Read it!

I am reading the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I love it and recommend it to anyone! This may sound crazy but by reading the book I no longer feel alone in my quest to understand God, the meaning of life and my role here on earth. Just reading about someone else's struggles with those same things brings me comfort. I've learned a lot about myself just by reading this book and I have some peace now when I think about what happens after we die. Not that I know the answer. Of course I don't. But I am able to finally let go of the things I have struggled believing and embrace what I have always felt in my heart.

Holidays 2007

We had wonderful time this year. It was so exciting to see Christmas through the girls' eyes. We hosted our annual cookie decorating event at our house on Christmas Eve. We had a terrific potluck dinner. Dylan made his first ever prime rib. I heard it was good. I wouldn't know since I don't eat beef. The kids made cookies to leave out for Santa.

I hardly slept on Christmas Eve. I was full of nervous energy. I kept expecting Kendall to get up in the middle of the night and I wanted to get her back to her bed before she saw her presents. Santa doesn't wrap what he brings the girls so it would have ruined the surprise. Plus Dylan and I bought the girls a huge dollhouse that sat out unwrapped as well. But both girls slept all night.

Everything was a hit Christmas morning. Nana stayed the night so that was an extra special treat. The girls tore through their gifts just like the kids do on A Christmas Story. I think the biggest hit was a giant princess tent that Dylan bought for them. Every year I say that I am only going to buy one gift from Santa and one gift from us. And every year after all my shopping is done Dylan decides to get them another present. And it's never small. This time it takes up our entire living room. But they love it! They didn't come out of that tent all day yesterday. I probably could have taken off for the day to run errands and they still would have been sitting there inside the tent playing with their dollhouse.

On Christmas morning we went over to Dylan's sister Rachel's house for a nice relaxing dinner. My sister Nicole, Chris and Aidan joined us there. Of course I ate too much but that's what the holidays are for, right?

I love the holidays but I also love the day after Christmas just as much. I take down the tree and neatly pack away all the decorations. I just love the way that makes our house seem so clean and roomy. I know some people like to extend the holidays by keeping the decorations out for a while longer but ever since I was a kid I got way too much joy out of packing everything up. I guess it's my way of saying I'm ready for winter to be over. Bring on Spring.

Let it snow......

The girls had a blast playing in our one and only snowfall this year. Hopefully we will get more. I also had to add this picture of the two of them. I thought it turned out cute.

Happy Holidays!

We are so excited for Christmas this year. It is the first year that we are able experience Christmas through the eyes of a child. Last year both girls were still too young to remember what happens at Christmas so they weren't excited. This year Kendall is bouncing off the walls and Taylor has an equal amount of energy even if she doesn't know why.

We went for our annual visit to see Santa. I have taken the girls to the same Santa every year and it's so great to see all of the photos displayed in a row. So we got dressed up to go again. Taylor refused so it is just Kendall in this year's photo. And when it was her turn and Santa asked what she wanted Kendall asked "Can you just take my picture?". Those of you how know Kendall well probably aren't surprised. But I think Mr. and Mrs. Claus didn't quite know what to think.

The other day Taylor said "Me sit Santa's lap". So we will get the girls dressed and try it again tomorrow. I would love to get both of them in this years photo. Either way I will post this year's picture on here this weekend.

I can't wait for Christmas day. We bought the girls a big pink and white dollhouse. They are going to love it! Now I just need to get some furniture.

I have new pictures to post from the first snowfall of the season. I will get those up soon.

These are my wishes for 2008:

• GiGi and crew sell their house and move back to Yakima
• Mom and Tanja's new business takes off and they are super successful
• We have a big celebration for Kolton's graduation in June
• Korey safely gets his license and continues to get great grades
• Nicole, Chris, Mark & Jenny have good things happen this year
• Rachel, Rob and Xander welcome a healthy new baby around Valentine's Day
• Maggie finds someone special that fits her life perfectly
• We sell our house in January and get to move closer to work and school
• Our family and friends continue to be blessed with good health

Have a wonderful holiday and very happy and prosperous 2008.