Happy New Year!

It has been a whirlwind holiday season for us! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was filled with joy and celebration! The day began at 4:09 a.m.

Brendan (after running into our room): Mom, has Santa come yet?
Mom (half-asleep): Honey, I don't know. I'm asleep. But I bet it's still too early.
Brendan: OK, I'll go to the bathroom now.
(Rather odd. He never goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night.)
Brendan (nearly 5 minutes later): Mom, can I go check?
Mom: Oh no, you should go back to sleep in case Santa hasn't been here yet.
Brendan: OK!


Amazingly, Brendan went back to sleep and didn't wake until almost 7:30 a.m. I doubt we'll be so lucky next year!


All of the children enjoyed their gifts. Kelsey received several new outfits, which she desperately needed. Ryan and Brendan loved their new Elephant & Piggie book and Knufflebunny Too. Other favorites: a Knights castle, complete with red dragon; a parking garage taller than Ryan; an assortment of new cars from Cars; adorable new bath towels and rugs; and so many other wonderful gifts.


We managed to arrive at church Christmas morning. and only 10 minutes late! Within two minutes, Ryan was saying (rather loudly), "I wanna go home." He wasn't feeling well, as evidenced by a fever on Christmas Eve. Later in the day, we had a delicious Christmas feast.

After Christmas, our family -- my parents, sister and niece -- arrived from Oklahoma. The kids loved having them around, and having a house filled with guests reminded me of many childhood Christmases spent at my grandparents' or aunts' and uncles' houses. Kylie Jo, as we call my niece, played so well with the children. She's grown into quite a young lady (at the age of 11!).

They left Sunday, so we're starting the New Year on our own. I hope 2008 brings as much joy as 2007 did. Happy New Year!