Christmas 2008

Oh my goodness! It has been quite a hectic few weeks for us! We have had a great holiday season. Christmas has been fun this year and we have been as blessed as ever. We kicked off the holidays with a new tradition... the girl party!

We had the chance to spend the weekend at a luxury ski in ski out home. We had so much fun using the home for last minute Christmas projects instead of skiing. And it was especially fun because my sister, Melanie, was able to come up for the festivities. I don't get to see her nearly as much as I would like to, so it was really fun for me. I worked on some quilts for my kids, Michelle made a super hero cape for Brock, Claudia caught up on her blogging, Julie Marie crocheted a baby afghan, and Taytum, Michelle, Leighann made jewelry. Melanie just worked on gift wrapping and catching up with everyone. It was lots of fun and we hope to make it annual tradition. Probably not in a luxury DV home, though, bummer.


Next up was the Knight Family Christmas Party. It was at our house this year, and although it was crowded, it was a lot of fun. We had Cafe Rio style Mexican food and it was yummy! We also had a surprise visit from Santa. That gave us all a good laugh. And we did the annual book exchange. Lots of fun!


Christmas came all too quickly. I had to finish my shopping in a snowstorm on the 23rd and vowed to never have to do that again! We spent Christmas Eve with the Merkley family and had a delicious candlelight dinner and opened some presents. Then, it was home in the snow to get the kids to bed. Christmas morning was fun and a great preview of the years to come. Emma slept, and Noah started to figure out the unwrapping game. I tried to get him to go straight to the Christmas tree, but he wandered a bit before noticing the few presents under the tree and saying, 'dat?' I think that means, 'what's that?' He enjoyed opening his little drums and maracas the best.

Then, it was back to the Merkley house to see Grandma and Grandpa. The weather was decent, so it was a good trip. Noah loved his Little People Noah's Ark... thanks Grandpa and Grandma!! Then back home, where my family was gathering for Christmas dinner. It was another delicious meal and more presents. The kids loved it and we ended the day absolutely exhausted but feeling the Christmas joy.


By the end of Christmas, I feel so overwhelmed and blessed. It is such a blessing that we live in this beautiful country, that we have warm homes to go home to, that we have food and our health and happiness. Most of all, we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior and his sacrifice for us. I am eternally grateful for these blessings and look forward to the coming year.


I have a few resolutions for the coming year and some I will share, some I am keeping to myself. My first is to lose the baby weight... hmmm... no fun! It is going to take some hard work, will power, and lots of exercise, but I hope to lose 30 lbs. Good luck, me! Tips are welcome. Next, I hope to increase my spirituality and become a better wife/mother. Vague, I know, but I have a plan. I think that is all I will share about my resolutions for now.


On the 28th, we went to Rya's blessing and had another great day. The worst part... Jesse moved to NYC for a job. It was bittersweet because we are so excited for this opportunity for him, but bummed to have him so far away. It is a good excuse to go to New York this year, though! Uncle Jesse, we miss you!


In the midst of all of this... Luke has been applying for a life changing job with Schlumberger. Getting this job will take us to Vernal and we are really excited about this opportunity. I can't wait to get the waiting over with! He has one more interview, then a six week working interview in the field. If all goes well, we will move sometime in March. I am so looking forward to 2009! I hope it will be a great year and I expect lots of change.