End of 2010

I can hardly believe that tomorrow is the 31st of December, but it is. I got to work today but have tomorrow off and am so grateful. I turned 45 yesterday and just writing that number is a bit of a reality check as it sounds older than I feel for sure. It was a great day for me, as my kids treated me well and as always so did Bob. We spent a good part of the day at the hospital doing a VCUG test for Ashlee to find out if she has reflux and she does, along with some other kidney issues. We find out more on Tuesday as far as how bad it is. She was a trooper and they knocked her out so she had no clue what happened, which is the way we wanted it after watching poor Nathan go through the same thing at this same age for the exact same thing. Bob took me to Bob's steak and chop house (he won a gift card there from work for $100) it was very good food, but the company was even better. We then went to the movie True Grit, a western and it was pretty good. I came home and Nate had bought me a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake for my birthday, it was so good. Overall I had a fantastic day. I didn't get one card on my actual birthday, but got three today and one of which was from Michael that made my day. Our Christmas was equally as nice and though Michael was gone we all enjoyed being able to visit with him on the phone. Kaley and Steven both got a little emotional but loved talking to him as well. The best part is he will be home next year for Christmas and I will have all of my kids here for one more year, as Nate will leave not to long after that for his mission. It is weird to see my kids growing up and moving on, but I am so proud of each and every one and its fun to see them become adults. I am most of all thankful for the Savior and that we have a holiday to celebrate his birth and all that he did for each one of us. What a special time of the year. I know that as the new year comes I have many things to improve on but plan to take each one at a time so I can accomplish as many as I can. How grateful I truly am for all of my family, the Thompson's and the Mansell's, for all of my friends who feel like family and for all the blessings we get daily from a Heavenly Father who loves each of his children. Happy New Year, hope its a good one for everyone!

Christmas 2010

It is another year and I can hardly believe it is already that time. I think I am nearly done with all of the shopping. I have some little things to get, but very easy things. It is in the mid seventies today here in Allen and it doesn't really feel like Christmas to me! I also am working right up until Christmas and so that makes it not seem normal for me as well. We had a ton of sick kids at the office today and I am in hopes I don't bring anything home either. We were able to have Bob's mom here last week and that was nice. We skyped my parents last night and they are in the 90's year round so understand the whole not feeling like Christmas thing. They are getting closer to being home and we are all glad here. This is our last Christmas without Michael and that is also good. He is doing very well and has three baptisms planned for Christmas. We are of course the most grateful at this time of year for our Savior, Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for each and every one of us. What a glorious day it must have been when he was born and all realized what a great day that truly was. I am grateful for all of my family, but especially Bob and the great husband and father he is. Merry Christmas, I hope we all remember the true meaning of what we are really celebrating. Love to you all!

December

I can hardly believe we are already into December. Where did November go? Our tree is up and our house is decorated for Christmas. I got the kids picture taken for the cards to go out and even got those printed as well. I just need to address them and get them in the mail. I work every day except for Christmas Eve so have to get everything done at night or on Tuesdays. It is a lot to do, but its good. Michael hit his one year mark yesterday on December 2nd. I sent him a "hump day" package with a camel in it and it says, "Your half way there, now endure to the end." He is in his new area at the USU campus and apparently they have had a fair amount of snow, but we were 73 degrees here today, December 3rd, crazy. It is supposed to get colder tomorrow but it makes it hard to get in the mood for the Holiday's when it is so warm (as I am sure my parents can relate too). A lot to do, but great memories for this time of year. Now that I am a parent I understand why you get a little more stressed around the holidays, but it is all worth it when you see the kids faces on Christmas morning. Well the countdown is on until Christmas......only 22 days left. Good luck with all that everyone has to get done.