WELCOME 2009 (click for photos)

We have the same amount of time we've always had it just seems to fly quicker than normal! We are having so much fun. Phil has been off work since Dec. 24th. We've had some great time with our families, with the kids and even with each other! Christmas is once again a blur however. Next year some changes will be made!!!

There are so many things to share about our experience of the last month: Watching Charli grow so fast - 22 lbs., smiles all the time (especially for the camera - Alicia you will love it!), waving goodbye, saying "hi" (i think :-)), signing Mama, crawling...Purchased our Disney passes for the year! The kids have been putting their money in all year! So proud of them! Phil surprised us with an overnight at the Florida Mall for shopping! SO MUCH FUN! I think this will become a tradition! Thanks honey!Elli planned ahead and made several gifts for us. They are my favorite! (My 10 year old amazes me!) Riley is taking a time out for a month of asking "Can I..." He is working on his thinking of others instead of thinking of #1. He asked me "is it ok if I ask you for a strawberry. I said thanks for asking and no. Please wait for it to be offered. It seems a bit harsh (i know mom- such a softy :-)) but I can see the fruits of it already! Such a smart boy! The kids received so many wonderful gifts of love from our family and friends!I too love receiving cards and pictures of your families!I actually planned and followed through, on time, with a gift I made for our parents (Phil & Linda yours in on it's way :-)) progress! Hanging out with our neighbors - Henriette and Martin (lots of praying for them) Singing Away in a Manger with my Elli at CalvaryREALLY enjoyed the time we spent with our families this year! Even more than usual! His Kids (our Homeschool group) has come to a close - as I look through our pictures of the last several years I realize how much time and how many awesome experiences we have had with those wonderful people - we will miss it! Spending lots of time on our new elyptical (lot of calories being burned in this family - even by the "bag of bones") Enjoying Ping - our family pet! Riley is loving it! (our sweet little duckling was the only survivor of a brutal attack - our hearts broke, yes even mine, for that little guy as he sat and looked over his maimed siblings) A movie date (Bedtime Stories) with the big kids - thanks mom and dad for hanging out with Charli CharMy favorite thing of all - a date with my sweet husband! Boogie boarding at the beach, napping on the beach, starbucks - you are a good chess player!, buy 1 get 1 Tropical cafe, spa & HOME time, Get fired up - painting a new family butter dish, dinner at Sue and Joe's! - Thanks Gma and Gpa Jones for the free day! Wasn't it AMAZING Phil! God is doing great things in our relationship! All glory to Him! Thanks you Lord!

New years resolution - If I must commit to one - is something God has layed heavy on my heart for this year! I won't go into any detail. I'll only say that if we can't LOVE our families then how can we truly LOVE those in the world! So, God give me strength and patience as I move through life LOVING those you blessed me with and give them a desire to LOVE you! I also pray that those individuals would be able to see past my faults and hear the words you place in my mouth! I am looking forward to the year! To what God has planned and watching our lives grow closer to His!

I wish for you Love and a Happy New Year to you all!