Happy New Year!

Tomorrow night is New Year's Eve! I must admit that it's a holiday that was more exciting when I was a kid and got to stay up until midnight. As an adult, it's not that thrilling, especially since I don't drink. Though the one time I did go to Times Square, pre-9/11, was pretty awesome. However, I am very excited to kiss the old year goodbye and welcome the new one with open arms.

This past year was both good and bad, though it seemed more filled with the latter. The whole job change and all that it entailed, various health issues, family drama (never a dull moment with my clan!), and so on. But, as with all things, I grew and learned a lot along the way. I am sure I wouldn't have improved in those ways had I not been forced to. And I am glad I did. Still, I will be happy as can be to kiss the old year goodbye.

Sure, it means another year I'll be turning older and my kids will be growing even faster, but it also means another year with my wonderful husband and adorable children. Who knows what adventures await? Good bye 2009 and bring it on 2010! May you all have a Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Jacob turned 1 the day after Christmas. I can't believe my little guy is a year old! We feel so blessed to have him in our family. He is such a social, happy little man. He knows how to make us smile and laugh with his cute antics. He has lots of fans at church too. Life just wouldn't be the same without him in our home.

He wasn't too sure about the whole birthday thing after having just gone through Christmas. But his Jimmy had fun helping him open gifts. Jacob had more fun playing with his birthday cake than eating it. I love the disgusted/ confused look on his face when he is playing with the cake. Happy Birthday Jacob!

Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow is the big day! My kids are bursting with anticipation. I love the magic of Christmas. In the next few days there will be a lot of smiles, hugs, eating, and reflecting. Life is good and we are very blessed. No matter what is going on in our lives, we know that Christ really did come to the earth and lived and died for us. Nothing can give us greater joy and peace. My life didn't really begin until I found the Gospel and I would sacrifice everything for my testimony. What a precious gift. I hope during the chaos and fun we take time to reflect the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the sweet innocent babe who would grow to become the Savior of us all. Merry Christmas!!!

I am Supermom!

I never back away from a challenge. I am insane that way. So when my five year-old's beloved Boy Baby doll fell apart after two years of heavy loving, I said to myself "I can fix this!" Mind you, I am not a seamstress or know the first thing about making dolls, but I was up for the adventure thinking I could handle it since I have basic sewing skills and a lot of determination.

We had toyed with the idea of just getting a new doll. The problem is that they are no longer made, which means the cheapest we could find was $100. Um, no. But we had to do something since Boy Baby is Rachel's security and love. He has gone to Disneyland twice, Pennsylvania once, church more times than I can count, and preschool every day last year. Living without him is not an option.

So I got out my sewing supplies and jumped right in. My task entailed cutting off the plastic limbs of Boy from his torn body and attaching them to a new Sue made one. After just a day, I am proud to say that Boy Baby is new and improved with a red body. It's not perfect, but it works. My fingers are sore from pushing the needle through his plastic limbs, but seeing the smile on Rachel's face when I handed her the finished doll is well worth the discomfort. I may not be breaking headlines or moving mountains in my daily work, but I am bringing joy and love to my children, which is far more priceless.

Another challenge down and many more to go. Bring it on because I am Supermom!