Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2008- Hello 2009!
Im sooo excited for the new year. For the last few days( in between going back to work and doctors appointments and an MRI this am- fun fun) Ive been thinking about this last year and what I am looking forward to this coming one.
Last year brought our family lots of things, we did lots of things, accomplished lots of things...
But 2009 I hope will be better. Tristan is getting older, hopefully we will have more sleep. Elijiah is getting older, hopefully we will have more help :)
Jonathan will be finishing school. We are adjusting to our financial sitatuation( new child ) and figuring out a budget that will work. But as I reflect upon last year, I look forward to the new year. What will be, the unknown... I like being excited for possibilities and challenges, as I know there will be some. I know we will encounter difficulties and just like the disappointments that will sure to be, I know there will be lots of fun, and joyous occassions.
Im excited to look out on the horizon and plan for the things our family will do together this year. Im excited to spend another year with Jonathan and grow more entwined and interdependent. I will marvel at Tristans first steps and Elijiah loosing his first tooth...and be half sad at the passing of another childhood/baby milestone. I will continue to count my blessings, wish for things trivial and important, dream of things for just the sake of dreaming, and never stop hoping for more peace in this world.
Our night tonight will be a mellow one...Elijiah is on his way to San Diego with his dad for a few days, we have Keeva again...Jonathan and I and Tristan will spend the new year at our house eating Jonathans homemade pasta and watching a movie, and to be honest there isnt anywhere else Id rather be.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and joyous New Year!

Christmas 2008!!!

What a great Christmas this year. We started it out with a Sunday brunch with Dad and Nancy and exchanged gifts...then headed up to my moms for Christmas Eve, then Christmas morning at our house to open gifts, and then went down to Jonathans parents Christmas Day(afternoon). We had a wonderful relaxing time off work( even though we all were sick as dogs). It was a magical wonderful time with eachother and our families...not looking forward to returning to work, but heck we all do what we gotta do. Lots of pictures to follow but there were so many taken and I couldnt decide!

Jonathans big gift- the necklace....

WOW- its boy time in our house. Elijiah showing off his big muscles!
His precious Bionicle!
Jonathans poor attempt at smiling for the camara....
We are so funny...
He looks happy doesnt he?!
The slinky
Up at moms house opening presents....before Elijiahs hair cut.
Such a cutie.
Oh Look- a photo of us together!
Jessica, Colby Sylah and Elijiah( the two trouble makers)
Layne and his kids( Koston and Tristan hopefully will be good buddies)
My two boys. Elijiah is so patient with Tristan. Tristan follows Elijiah around wanting to do everything he does
Took advantage of being in Ogden and dropped off our gifts to Lauren( Elijiahs older sister) Dont they look alike! Shes 16 and 6'2. Truly a beautiful girl inside and out. I miss her a bunch. Elijiahs all pimped out. Love his curly locks, but we did another "long"buzz cut this week...
Tristans favorite toys in the kitchen- helps to keep him entertained while I cook.
Grandpa and Sylah
Tristan and the wrapping paper- couldnt keep him away!
Look at his expression! Priceless! He is SO excited about his gift!
Opening of Tristans new shoes- wasnt so thrilled with these :(
But again the wrapping paper was a hit
more wrapping paper
Hes in heaven....
Our little tree...next year honey we will do a real one...
Jonathans stocking gift- a hair magazing( trying to figure out what to do with my hair next appointment)
You might think we let him have a candy cane...well just for a second
see Im luring him away with something even more fun...
ah it worked!

Hope everyones Holidays were filled with friends and family. Merry Christmas to all!!

For Rent!

So we have given up on selling our house...
Anyone want to rent one???

This last week...

What is it that calls you to action? Is it a photo, a personal experience, politics, a book, article? What makes you take a stand against human suffering or want to make a difference? Will we stand up and fight for what we think is right, or let someone else do it? I came across this photo last week. It has haunted me ever since.(It was a Pulitzer Prize winner from 1993) I read an article on CNN about the republic of Congo in Africa today….I wont stand aside and do nothing anymore. Ive chosen a childrens charity that I believe is doing some remarkable things and while I cant be in Africa to help- I can still do what I can……
I know in my church my tithing money goes to many causes…but my personal call is to help children, I get impassioned about all things children….and so I will do something extra, something MORE. There are many in this country that need help and Im grateful to do what I can here(in the US) as well….however I am so blessed….I can give a little back. And so while my contribution may not save every child, It will make a difference to one. And if I can save just one child….
Jonathan sometimes wonders why I have such a draw to African children. I honestly don’t know. I do know that continent is so broken, has so many needs, is overlooked by so many countries, help is given but on a limited scale. So much COULD be done and isn’t.
So during this time of year of giving, of offering hope of doing good…what is it that calls you to action?

Christmas Program- Elijiah

In the midst of taking care of a baby with croup I had to come up with a sheep costume for Elijiah. His school was doing a play and at the last minute needed some stage animals. So several stores and lots of cotton balls later I think it turned out okay given the day notice. Jonathan had class that night tho I wanted nothing more than to get Tristan to bed and not schlep him around, I knew I couldnt miss Elijiahs night. It was a lot of work however it was so much fun to see Elijiah on stage, singing his Christmas songs and get into the Christmas spirit.

Here is the whole school- k through 8th grade in the grande finale. Elijiah is next to the spotted dog behind the angel.

His stage debut!

The making of the pants- I know not terribly creative- but who said I was crafty?!

Isnt he so adorable up there?

The shirt. Now I got lots of compliments on this costume- but I cant help but wonder does it look like a sheep, or a snowball????

Happy Birthday MOM!

Happy Birthday Mom! I couldnt have asked for a better Mother...I think its true while in the pre-existance we chose eachother- who else would put up with me??!!! (really!) You are a rock- an example of righteousness and goodness. Your faith that knows NO bounds and you have been there for me through it all. Thank you.
I hope you have a wonderful day and realize how much you are loved by ME!

sick sick baby

croup + baby = very exhausted parents