2008 in Review

I apologize for being AWOL... I've known where I was, and that wasnt' on the computer. I've been playing and napping and reading - going to bed early and actually going to sleep, going to movies, shopping and playing with new toys... it's been a great break from the computer but I've missed writing and am overwhelmed with what I haven't blogged.

Christmas has been amazing. The kids have had a fantastic time and Santa did not disappoint. My parents were in town which we've all enjoyed, it's nice to have an extra four hands to help with chores and playing alike. Christmas Eve we dedicated the kids in the church. It's usually done when a child is an infant, but for some reason I felt compelled to wait until our family was complete to do the service as a family. Not the least of that service was the people who came to the survice to support us; all four parents, Steve's aunt and uncle, two cousins and their families, Amy and Andrew were all there to witness the girls ignoring prayer time to jump up and down and bang on the mic of the pulpit. After that we went to A&A's for a little while, then home to open one present each and rush to bed. I thought we were in for trouble when Wen started to whine... I stopped rummaging under the tree for the right presents to look at her and ask "What's wrong? why are you whining?" to which she stomped her feet and demanded "PRESENT!" OMG. But the next morning that attitude was no where to be seen. She seemed in awe, asking me each time she pulled a wrapped item out of her sock if she could open it.

Christmas morning was magical as always. These ages are fun b/c they are easily pleased. They tell me what they want, those things are reasonable, and they are thrilled when they see their gifts. Elliot got a DS, which he was so certain he would get, he wasnt' even surprized. It was even blue. Jack opened each gift and remarked "THIS was on my list!" The day was capped with some Wii playing which resulted in burnt dinner that was still edible. We've coasted since, attending basketball games, shopping, movies ("Bed.time Stories" was very cute) and eating. We head out tomorrow to Moncton for some play time at Cry.stal Palace and the hotel pool.

What a flurry of activity to end a roller coaster of a year. 2008 has been the best and worst... The Wait was aweful but the reward this fall has been nothing short of a miracle. Steve was cheated out of a huge sum of pay, but we've kept our heads above water and are still chugging along. Our four kids are home, healthy and happy which is the most important blessing we could have asked for. Our hopes are for a less exciting 2009!

Have a safe New Years, and be sure to believe your dreams can come true!

N