9 Days Until Christmas!

I am stopping to take a deep breath and enjoy this morning. My friend, Anne, sent news that her mom suffered a stroke yesterday. It makes me know that all my running around, making sure everything is just right, is not going to change the outcome of Christmas if I remember why we are celebrating. It isn't about the house looking just right, about the cookies turning out perfectly, about the presents being wrapped like in a department store, or anything of that sort. It is about the people that we share the season with and the REASON we are together in the first place.

Luke 2:9-11 "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

The lasting Joy of Christmas is found when we receive the hopeful promise, and never let go. And that is why, for so many, Christmas comes too quickly, and leaves in the twinkling of an eye. You see, God didn’t bring us good tidings of great joy, just for a day, or a week, or a season, but for our whole life. God didn’t come because we were ready, because we were prepared, but he came, because our lives are not perfect, we have often lost our way, and we need a Savior.

I have everything I need, right now, in this moment.

15 days until Christmas!

Merry Christmas to friends and family! I'm not sure if this post made it to the internet before your cards arrived in the mail. If you're ever interested in what our family has been up to, this is the place to find out! You can even see older posts to view more pictures from 2009.
We had a busy 2009. Even the kids said, it seems like we just had Christmas! My sentiments exactly! We are spending Christmas at home this year, and Mom will be flying in next week to spend it with us. We have some beautiful snow and very cold temperatures to get us in the spirit of the season!

Rich is still with Swire Coca Cola and I'm still working at the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Hospital a few days a month. We are both enjoying our work, and are grateful for our careers, considering the state of the economy, and the fact that many people are out of work. In his "spare time" this year, Rich built a beautiful pond and stream in our backyard, complete with 8 koi! He also spent some time golfing this spring and summer and is hoping to do more next year. I always seem to find things to fill up my spare time, as well, from going to the gym, to volunteering at both schools, and keeping the home fires burning.

Cole is 11 and in 6th grade. He's in his last year of grade school-- middle school is coming. Yikes! This year, he played football, golf, and is just starting his basketball season. It is so fun to watch them play and develop their skills. He is hoping to grow into his feet- he's currently wearing Jordy's size 10 basketball shoes. He's dying to have body hair, and voice changes. I wonder if he'll feel that way when it really happens? School is going well for him-- he is doing math that makes my brain cramp up (and I love math). He is a great student and has some amazing friends. He also started playing the guitar this year... the current tune coming from the basement is "Smoke on the Water"... oh, yes, he moved to the basement this year.

Morgan is 8 and in 3rd grade. She is loving school- she has so much joy about her in the morning when she's leaving for school and at the end of the day proclaims, "I had a great day!". She is also a very good student and has some fun friends. This year she played soccer--Rich coached their team. She loved having him coach and all the girls improved as the season progressed. This fall, she started ice skating. She is pretty amazing on the skates and does laps around us out there! She still has a passion for anything "girly", loves to create her own outfits (some of them make me cringe a bit), and loves long baths, making messes, cooking, and art.

We added to our family this year in the form of 8 koi and 1 more beagle. The total is now 9 fish (one beta), 1 cat, and 3 beagles. Maggie is a 3 year old rescue beagle that came to us quite overweight and unhealthy. We put her through beagle boot camp and she is a fit and happy dog now! Bert is pretty happy to have another girl around, and Abby is starting to get over her jealousy. We love our zoo!

Our travels were limited to a few road trips this year, including our wonderful summer trip to Montana, since we outdid ourselves with travel last year and had to budget for the new driveway and patio this year! :) Ah, the blessings of home-ownership. We were grateful for the visits we had with friends and family throughout the year. Our door is always open if you ever want to come visit Utah!

May the wonder of the holiday season bring you joy and may you have a happy and healthy 2010!

Rich's Birthday- 41 years young!

My sweetie turned 41 at the end of November. We had a celebration during our weekend in Park City, then another birthday celebration when we got back home.
I feel so blessed that Rich is my husband. He is always there when we need him. He is kind, caring, warm and funny. He is an amazing father. And, I would say, he's getting more handsome with each year that passes!
May you have a wonderful year, Rich! We love you!

Park City: Thanksgiving weekend!

Greg & David-- ready to celebrate!

We all piled on the bed to watch the Griz game-- cozy!

Greg & David came to Utah for Thanksgiving weekend. They spent Thanksgiving Day with David's family, then headed up to Park City. We joined them on Friday for a fun dinner with Debbie, Louis, & Leann (David's sister, brother-in-law, and mother). Saturday morning, we took a hike around Park City Mountain Resort, then headed back to the warmth of the fireplace to watch the Montana Grizzly football game. At half-time, the Griz were losing badly, so we took the party to the hot tub. The hot tub proved to be lucky, as the Griz made a huge comeback to win the game! We relaxed that evening and played games. We are grateful for the generosity of the Herring family, for letting us stay in their home. We are grateful for Greg & David's hospitality. We are grateful for friends, family, health, and great times!

Ice Skating!

Miss Morgan has been ice skating for about 3 months now. She has been taking lessons at Cottonwood Heights Ice Rink. So far, she can spin, turn, skate forwards, skate backwards, and stop in a few different ways. She is loving it! Morgan decided to take December off from lessons, but will resume in January. As a side note, the coat she is wearing in this picture was my coat when I was little. It was then passes on to my nieces, Haily & Chelsea. A few weeks ago, we received a package in the mail from my sister-in-law, Janine. It was this coat... ah, memories!

Thanksgiving with the Brown Family

Don't mess with Marcia when she's cooking!

Ingrid is helping David carve the turkey

Joe & Morgan

Cole in his Cowboys gear- ready for the game!

So much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving Day was a fantastic day! I worked at the hospital for a few hours, which is always a reminder to be thankful for good health. We were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with our wonderful neighbors, David & Marcia. They had our family and a few others over for a great meal and lots of laughter. That evening, we ventured downtown to watch the Jazz game at Energy Solutions Arena with some of Rich's employees! What a fun filled day!