Busy Month

Well this is the first weekend since January started that I have not had to go into work. My job is very busy during this time of year. In order to get things done, a lot of times I end up going in at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and working until midnight. That way get to spend most of my weekend with my family, but it sure gets me started off to a tired week. However, I am very thankful that I have had this job to help us through the last year.

Tonight, Rachel fell asleep a little early so I have been doing some personal computer work. I got my plane tickets to go to Steffanie's wedding. I feel relieved that I was able to get a fairly good deal. However, I wish the wedding would have been at a different time of year so that I could have spent more time in Ohio. But I'll go out again sometime this summer to see my mom and dad again.

Rachel has been so funny lately. She says all kind of funny things (and some that are not so funny). Because of the remodeling going on at the house, things have been really dusty. I picked up a rag and started to dust. Rachel grabbed one too and I said I am so glad you are dusting and she said "I'm not dusting, I am undusting". I thought that was a hoot!

Kitchen Remodel

This is the year that we decided to remodel the kitchen! Yeah -- we will see how it turns out but already the house seems a lot more open.

A Fun End to 2009

2009 presented some difficult challenges for us. However, we were thankful for the many blessings that came our way. We look forward to the new year as a chance to make new goals and enjoy new adventures. We wish you all a very happy new year. As a final send off here are some of my favorite pictures of the holiday season (Thanksiving to Christmas).

Rachel and Her Nephews and Nieces

Rachel is enjoying being an aunt. It is fun that she has one niece and two nephews that will be somewhat close to her age as she is growing up. It will give her some kids to play with at family gathers.

We are so blessed to welcome each new family member. Reagan is a little doll -- so sweet and full of life. Lincoln is a very smiley baby and fun to be around. Wyatt is a peaceful and calm baby -- just a complete joy. From Thanksgiving to Christmas we got to spend time with all of the grand kids. So it was a very special time for us. I know that Dennis sure loves watching his kids become parents and his new roll as "OPA".

Holidays 2009

This holiday season has been so wonderful. It started with Thanksgiving. We were able to go to Provo to visit Will and Julie and family. It was the first time that Julie hosted Thanksgiving and she was so excited. She made incredible stuffing and cranberry bread pudding. My niece Terra also was able to join us for the day. The next night we were able to go to temple square in Salt Lake City to see the temple lights. It was so fun to take Rachel. We were also able to go to a winter wonderland and decorate ginger bread cookies and have hot chocolate. It was so fun.

This Christmas has also been so fun. Having a four year old in the house makes the magic of Christmas come alive again. Rachel was so fun and excited. We also have had all of the kids (with the exception of Will and Julie) home this Christmas. It has been so fun. We went to zoo lights, have had a lot of meals together, been in Church together, had Christmas morning together, etc. It is has been fun and I have enjoyed it immensely.

I'll post some pictures soon ..... stay tuned.

Rachel

For the last year, Rachel has talked about marrying a little boy who used to be in her preschool class named Keller. Rachel has the whole wedding planned -- including what candy, cookies, cakes, and healthy food will be served and who gets to wear gloves and who doesn't. She can honestly talk about this with us for an hour when we go on walks or drive in the car. While Keller is a real boy, he is also an imaginary friend for Rachel. We constantly hear about Keller's heroics. He teaches Rachel everything. He saves her from all the conflicts that she gets into on the playground with her friends and classmates. This is despite the fact that the real boy named Keller is mostly oblivious to Rachel in real life. Like most males, Keller has no idea about the planning and plotting Rachel is doing.

Last week when we were leaving preschool, we ran into Keller in the hallway. In order to prove to Rachel's brothers and sisters that he is a real boy, I took a picture of Keller and Rachel together. Here is the result.