DECEMBER 24, 2009 - CHRISTMAS EVE WITH CHRIS' FAMILY

Christmas Eve. Rowan and Isabel were excited about going to Blondie Grandma's house Christmas Eve. This year Chris' family decided to have a dinner because this could be our last Christmas here in San Antonio with everyone. It was nice to spend time with all of the family and the nieces and nephews, and great nephew. Of course for Rowan didn't want to eat because he was just too excited about opening presents. Some of the pictures Rowan took and they came out pretty good.

Rowan and Isabel all ready to start Christmas!!! On our way to grandma's house.



Rowan, Isabel and Chris put this ginger bread house together. It came out pretty good. The kids were so proud of it. I think we will make this a tradition every year.


Liz, Chris' Dad, Damon along with our nieces Briana, Hailey, Kelsey and our nephew Dylan

Auntie Deanna getting the kids ready for gift opening time.


Rowan and Isabel opening presents.

Our niece Megan and our great nephew Gage opening presents. Doesn't he look cute with that bow on his head.


Nolan opening his gift from us. We bought him a dragon. He is into dragons right now. And Kristin opening her presents. We bought her music composition books for Phantom of the Opera and one with classics. She has become a beautiful piano player. She is really really good. Both of my nieces, Kristin and Briana are very talented. Briana learned how to play the guitar in 6 short months and plays very well and writes her own songs. Very impressive. I wish I had a pic/video of her playing.


Niece Kelsey and newphew Darian opening presents.


This is a picture Rowan took of me.


Here's Chris, Deanna, Liz, and Damon. Unfortunately Julie is missing from this picture but we were all thinking about her.


Chris and Uncle Gabriel. Gabe stopped by Chris' mom's house to bring Rowan and Isabel presents.


Isabel and Rowan opening uncle Gabriel's presents. Rowan got GI Joe (he was so excited) and Isabel two swim suit Barbies.

What a great day everyone had. It is nice to spend the holidays with love ones.

DECEMBER 2009 - ROWAN'S CLASS CHRISTMAS PARTY

I love going to Rowan's class. He gets so excited when we go to do his school parties. He also gets really excited with Isabel there. He likes showing her off to his friends and introducing her to the class. I have never seen him so proud. It was almost like Isabel was a show-in-tell object. Isabel fit in like she has always been in that class. She is really looking forward to starting school next school year. I know that she will do really well, of course right she thinks she will have Rowan's teacher. Little does she know that it won't happen.
The kids are just growing up too fast.

DECEMBER 2009 - CHRIS' WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY

Well here are some pics of Chris' work Christmas party. The kids had a lot of fun sitting on Santa's lap and playing arounds with the kids.

December 19, 2009 - ENCHANTED ROCK

Well today we went to Enchanted Rock for the day with the kids. Chris and I haven't been to Enchanted Rock since we were married. So I hadn't gone up that Rock in 10 years. Of course going back there does bring back memories of when I was a single adult. We went up there a few times as a single adult group and I remember having such a blast, especially when we went through the caves. But this time we went as a family. Chris at first really wanted to go camping but I convinced him that this was not the time to go, so he settled on the day trip to Enchanted Rock. Rowan had a lot of fun. He climbed that rock like he was a mountain goat. He was all over the place. It was fun to watch him. Isabel she had fun but the klutz that she is fell down 4 times and landed on her hands. Poor thing. But she still had fun climbing and sliding down the rocks. Afterwards we went into the town of Fredericksburg and walked around. We stopped at a few shops and of course by this time the kids have had enough and were ready to go. But we all had a blast and it was nice to spend sometime as a family. So here are a few pictures of the trip.









This picture brings back memories of being in Germany at Christmas time. Chris and I both miss Germany. We both like to go back sometime in the near future, especially before the kids start going to high school.

DECEMBER 13, 2009 - JESSICA'S BIRHTDAY

Well today I turn 35-years old. Althought I don't feel like I am getting older nor do I look it really, except for the fact that yes I could stand to lose some weight, I feel pretty young. You know you are getting older when your doctor tells you to increase your fiber, so yes I am getting older. Oh well, I guess I can look forward to the next few years and then see how I am feeling when I reach 40. But today was a pretty good day, Chris came back from OCS on Saturday and so we celebrated my birthday yesterday. He bought me another Vera Bradley bag which I love and so all and all not a bad birthday.

DECEMBER 5, 2009 ROWAN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Today my baby boy turned six years old. To celebrate we had a party for him which he had a lot of fun being with his cousins and his family. Of course Rowan didn't like his cake because he informs me that he does not like chocolate. The kid is crazy who doesn't like chocolate cake but apparently he doesn't. But he did enjoy opening presents. It is hard to believe that in two short years Rowan will be getting baptized. It just seems like yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures with my camera because the battery died, but I used my niece's camera so pictures will be coming soon once I get the pics from her.

DECEMBER 5, 2009 ROWAN'S BIRTHDAY

Today, six years ago Rowan was born on this day into our family. I remember when I was told that I was having a boy I was not too excited since I really wanted a girl first, but instead I had boy and he has brought a lot of joy to our family. He was such a cute baby with those big blue eyes, which are hard to miss, he can just melt your heart. I love his great big smile because he can always make you smile. He just has a personality that is full of life. It is amazing how quickly they grow up. It is hard to imagine that in two years my baby boy will be baptized. Sometimes I wish I could slow down the growing process. I will say he is a lot of fun to be around. He has so much energy and love. He is doing well in school and I am really proud of him. I hope he knows how much we love him and how proud we are to be his parents. I look forward to seeing what kind of man he will become and I hope and pray that he will stay close to the gospel. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROWAN. MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU.

NOVEMBER 26, 2009 - THANKSGIVING DAY

Today is Thanksgiving, and although Chris is away from his family I hope he knows we are all thinking of him. Today I have to say that I am very grateful for all that we have, for Rowan and Isabel and craziness they bring to our family. I am grateful for the sacrifices Chris makes for his family. I know that we will be blessed for all the sacrifices we make. I am also grateful for my family and for Chris' family for the love and support they give us. So with that said, I didn't get to take a lot of pictures on this day but here are a few. We unfortunately didn't make it to Chris' family's house for Thanksgiving. It can be difficult to make all the rounds sometimes.

I am sure my sister won't be too happy about me posting these pics.

NOVEMBER 18, 2009 DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Well we decided to put the Christmas tree and decorate the house before Chris leaves for OCS since he won't be back until just before Christmas. Rowan and Isabel had a lot of fun getting the ornaments out and putting them on the tree. I really enjoy Christmas time. I am glad that the kids were able to spend that night with Chris before he leaves.