adults and the cousins to be together. I think it will become a yearly event!
Christmas was....different. I, personally, had a very difficult time right up until Christmas morning. It was our first Christmas at home since Bruce's passing (last year we got out of town and went to Palm Desert-which was perfect) and even though it was painful this year, it was necessary. It was just me and the kids and our traditions....less one family member....and it ended up being a beautiful time-which was perfect! It truly is amazing how beauty often comes from pain....as we walk in obedience, have a heart of hope and trust and keep on living.
We are in a New Year and look forward to many new things....what they are, who knows....but we look forward all the same! Here are a few pictures of our Christmas time together. I do hope they give you a little peek into our family...and I hope they give you joy...as they have us!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
WE LOVE YOU, MOM/GRANDMA ALEXANDER!!
LOOK HOW EASY IT IS FOR PEARCE TO PLACE THE ANGEL ON TOP OF THE TREE!
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, KING TIN CHINESE FOOD, OUR FAVORITE! ANOTHER OF OUR FAVORITES IS THE LIFE SIZE POSTER OF BRUCE IN THE BACKGROUND!
A FAMILY PHOTO IN FRONT OF THE TREE AT NW HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
MY KIDS...I MAKE THEM DO A SILLY SHOT...THEY ARE NATURALS, HUH?
CHRISTMAS EVE, OPENING ORNAMENTS FROM AMAH AND POPPY NAVLET.
Trip to downtown Portland for Grandma Alexander's birthday!
Margaret and Mikaela (the only granddaughters out of 8) and Spencer (the tallest grandson)!
Afternoon at the movies!
Grandma and Margy!
Grandma and Spencer
Grandma and Mikaela
Margaret, Marian and Mikaela...all M's!
Gotta have at least one goofy Alexander photo! 
Birthday cake at Macaroni Grill...the perfect ending to a perfect day!
1st THING ON CHRISTMAS MORNING, WE GATHER AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTH...THE TRUE REASON FOR CELEBRATING!!
NEXT, IT'S TIME TO UNLOAD STOCKINGS...A FAMILY FAVORITE!
WE CHOSE BRUCE'S FAVORITES, CINNAMON ROLLS, AS OUR MORNING TREAT!
THE KIDS...BEING SILLY...WITHOUT MY ENCOURAGEMENT...THEY ARE NATURALS!
SANTA MOMMY AND HER LITTLE HELPER ELF, CHARLIE!
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, KING TIN CHINESE FOOD, OUR FAVORITE! ANOTHER OF OUR FAVORITES IS THE LIFE SIZE POSTER OF BRUCE IN THE BACKGROUND!
A FAMILY PHOTO IN FRONT OF THE TREE AT NW HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
MY KIDS...I MAKE THEM DO A SILLY SHOT...THEY ARE NATURALS, HUH?
CHRISTMAS EVE, OPENING ORNAMENTS FROM AMAH AND POPPY NAVLET.
