Throwback: Christmas

Before I post about our incredible Christmas this year, I want to post pictures from the past.

Our First Married Christmas

Weekend Update

When Shane got home from work on Friday, we went to Home Depot together. He wanted to pick up a few things, and I just wanted to spend some time together :) On the way home, I suggested we get a movie and cuddle on the couch. Shane preferred to sit outside and enjoy the fire pit. I wasn't sold on the idea, but with everything going on with Nana and Uncle Greg, I would have done anything to spend time with Shane. We made some apple cider (he added a little holiday cheer to his) and we sat outside together with the dogs.

Later that evening, the sweet boy next door came over to bring me a gift from his mom. Cass and Bryan live right next door to us, and we adore their family. We offered that Jackson make a s'more, and he asked if he could go home and invite his family to make one, too.

We all made s'mores, and then the boys went inside to play video games. They love playing "Mr. Shane's" games.

The evening ended up being very relaxing, and Cass and Bryan were able to help take my mind off of everything. It was just what I needed.

Saturday we slept in and then headed south to visit Nana. She is in rehab now after a severe stroke. She is staying on the same hall that Shane was born! How ironic!

After visiting Nana and getting an update from the doctor, we went to Zaxby's and Starbucks to get breakfast/lunch for Kelly, Sean, Shawna and Matt. We all hung out for a few hours. I was able to try on my bridesmaid dress for Kelly and Sean's wedding. It is so pretty!

Saturday night, Shane and I went by Greg and Alison's house to visit. Updates on his condition can be found here. It is so devastating to witness him disappear. It is all very unbelievable and tragic.

On the way home, we stopped to get a movie and ice cream. Shane was so sweet to go inside because I was a wreck from crying so much :( We watched a really dumb movie and cuddled by the fire.

Sunday, we did some Christmas shopping and then did a few chores around the house before going to my parents for Christmas. We ordered pizza and spent time with my brother and his family. It was refreshing to see family outside of a hospital for a change.

Friday night

My neighbor, Angela, gave me this gorgeous mug and homemade cocoa. 

Look at that sweet smile. 

Daddy's cuddle buddy 

Clancy Christmas Card 2013

I was determined to send a Christmas card this year to our friends and family. It has been hard to find time to take a picture with our crazy schedules!

I envisioned a picture of Shane and me on the front porch of the new house with our precious dogs, but we weren't able to find the time to get all four of us in front of a camera while it was daytime and not raining --- pretty sad... I know.

Each time I received a Christmas card in the mail, I was reminded that I had not made the time to order our own. One night last week, I finally sat down and ordered the cards.

To improvise, I took three separate pictures. The picture of us was taken on my 25th birthday. We took this selfie on my iPhone in our master bathroom while getting ready for our date. I am sure my photographer friends are cringing right about now!

The picture of the dogs was taken last Christmas. I bought those adorable outfits on sale the day after Christmas. When I got home from shopping, I snapped this cute picture of them.

I hate to admit it, but the picture of our house I stole from Google images. It is dark when I leave for work and when I come home, so once again, I had to be resourceful.

Merry Christmas!

XoXo,
The Clancy's

Update

Shane and I were able to spend some much needed quality time together last night. He studies every night for the CPA, so quality time has been hard to come by. I am SO proud of his dedication and ambition. He is working very hard, and it is really wonderful to see him succeed.

For years we have gone on a date every Monday. After our date last night, we went to Walmart to pick up our Christmas cards and get a few presents. I am a little behind on the shopping and mailings this year. Work has been so hectic, and Shane and I prefer to spend our limited free time with Nana and Uncle Greg. 

Please keep both of them in your prayers. 

I am looking forward to a short week next week, and we are excited to see family over the holidays. 

Thanksgiving

So we are 9 days away from Christmas, and I finally have a moment to update about Thanksgiving. Shane and I were so excited to host Thanksgiving at our house. When we purchased the home, we loved the open floor plan and knew it would be great for a crowd.

We had a great turn out. Unfortunately, my aunt and uncle weren’t able to make it because my uncle was in the hospital. He was actually able to go home that day, but he was not well enough to come to our house. 

We sent a ton of leftovers home with Chris. We had plenty of food because everyone brought a dish or two to share.

The list included:

Munca and her “gentleman friend”

Mom & Daddy

David, Sabrina, Isaiah and Rowan

Chris, Paul and Ashley

Matt and Shawna

Cindilu and Mr. Bill

Nana

This was our first Thanksgiving together in 2010

I met his family in St. Pete

It was my first time meeting Kelly. 

My Aunt Cathy and Uncle Jack live close to his family, so we were able to stop by their house for dinner on our road trip

We celebrated with my family before heading to FL

It was Rowan's first Thanksgiving, and she cried the entire time. Haha... 

Such a little diva. 

This Thanksgiving, Shane made the turkey and it was delicious. 

I came up with this fun idea for everyone to keep track of their cup. 

We recently bought a fire pit, so it was fun to make s'mores!

I had a coffee bar set up.

I had to google what you need for a turkey... haha!

I woke up at 5:30 that morning to make my dishes so they would be out of the oven in time for Shane to make the turkey. I made pineapple casserole, mac n' cheese, pumpkin dump cake, and a few appetizers. 

Shane carved his masterpiece. 

My two favorite men working in the kitchen ;)

S'mores!

#thankful

Marshmallow smile

My sweet nephew, Isaiah.

Munca LOVES her "handsome Shane"

Sabrina announced she was head to NY to be on The Today Show!

My sweet mother-in-law :)

I am so thankful for Shawna and our friendship

Nana said she is thankful for sunshine, family (mine and everyone elses') and comfortable shoes! 

Uncle Greg

I am taking a break from updating my own blog as I take time to write far more important posts regarding my Uncle Greg's condition on Caring Bridge.

On Friday, Greg's biopsy revealed that he has a tumor on his brain known as glioblastoma. This aggressive tumor has already taken the life of one of our family members -- my Great Uncle Bobby. The cause of this inoperable tumor is unknown, but according to Greg's doctors it will take his life. 

For now, we pray for a miracle-- the type of miracle that only our Lord and Savior can orchestrate. More realistically, we hope that God will grant each of us with the grace and mercy necessary to deal with this devastating situation.

Please visit the Caring Bridge site for updates, and keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Thank you! 

Sabrina Takes New York

A HUGE shout out to one of my favorite people in the world! Sabrina has the most incredible heart, and her body is pretty amazing, too! She has been apart of my family for over five years now, and I have never met someone as humble and compassionate as her. Don't let the sweet smile fool you though. She has an alter-ego that will whip you into shape. She is a trainer at BodyPlex in Grayson, and she has touched the lives of all who are blessed to know her. The greatest impact she has made is on her own life when she dedicated herself to losing weight and becoming healthy. She lost 140 pounds!

Be sure to set your DVR to record her appearance on The Today Show (NBC) LIVE on Monday, December 9. She will be featured in the Joy Fit Club to discuss her incredible weight loss journey.

Before

After

XoXo, 

One Proud Sister-In-Law