And Happy New Year

I haven't updated in a while, so I'd better get to it!

I've been pretty preoccupied with Christmas, my mom being in the hospital with blood clots, the new year, my mom being in the hospital for a hysterectomy, my children and my mom's upcoming chemotherapy.  Phew....I'm a little tired, but happy and grateful for my life and for the opportunities that I have.  My family is the best.  My friends are the best.  My life is the best.  I'm truly blessed.

Here are the kids with my mom just after she came home from the hospital with blood clots in her longs.  It was a surprise visit, the day after we sent her home after Christmas.  She is doing well though.  It was fun for the kids to see her so much in such a short period of time.  They were also able to spend some time with the Ravsten's while I was at the hospital with my mom.  We love our grandparents!  Christmas was fantastic.  Aren't these some cute little monkeys?!  I love them so much.  Everyone loved their gifts and Santa spoiled them right.  We spent the day with my mom and with our sweet Thelma.  It was a wonderful  Christmas day.

Alex is eight months old now and just today, starts to crawl!  He's the first of my kids that crawled before walking!  He's close to walking too as he cruises down the couch and into the kitchen now.  He's growing up so fast.  I just love holding him and snuggling with him.  He's a wonderful kid.  Ethan is nearing three and officially starts preschool in about two weeks!  He is such a tease and makes everyone laugh.  He's a spunky one, as you all (that know him) are aware.  We love him so much and he definately keeps us busy and laughing.  He's in gymnastics right now and loves it.  He's also going to start a basketball class next month.  Oh the opportunitiesthat open up once you turn three!  Also, he's obsessed with Star Wars and Darth Vader still!  Kedzie just finished up another dance class where she performed to the Chiquita Banana song.  It was so cute!  She's now in gymnastics with her friend Lindie.  They have so much fun together.  She LOVES pre-school with Mrs. McDonald and draws, teases, plays with horses and princesses, and uses her imagination beyond anything I can imagine!  It's fantastic.  She tries to carry Alex all over the house.  We're not sure if he likes it or not!  But, she does it.

Anyway, life is good.  We are looking forward to Ethan and Kedzie's birthdays in the next two weeks.  We'll be celebrating with all of their friends (a list of 20 kids so far!) and the next week we'll be back to Utah to celebrate with Grandparents and cousins at Chuck E Cheese's.  Oh what a great life we have.