Happiness is...

... fresh baked muffins and hot cocoa for breakfast. ... dance-a-thons in the living room.

... playing house- in your own house.

... painting 'thank you' cards.

... baths that are long enough that you have to re-fill the tub with warm water... twice. ... read-a-thons at bed time.

....time to enjoy these moments together.

Something I'll Want to Remember

Jared came home late from work last night. We sat up and watched TV for a bit. Around midnight I heard little footsteps in the kitchen. Then little Eva peaked around the corner. She sleepily climbed up onto my lap and told me that she wanted to "nuggle" me. I wasn't about to let little ears snuggle me in the living room with Comedy Central on in the background. I knew that Jared hadn't been sleeping very well, so I didn't want to let her sleep in our bed. I decided to climb into her little twin bed instead. The little one clung to me as I wrapped my arms around her. Apparently I fell asleep right away because the next thing I knew the light was starting to creep into the room. I could feel little eyes on me. I kept my eyes closed, but I smiled. Then I felt the softest little whisper in my ear.... "You are pretty. If I put a rose in your hair, I would call you 'Pretty Rose.'"
Seriously, could she be any cuter?!

If I Don't Have Your E-mail...

Then this is your card this year! :)

Dear Family and Friends...

As you may have noticed, I have not sent out cards this year. (I will start on 2010 next month to make sure I get them out in time, since I have more than enough blank cards waiting. ) We still wanted to send out a quick note to let you know how lucky we feel to have such wonderful people in our lives. We hope that you all have a wonderful (and restful) holiday full of peace, love, joy, and patience.
Here's to 2010 being the best year yet!

Love,
Jared, Lucie, Naiya and Eva

Dear Santa,

All I really want for Christmas is a baby brother. His name will be Cash. He can take all of my toys and I won't cry.... and my candy too. I will hold him. He will be cute.

Love,
Eva


How do I explain to a 3 year old (as she looks up at you with those big eyes) that Santa's elves don't make baby brothers in their toy shop?!

Oh... and all Naiya wants is a kitten. Apparently the guinea pigs did not have the desired effect of satiating her need for a pet.

525,600 Minutes

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how life has changed in the last year. Tonight I took a peek back at what I was writing on my blog a year ago. It made me laugh. I felt bad for not blogging for a couple of days! This year my blog is down right neglected. So much for all of those memories I wanted to write down for my kids. I used to tell myself that I will remember them and write them down later, but I've gotten to the point that I can't remember what I ate for lunch today. Oh well, at least we have health insurance (for when I go crazy ;).

Last December 6th this is what I blogged:

Wanna Help?
Lately I've seen a lot of people asking for ideas of how to help on their blogs. I know that a lot of us are not able to help as much financially as we could in years past.If you are interested in volunteering or helping in some other aspect, here are a few ideas of places you can go/call in Utah:
~ Salvation Army needs volunteers 801-988-4204
~ Eagle Ranch Ministries needs volunteers 801-254-4945
~ To help the United Way visit http://www.uw.org/
~ To volunteer for Toys for Tots (their current staff is only 6 people because of deployments) call 801-583-7318
~ The Crossroads Urban Center needs volunteers call 801-364-7765 or visit http://www.crossroads-u-c.org/ (this is the place that organizes my food co-op, LOVE IT!)
~ Volunteers of America site is at http://www.voaut.org/ or call 801-363-9414 ext 117
~ The Food Bank always needs volunteers and food visit http://www.utahfoodbank.org/ or call 801-978-2452
Also if you want more ideas on ways to help (or if you need help this holiday season), you can dial 211.


I don't know if the information is still accurate this year, (and I really don't have the time to look into it) but I thought it would be helpful just the same. Not to mention that it was a quick way to post a real live blog without much typing and time involved. (This counts right?)

I hope you all are enjoying the magical moments of this holiday season. I know I am.
Oh and BTW... consider this your Christmas card this year. ;)

Words I have heard in the last 5 days... and wish I hadn't

Flu
Croup (again)
Silent Reflux
Irritated Esophagus
Prevacid
Follow-up in 3 months
Nebulizer
Steroids
Follow-up in 1 week
Ear Infection
Burst Ear Drum
Antibiotics
Follow-up in 2 weeks

At least I didn't have to go to work on Friday.... right?
(And, no, I am not sick.... yet.)