New Year's Eve

As we prepare to ring in the new year, I reflect on what a wonderful, crazy, busy year 2008 has been. We had births, weddings, vacations, the announcement that my youngest brother and his new bride are expecting their first child together. I’m sure Jordan will make an excellent big brother. It was a great year. I couldn’t be happier that we lived through it. I like to think that I have a great family. They all mean the world to me. I couldn’t imagine life without them.

I remind myself every so often that it is because of my parents that I am the adult I am today. It is thanks to them and I am the kind of parent I am. I take pride in calling them my parents. I have two brothers that I am close to and getting to know their families. I have a sister that I can do silly things with. I thank her because I get to act like a kid every now and then. Most of all, I have a husband that loves me dearly. He has given me the best gift of all. I get to share this wonderful life with him. We are a blessed family. I couldn’t imagine a happier life.

I hope you all have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. Best wishes for the year to come.

I am looking forward 2009. We don’t have much planned yet. In March, over spring break, I am taking the kiddos to Indiana to see Grandma and Grandpa Joel in Kentucky, Rick is taking his 2nd annual guy golf trip to Phoenix, I have my 20 year high school reunion in August. In June, I am taking my mom to Las Vegas. This is my way of saying thank you for being you and for being such a GREAT BIG help when I needed her the most. Then in July, we are taking a our family trip to Cabo San Lucas. Can’t wait!!! Ok, so that is quite a bit going on before the year has even began.

Christmas

My Tyler did not really get to experience his first Christmas last year as we he was still a baby. So this year, I was very excited to see how he would react to the Christmas tree and all the trimmings. He was in absolute awe. Throughout the month, Ty would wonder into the living room (which is dubbed the “no play zone” by Rick) and just stare at the tree. He didn’t care if the lights were on or not. I was extremely worried that the tree would be dismantled by this little guy and thought the gifts would all be unwrapped before Christmas. Much to my delight, I only had to rearrange a few of the ornaments. We only lost two bows. Just days away from Christmas, Ty couldn’t take it any longer and tore open a gift. I have my suspicions that he had a little bit of help from big sister.

My mom and I spend one day making homemade tamales and another day baking goodies with my kiddos and my sister. They enjoyed themselves decorating the sugar cookies. There was frosting everywhere. I’m afraid to say that all three were wearing most of the frosting than the cookies.

Just a couple of days away from Christmas, Emily, Ty and I were all blessed with a stomach virus. As were my mom, sister and my youngest brother. Unfortunately, we all caught this virus from my twin nieces. Not only did we all get sick, but so did my brother James and his wife. We actually had to cancel our traditional Christmas Eve celebrations at my parent’s home and had made plans to cancel our Christmas Day and were prepared to celebrate a few days later. It was a sad day. Poor Rick, he took such excellent care of us. But by Christmas Day we were all on the mend. By 9AM that morning, we were in full swing rushing about the house getting ready to celebrate the holiday with our family.

Emily had tons of fun opening her gifts. Santa left "twins" for her. Emily has been fasicanted by my twin nieces. Imagine my delight that I was able to find twin dolls. These dolls are quite cute. They talk to each other and carry on. I may have to separte the twins.

Ty wasn't all about opening up gifts. He liked the car Santa left him. His big sissy helped him out. He was more all about the milk since he hadn't any milk due to the stomach virus. He loves his milk.

Since we have a while before we are able to play outside, Santa thinks of everything. The kiddos got a jump castle and a sports climber to play with in the basement.

Just Goofing Around

I love getting to watch my kids play together. Emily enjoys being a big sister. She is very good at the bossy thing. Ty loves to torment her. He loves his sissy more than anything. They play very well together, they fight well together. Most of all they love each other.