This year the Longwell's once again had Christmas at Grandma's because our place is so tiny. We arrived at 7 to open gifts from each other and help make breakfast. Everyone else came at 8:30 to enjoy the food Mom and I had prepared! Then, the true craziness began. 31 people in my momma's house with a tree and presents and coats and things from home they had to bring and food and drinks and games and baking and cooking and on and on. Chaos, but wonderful chaos. It was a lot of fun, but a bit
sad. It doesn't get any easier to look at Dad's empty chair no matter how much time goes by.
But anyway, even though times are tight, we had a wonderful Christmas and my children (and everyone else) got too much and ate too much. We laughed and shared and celebrated the birth of our Savior. We had two new folks at Mom's for the fist time this year~Rick's mom, Gail, and Kim's boyfriend, Roger. I know they suffered a bit of culture shock, but both survived!
Everyone buys gifts for the kids (like they need
that many!), but for the adults we do a chinese
gift exchange. Always entertaining to see what others brought and to fight for the items you want!
sad. It doesn't get any easier to look at Dad's empty chair no matter how much time goes by.
Keegan Montgomery was born in January 2003, the day before my birthday. Because he is my last, he is still my baby. At age five, he loves nothing more than to snuggle with Momma and read. Keegan is a very energetic boy who thinks that his adorable dimpled grin will keep him out of trouble. He loves playing with his brothers and sisters,and being a "big brother" to Skyler and Kaden(who are really his cousins). As the youngest, he doesn't usually get opportunity to do much for himself. It's quicker and easier for the big guys to tie his shoes for him than to teach him how to tie his shoes. But we are working on making him grow up, at least a little!
Mackenzie Joann was born October 1998. She is in the fourth grade and her favorite subject is history. She has also been a cheerleader for the past two seasons. Mackenzie is a bit of a tomboy and a bit of a wild thing. She is the one who will push the rule as far as possible, then smile sweetly in innocence. Mackenzie is a big help, if she is made to be. If left on her own, she'd much rather play and let Sierra do the work. She does, however, love helping with the babies and I don't know what I would do without her on the weekends. Mackenzie dedicated her life to Jesus her first year at camp and is excited to learn what God has in store for her future.
Sierra Jordan was born in September 1996. She is the oldest girl, and as such is a "momma hen" to the little ones. Sierra is in the sixth grade and her favorite subject is reading. She has been a cheerleader for the homeschool basketball team for the past two years, and was head cheerleader this past season. She loves to help and is a VERY quiet and shy girl. She is the spitting image of her mother in actions and looks, unfortunately. Sierra has a very tender heart and a sincere desire to serve God. If she ever decides boys aren't totally disgusting, she want's to have 4 kids!
