What would you do if it was the night before your sister left town? Of course! Stand in front of a door and take pictures!

Scout gave Stephanie plenty of kisses before she left.
Sarah Grace woke up screaming this morning around 7. She was crying out for her Nie Nie, kinda makes me wonder what she was dreaming about?! Today she kept asking about Stephanie and when we went to my parents house she was roaming around saying Nie Nie over and over. Poor thing!

My sister has left me for the cold and snowy state of Utah. I'm happy for her. No, I really am happy for her, I know she is embarking on a new and exciting journey and for that I'm almost slightly jealous. I'm sad for me. I know she is just a phone call away, but just knowing that I can't hop in the car and get my "Stephanie fix" makes me sad. I managed to choke back tears last night as we said our goodbyes. I figured crying in front of her was not a good idea, I didn't want her to change her mind. I'm pretty sure last night she was sitting on the fence and had one of us told her not to go, she probably wouldn't have. But alas, she is there and she will have fun. I will stay up every night waiting for her phone call so she can tell me about all of her adventures and I can tell her about all of mine. ( Ok, so my stories may be slightly boring, but she will want to know anyway.) So, to the state of Utah, please be kind to her and take care of her the way I would if I were there.

The Yucks

This is what sick looks like at our house. The bug has managed to spread its way through our little family. Even with the snot I still think she's cute!

Christmas morning

Sarah Grace and her Cocky. They are currently inseparable and I fear that he is in desperate need of a "bath."


Last year I kept complaining during football season that I wanted one of these bad boys. In case you are wondering what I have on my arm, its a nifty little thing that QB's wear that has all of their plays on them. I figured if I had one I would never forget anything at the grocery store! Thanks Will, I can't wait to use it!


Sooooo wanted this book. Can't wait to tear into my house, especially if I have another year here! (I would also be very grateful if the schools wouldn't make us wait too much longer, the suspense is killing me!)
Since Mandy posted a picture of Adam talking to CJ, I thought I would give everyone a view of Eric talking to his brother also. I'm grateful that CJ was able to call and talk to family that day!

Laurel gave her this beagle purse and well, I'm in love! So darn cute. Thanks Aunt Laurel for all of our surprises!

Sarah Grace absolutely loved the buggy Santa Claus gave her. Oh, what's the deal with the big red kiss mark you ask? Well, Santa leaves a kiss mark on everyone's face.

Christmas morning was so much fun this year. We were up around 7:45 and were ripping through presents and stockings by 8. Sarah Grace loved all of her gifts and was so excited to open them. By time we got over to my parents' house (after 10:30, pretty late for us,) she was having a hard time staying in the room, but we managed and got through all of our gifts. Overall it was a wonderful day filled with family, games, cinnamon rolls, homemade pizza and naps!

Later on Christmas Eve...

Sarah Grace couldn't wait to get them on! She's really been wanting to dress herself now, although you can't tell from this picture, she's been doing a great job at it!

On Christmas Eve, after grandma's party, we do a few things in our own home. Eric says that we "must have a clean house, Santa does not come to a dirty one." So we have to make sure the house looks decent (before Christmas explodes in the morning, only adding to what would be a messy house if we did not take the time to clean a bit.) Then Sarah Grace gets to open her new Pajamas! She was pretty excited about them this year and couldn't wait to put them on. We then read the birth of our Savior. We thought we would read it out of the New Testament Stories book this year to help Sarah Grace understand it a little better. We also used the Church's new picture book to accompany the reading. We watched Christmas classics and then put Sarah Grace to bed. Eric had a little bit of building to do during the night and I was still working on my Cinnamon rolls which have now become a family tradition. One that I don't mind keeping, although it is a lot of work. I was up till about 2am trying to finish them up, but don't worry, I had my old friend A Christmas Story on while rolling and raising.

Christmas Eve with Grandma

I hope this pic doesn't offend any one, but while trying on all of her new things, Stephanie discovered a hole in her new glove!
Sarah Grace loved all the gifts that her Great Grandma (Ma) gave her, but I think the kitchen set was one of her favorites. ...Between all of the grandparents, great grandparent, and aunts & uncles...I have NO idea what to get her for her birthday in 10 days. She doesn't need a thing!
Ties Galore!

My Grandma does like to repeat, so its kinda funny, all the boys got these Men's Manicure Sets.


Mr. Hendrix getting a big lick on Sarah Graces' face.

Sarah Grace looked so cute in her new clothes from Nana & Poppa! Everyone loved the outfit.

Every year my family does the same thing for Christmas Eve. We go over to my Grandma's and have a huge Christmas dinner and then exchange gifts. It's always so much fun, first of all, my Grandma is a fabulous cook, and secondly, well, she's really good at spoiling us. Although this year and think she was trying extra hard. I'm pretty sure every other gift was for Sarah Grace. We feel very blessed to have my Grandma so close and to be able to carry on these family traditions with her. She's a hoot!

Christmas with Nana & Poppa

I'm sorry to the owner of this blue toothbrush... oh and we LOVE the hat Michele, I can't get over how talented you really are!

Yummy Guacamole!

We had a wonderful visit with Nana & Poppa a couple of weeks ago. I think Sarah Grace loved being the center of attention and enjoyed being spoiled by them. We did lots of shopping, eating, talking, and reading. Oh and I think Sarah Grace was pulling either Nana or Poppa into the kitchen to sneak her some chocolate like... oh I don't know... every five minutes! She sure does miss them... reality has hit her now! haha Since they were here so close to Christmas we were able to have our own special "Christmas Evening" with them. Sarah Grace was very helpful in opening all of the presents for us. I absolutely adore the apron Judy made her and I still can't get over what a cute idea that gift was. I'm so excited to do some baking with Sarah Grace! We loved all of our gifts and more importantly we loved the time we had with our family. We love and miss yall so much!

2010...Here we come!

My New Year's Eve started off pretty rough when I woke up this morning at 3 with the worst pain I have EVER felt in my life. Labor & a c-section were nothing compared to the ear ache I had this morning. I could hardly open my eyes and I had a massive migraine to add to it. A quick trip to the doctors' office and I'm now loaded up on antibiotics. Yay! 2010 here I come... I'm ready to welcome you in even though I'm sick. I have lots of hopes, ambitions, fears, and surprises that I'm ready to fill the new year with. I've never really been one for making goals, especially at the beginning of the year. I always felt it was too cliche, well, I've changed my mind. I have too many things that I want to improve upon this year for myself and as a family. I'm excited for this "new beginning" and the chance to start over and maybe do some growing (not physically, haha.) I hope you all have a wonderful evening and an even better New Year. Maybe I'll post some of my goals a little later, I'm still trying to get Christmas up though, so don't hold your breath. haha


*Check out the moon tonight, supposed to be pretty cool!