giving in...

So I finally caved. I started and finished the Twilight series a few weeks ago and have to admit that it was excellent. It was very well written and easy to read. It was one I had a hard time putting down. I also liked the fact that I was able to read all four books in a quick sequence – I didn’t have to wait for the next one to come out so I was completely enthralled with it for about 2 weeks. I had to force myself to wait to read it at work so I would have something to do all night. So if anyone has any suggestions on another gripping series let me know…I’m looking. AND, I finally signed up for facebook since all my friends were on it…and I still have no idea what its purpose and I still haven’t quite figured out how to work it but I’m trying to learn and I’m finally on facebook.

Some friends came down last weekend and spent the day with us. It was so good to see them and we had so much fun. The kids especially enjoyed their visit but I think Duchess was the most excited to see them. Wishing we could together more often.

I guess since this blog is for my children to read one day I would regret not expressing my feelings on the recent inauguration of our 44th president. Although he was not my choice and I did not vote for him, I have high expectations of him and for all that he has said he wishes to accomplish. He is now my president and as an American he deserves my respect and cooperation. I watched the ceremony and I was filled with emotion and love for my country and what it stands for. It was truly an amazing event that should have made every American proud of their country and heritage. I am grateful to President Bush for all that he has accomplished in his 8 years as commander in chief. I feel he made the best decisions he knew to make and was pleased to see him finally stand up for himself and not apologize for those decisions. While I may not have agreed with everything he did I have no doubt that his intentions were for the greater good and this country did not get to where we are at the hands of George Bush alone. He accepted responsibility and he is a good man. I will likewise hold President Obama accountable for the decisions he chooses to make for myself, my family and the nation. I am hopeful that if the choices President Obama makes puts our country in harms way or into further vulnerability (national security or economic), that the masses that created him and called the rest of us ignorant, will hold him to the same criticism and scrutiny that they have done with President Bush. There must come a time of accountability for President Obama and his actions, I am hoping that he is all he claims to be and will afford him the opportunity, without bias, to deliver the hope he seems to believe is missing….for now I hope I am proven wrong.

catch up....

So it seems I’m on the 30 day plan. Writing only once a month is not good for the reason that I started this blog. And since my son refuses to let me take photos of him (this is his idea of posing for photos.....) so I have none of him to share. I have been keeping track of all the memories we made over that last month or so and these are a few of my favorites….

1) every year we keep loose change around to put in the salvation army buckets and every year I have tried to tell N why we do it. This year started out no different. The outcome however was unexpected and touching. We were discussing it as we were walking into Wal-Mart and after he dropped his change in and exchanged a “merry christmas” with the bell ringer he turned to me just inside the door and said: Mom that felt so good! He was so disappointed the first time we went out and there were no buckets to drop money in.

2) Once the presents started showing up under the tree he started packing them around the house. He brought me one and this was our conversation: N: mom, I hope this is my favorite thing. Me: and what would your favorite thing be? N: it’s in this box!!!

3) D’s parents have “Christmas” at their house with all his brothers and their families. We have dinner and open presents. When N opened his gift from Coach and Nana he exclaimed: Its what I always wanted!!

4) A understood what was going on this year and she figured out that under the wrapping were toys and other things she probably wanted. But in true A fashion she managed to get everyone to do the work for her and just play with the toys!

5) Having Grandpa for Christmas…..

6) Spending time with the dogs in the 70+ degree weather!

7) Watching A trying to play Lego Star Wars on the Wii…too funny - its on my list to video

8) Watching A enjoy her horses…..she absolutely loves them!

We are finally feeling a little more settled here in our new home. We really like the ward but miss our friends and family a lot. I didn’t think that this little amount of distance would separate us so much but it has and I feel badly about it. I am hoping to find more time once we settled in our new schedule to spend with them. Hoping everyone had as wonderful holiday as we did!!!