a cozy Christmas

This Christmas was a little different than any in the past. This was the first Christmas Jeff and I woke up alone in our own home. It was very quiet and calm... and a little strange! We loved it though, it was so nice to have the time, just the two of us. It was relaxing and fun to be able to give all of our attention to each other. We really missed being with all of the family though, that's for sure! Luckily, we were able to spend Christmas Eve with the Packer's and we also went over to their house Christmas evening.

We were able to hear Elder Trevor's voice all the way from Brasil, that was a huge Christmas gift! He sounds great, happy and healthy! He is such a great missionary! We miss him a lot but we are so grateful for the work he is doing.

Jeff and I were extremely spoiled by all of our family- thanks to each of you, so very much! We love Christmas, it's such a special time of year. I love being able to feel the Christmas spirit, and see people happy and smiling amidst all of the others who are rushing around and being grumpy. (Not to say I haven't been one of those grumpy people from time to time... I've definitely had my Scrooge days!) What a wonderful thing it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to feel His spirit. It's always a reminder to me of the greatness of the good in this World, even if it's sometimes hard to find.

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas and that you were able to feel the joy and spend time with those you love!
(sorry for the lack of pictures... I was so wrapped up in the moments that I didn't even pull my camera out! I know, I can't believe myself either!)

more birthdays!

Yesterday marked the births of two of my favorite girls....

Rachel and Kirra

Rachel is such a great sister-in-law! It's so fun to have another girl in the family of boys and to have someone else who understands the silly movies I like to watch and books I like to read. She teaches elementary school and her kids are so lucky to have her! Rach- I hope you had a fabulous day! We miss you and wish we could be there with all of you to celebrate! Love you!

My little Kirra goose is 3!! I can't believe it! She's grown so fast, it's amazing to me how quick these kids grow! Seriously, if I go more than 2 days without seeing them, it's like they're a new person! Kirra is so stinkin' adorable and so sweet. She knows how to shake her booty like a pro and she cracks me up with all of her silly faces. One of my favorite things is when she brushes my hair, she's so gentle and she cups my face in her hands and moves my head side to side. I love living so close to her and being able to watch her grow and enjoy her fun personality.

Happy Birthday girls, I hope you both had a very special day!

We love you!

Birthday Bash

Happy Happy Birthday to my big little Sis Tiff and to my sweet Grandma Pat! (how cool that they get to share a birthday!)

Grandma,
I hope you have a great day, and stay warm! I am so grateful for all that you do for me and for your kindness to everyone around. I will definitely miss Christmas Eve at your house this year but will be thinking about you and looking forward to January! I love you so much!! Happy Birthday!

Tiffi,
Happy Birthday! I love living by you and being able to share our special days together. You are the greatest big sister anybody could ever ask for! You are so talented and creative. I don't' know how you do it.... run a restaurant, (almost 2 restaurants) have 3 adorable kids, a chocolate fountain, and planning events. You're crazy- but I admire your energy and ability to balance and handle so much on your plate. I love how we can talk about anything and have our secret sister society! It's always fun to be able to understand exactly what you're saying, even when you only say two words! I love you so much and I'm excited to come party with you, and I hope you have a fabulous day!

(I wish I had some pictures to show you how beautiful they both are, but I don't have any pictures on this computer yet... so you'll have to take my word for it!)

Happy Birthday ladies!

back in business

hello world.

it's us again.

it's been a long time.

not a whole lot has changed.

we have a new, working computer. woo hoo!

my family was here for thanksgiving and we had a great time.

{Lots of food, lots of work, lots of love and lots of adventures. We went to Sea World and saw the crazy penguins, scary sharks, Shamu, dolphins and some flying bird ladies. (I had pictures to prove there were flying bird ladies, but they are on my dead computer so you'll just have to believe me.) The girls all went to see "Twilight", verdicts still out on my vote. Love the books, not so sure about the movie. I found myself laughing in all the wrong parts- come on Jasper, really... and Dr. Cullen, was his face suppose to look like a sack of flour just dumped on his head? But, don't judge- like I said, I still love the books.}

and now Christmas is here- holy moly! I can't believe it! I have a big long list of things I'm still working on, I got a late start this year. And of course, I just added to my list by sitting here blogging instead- haha, that's me for ya! So, on that note....

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the Christmas season!

alive

I'm alive.

My computer is not.

So- I have been MIA for a while due to fun family adventures, a broken computer, Christmas projects and a little r&r.

Hope all the holiday cheer is spreading your way... I'm feeling it! Woo Hoo!

I'll catch up as soon as I can, wish us luck with the stinkin computer!