Merry White Christmas

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone already. I have had a week long events of family Christmas parties beginning last Sunday. My Mom's side of the family all came down to the ranch for a feast of food and an annual hay ride. Monday night we had just my family (my siblings, nieces, and nephews) for dinner and exchange of gifts. Tuesday & Wednesday I ran around with my Mom to do last minute shopping. Thursday it began to SNOW!! There were periods of time that it was a white out. I couldn't believe it. It definitely makes the holiday complete! Thursday afternoon my parents (& brother) exchanged gifts between us and then headed to town for the Christmas Eve service at church. Afterwards we went over to JJ's house for dinner, made a fire, and got the kids settled down so Santa could come! 

Christmas Day was great! We had a wonderful morning opening gifts and being with the family. As the day went on we pulled out some old family Christmas videos of when I was little. We all laughed so much at each other whether it was the clothes we were wearing, things we said, or the thick texan accent we inherited. One thing we loved most about watching those videos is the heritage of faith that we have been blessed to grow up in. A few of my Grandparents died when I was young so I never really knew them; however, watching these videos has made me appreciate so many more things about my family. 

Pictures from Christmas...

The kids walking in and playing with their presents...

my family enjoying the morning 

and little Joshua digging in his stocking

My beautiful sister JJ

The morning the Lord blessed us with...a WHITE CHRISTMAS

The building of the snowman begins...

  

and it continues...

Here is the life size snowman..the kids were so excited! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas enjoying your family, but also celebrating the gift of Jesus Christ. He has come to give us life. He has come to redeem us. He has come to establish Himself in us for others. He has come to make much of Himself. I am overwhelmed with God's love for us and the greatest sacrifice anyone could ever do for another. Praying that you all are doing well and are filled with the hope that comes from Jesus Christ!

He's Home...

Last Thursday my Dad had to have a few more tests run before the Doctors would release him to eat. After a long couple of days waiting around for the "okay", he was given the "go ahead" Thursday evening to drink and eat. Now this was the first time he was able to drink anything (even water) or eat anything since Thanksgiving...so it was a long 8 days for him. Anyways, he was so happy and encouraged to get some positive news, but especially to actually be able to eat some food. The next day (Friday) he was released from the hospital!!! YAY...he was so overjoyed that he almost started crying when he came home. If you want to read more on the "homecoming" of Dad, check out His blog...www.teamjanszen.blogspot.com 

Dad's 1st drink of water/juice...we were so excited!! 

At my sister's house Friday night for Jesse's (my nephew) birthday! 

This was his first "at home" meal since being release from the hospital earlier that day

Thank you all for praying for him!! The Lord spoke to all of us in various ways in the last few days he was in the hospital..so thank you!! God is good and we praise Him for the sweet victory!!

Many Blessings! 

Being Thankful

Well the past 10 days have been very eventful...I began my Thanksgiving break by going down to New Braunfels to visit my sister as they just moved into their new house. I helped them decorate their tree for Christmas. I also went to the last home game of the Texas Longhorns with my parents. I drove to my parents house Monday while stopping to visit friends on the way. I got to see my precious friends Sarah, Kaitlyn, and Julie Anna. I am so grateful to have these women in my life to encourage, listen, and challenge me. 

Monday through Wednesday I ran around with my mom to get ready for all the family coming in Wednesday night. We went to work out, buy groceries, and prepare the house. Wednesday night both my sisters (JJ and Jamie) with their families arrived at the house. It was so fun to have everyone together again. We watched a movie and then settled down for the night. 

Thursday began like every other Thanksgiving...woke up, drank coffee, and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. After the parade we got ready for the big meal. We usually have about 40+ extended family members come in from out of town, but this year it was just my immediate family. Anyways, we all piled our plates full of food and sat around the table. Once we finished we relaxed on the couches while watching football. And within moments, the atmosphere changed as my Dad suddenly was having severe lower abdominal pain. He was sitting in his closet doubled over in agony. He could barely get a breath and soon my brother-in-law (the doctor) rushed him to the hospital. Living 20 minutes from the closest town can seem like an eternity. My dad was soon hooked up to an IV and given several doses of morphine to dull the pain. He passed out a few times and threw up. As that was happening it seems as though he may have slightly torn the area in his esophagus where he originally had surgery over a year ago. 

After being in Cleburne for an hour or so, the decision was made to transfer him to a better hospital located in Fort Worth. He was also placed in ICU for closer observation. Since then my family and I have made several trips to visit him. He is now pain free but having to rest so that his body can heal. 

Dad in ICU

Friday my mom spent the day at the hospital and the rest of the family back at the house went to a place on the ranch called the "blue hole". We weren't quite sure what to do in the midst of knowing my dad was in the hospital, but we did know that my Dad wanted us to go and have fun even though he wasn't there with us. 

The whole crew (minus Mom and Dad)

My brother and sisters (Tully, JJ, and Jamie)

The grandkids (minus Jesse)

Saturday my cousin got married on the ranch so we had all the festivities and then went to see my Dad later on at the hospital. 

Sunday around noon he was finally released from ICU and moved to the "floor" (to a normal room). He is still being observed but has not been able to eat since his Thanksgiving meal. Monday morning he is having tests run again to check the status of the tear. We are praying that his body will heal itself, if not he will most likely have to have surgery. We have been in this waiting game for days now and we are praying to know the next step to take. 

I am extremely thankful for each day that my Dad remains to be here with us. My mom, siblings, and I have remained to hold onto each other during this time and trust the Lord through it all. Thankful for God's strength that He graciously gives us each day!

Be Blessed,

Joy