94 Looks Good on Ya.

HAPPY 94th BIRTHDAY to our favorite Grandpa Stick!!!

We LOVE you!!!!

A Ride on a 'Train'.

We didn't make it down to see the lights at Temple Square before Christmas & the night we chose the weekend after Christmas was the coldest night on record in SLC. (Not a verified fact, but I'm pretty sure.) When we did make the trip it was well worth it. We rode FrontRunner down with some friends, had a bite at the

Gateway & rode Trax over to Temple Square. Our time there totaled a maximum of 20 minutes before we loaded up the

babies & praised the warmth of mass transit.

Merry Christmas 2009.

Christmas is a ridiculously spectacular time for me-- always has been, but it seems the older I get the more I realize how much so. My parents have been incredible with this holiday my entire life. I remember being young & being expected to choose 1 present to take to show grandparents & just pouring over the decision for what seemed like hours until it was time to load up & head out. We were not completely overwhelmed with gifts- they were plentiful, yes, but the incredible thing was that every gift was perfect- exactly what I'd been dreaming of virtually all year! My parents' thoughtfulness has always been above & beyond.

And now, as I'm in the shoes of a parent myself, I realize what a task that must have been with 5 kids!

The other notable thing about the way I was raised was knowing Christmas wasn't about Santa. The focus of Christmas is Christ, & through service, family time & generosity my parents ingrained that in me. The more years that pass, the more I recognize just how much my parents not only believe this, but live this in every facet of their lives. This year especially so, as we spent the month before Christmas saying goodbye to my sweet grandma & yet, their service did not fall along the wayside. How grateful I am for their examples as I begin the journey with my own child...

The holidays have become even more magical the last couple of years, watching my offspring as his eyes light up at the sight of lights, the story of Baby Jesus, & the opening of gifts. I keep hearing that every year gets even more fun, & frankly, I'm soo excited! I don't know how it can get any more fun but I'm excited to see it!

So, nearly a month past, I wish you all the happiest of holidays & the warmth & love of Christmas with you all year long. As always, it was over too soon.

Christmas Eve.

I don't know what kind of hat

this is, or for what size of child,

but MrP got it for Christmas &

I think the bangs set it off

quite nicely, eh??

Using dad's hair as reigns: always a pleasant idea.

Al

Pretty sisters.

KISS!!

Let the happiness commence!

Christmas Eve was spent at the in-laws, as per tradition & was a splendid time. We made the announcement to Ty's family about our expanding family, however not quite as planned. Mr P wore his shirt for dang near an hour before it was even realized what it said. We ended pointing it out to Ty's mom who read it as 'I'm gonna be a big monster.' Sigh. Oh well-- it was still worth it to see Ty's dad get a little emotional. Nothing shakes that tough guy like a grand baby!

Drumroll Please.

I can't really post about Christmas without sharing this news, so here ya go. It's some of the most exciting, terrifying & joyful news I think there is. Ready or not, August is on its way.

A Soldier is My Brother.

My older brother has enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves & spent several weeks at a grueling basic training in South Carolina before being able to come home & spend the holidays with his family. It was precious to see his homecoming-- His kids looked at him like they were seeing an apparition. I can only imagine how hard that separation has been & is going to be as he's headed back to finish basic & then move on to Officer Candidate School. But kudos to him for doing something I would never do without being forced. Pretty sure they don't like it when recruits lay on the ground in the fetal position & cry. I'll spare them that.