Merry Christmas!

(Unfortunately, you are getting an electronic card this year. All of my photos were deleted and taking them off of my blog resulted in very poor quality printing on the cards this year).

Merry Christmas all!  We have been having a wonderful, magical day today.  These are the kinds of moments that we cherish.    2010 has been a great year for our family.  I once read a quote that said, "Ordinary day, please let me see you for the treasure that you are."  I have learned the truth in that statement.  We have had many "ordinary" days this year and I am grateful for each and every one. 

     Audrey is 8 1/2 and growing up so quickly.  She is very mature.  She gets herself up and out the door with no help from me!  She keeps me on my toes, reminding me of appointments and assignments.  She is a gem, sweet through and through.  She is a bright spot in our home.  She and Rachel performed in the Nutcracker and as they say, "a star was born."  She LOVES performing but is not the least obnoxious about it.  She is so much fun to just simply "hang out" with.  I am very proud of her. 

     Rachel is still our little sweet and sour saucy girl.  She keeps life interesting.  She is so smart and such a deep thinker.  We never know what is on her mind or what will come out of her mouth.  She also thoroughly enjoyed performing in the nutcracker, especially dressing up and wearing wigs and makeup!  She and Adam have recently become best friends since she discovered that he jumps to her every whim.  He worships the ground she walks on, and most of the time, she deserves it.  Rachel adds flavor to our house.  There is never a dull moment. 

     Adam is my little man.  He hangs around with me and is pretty easy going most of the time.  He has grown so much this year and developed a lot of language.  One of my favorite things he does is tell me, "Mom, you the best in the world!"  I enjoy having a boy to balance things out around here.  I love his spiderman underwear and his action figures and his transformers.  He loves clothes and really likes to "match."  His latest thing is to literally match all of his clothes, black shirt, black shorts, or red shirt with red pants, etc.  He absolutely LOVES preschool and already knows all of his letters and sounds and even many of his sight words.  He has become a very good helper and I really enjoy him day to day.

     Claire is . . . there are no words to describe this little one.  She is the most animated of the bunch.  Whatever the emotion, it is written in ink, ALL OVER HER FACE!  She has so much personality and is smart as a whip.  She is talking up a storm and learning more and more every day.  She is a great eater!  It may seem a silly thing to mention but the girl can really put it away!  She absolutely adores puppies!  She can be sweet as honey but can turn on you like a snake.  Claire is my baby and even though she shows no preference to me, I prefer her always!

     James is my rock.  He is always happy and always has a great attitude.  He keeps things running around here and keeps me from going crazy.  He has been so sweet to me, spoiling me for our anniversary and Christmas.  We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and I can honestly say that we are happier than we have ever been.  He is busy serving in the church and working hard at what he loves best - Business!

     I am trying to keep it all together!  Being a Mom is hard work.  I learn more and more every day and I love my little family with all of my heart.  I am grateful for the blessings that the Lord has seen fit to bless me with in my life.  Mostly, I am grateful for the love in my life.  I am grateful for the health of my children (two years cancer free), and I am grateful for an eternal perspective!  God lives, He loves us, He sent His Son, and we can return and live with Him again!  These things I know.  

We wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2011! 

Here is a (long) video of us this morning.  It's worth watching the first couple of minutes . . .