Christmas Memories

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and it all started with a visit from the Fergusons and Brandon's parents. No family gathering at the Owens' house is complete without a few rounds of guitar hero. Casey was sporting his new hairdo for the event.
Casey and Sophia rocked it out. I didn't get Grant in the picture singing, but he had some lungs!

Opening presents.

Gingerbread house making was lots of fun and the kids got very creative.

Grant made a mall, Kyla made a restaurant, Sophia made a house, and Casey made a church.

Best buddies.

The relatives went home on Christmas Eve day due to nasty weather conditions so we woke up on Christmas morning, just the 4 of us. There was a beautiful layer of white on the ground and ice crystals floating around in the air. It was a perfect setting to a wonderful morning with Bran and the kids. Since Brandon will miss next Christmas, it was extra special to us to spend this time together.

.......and no Owens blog is complete without a dog picture......there ya go. Merry Christmas everyone!!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas family and friends! I know many of you check our blog often, but for those that are visiting for the first time this year, a family update is in order. This past May, we were stationed to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and in many ways it was like coming home. This is the place where Kyla was born and the place where our children spent many of their childhood years. It will be the place where Kyla graduates high school in a few short years.
Casey started 6th grade this year and has been working on his big Science Fair Project. He is a precious boy, kind-hearted in every way. Casey has been enjoying building new relationships at his new school.

Kyla started her first year of high school this year as a Freshman. She has been researching colleges and looks forward to learning to drive next summer. This beautiful young lady is growing up to be everything we hoped for.

Brandon is working at the MP schoolhouse developing curriculum for the CID courses this year. Unfortunatley, we got the news that he will be deploying this spring to Iraq for a year. We are confident that God has a special plan for our family and I know that our prayers for peace will be answered as we work our way through this challenge. Although we aren't looking forward to the separation, we are proud to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and looking forward to the newfound strength that we are sure to find through the hardship.

I am teaching this year in 4th grade and really enjoying the challenge, much to my surprise. It's a blessing to be at the same school as Casey this year. I was hesitant to leave the little guys in 1st grade, but find this new age group interesting and fulfilling.

The newest addition to our family this year was our Golden Retriever puppy, Charlie. After losing our good friend, Jake, a year ago, it was a blessing to have Charlie join our family.

I am grateful this year to celebrate the birth of the Savior that eventually led to the death of the Savior, a gift of grace to us all. Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year!

Love, The Owens Family