Christmas Vacation

After much anticipation and planning, we made it to California for Christmas. We really wanted it to be a surprise for most of our family members as they were not expecting us to go "home" for the holiday season; so we told only a select few. We left at 10:00PM on Sunday the 21st and arrived in Rancho Cucamonga at 5:30PM Monday. *side note: driving 19 hours through the night is not a bad way to go; that is if you're not pregnant.* Mason did pretty good. He didn't sleep as long as we had hoped for, but for our first road trip with a toddler, he didn't do too bad. The drive itself was ok. I had to drive through a blinding snow storm in the middle of the night for part of it, which is actually pretty scary.

So, on Monday night we surprised Matt's mom when we met them for dinner. We were waiting at the restaurant and sent Mason running up to her when they walked in the door. We stayed with Matt's parents through Christmas day and did our after-Christmas shopping. After Mason's nap we traveled up to Apple Valley to surprise my mom and brothers. As we were coming upon the house I called her to talk about Christmas and see if her package had arrived yet. We had Mason waiting at the front door when they opened it to check. Of course she started to cry and my brother Bryan was also pleasently surprised. My other brother Jason had told us that he had a suspision that we were coming.

After our August trip to California we were so exhausted and felt that we didn't get any quality time with one group of people. So, we spent most of our time with our families which was so great. We did however manage to get together a couple of nights with some old friends...and we're so glad we were able to do that. We left California on January 2nd and allowed ourselves to take 2 days getting back, so we arrived home on Saturday 11PM.

Thank you to all our family, whom we love and miss dearly, and to all of our friends through which we have been so blessed to know you.

here the link for pictures of our Christmas time.

2008 Christmas Newsletter and Pictures

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

This time of year...

it sure is busy. There are so many parties and gatherings to go to, so much shopping and organizing to do. I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now with everything there is to do. I think probably because this year I have to have my shopping and wrapping done earlier as to ship the presents off in time for Christmas. Christmas has to happen earlier. But, to be a little more optimistic, let's look at something joyful...
And as I think about the near future, this baby is not far off from entering our world. I like to think that I'm well-informed and am anticipating all the changes that will come, but there's a part of me that is scared that I have no idea of what is to come. I'm so tired these days from not sleeping well; and it's a glimpse into the future. I haven't forgotten the little to no sleep stage of an infant. I don't want to be that irritable person who snaps at her husband and children. Those days are not fun. I want to be able to enjoy the innocence of a newborn and watch with joy as Mason learns about his new brother. I'm excited, but also so nervous.

White, Snowy Beauty

I think we've all had an opportunity to be in the mountains on vacation in winter and experience the snow. But nothing compares to that when you wake up in your own bed to look out the window and everything is covered in a blanket of white powder. And what's even more interesting is the first time you have to shovel snow to get to your car, and shovel the driveway so you can get your car out. The city doesn't plow residential streets, so for the first time you have to drive, correction- idle, down the street so as not to lose control.

Thanksgiving

Our first holiday here in Colorado and it was spent without family. It was a little sad, because I'm used to spending the entire day and evening with our family. However, we did spend Thanksgiving with somebody's family. Most of you know that we have friends here that we knew in California, the Osterbergs. They have been our surrogate family since being here, and they were kind enough to invite us to their family dinner. So, we weren't alone and it was nice to be included with a family for such a family-centered holiday. Follow this link for more pictures from our Thanksgiving day.

A First for Malinda

I cooked my first turkey this weekend! We wanted to be sure to have turkey after, so we went ahead and bought our own and cooked it up. The only problem I ran into was it not being quite done. I cooked it upside down and put the meat thermometer in the bottom of the bird, which is less thick than the breast. So, the thermometer said it had reached it's temperature, when in actuallity it had not. Matt started cutting it up and realized this. So, we had to put it back in the oven for a while. But, when it was all done, it had good flavor and was moist; which is usually the most critical point. Here's a pic of the bird before we cooked it up some more. Matt was kind enough to take a picture before he chopped it up.

First Snow

Last Friday, the 14th, we woke up to snow on the ground!! It wasn't very much, just a little dusting. But, never had I experienced that before, unless I was in Big Bear. I can't wait for the first time we wake up to everything blanketed in snow! How exciting!!

Hello, Again!

Well- we're back (hopefully)! I know it's been a long time since I've given you any exciting stories. And I've missed it actually; being aware of crazy and funny things that happen throughout the days and turning them into enjoyable reads. So let's recap, shall we (be sure to click the link to see pictures)...

Our trip to California wasn't long enough. We were so busy, I felt we didn't even have time to visit long enough with anyone. The first thing we did when we left the airport was drive to an In-N-Out. We spent 3 days with Malinda's parents in Apple Valley. We celebrated Mason's birthday with her whole family. While in the area, we were fortunate enough to make it to our friends' (Brian & Kristine) wedding. Then we spent the next 4 days down in Upland/Glendora area. Monday we got to visit with our old small groups. Tuesday we went to Disneyland with our friends the Garlands. Though sadly, Mason was in rare form and at lunch we found out why when he threw up. I know, throwing up at D-land, how tragic. Although, he seemed to be feeling much better afterwards, so we hurriedly got pics of Mason with some characters and then headed "home". Wednesday we were able to spend the day with Matt's parents and so we went to Sea World. Mason's at such a great age to be able to get excited about seeing and participating in certain things. After Sea World we enjoyed a nice dinner at Anthonoy's Fish Grotto with a view overlooking the ocean.

Then the next day we left. So, there are things that we definitely learned from and hopefully or next trip back will be smoother sailing. I have discovered that aside from family and friends, the two things I miss about California, 1)In-N-Out and 2)the beaches.

The next major event was us moving again. We are officially out of the original house we were staying in. We are now officially renting the place we are in now, and it feels more like home; since we've been able to unpack our lives and put pictures up on the walls. Our place in California has no hope of selling anytime soon. And that's a reality we've accepted and are dealing with. For those of you who do not yet have our new address: 1430 Silk Oak Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80525
Although, don't write it in pen, because we will be moving again within a year.

And so, I guess the next event would bring us to the celebratory season that just passed...Halloween. We carved pumpkins this year; and it was much more work than I remember. A task that I now know is too big for a two year-old. *As I wrote that last sentence, I realized that a lot of the things I think will be fun for Mason to participate in, actually turn out to be a frustrating non-enjoyable situation. Take for example, this morning. I thought he might like to make cut-out sugar cookies with me, well he did enjoy it, but it got out of hand and I had to cut him off.* For Halloween, we dressed Mason up as a train conductor. I know he didn't understand the concept of dressing up, but he sure did like going door-to-door to get candy. His version of "trick-or-treat"..."tricky-tricky". It was really cute, and everyone gawked over him when they opened their door.

I hope most of you know by now that I am pregnant. We're expecting a little brother for Mason February 26.