My Kater Baby is ONE!!

I can't believe it.....Kate turned one! I vividly remember the day our Christmas baby was born. It was a snowy night and the hospital was packed with laboring women. Everyone had the same idea....if we have this baby tonight, we can be home for Christmas. I was one of them patiently waiting for a room as the contractions got stronger and stronger. I finally got a room at around 7:00 pm and delivered Kate within 2 hours. She was small...weighing in at 6 lbs. 1 0z. but she was strong and healthy. The hospital was chaotic and I couldn't wait to get home! I felt good, Kate was doing well....so we were home before 24 hours even passed.

Now we are here again, one year later, and our newborn is now almost walking and talking. She is so fun to watch as she explores new things everyday. We love having our little Kate Noelle in our home. She brings much joy and laughter to each and every one of us.

Happy Birthday Kate (and her Aunt Noelle)!

Love.....Mom

It feels nice to accomplish a goal....

Ok, so this year I was bound and determined to get a family picture and send out a Christmas card. I had big plans to do something really creative and fun......Well atleast I did it, right? So here's the Christmas 2008 family photo taken by my little sister Marissa with my other little sisters Noelle & Mikah working hard behind the scenes to get the smiles from the youngins. Enjoy!!

Holiday traditions.....

The Christmas season has finally arrived....I love this time of year and the holiday cheer that seems to fill the air. The twinkling of the lights on the tree somehow bring a calm, warm feeling into the home. I love plugging in the lights outside each night as the sun goes down.....it brings memories of Clark Grizwald to mind each time I turn them on. I LOVE it!!

Last Sunday the monthly FHE was held at my Grandma & Grandpa Meyer's home. This was the start of our Christmas gatherings. My Grandparents never cease to amaze me! They are in their 80's and still host gatherings for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It's a large crowd, but you wouldn't know it with the way they make you feel. Each person that walks through the door is greeted with a hug and is made to feel like they are the only one in the room. There is always good food, good conversation and a good laugh.

Grandma wanted to have the younger grandkids and great grandkids put on the Christmas story production. She called ahead of time to make sure her cast would be there and had the bathrobes, towels, scraps of fabric and rope ready and waiting. She made sure that every one had a part and they were posted on the front door as you walked in.

Jaysie got to play the part of Mary and Teegan was a shepherd or a "leopard" as he called it. His robe was made out of animal print fabric...therefore he was a leopard. They all did a wonderful job and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. I can only hope that my children will be able to remember the good times they've had with their great grandparents.