All good things must come to an end

Christmas break is over. My, how quickly two weeks of vacation can speed by. My stomach is turning just thinking of starting back to the old routine tomorrow. Our two weeks have been a whirlwind. We started the break off by going to San Diego with Nate and Emily and Brent and Kim to watch the Broncos in the Poinsettia bowl. San Diego was beautiful and we had a great time with our friends, but the outcome of the game was sorely disappointing.

Christmas was spent in Twin Falls with the McBride family. Grandma McBride always goes out of her way to make things special. She had delicious meals prepared, lots of goodies, gifts and surprises for the kids, like a visit from Santa, and more. We had fun visiting with Robert's siblings and catching up on many movies we hadn't seen during the year such as, Mama Mia and Iron Man.

We came home a few days after Christmas to relax and just be. We did nothing but play with our new toys, watch Christmas movies, and enjoy some time as a family. It was so nice to sleep in, be lazy, and have no schedule or place to be.

New Year's Eve we headed over to Pocatello and partied with friends. New Year's Day we spent with my parents, Stan and Nichole and family. We went to an ISU basketball game and watched the Bengals win in over time by one point at the buzzer! We slept out at Stan's house and always enjoy their beautiful home on the mountain. The kids love playing with their cousins and the opportunity to see and feed the horses. Friday we met my parents for one last meal at grandpa's restaurant and then hit the road for home.

Last night Clint and Amy came over and watched our kids while we went out. It is so nice to have them here and swap kids once in awhile. We know they're in good hands, they love to see their cousins, and the babysitting is free! We picked up our good friends the Seversons and went to Thai food and then to the Ram for dessert. We always enjoy their company and find ourselves in thought provoking conversations that leave me thinking and wanting to work at being a better friend, wife and mother.

So, the New Year is here and I am ready for change. I am ready to start the year off fresh and set some goals. Every year I set both a physical and spiritual goal. The physical might just be to run a marathon, however, I am not sure! The challenge really frightens me. For now, I will sign up for Ogden's half and try to beat my time from last year. I think I might try to get into St. George's marathon. If I get in, I will do it! Spiritually, I plan to focus on the same thing as our Primary theme, eternal families. I have set a few goals that I think will be helpful to us as a family, build our relationships, bring us closer, and help us serve and love one another more.

So, this is it...the last day of Christmas break. I am off to take down the Christmas decor, making it all final! But, as I do, I am looking forward to 2009 and doing my best to make it a great year!

Christmas 2008