Cormac's 14th Birthday

Cormac's 14th birthday came and went yesterday.  He spent the morning playing his Axis and Allies game from Christmas (and doing chicken chores).  Then he got to go out for Chinese with Grandma and Grandpa Bestgen and got some cash!!  We decided to open presents right after that got back from lunch so Grandma and Grandpa could watch.  He finished the afternoon with some school work.  Cousins Levi and Kenzie came for a sleepover so we celebrated with German chocolate cake and cherry pie.  I think he had a great day - as far as birthdays go.  This kid has grown up so much this year.  He's a great helper and such a wonderful member of our family.  I'm proud of how much he has learned in school and how well he takes care of the chickens.  I'm excited to see how much he grows and changes in 2019.

Legos he really, really wanted. 

more Legos he really really wanted. 

 This was on his wish list...so incredibly happy!

 This is an atlas about the World War II.  The kids are always making up strategy games based on that war, so I figured he would like to have some maps of the attacks and battles.  Plus, it doesn't hurt to show the reality and ugliness of war to young men.  Appreciate what your elders sacrificed for your freedom! 

Candy blocks to build with and eat...and a cute photo-bomber. 

 This is a graphic novel about St. Michael the Archangel coming to save a soldier in the Korean War.

 Gianna got photo-bombed. HAHA

 Cormac became the proud and excited owner of Darren's old lego castle set.

 He also got to pick a hunting knife now that he passed his hunter safety course!  I see big bucks in his future!!!

 Happy birthday, Cormac!

 This is Gianna getting her mouth covered for blowing out Cormac's candles before he could.

This is take two...and he got them all!  We even sang Happy Birthday again.

Christmas 2018

Gianna was the lucky girl who got her hair done for Midnight Mass.  Her hair really doesn't hold a curl that long so I'm surprised it made it through Mass.

 My beautiful girls ready for Mass.

 Good looking group of Gebes'

 Christmas morning!!

They were still sleeping at 8:30 AM.

Now the lazy guys didn't really want to be awake yet....

 Underwear was a hit!

 Underwear again...

 Happy boys got two of games that were on their wish lists.

He wasn't happy at Mom's joke. 

 We've caught him wearing them to bed...so it must not have been TOO bad.

 Brech's gift from his Godmother was a cool RC hover drone thingy.  We had a lot of fun playing with it before everyone showed up.

The family came over about 2 and stayed until about 8 PM.

 We played Tripoly and laughed and laughed.

The kids watched Polar Express on the big screen. 

Amazing day.  Amazing memories.

We had such a peace about us that day.  We haven't had such a beautiful Christmas in a long time.  No stress.  No drama.  Nothing to worry about.  Beautiful!!

Karen's 40th Birthday

Darren threw me a surprise birthday party.  It was somewhat of a surprise.  I'm fairly suspicious of things so I figured something MIGHT happen...but it wasn't until people started showing up that I knew something was up.  I was truly blessed to have my family come celebrate with me.  That day was amazing from start to finish.  Mom took me out to breakfast and shopping.  Then we did some school.  Our whole family went to evening Mass and then home to the surprise party.  Couldn't have asked for a better 40th birthday! 

We decorated the Christmas tree with the nieces and nephews and kids.  I think it will become a new tradition to invite everyone over and decorate the tree.