A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas is a magical holiday. It is over way too quickly, but the entire day is fantastic. I love everything about it. This year was a little different for me. There have been a lot of changes in my life over the past year. Janelle and Lainee helped to make this a spectacular year. I am sad it is over. I spent the morning at home with them, then went down to Pops' and Jolene's house for the afternoon, and finished the day at Michelle's house, where we made a fantastic dinner. I even made homemade apple pie, and I must say it was the best! I can't believe real-life begins again tomorrow.

Chewy adores Kiffy

The only one missing is Heather

Pops

Jolene went above & beyond for Christmas (as usual). This year she found a hot-pink tree which was my own personal Christmas tree, and then she wrapped all of my presents with hot-pink wrapping paper. We all know I have a problem with the color pink, and this made me so happy. She also found a stocking in the shape of a high-heeled shoe and all of my presents had a shoe theme. It was incredible. I really don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful family and I am so grateful she has made me a part of hers. She made this Christmas so special for all of us. Thank you Jolene.

Lainee was so spoiled this year. Between Janelle and I, she probably had 30 presents to open, but all she cared about was the chapsticks in her stocking. Every time we tried to get her to open a new present, she was putting her chapstick on and would say, "just a minute". What kid likes chapstick more than baby-dolls, movies and tea-sets?

I have wanted one of those scentsy candles for a long time, and Janelle was so wonderful to get me one for Christmas. She totally spoiled me this year.

One of the few times Lainee put down her chapstick to open a present

Janelle and Lainee

The house was a DISASTER after presents, but it was so much fun, and totally worth the mess.

Even Mr. Kitty was exhausted after

The tree inspector

Chewy was forced to wear his Christmas sweater all day. He was not happy with me

Christmas Cookies

Deer Creek Christmas Party

This year we went to the Nutcracker for our office party. Then Michelle made a phenomenal turkey dinner. Another great year. I am so lucky to work with people that I love and that have become my family.

Rachel's 22nd Birthday!

Sushi and dancing for Rachel's birthday, the perfect way to celebrate.

POOPS!

The best part about my Thanksgiving was that my favorite person on earth surprised me with a visit. Jem is currently living in California and I have missed her so much. It was quite an interesting day though, and I'm sure she is regretting the trip because EVERYTHING went wrong. The best part was that we were laughing the entire time. Jem has always had a way of being happy and finding humor in every situation. I miss that more than she can know. I don't laugh with anyone the way I laugh with her. She is the type of person that makes your life better for knowing her. Thank you for coming to P.C. even though it cost you $500.00! I'm pretty sure I was worth it though.

Thanksgiving 2008

David Heather and Gavin on the left

Boo and I with the pups on the right

I guess I can't call her Boo for much longer since she's so grownup and dwarfing all of us at this point.

Heather, David and Gavin came for Thanksgiving this year. It has been so much fun having them here. I only wish I lived closer so that I could spend more time with Gavin. Twice a year just isn't enough.

We went on a walk before dinner so we didn't feel so badly for the mass-quantities of food we would be consuming later. The views from Dads' house were amazing with the fog and the mountains. My hat is off to Jolene for putting up with all of us.

Our old girl, Callie

Heather has decided to not find out what she is having in March. The suspense is killing us, and part of me thinks she just likes having the upper hand!

Farewell to a dear friend

Our beloved Sammie is moving to Vegas today. We will all miss her enormously. Friday nights will not be the same without her. Love you Sammie