Finally, Christmas 2008!  We had a wonderful time.  The boys were excited to start the day with new stockings from Santa that he himself placed in their rooms, and then to find that he enjoyed the cookies!  He was also kind enough to leave a thank you note, and reminding the boys to take care of their Mommy that day, that she would probably be pretty tired.  He is so considerate!

The boys got some great things, Michael has been wanting a "T-Rex Rampage", which Santa remembered.  He also got a new robe, some jackets, puzzle, new V-smile game, and some special pins from Disney World courtesy of Mom.  

Nathan got some new games for his Nintendo, puzzle, bathrobe, superman t-shirt, and also got some special pins from Disney.  

I recieved some awesome "Aquaglobes" from Nathan.  They are these beautiful stained glass bulbs that you fill up with water and stick in your plants.  I have always wanted some!  I am always too lazy to water my plant.  Now I can get another one, as I have two globes!  Michael got me a cute pillow that says "Our Home Sweet Home", as well as making me a cute snowman in school.  

Tony and his girls came over in the afternoon, and we had lots of great food.  The girls got a Wii for Christmas, so I bough them the Guitar Hero for it.  Needless to say, they were pretty siked about it.  The boys got some great toys that you build from Tony, and an electronic dartboard.  I made a nice photo book for Tony of our past trip this summer to Disney World, and got him some tickets to a show downtown.  He bought me some beautiful pearls, along with a cozy down bathrobe and slippers.  We had a great time, and stuffed ourselves silly while the kids all competed with the Guitar Hero in the living room!

Last night all of us went up to the Christmas Ranch.  It is a 5 acre ranch a local dentist owns not far from here.  He goes crazy with his lights every year, and takes donations for the Ronald McDonald House.  You can see their website at thechristmasranch.com.  

Merry Christmas to everyone, we hope you have a safe New Years!  We wish you happiness, health and good fortune in 2009!

Love, Christine, Nathan and Michael

Michael was VIP!

Michael was VIP for the week in his class!  He and  I sat down, and made a posterboard that talked all about his favorite things, his family, etc.  We decorated it with glue and pictures.  It was a fun little project.  He got up in front of the class and talked about his family, and all his favorite activities.  The last day of the week, his brother and I came in with some treats for everyone, as well as a craft project.  (I don't think the teacher was pleased with my project-24 kids, lots of messy glue, glitter, you do the math).   We had fun just the same.  They all sang a VIP song to him, and he got to pick out a prize at the end.  It was a great time, and my little helper, Nathan was the best.  He has really matured a lot lately, and enjoys having responsibilites.  

Christine

A lesson in giving...

Lately we (the boys and I) have been discussing over dinner what we're thankful for.  We are so blessed to have our health, a warm roof over our head, nice toys, a job, etc.  I am thankful for my loved ones, and that my boys are happy and healthy.  The paper came out with the annual wish list, showing many people less fortunate than us.  I talked it over with the boys, and we decided we wanted to help one of the families.  We decided to help a little boy named Idrise, who lives with his Grandmother.  He is battling sickle cell anemia, and recently lost his Father to the disease.  His Mother is dying of thyroid cancer.   I was really proud of the boys.  Michael needed a little convincing when I told him we were going to make some cards for Idrise, and send him some money.  I could see the little wheels turning around in his head for a minute, but he finally saw the light!  The boys sat down, and made some nice pictures for Idrise, and I wrote him a little card as well.  They were very proud of themselves in the end, and it was a nice little lesson in giving.  

I'm not perfect.  I've spent a lot of time on myself over the past years, I've spoiled myself as well as my boys.  But I hope I can at least raise two young men who know they were lucky, loved, and know the meaning of giving, and gratitude.  

To our friends and family; thank you for your support over the years.  We are thankful to have you in our hearts and in our lives.  

Merry Christmas,

Christine, Nathan, and Michael