New Years 2008

For the first time in years, like 7 years Derek and I went out. We put the kids to bed at 8:30 and had Meg come over at 9. We went over to Jimmy and Nicole McEachrin's to just hang out. We ended up taking Vanessa with us. Another couple was there and we planned on playing some games. A few of Derek's other friends showed so everyone sat around and talked. I actually ended up playing with Vanessa until she had had enough. I hoped she would have gone back to sleep but no luck. We ended up leaving early and getting home at 11:45. Vanessa fell asleep and Derek and I just lounged and played Mario Galaxy. I loved it. I like doing things with other couples but feel out of the loop when it is Derek's single friends around. When we move we hope to host a lot of things so that will be cool. We should be moving in the next two weeks. I hope that we do since Derek has already invited friends over for the Super Bowl.

I did make a few resolutions this year. They are the same as always

• lose those last 80 lbs of baby weight that are still hanging on.
• cut back on wasteful shopping. I spend too much money on crap.
• Eat healthy with the kids. They have my nasty candy habit/addiction.
• Attend church every Sunday and for all 3 hours. I think it will help now that I have been called to teach the 6/7 year old class. I think it is really important that Xavier and Eli get used to going to their own class and not being with me all the time.
• And just work on being a nicer, happier, all around better person.

Merry Christmas

We went to dinner at my parent's house Christmas Eve where we played games and opened presents from my parents. It was fun to get together with family. I do miss the days when I could play board games without interruption. 4:00 am Christmas morning I heard Alexandra and Xavier at my bedroom door all giggling with excitement which I quickly smashed with one word "No." They quieted down and waited patiently until 6 when they could no longer contain themselves. Derek got up and helped them search for their hidden stockings. Vanessa and I got up around 6:30 and we sat around waiting for Eli who got up around 7. Our kids got spoiled. Lots of clothes, games, cars, baby dolls, shoes, and toys. Vanessa got the cutest baby dolls but fought over the boys race cars. She has sine taken to them and likes to wrap them and give them their bottles. Alexandra was hooked up with clothes, mp3 player, Vtech laptop, dirtbike and helmet, and a DS. Eli and Xavier both got movies, cars raceway, drums Nerf guns, and my personal favorite Carnival for the Wii. Derek got some clothes and a Mario Galaxy and money. Derek surprised me with a mothers ring which is so beautiful. I also got money, clothes, earrings, a cactus, and a few other things. As a family we got bar stools. 46"LCD TV, and a new sectional. I cannot wait to move. The rest of the day we spent at home relaxing and playing with our new toys.

On another note of Christmas we watched the Santa Clause 3. In it Jack Frost is told that no one is allowed to upstage Santa at Christmas. It made me think how Santa has upstaged Jesus. I hope to try to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas as it is overlooked so often. I had a child at my house who looked at a picture of Jesus I have and I told her it was Jesus and she told me that Jesus is just a baby. It is not just his birth that is so important but his life and how he lived and died for all of us. Anyway I hope we can remember him all year.