The last crazy month of 2013

I know we are already 8 days into 2014, but it seems like our family had a wild ride at the end of last year. As of today, we've been without a home for a month. That's not to say we haven't had warm, inviting places to lay our heads every night, but it means we've been living out of suitcases, and shlepping those suitcases all over the western and midwestern United States. We seem to always be on the move in December the last few years. I know partly that is because we live far from family and try to take a good chunk of time to see loved ones around the holidays. But, we've also been moving around this time both in 2013 and 2011. So, we haven't had a Christmas tree the last couple of years, or even tried to put out a Christmas card.

I guess the neat thing is that no matter where or what we are doing around Christmas each year, we can always truly embrace the real meaning of Christmas. As we picked up and drove from Calgary to Denver in early December, my thoughts went to Mary and Joseph as they prepared to pick up and head to Bethlehem, just as their baby boy was about to come into the world. How beautiful is it that God saw fit to bring Jesus into the world at a time that didn't seem perfect or logical to any of our modern minds. They literally had no place to rest their heads, but God allowed His Son to enter the world and to begin His plan of redemption according to His timing. So, as I get overwhelmed or frustrated at our current situation, I think the best thing I can do is think that God's plan doesn't make sense to me right now, but it is perfect timing to Him. That is usually easier said than really put into action in my everyday life, but I know it is true.

So, as we traveled and looked for a house and then saw friends and family back in Missouri, we were blessed with so many fun moments. Here are some pictures of our last month of 2013.

Our house all packed up.

Boone climbing the stairs one last time.

Boone's first room all packed up.

Visiting with our friend, the Murphys, in KCMO! Here is their adorable daughter, Hannah. I know it's blurry, but this girl is always on the move, so a clear picture was hard!

And little Jonathan. Jonathan and Boone were due only a few days apart! And same thing about always moving! It was hard to capture a good picture!

Boone had so much fun playing with the Murphys. Somehow we got them all to sit still for just a few seconds!

Hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa Robertson's house.

We got to visit with a dear friend, Kelly and her adorable son, Cooper! Coop and Boone are a little over a week apart!

Magic house with Nana and Papa.

Down the slide with Papa.

The quintessential Magic House picture. I love how Boone's little hairs are standing up!

Hanging out with my grandma at her nursing home. Boone loved to help push her walker. Not sure he was helping or really hindering, but he sure loved it.

Playing on a rocking horse at Grand Sydney's house. We love how lots of the toys at her house are toys that Jeff played with when he was growing up. Can't wait for Christmas at her house next year!

Christmas eve with cousins on my dad's side and grandma.

Boone with his great Aunt Karen.

Christmas morning brunch at the Younkins. Always a fun tradition.

Lunch at my Aunt Dorothy's on Christmas Day.

Boone with Uncle John and Nana. He is looking tired there.

Christmas night we went to Jeff's parents for dinner. We hung out there for several days after. Here is a picture of when we celebrated Jeff's birthday with them. I added in the (old man!) on the cake.

Playing with Grandpa Bruce downstairs!

A visit with Brett before we headed out to Denver! We also got to see the Beatys while we were in Fulton.

Jeff's mom always gets lots of pictures while we are there, so I tend to slack off! I'll have to get some more from her of our visit in Fulton.

So, although we didn't find a home in Denver yet, we have lots to be thankful for. What a blessing to have time to spend with friends and family and to have safety in all our travels. Thankful for 2013 and looking forward to the adventure that 2014 will for sure be.