Christmas Letter 2013

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The O’Gwin family experienced many seasons in 2013.  May we share just a few:

A time for hello, and a time for good-bye.  Last May, Chris returned home from a grueling, no sleep, ultra stress, 8 month tour in Afghanistan. Hooray! He was then moved up to be the 7^th Group S3 and we were able to enjoy 6 months with him until his return to Afghanistan in November for another 6 month tour.  We sure do miss having him around, but are very proud of all that he does in defending our freedoms.  While anxiously awaiting our next “hello” with him this coming May, we love getting to say “hello” over Skype and texting.  Modern technology is wonderful!

A time to run, and a time to rest.  While Chris was home, we squeezed in as much play time as we could.  Chris, Stacy, and Aly participated in their first ever Mud Run.  We had a blast and got dirty!  We also hit the waterpark to reward the girls for doing personal scripture study while Dad was away, went camping, visited a wolf preserve, swam in the Ponce de Leon springs, lounged at the beach, and enjoyed family movie nights. Whew! Then Chris and I took some time to rest (without kids!!) by enjoying a few days at a beach house with Stacy’s family (loved the sunset cruise!) as well as a road trip up to Fort Knox, Kentucky. (We will be moving there this coming June, so we went to scope out our next “home”.)

A time to dance (or swim, or do gymnastics or . . . ) and a time to sing (or read, or write, or . . .)  One thing you can always count on with kids; they will keep you busy!  And while I don’t so much love the running around part or the driving part, I do love seeing my children develop their talents and enjoying life.  Aly (12) has stayed busy with soccer (scoring multiple goals and learning to head butt the ball this year!), Chorus, swim team, reading, listening to her iPod, hanging out with friends, rip-sticking, and keeping up with the work load in middle school.  I can’t believe I now have a beehive in Young Women’s!  Analise (9) discovered her love of gymnastics this year (she’s already at level 3!) and continues to enjoy the American Girl Book Club, Activity Days, writing, having “late nights” with friends, and making rag dolls and outfits for the My Little Ponies.  She also has an uncanny obsession with mustaches! Kate (6) decided to try out baton twirling this year.  It was fun to see her perform at festivals and marching in the Christmas parade.  Kate also loves reading (at a 3^rd grade level!), Math, seeing her Mom read to her at Library story time every week, and creating massive amounts of art projects at home. Kylie (3) has stayed busy with her friends at joyschool,  library story time, and playgroup.  Her other loves include My Little Ponies, dress-ups, gum, riding her scooter, playing with her sisters, and tagging along with Mom to the grocery store and her sister’s school parties. 

A time to weep, and a time to rejoice.  Unfortunately, while visiting family in Utah this June, our family was in a tragic boating accident that took the lives of Stacy’s Mom, Sister, and her brother’s girlfriend.  We have been grieving the loss of those who have passed on and miss them more than we can say.  At the same time, we are overcome with gratitude for those who were spared and rejoice in the blessings the gospel brings to our lives:  the promise of the resurrection, eternal families through temple blessings, and peace which passeth all understanding.

Through the many seasons we have passed through this year, we are grateful to have arrived at one of our favorite seasons of all – the season of celebrating Christ’s birth.  During this Christmas season, may we remember and honor the Savior – the light he brought to a world of darkness, the hope he brought to despair, and the peace he offers to those who follow Him.

Much Love,   The O’Gwin’s

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle, and a couple Ho, Ho, Ho's

Oh the fun the holidays bring!  December has kept us hopping so far, and here's a bit of what we've been up to . . .

Kate marched in the Niceville Christmas parade.  What a cute "Twinkling Twirler" she is!

Aly performed in her Christmas Chorus concert.  It sounded beautiful!

Aly had a joint Christmas b-day party with a friend, complete with the movie "Elf", White Elephant gift exchange, and Santa limbo!

Kylie's been enjoying preschool (when she actually goes) and loved the day it was at our house and we learned about shapes.  They had a pajama Christmas party this last week and she loved it!

On a night when Aly and Lise were occupied with friends, I took Kate and Kylie to see the Christmas lights.  It was fun walking around just the three of us.

We've had fun class holiday parties with gingerbread house decorating and Grinch fruit Kabobs. Love it!

We've also done some decorating and opened a few presents early with Chris over Skype.

Based on the looks on these girl's faces, I'd say they've had a pretty good Christmas this year . . . and it's not even over!!

And now for a few hee, hee, hee's and ho, ho, ho's.  Above is a picture Kate colored out of the Friend magazine.  Favorite things about this picture include the "I love you Jesus" T-shirt, the man who wants to be a boy,  the blue-haired mullet boy, and the pink-haired girl from Africa.  Actually, Kate has been quite on a roll with the quotes of the week.  Let us share:

Kate's take on Tithing - I wish girls could be the Bishop, 'cause then I'd be rich! (We explained to her that the Bishop doesn't get to keep the tithing and then asked her if she still wanted to be bishop. She said, "Naw, I'm good.")

Kylie - Mom, do you remember when my friend was naughty?
Me - Well, everybody's naughty sometimes and then other times they're nice.
Kate - Yeah, Mom, even you're naughty, because you had to go to "Time Outs for Women!"

Kate and the Golden Rule -
Me - Kate, we don't kick or hurt our sister.
Kate - Well, what about the Golden Rule?
Me - What about the Golden Rule?  Do you want Kylie to hurt you?
Kate - No, but Kylie was being mean to me and so that's how she wanted to be treated.

And finally, this lovely picture.  Chris sent Analise some fake mustaches and eyebrows.  I love how Kylie and Aly are sharing a set of eye brows and I'm not sure what is up with the beer bellies. . . 

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

For Thanksgiving the girls and I headed up to Tennessee to celebrate with my Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law.  I love hanging out with their family because they are just awesome like that.

While I was there, I was able to glean some more culinary skills from Carolyn's awesome cooking.  (She even lent me an apron!)

Analise made everybody these beautiful Indian headdress name tags for the plates.  She also made a face out of everyone's letters in their name (see below).  My favorite quote from Analise on this trip was when we were watching The Little Mermaid on the drive up.  Ariel was singing, "I've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty, I've got whosits and whatsits galore . . . but who cares? No big deal; I want more," then Analise says, "Boy, Ariel sure is ungrateful!!"  Well said.  Glad she had gratitude on the brain.

Making yummy food is so much more enjoyable when you're doing it with people you love!

Kylie, of course, was spoiled rotten and took to the role very well.  One day she was Aleeyah 64 and the next she was "the mean Princess Madoria, who has the power!"

There were many fun games to be played (and football games to be watched on TV!) . . . 

. . . gingerbread houses to be made . . . (& scooters to be ridden & trampolines to be jumped on) . . .

. . . and lots and lots of yummy food to be eaten!

My favorite quote from Thanksgiving Day was, "This is a nice Thanksgiving dinner!  Not the Sonic Drive Through!!"  So true; so true. :)

After the food fun, we headed to the Opryland hotel to see the lights.  They were gorgeous, as always.

The next morning we hit bowling and went to see the movie "Frozen."  My girls have been obsessed with that movie/soundtrack ever since.

We had such a great time with cousins.  And look how nice and cozy this fire is!  I'm telling ya, it was a wonderful, relaxing break . . . and I was very grateful for it and for the hospitality of the Paine's who let us come share Thanksgiving with them.  It was wonderful!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And finally, here is a picture of my kiddos doing 100 jumping jacks in Subway to get out extra energy before continuing our drive home.  Luckily we were the only people in there . . .