Our lives in 2008

Since I didn't send a Christmas letter this year I thought I might summarize our adventures here. We've had a lot to be grateful for.

Jeff is grateful that, through the miracle of traffic school, he yet again has a clean driving record. Work had led him on many travels and driving the speed limit all the way to the Salt Lake airport is more than he can bear. One morning this year he got dressed in a jacket and tie (unusual) and when I asked why he was so dressed up he mumbled "...uh..I have to go to court for a ticket..." That was just one incident I will mention.

He is also grateful to love his job at Cybersource and to have such a beautiful, talented and adoring wife who cooks delicious meals and runs an immaculate house. Really. He told me to say that.

Jeff is grateful for the snow so that he can take Caroline skiing every Saturday and grateful to have some time off to relax with the family this holiday season.

As for myself, I feel grateful to be livin' the dream every day (okay, so it's a little bit more like groundhog day).
I'm grateful to serve in the Stake Young Women's presidency in our church, grateful for my improving health (still struggling with Epstein Barr virus and esophogitus) and grateful for friends and family who I adore. Most importantly I'm grateful for my family- for my kick-in-the-pants girls and my awesome and handsome husband (and he didn't tell me to say that).

I'm grateful that I truly believe things are only going to get better for us all in 2009.
Merry Christmas!

Gracie in 2008

Today our little Gracie Baby turned two. Unbelievable.

She does all the things two year olds do, such as throwing things in the toilet, climbing into the tub fully clothed and turning it on, hiding plastic teapots in the oven (what's that burning smell???) etc. The most significant thing to notice about her is the amount she talks. I mean, this kid is a jabberjaw. Constant blabberling. Full sentences. I can't imagine where on earth she gets it, but this kid always has something to say. I kissed her tummy this week and she said, "No Mommy! No kiss on me tummy, kay?"

The other interesting thing about her is that she is a huge daredevil. She has the Jeff gene... and those of you who know what I'm talking about know what I'm talking about. We feel so lucky to have her huge spirit in our family!

the dismount

The first ten times she did this my heart pounded with motherly fear, but now she could jump off the refrigerator and I wouldn't bat an eyelash.

Brinley in 2008

Our sweet girl started Kindergarten (or as we call it, "Brindergarten") and began a piano prep class with our piano teacher. She played rec league soccer, although the highlight for her was scoring a goal and then running on until her head got stuck in the net. Two parents and the coach had to untangle her. Let's just say that her interests lie elsewhere...

She loves her little sister, loves playing with friends and loves eating treats.

Caroline skiing 1 - 2008-12-22

While doing the dishes I glanced out the kitchen window to see Caroline skiing in the back yard. I died laughing. These little surprises are what keep me falling in love with her.

Caroline took ski lessons every Saturday last winter and was moved into the teenage class by the end. She is brave like her dad (not like me).

December Piano Recital

A natural musician, Caroline performed Minuet in G today. Her strength is playing by ear - she will sit for an hour and figure out songs, complete with the right chords. Our goal is to practice 40 minutes before school each day, but often she's been up so late reading she can't quite get up in time. I love listening to her play!

Caroline in 2008

As busy as a bee and as sweet as sugar, Caroline turned ten, started fifth grade, played city soccer, took skii lessons, got straight A's and read over 100 books. She is a natural mother: attentive and nurturing with Gracie and bossy with Brin. She loves it when I tell her that having her around is like having another one of myself.