Amazing Grace!

She is here. Introducing Grace McKenzie Lins, weighing in at 6 lb 9 oz and measuring 19 1/2 inches long. She was born at 3:49 AM on December 17. Kate and Grace are recovering and doing very well. They both did great! Below pics are of Kate and I right after Grace was delivered, Nana with Grace, Grace on the scale, Kate about 4 hours before she went into labor, and lastly, not to be forgotten, Josiah in our double coveralls.

I am STILL pregnant!

Happy December Friends and Family!

We hope you all are doing well this Christmas Season. Hard to believe this but I have a little time to sit down and post and update since I AM STILL PREGNANT! Yep, the girl just isn't quite ready to come out yet even though I was due on Wednesday. It's funny how well I have adjusted to becoming pregnant up until the day after my due date. We count our blessings though, the pregnancy has gone very well, we have had a chance to get moved into our new home and actually unpack!

I couldn't help but post the "cooked" Thanksgiving turkey that my dear uncle Lewain so lovingly charred for us. He swore it was a little on the lean side to begin with and it tasted a bit like jerky...a new twist to a holiday staple.

We were able to move in right after closing on the 1st of the month. In fact, the moving van was waiting for us at our new place as we signed the paperwork....good thing everything went allright. Highlight for the kids was the packing paper. Who needs expensive toys!

In true Minnesota form, we bundled up to go see the Canada Pacific Holiday Train in 10 degree weather in Rochester. Josiah has been majorly into trains lately so this was a huge hit, it could've been 10 degrees colder and still been out there for hours!

We got about 4-5 dozen batches of Christmas cookies made with the help of my mom, Sara and our friend Deb.

Ryan got his work utility tractor in last week. Again, a very cold night, but even after 20 minutes of riding around with Ryan, Josiah cried for another 20 because I made him come in. What is with boys and big equipment?????!
My mom and I took Josiah to the Old Fashioned Christmas in downtown Kasson this past weekend. I learned Josiah would rather admire the reindeer than spend a few minutes with the jolly St Nick. My mom had to hold him down to take a picture with him!The house is pretty much unpacked and ready for family member number 4 (or 7 counting the four legged animals). Ryan and his dad were able to get some fence up the day of closing before the ground froze for the horses. They are here and getting settled in. Thank the good Lord for tank heaters!

There's our update and we'll get some pictures posted as soon as our girl decides to "Grace" us with her presence! May you remember the most precious gift we all have received from our Lord and Savior this Christmas and share it with our children!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!