Help!

Caution: This could get very long here!
Help! I've fallen off the face of the earth and I can't get back up! Actually, I've fallen off the face of the blogging earth. Every time I go to blog, I get distracted, or run out of time to actually put type to anything. I can't believe it's been so long since I posted last! So... let's backtrack a bit and get caught back up, shall we?

November ended with warm, fuzzy feelings and wonderful memories of family dinners and time spent together. We had our big Thanksgiving dinner with my side of the family and it was so great to see everyone again. We actually decided to combine it with our Christmas party as well since we normally have that the first weekend in Dec. Anyway, we always have a white elephant gift exchange, which is the highlight of the party if you ask the kids, both big and small. Everyone came home with some little trinket, whether they wanted it or not! I just have to say that I adore my extended family! We are large and loud, and sometimes go for months without seeing each other. That being said, I love each of them and feel so lucky to be a part of the Reese's Pieces.




I decided this year to start a new tradition with my own little (ahem!) family. Since we've moved into the married kids/in-laws stage of life I decided that instead of demanding their time for each holiday, that we would have our own family Thanksgiving dinner on the Friday after the holiday. That way they could enjoy time with both sides and hopefully no one will feel left out. So, Friday was another big turkey cooking, pie making, mashed potatoes and gravy kind of day. It was GREAT! We played and ate and played and then ate some more! I love my kids and I am so lucky to have a son and daughter-in-law that fit so perfectly into our clan. There really is nothing better than spending time with my kids and I really couldn't ask for more. Then on Saturday we decided to have a girls night out so I took everyone of the female kind to dinner and a chick flick. Another tradition I hope to continue. It was fun to have girl time and we giggled till our giggler was sore. What a great way to end the month of November!

December came with a bang as we threw ourselves into the holiday chaos. Jayson's football team played in the Top of the Mountains Bowl and came out victorious! It was a snowy, blustery day but we enjoyed every minute of it. (I praise the person who invented hand warmers and long johns!) Again, spending time with some of the fam was great!




December also brought a new adventure for me. J and I decided that to help with the finances of a large family it was time for me to find an outside job. Thus began my employment with Flying J! I work at the convenience store a few nights a week and although I wasn't too excited about it at first, it's become a nice little out for me. Gives me time for some adult convo and time to concentrate on other things besides responsibilities at home. I must say, I have the most incredible husband and he solidified that once I began working out of the home. I come home every time to a spotless house, dishes done, kids in bed and often times dinner waiting for me. I love that man!

Of course, Christmas was another wonderful holiday that brought more warm, fuzzies. Jayson and Jordan Lee spent the week leading up to Christmas with us and unfortunately we all ended up with a stomach bug. I hate getting sick at Christmas time and it inevitably happens every stinkin' year! Luckily no one was actually sick ON Christmas day but we were kind of quarantined the week of Christmas. Because of that we didn't get to do too much leading up to the holiday but we still enjoyed the time together, even if it was just taking turns in the bathroom!



In December we also opened our house to Cecy and Andy. Due to financial issues (insurance and the exorbitant cost of such) we decided to help them out for a bit with letting them move into one of the bedrooms in the basement. Jordan gave up his room since he was going to be moving down to Snow College at the first of the year and we've had a big sleepover ever since. I love having them here and all the kids love having someone else to pick on. Andy entertains them all and it's been a blessing to have Cecy here to help out. I know it won't be for too long, but I'm enjoying it in the mean time.

And thus ended the year 2009! I have high hopes for 2010!