The Heckman Family: December 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Goodbye 2012!

If you hadn't noticed, the blog has been pretty quiet the past couple weeks.

I've been spending almost every second with the kids, which leaves very little time to compose a blog post.

And while I've definitely had my "want-to-tear-my-hair-out" moments with them this Christmas break, it's also been so incredibly enjoyable to watch the boys play together, learn new things together, discover the joy of siblings on Christmas morning, and have lots of quality time together as a family.

Today, on the final day of 2012, Payton ironically asked me to please clear off all the videos on the Flip camera because he wanted to film something but the hard drive was full. So, I downloaded all the videos off the camera onto my computer. It was so fun to sit and watch videos from this past Spring when Parker was just learning how to walk - long before he could speak. I got to see videos of Payton with all sorts of gaps in his front teeth that are now all closed up with perfectly straight teeth (who did he get these straight teeth from by the way???). I even got to watch a video of the boys playing together with Rohy walking around in the background. And yes... it made me cry.

Wendy & I on vacation

Rohy in his "younger years"

Watching those videos made me realize that 2012 has been a year of up's and down's. There have been incredibly low low's when we experienced the unexpected, untimely death of my beloved cousin, Wendy, and also the passing of our sweet dog whom we'd had for our entire marriage and treated like our first child.

Look at those chunky thighs!

Baseball star!

However, there have been far more wonderful moments this year, like watching Payton play his first season of baseball and watching Parker learn how to walk...and then run! Seeing our family come together during difficult times and experiencing the growth of Payton's heart for God and people.

I feel sadness in my soul for the ones we have lost this year, but I feel hope for the good things that are yet to come in our lives. I think 2013 is going to be another year of change and growth, and I look forward to that both externally and internally.

So wherever you are these first days of the new year, I recommend taking a few moments to reflect on 2012. The good times and the bad. And I pray that the coming year is full of so many blessings for you that you can hardly count them!

Happy New Year everyone!

God's Best!

-Stac

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas Re-Cap

It's now a couple days after Christmas and I am still going through pictures and sorting and editing, so please bare with me as I am only working with pictures that were on my camera. I haven't had time to get the ones off of Brian's phone or my phone. But in the meantime, I wanted to get a post up about our wonderful Christmas.

My parents arrived on Christmas Eve and took the boys to their hotel so that Brian and I could get to church early to help out. I had the wonderful opportunity to sing with the Worship Team during the service, and that was really special and meaningful to me. The service was beautiful and when it was over, we all headed home for our annual chili dinner.

After dinner, the little guy went to bed and Brian read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Payton. It was a very sweet moment that I hope we continue every year as the boys get older.

I love this picture... and the fact that Payton is letting out a giant yawn! :)

Then Payton headed outside to sprinkle "Reindeer food" on the lawn so the reindeer knew where to land.

And right before heading off to bed, he put out milk & cookies for Santa.

He was so giddy with excitement at this point, I thought he'd never go to sleep!

But he did!

And Santa came during the night and filled up the boys' stockings with all sorts of goodies!

At first Parker was a little confused by the whole process, but he caught on quickly...

And then he didn't want to put down any of his treats from his stocking. He kept trying to walk around with everything in his arms (and mouth!). TOO funny!

When my parents arrived, the gift opening began!

We allowed the kids to start opening gifts from my side of the family.

Payton was thrilled with the cash, and Parker wouldn't let go of his new Elmo.

Of course he immediately had to put Elmo into "the box" and snuggle with him!

(notice the duct tape on the edges - this box has been loved to death!)

Some of Payton's special gifts from my parents included a new Minecraft sword...

...and an electric scooter!

Very happy boy indeed!

Then Brian's family arrived with even MORE presents!

The boys were so happy with all of the special gifts they received from them as well. Including:

New matching Crocs!

And a new Razor Rip Rider!

Again, VERY happy boy!

We also received a very special handmade gift from Payton. They made decorated tiles with their picture on it at school. It is precious.

Of course, our best presents of the day, was the presence of family.

We know that we are extremely blessed to have both sets of grandparents so close to us and we feel such an overwhelming sense of joy to be able to spend the holiday with them.

After all the gifts were opened and the brunch buffet was cleaned up. We all sat around, drinking coffee and talking and relaxing.

A few hours later, everyone had left and the house was quiet.

We got out the cake we had made and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

Because after all, that is what CHRISTmas is all about.

The birth of our Lord and Savior.

And I pray that our kids always remember that as they grow up and celebrate Christmas with their own families.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well enjoying all the love and magic that the day holds!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Almost Christmas Eve...

It's the day before Christmas Eve and I'm really feeling that "I don't want this holiday to end" feeling.

This week has been so choc-full-O Christmas cheer, it makes me wish the Christmas spirit would stick around a little longer. Although I have to admit, I'm kinda ready to take down all the Christmas decorations in the house. It's starting to look cluttered and that gives me hives (not really, but close).

This week we...

Went to Payton's school to watch his class holiday performance.

It was adorable as expected. The kids were all dressed up like reindeer and they did an adorable poem about Santa and Rudolph.

And then they sang a long version of Rudolph with all sorts of fun motions. It was precious.

Look at my little reindeer!

After the performance, the kids had their "holiday centers" where they created two edible treats (a reindeer and a snowman made out of donuts). And then a Christmas tree ornament and Reindeer food to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve.

Parker thought he was such hot stuff being able to stick around for some of the holiday centers!

Enjoyed treats!

Friday afternoon, Brian came home early and brought the boys cake pops, and me a latte, from Starbucks. The boys were very happy!

Played with "the box" every. single. day.

Seriously, this may be Parker's favorite thing all season (thank you Aunt Amanda!!)

Payton actually got him to lay down in the box and then proceeded to drag him around the house and would open up the box in random places and say...

"Oh Parker! Look where the box took you!"

And Parker would smile and laugh and say, "Again!"

(P.S. I hope Child Services isn't going to show up at my door for these pictures)

Surprise! There's a baby in the box!

Enjoying some mother-daughter time.

My mom came into town on Friday and we continued our decades-long tradition of going to the Nutcracker ballet.

We've been going almost every year since I was about 5 years old.

And yes, it gets better every year!

This year, we went to the Ringling Brother's version of the Nutcracker. It was very different, but very interesting and the ballet dancers were extraordinary!

We went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants first: