Christmas!

As a family we had the most amazing Christmas this year. It was so fun that Johanna finally realized what was going on, and was anticipating Santa's arrival. When she woke up Christmas morning had risen on the wrong side of the bed, but as I coaxed her down the hallway she became even more agitated, but that all ended as rapidly as it had begun when she saw the suprise of the year (the red & yellow car)!

Kippie, as you could probably imagine, was far more interested in the paper and bows than the contents of his presents.... He was quite content sitting with Gopa and playing with the beautiful paper.

Gobbie also had an amazing suprise in store for Big Joe on Christmas. She had purchased a snow-boarding outfit that Joe had been eyeing since September. He had hidden it throughout Big 5 hoping that nobody would buy it, and that he could get it on clearance. Well, with the help of his co-workers Gobbie was able to purchase the snowsuit, and have it ready for him. What was really funny was that Joe mourned the loss of the snowsuit the night Gobbie bought it, and his co-workers egged him on....little did he know.....

This picture really does say a thousand words.....another funny side note, after opening this gift he proceeded to wear the suit the rest of the night (in Gobbie's warm house)...

This is an image of Gobbie in her new onion goggles, the funny gift of the evening (thanks Brenda Bee)
I also realized that although my parents are separated and in the process of divorcing, it really doesn't mean that my life has to change all the much. It has been a year since they separated and although I am still so saddened by their relationship's demise, I know that it doesn't change their love for me, or their desire to maintain our relationship. I am so grateful to them as a pair, and also separately . I have the most wonderful, generous, and kind-hearted parents a person could ask for. I am also very grateful that I live in Utah and am able to see my parents and siblings so frequently, I know that Joe is always saddened that he isn't able to be with his family through the Holidays, but it is through his sacrifice that was are raising our children in such a stable and comfortable existence. So Thank You Family, and Most of All Thank You Joe!

Forgotten Carols

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a function called the "Forgotten Carols" which is a compilation of songs written by a a local man. The "Forgotten Carols" are meant to help put the focus back on the important parts of the holiday season, remind us what Christmas is really about. I think that I would have loved to see the rest of it, but Johanna had something else planned. She started throwing one of the most amazing 2 year old fits that I have ever seen, and she has thrown some good ones in her day. So, as politely and quietly as possible we left the show. On the way home I was grumbling about Johanna's behavior, and having to miss what was going to be a wonderful night. It was then that I realized that I had gotten something from the program. I was reminded in that moment that I am lucky to have a two-year old beautiful baby girl sitting in the back seat kicking my chair, I am lucky to have a husband who loves me despite driving me crazy, and I am lucky to have family around me who care about me. I am fortunate and God loves me, and he knows me. So as I sit here tonight, dealing with the terrible two's, I know that I am blessed.

Vote For Kippie!

Kippie is entered in a cute halloween baby contest, so please follow this link and vote for him : http://www.971zht.com/pages/halloween/cuties08/vote-02.html
He is entry #141
Thanks a ton!

OBAMA!!!!

I am sitting on my bed right now with tears running down my face because I finally feel like I have a VOICE! Obama has been my candidate from the very beginning because of the focus that he puts on helping the average American family. I am also hopeful that we will strengthen this country for my children. And now, I can tell my bi-racial children with conviction that they can be anything (including the next president)! I am overjoyed that Obama has come out victorious!
And I am so sad for his Grandmother, that she did not have the opportunity to see this election, and watch the political history that he has made!
Bless America!!!

Fall Fun!!!

It has been such a hectic month that I just realized that the last time I posted was the beginning of the month... Johanna is learning to use the potty by herself, it is so much fun to see her sense of accomplishment when she uses the potty! I didn't realized that she would use the phrase "I need to go potty!" as a manipulation tool, but every night at bedtime we spend an extended period on the toilet... Sometimes she is too smart for her own good.

As you can see, Johanna was a witch and Kippie was a monkey for Halloween. I thought this year Jo would be interested in trick-or-treating, but I was mistaken. We ended up at Mudd and Whistle's house (Jo's paternal great-grandparents) exploring, and playing with Whistle's cool dolls... Well at least the house isn't filled with candy.

These pictures are of the annual pumpkin carving celebration at Gobbie's, where Cole and Aly tried to out-do their masterpiece from last year, however I think that will be coming with a new game plan for next year. Johanna was only interesting in moving the pumkin guts from one place to another, but hey she was having fun.

Aunt Ali had fun burying Jo in the leaves and teaching her how to crunch and throw them around.

Isn't this priceless! Cole and Kippie, relaxing on Gobbie's porch...

Joe had the opportunity to go to Atlanta this month to spend some time with his cousins, and enjoy Moorehouse's homecoming celebration. In this picture he is with Joseph (left) and his cousin Angie. They had a great time, and will probably head to ATL every October to reunite as a family.


So although I can't believe that October has come and gone without many opportunities to document our progress, I am glad to say that it has been a very eventful month. I love that my life goes on without major turmoil that is present in so many people's lives right now. I am also grateful that I have such wonderful people in my life.

P.S. I hope you foot is beginning to feel better Ma-Mah! We love and miss you!!!