Merry Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas and welcome 2009! Amazing! Christmas has come and gone, and 2009 is just around the corner. We had a wonderful Christmas, and enjoyed spending quality time with our families. We had a blast watching S open presents (way too many). We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family...that's what it's all about! Tis' the season and cheers to a new year!

The last picture indicates how wiped out the kids were as Christmas day came to an end.

Tis' the Season

Ok, so sorry I haven't posted in a while. As of Thursday, I have been on Christmas vacation (Jim too!!) We (or should I say I) have just about finished our Christmas shopping. Just a couple little things I need to add in. Jim spent the weekend painting our playroom and laundry room. We decided we were going to put money into the playroom rather than buying "S" a bunch of toys (but Santa did get her quite a few new outfits, mostly 3T's yikes! she's growing too fast). We want to make the playroom a fun, creative area for her to spend time. We painted it "Apple" green, bought some fun storage bins, a big mirror, and a wall mounted flat screen TV. My plans are to have a dress up area, chalkboard/art area, reading area, and some bean bags or chairs for movie time. And of course there will still be a bed in there, so don't worry out-of-towners, we're not kicking you out :)

Tonight we're having some friends over for a Christmas dinner and fun cocktails (lemon and pomegrante martinis! come by for a drink if you're reading this!) It seems like the month of December gets so busy, you don't even have time for friends. So we decided it would be fun for the kids to play together, while the parents relax and tis' the season.

"S" is very excited about Santa and "man"...she doesn't say snowman, just "man". Surprisingly she hasn't torn open any of the presents under the tree. Tonight we will let her open one present because I got the other kids gifts that will be here tonight. Tomorrow night we will celebrate Christmas Eve with Jim's family. Christmas morning we will open gifts here, and then head to SM for Christmas day with my family. I can't believe it's already here. Hopefully you are enjoying the holiday season!!!

Hail Storm

In California, this is pretty exciting. For about 15 minutes this afternoon, thunder was pounding and hail was pouring down. Seeing that this rarely happens, I had to grab my camera. I'm hoping for snow later in the week! I guess S won't be using her slide today ha ha.

Christmas Light Walk

This weekend we have visitors! Pamela's family and Grandma Laura are here for the weekend, and "S" is in heaven. She stayed up until 9:15 last night playing with her cousins. After dinner we walked a nearby neighborhood that is known for its Christmas decorations. Not only did we get to visit Santa, but one house had the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman too. Burr it was cold!

Christmas tree time

This weekend was filled with Christmas tree selection and decorating. We met Grandma and Poppy and went back and forth trying to find the perfect tree. "This one is too skinny, this one looks dry, this one is perfect - oh wait there's a huge bare spot" and so on. This morning we put Christmas music on, got out all the Christmas bins, and decorated the tree and mantle. "S" loved it! She hung candy canes, snowflakes and garland on the tree. We'll see how many of the low hanging ornaments get pulled off :)

No title...just sad

Well since my last post Wednesday night, my friend Erica Murray has passed away. So incredibly sad. She was our Senior Class President in high school, and always walked the halls with a big smile and positive attitude. She put up a long, tough battle with Leukemia. Something I don't know I could ever do. May she rest in peace in the hands of God. Thank you Erica for being a dedicated blogger and allowing us to be with you throughout your journey. You no longer have to fight. My love to your family, and may God be with you.

Be Thankful...

After reading my friend Erica's blog, all I can say is "be thankful for what you have"!!! She is 29-years old and dying of Leukemia. What is the purpose of life? What do you truly have to live for? If you were dying right now, what would be important to you? These are the questions I ask myself as the tears roll down my cheeks. Stop for a minute and be thankful...not everyone is as fortunate!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you! This year was a little different for us. Jim had to work the whole week, and I had most of the week off. Therefore, "S" and I headed to the coast for Thanksgiving with my side of the family. Yes...we missed Grandma Patt's famous cinnamon rolls!!! Can't believe it, but it will just make us that much more ready for Christmas cinnamon rolls!

We spent Thanksgiving day at my sister Dana's house. We had turkey and all the fixings, and enjoyed the company of our huge family plus her husbands side of the family too. The kids played in the backyard and enjoyed the brisk, but sunny winter day. "S" loved the zip line, and we couldn't get the big boys out of the trees haha.

"S" enjoyed her days at Nana and Pop's, and loved playing dress up with her big cousin Madison. Oh the days of dress up and plastic high heels are back! We had a great week and are thankful for all our family and friends, and that means YOU!

18-month snapshots

It is very difficult to get an 18-month old to look at you and smile, but here is what I got. We went to a nearby park this morning after church. She loved watching the squirrels and dogs run around. She played with the leaves on the ground, and climbed in a tree for some pictures.

Our new car

You know when you go to the car lot to "browse", you never expect to really buy a car right :) Well, we have a new Nissan Murano! A car that I have loved for a long, long time, but never thought I'd actually get...especially a new one. It's loaded with leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, and even a back up camera which is SO cool!!! Happy happy me :)