Happy New Year!

It is crazy how fast time flies. Before I know it, Caleb will be off to college. I have never been one to set resolutions unless I know I will fulfill it. The last resolution I made was in 2007 and he was born in September of that year. I look back at this past year as a mother and it is an amazing gift. I never would have thought I had it in me. I never babysat or changed many diapers, but when people say "it comes naturally," they were absolutely right. I think I even surprised Kerry!

I have spent the past year as a SAHM (Stay at home mom for those of you not hip on the mom lingo!) working sporadically for sales reps who have graciously blessed me in my efforts to be with Caleb. I helped a friend find a baby to adopt so she could have a chance at motherhood.

I am proud of my accomplishments this year and look forward to more in the New Year. I already know my resolution for 2010 which I will have to begin sometime this year.

Wishing you all a new year of peace, hope, love and good health. God Bless!

A holly, jolly Christmas!

On Christmas Eve we tried to put up our traditional tree topper, but this year, he was not so willing. He screamed like he did on Santa's lap, but I had to try. He looked so great last year! He actually slept in til about 745 Christmas morning. No rush to see what Santa had left under the tree! We opened some presents at home before heading to Nana and Papa Snyder's for the day.

I got him a learning laptop this year since he loves to type on Mom and Dad's. It was the one present he said WOW for. Aunt Lindsay sent him a Finding Nemo ride/push toy which is also a favorite. I know Caleb does not understand what Christmas is all about just yet, or why he got a bunch of gifts one day. This year was different from last because Caleb could actually open presents and enjoy the many wonders of this holiday. Now I know why parents look forward to this day.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

The Wow of Christmas!

Caleb loves lights so I knew when Christmastime came around, he would be wowed by all of the festive decor! We took him to a neighborhood of mansions I had read about online and the minute we turn down the street..........WOW! I love to hear him say WOW! I too am impressed by the amount of effort people put into celebrating Christmas! I was impressed by the size of these houses really. Hidden little neighborhood of wealth I had never seen! As we headed back, we had passed another home on the corner that we had seen on our way in so we decided to stop. It was completely decorated, a winter wonderland to put it mildly. We drove past and we saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus sitting at the front! No wonder! It was Santa's house! We saw a small line of children waiting to sit on Santa's lap so we pulled over and joined the crowd. Caleb waited patiently in line as Kerry and I wondered what his reaction would be once he met this fine couple. They were handing out little toys and envelopes that the kids could deposit in their mailbox with their wish list. I was quite amazed at their amazing spirit for Christmas! What a wonderful way to give back to the community! Apparently they do this every year for the kids. Kerry made a joke about a kid coming back to the egg their house if Santa didn't bring what they wanted. I wonder how many kids come back unhappy after Christmas? I bet none.

It was finally our turn and Caleb was a little shy walking up to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I lifted him onto their laps and he immediately screamed! Mrs. Claus says the best pictures are taken even when they are upset. Kerry snapped a quick photo and she gave him a twisty straw. Happiness overcame. On the way home, he was full of joy as he played with his twisty straw. I love the WOW of Christmas. May your home be filled with many WOW'S this holiday season!