Christmas Break.

Since Ty was off for almost 2 weeks over the holidays, we had many big plans for projects around this old house. Here's what we did instead.





Sledding, many episodes of Rock Band (yes, even still in our thermals), hanging out with friends & neighbors, a few movies, the Body Worlds exhibit, lots of playing, etc. etc. Doesn't look like our house will be on the market as soon as we predicted, but we sure are making good memories!

Great to be 8.

Last week we were fortunate enough to be able to attend our nephew, Jaden's baptism. He asked his older brother Jacob to baptize him & then his dad confirmed him. Needless to say it was just a neat day & we are so glad that we're close so we were able to be a part of it. Congratulations, Jaden. We're proud of you!

Mr P decided to run up & bang on the piano at one point, so he spent a good majority of the service in the hall with Grandma, where he discovered his love of drinking fountains. (His first molar broke through at lunch afterward & may have been the reason for a bit of raucous behavior. Or so I'd like to think. Actually I wouldn't even have known had I not seen a mouth full of blood!)
All 7 of Ty's siblings were able to make it, so that was cool to have everyone together; A rare occasion. Love you, Jaden!

Truth or Dare.

I dare you to tell me this isn't the cutest dang kid you've ever seen in your entire life. If you do, you are lying & there will be consequences.

I Resolve.

I'm not a huge fan of big lists of New Year's resolutions, & this year is no exception. I'm not promising to exercise every day, double my scripture study time or organize all my pictures. I mean, I gotta be realistic here. But I do resolve to do what I can every day to be a better me. That means me as a better woman, mom, wife, primary teacher, sister, friend, daughter, person, example & all the other roles I might hold. That may seem like a large bite to chew, but I think every day is a new chance to work on this & improve myself.

The start of a new calendar isn't going to be any more important to me than the start of a new day. Heaven knows I falter daily, but who doesn't? Right? Life is a process, not an event & the past & mistakes therein are just that. The past. I can't change them, nor can you, which means the only thing to be done with them is to use them as stepping stones to the place we are working toward in this life.

I have set one goal for myself that is possibly the biggest I have ever attempted. Drumroll please... The completion of a half marathon. I know I've mentioned this before, & part of me is questioning my sanity in calling attention to it again. But I'm counting on the idea that the more people who know about this, the more prodding I'll get to achieve it. And on that note, the more embarrassment I'll get if I don't accomplish it. So help me out here, eh? It's not just the idea of a goal for the goal's sake, losing weight or the consequential bragging rights. It's about becoming the best me I can be & that includes physically so that I can have the health to best fill all the roles I have for a long time to come.

Happy New Year. 2009's going to be great.

Christmas.

Christmas morning was so much fun, watching Mr P open his presents, & even though he doesn't really get the whole concept of it all yet, he sure does love ripping up shiny wrapping paper. He got this cute little camp chair from one of his friends (thanks, Jax!) & just though he was king of the world sitting up there so big. We kept it pretty simple this year, but you can tell by the last picture that it was still a bit overwhelming & tiring for his little body. It makes me excited for years ahead when he'll understand it more & it will be more interested.



The rest of Christmas Day was spent cautiously traveling through the snowdrifts & spending time with family. We enjoyed Grandpa Noker's annual brunch, which was delicious as always & then headed up to my parents for a cozy, leisurely day chatting, eating, reminiscing & playing games in front of the fire. I didn't do a great job of documenting the day, & you can tell that Mr P is obviously my central camera focus. Anyhow, it was another great Christmas & I'm always just astounded at how quickly it passes. I especially loved how we kept it so low-key this year & focused on the true spirit of the season & spending time with family. I hope as Mr P gets older we can stick to that & instill in him the value of giving & celebrating the birth of our savior. Happy Holidays.