Happy Birthday, Wes!

Not older, just better!  Wes has been buffalo hunting (but no luck) since the day after Christmas, and he is on his way home today just in time for birthday presents, chocolate pudding, and ringing in the new year!  Here are our top 5 reasons that everyone loves Wes:
1. He's so helpful!  You need a tool?  You need an idea?  You need a favor?  Wes is your guy.  He has a very giving heart and is always willing to help anyone out.
2. He's so handy!  His garage is full of tools, and he knows how to use all of them!  We can't believe the things he knows how to do, and if he doesn't, well, he'll figure it out for sure!
3. He's so friendly!  He just loves people.  He never wants to hear gossip or anything bad about anyone, and you can always count on him to see the good in everyone.
4. He's so much fun!  Just ask his former Cub Scouts how much fun he was at Pack nights.  Whether it's recreational sports, playing games, vacationing, or just hanging out with his homeys, Wes always knows how to have a good time.
5. He loves his family!  That's why I married him, because he treated me so well!  He oozes with love and concern for us, and never lets the chance go by to let us know it!  We love you too, we think you're the greatest guy on earth, and hope this year is the best yet!

Merry Christmas 2009!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  We shared our Christmas with Grandpa Mike and Grandpa Pauline and Aunt Michelle too.  Here are some family quotes from Christmas 2009:
Dad:  "Toffee didn't make a nest, but she did chirp like a bird." (huh?)
Grandma Pauline:  "You have to look with your hands."  (Grandpa said it right back to her.)
Kori:  "Twas the night before Christmas and por todo la casa, not a creature was stirring - caramba, que pasa?" (Christmas Eve talent show)
Aunt Michelle:  "Hand me that ribbon for my kitty mobile." (while opening gifts)
Grandpa Mike:  "That one looks like someone's bum." (referring to our sugar cookies!)
Mom:  "Don't touch my pomegranates!"  (and that means you!)
Colton:  "Puppies are like pillows."  (soft and warm)
Clint: "Christmas isn't about the giving or the receiving, it's about the loving."  (that about sums it up!)
And a bonus, our favorite from neighbor Kennadee:  "If I had a red nose, everyone would want one!"  (they certainly would, Kenna!)
Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!!

Merry Texas Christmas, Y'All!

Wes and I managed to sneak in a very quick getaway over the weekend.  We flew to Austin, Texas for the Texas Bio-West office Christmas party.  We were there Friday and Saturday.  Wes has been there a few times, but this was my first time in Austin.  It was 65 degrees and sunny, aaaah!  It felt nice for a couple of days.  We ate soooo much food!  The party was at a really nice restaurant in downtown Austin and we had some fresh seafood, yum!  We stayed at a hotel right on the river that runs through town and we took a few pics there:

We saw some strange things there too!  We had a great time, even though it was super fast!

Give The Boy A Hand!

Look, Ma!  I can use both hands!  Clint finally got the pins out of his finger and he's learning to use his hand again.  Hooray!  Mom won't have to help him write his homework anymore!!  It's been a long haul, and he will still have some physical therapy for a while, but Clint has handled this whole ordeal incredibly well.  Here's a picture of Clint's hand, and here are the pins that used to be in his finger, ouch!

A Sweet Tradition

We have never made gingerbread houses before, so we decided to try out a new tradition this year.  It was very fun, everyone was really creative and they turned out so cute!  Maybe next year we'll try some bigger houses if we dare!

Today's Top Ten List!

I have been listening to all of my beloved Christmas music the past few days, so I decided to blog about my favorites.  Here are my top ten favorite Christmas CD's that I own:
#1 Donny Osmond Christmas at Home - My favorite of all, it is full of meaning and romance.  "Come To The Manger" is quite possibly my favorite Christmas song ever.
#2 Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas - All the original Charlie Brown Christmas music.  This is one I sometimes keep out and listen to all year long.
#3 Harry Connick Jr. When My Heart Finds Christmas - The original HC Jr Christmas CD, and still the best!  Makes me melt.
#4 SheDaisy Brand New Year - Original, energetic, fresh, and even a little weird, this one is such fun to listen to, love these girls' harmonies.
#5 Michael Buble Let It Snow - It only has a few songs on it, I wish he'd do a complete Christmas CD, but hey, it's still Michael Buble!
#6 Ray Conniff's Christmas Album - The Ray Conniff Singers were a huge part of my childhood, and although this one does not include the quintessential family Christmas morning song, "Here Comes Santa Claus", it's still a great CD.
#7 Jon Schmidt Christmas - I have the piano book for all of these songs and I wish I could play them like Jon!  I think he is pure magic.
#8 A Partridge Family Christmas Card - This one is a total guilty pleasure, I mean, the Partridge Family?  But I just love the groovy 70's sound, David Cassidy's cool voice, and "My Christmas Card To You" is one of my faves.
#9 Celine Dion These Are Special Times - I'm not normally a Celine Dion fan, but someone gave me this Christmas CD and it's awesome.  She really does have an amazing set of pipes.
#10 Marie Osmond's Magic of Christmas - A little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, this one has a wide variety of styles and a lot of original songs.  Even better, she sings most of them as duets with members of her family. Of course, her duet with Donny, "When Christmas Comes This Year" is my favorite on the CD.
Hmmm, now that I've written about 10, I can think of about 10 more that I love too!  Maybe next year I'll have a brand new list of favorites!