slow....

I'm sitting at work wishing the day would go faster--looking at the clock thinking it has to be an hour later yet only 20 minutes have passed. Christmas day was a great day! We woke up and the kids got their stockings and the home-made sock monkeys from me. There was no having breakfast. The only thing on Jace's mind was presents. Thanks to his wonderful grandmas and grandpas the boys got more presents than we planned. that was a nice treat for them. I don't have my camera, but I'll post later.



It's crazy how Christmas expectations change as you get older. It used to be all about what I got. I didn't mind at all that I didn't open one present this year. In fact, I can remember Christmases being disappointed because I didn't get that much. My parents always gave us great gifts but nothing extravagant. Looking back, I'm grateful that there wasn't soo much focus on presents. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions in my family is our home-made gift exchange. We only do it every other year. (this year was Heath's family xmas) We started it, I believe nearly 10 years ago, I think. We all draw names in December and this is the most anticipated gift of the whole day....mostly because you know that that person put their heart and soul into figuring out a creative home-made gift they would enjoy. Let's see, a few that I've made: Birdie Sling Purse, Framed Photo Collage, Embroidered Pillow, Family Web site, i can't think of others. Some that I've received: Quilt, Xmas Wall hanging, Pillow Blanket, Bean Bag, Stationary, Nursing Cover, Baby Blanket, Family Calendar. These gifts mean so much more to me and they are lasting.


This year it was all about the BOYS! I enojoy Christmas so much more with kids. It's so fun to watch their reactions to each gift and see how much they appreciate it. Even though this was a meager Christmas, the kids had no idea and were just happy for what they got. Camden kept saying, "Wow" and Jace would jump up and down yelling "Woo Hoo" Jace played with his police cars, dump truck and street sweeper and helicopter all day and Camden got a bunch of fun interactive gifts. The best part of the day though was just being all together. Heath's family came over and we had a mexican fiesta Christmas. The food was delicious!!!!!! I love seeing the cousins play. At one point in the day, however, I sat down on the couch and looked around at 5 different people playing on their new electronic toy. It was weird...no one was talking...just playing on their I touch or I phone or MP3 or Ipod. Understandable but a tad bit sad.


Later that day, we went and saw Sherlock Holmes, which I really enjoyed. The movie wasn't non-stop action but it was entertaining and I like the mystery focused stories. Plus, the acting was great. It's hard to believe Christmas day is over but I'm grateful that I was able to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this year. I am thankful that we could be together as family. I was hoping to do Christmas caroling or the nativity this year but it just got hectic at the house. It will be easier to start traditions when we're at our own home. :) We did squeeze in reading Luke Christmas Eve.

Arizona

Well, my Christmas letter is coming. My computer is being weird so that will come with all the news of the year. We are in Arizona now and have been for nearly 2 weeks! I got offered a part-time temp. position at an Aviation company and so we packed our bags and headed out of Denver until next year. The drive was mostly uneventful. hooray! We stayed with Heath's family friends (i know you're reading this :)) in Alburqurque so the drive wasn't bad. THANK YOU KRISTEN!!!!! The boys were checked out by the time we got there. They have such a cute family and the girls just adored our little Camden. He liked them too...it was a toss up between them and their dog. hee hee :)

So, now that we are here, I've been working almost every day. The first week was training and now is my DAY 1 on my own. Going great and I enjoy the job. However, I MISS those boys! This has been really good for me though...reminds me how much I love being a mommy and also how grateful I am that Heath will be the working one. (eventually) He tried to find a job too but I got an offer so we took it. Heath is being Mr. Mom and last night I asked him how he was holding up and he said, 'he's ready for me to be done last week.' :) Last Friday, I came home exhausted and the second I held Camden I started to cry. I hate that I'm missing just small moments and the second I get home, he won't let me go. It's really sweet but it also breaks my heart a little. I'm not devastated because I know it's only for a short time. On the whole other hand, it's really nice doing something I am good at again and being appreciated. My boss and associates seem thrilled with my work and have told me I can come back and work for them anytime. It's also a good reminder that I have some brains and that 2 kids haven't completely drained all my mindpower. :) I get off early tomorrow so I can prepare for Santa. We're going to make sugar cookies and sing Christmas songs all day! Can't believe it's Christmas but i love this time of year. Will blog again shortly.

Merry Christmas!!!

my nose is cold my toes are froze....

There's something wrong with this picture...everytime I've written, it's COLD. I think I forgot I lived in Colorado. oops. :) Last night, it got down to negative 36 with windchill and this morning it was negative 15 with no wind. I'm cold there's nothing else to it. I figure I better write about some things bc I'll have little or no time in the next few days to update with pics. So what's been going on in our lives????

First thing, we went to California for Thanksgiving and had a great time with my family. We did the Thousand Oaks Turkey Day Dash, ate homemade rolls, delicious turkey, stuffing, etc...the works. We sewed like no other! I finished a Christmas banner and an apron for my best friend's birthday. (Lane, I need a pic of you looking so domestically chic in it!) Got pedis and mostly just hung out, caught up on some Arrested Development episodes, went to Ventura Pier for tandem bikes and such, ate The Habit, That pretty much sums up a great Thanksgiving with family. pics to come for these.

Well, while we were there, Heath and I celebrated our 7th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe it? I feel old. My parents watched the kids and we had a much needed night out. It was just dinner but it was really nice to have dinner, talk and enjoy the Christmas scenery....ice skating rink and lighted trees. We were going to walk around but it got pretty chilly. I love these dates. We have such a great time together and I can just be myself with him and he loves me for it. The food was good but the company was better :) I love you Heath and I think I keep falling....

Got back from a great trip and it's been cold cold cold. Even too cold to enjoy the snow or sledding. We did go to a city winter wonderland celebration and it was super fun and FREE. Jace loved it and had fun with all the games. It was too cold to stay longer than an hour but it was a great family outing.

Let's see, we'll be in Arizona for three weeks because I sort of got a job! We've been looking for seasonal work to earn money during this break. I got a call back and they pretty much have given me the position they just want to meet me first. The hours aren't bad and I think a little break from full time mommyhood might be okay. I'll be the front desk receptionist at a private airport for a couple weeks. Maybe meet some celebrities taking their jet out for the weekend. :) Will def. enjoy seeing Heath's family and all the cousins.

I need to do so many things..clean the house, pack, clean out the fridge, go to the store, organize papers, bills, coupons, find a portable dvd player, finish my sock monkeys for kiddos, finish a tote bag, write Christmas letters, design a digital christmas card (no money this year) I don't think I'm going to get all done before we leave tomorrow so I'll just start with the most important...cleaninng. How come this always comes first. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to not care that the house is not in pristine order and the meals aren't planned. I can't live like that, i'd go even more crazy. :)

Oh, and did I mention Camden has croup and strep. So much fun! But really it hasn't been bad just a fever, irritability, stuffy runny nose and being hoarse. poor baby. He's been sleeping fine so that's what's important. :)

Hopefully, my next post will be a CHRISTMAS CARD TO ALL OF YOU! Warmest wishes for the holidays and travel safely.

Sunday

Today is snowy and cold but it seems appropriate because it's finally December. It's amazing how snow can really make it feel like Christmas. growing up in California, I am accustomed to sunny Christmases but this seems to bring an added feeling to this time of year. I set up 0ur Christmas decorations and manger scene. Yet, it only lasted a day until Jace got a hold of it and I had to pack the whole thing away. Look forward to the day when I can have a place to put it where the kids won't touch it. I find it ironic that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas this year. It's so easy to think of the many things we don't have this year but I've been prepped with Thanksgiving and am grateful for the many things we do have. This year, we're focusing on the things that really matter. I guess these are my favorite christmases because you don't get lost in the commercialism and presents.

First Birthday

Jace helped me make a Happy Birthday sign for Camden and he was so excited to hang it up for him!











Carrying on the tradition of balloons! It just makes the day more fun! Camden loved them and kept walking after them yelling, "ball"
so happy!

The day after his actual Birthday, we tried again with the birthday cake. He ate a little, but Jace and I ate more. :)

Jace and Daddy bought Cam his first football! He goes crazy when he sees Heath's ball so we got him his own. He already can catch it by himself and throw it (he's a lefty so far)

'Happy Birthday to You' didn't go over so well. :) He looks so frightened poor baby. The attention was a little much for him. He didn't even touch the football cake. I was yet again disappointed. Jace didn't touch his first cake either.

I made two football cakes for his Birthday in hopes that he would grab it thinking it was real. (Heath's idea) The cake may I add was delicious. Yumm....cookies and cream cake with chocolate frosting. mmmm...

Camden enjoying his birthday dinner. I made his favorite-sweet and sour meatballs. :)

There's our little guy all grown up. goes by way too fast.

It's coming

I have a lot of catch up to do so stay posted. Just thought I'd write for now. Today it's freezing outside. We got back from California on Monday and it's been really cold since. To be exact, today's high is 17 and low is 4. Subsequently, I let Heath drive the car to school so he didn't freeze on the way home from the light rail. Oh, and he has to walk now because someone stole his bike seat..yes, just the seat. weird. The boys have been sick the last couple days but we're hanging in there. It just now hit me how tired I am staying up with Camden for two hours last night. Well, I held him for two hours and thankfully he wasn't screaming. He felt quite content in mommy's arms. Besides being up so late, it was kinda nice to cuddle with him. He gives the best hugs though! He runs towards me and tucks his arms to his sides and puts his head on my shoulders. it melts my heart. I'll try to tape it sometime because it's hard to explain. So, that's it for now. just felt like writing.