Today I am joining Lisa-Jo and her 5 minute Friday to write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt: "Story” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

Its kind of fun to sit and think a little about your story. Here is my story.

I’m a working mama of two little dollies and wife to my handsome Mr. in brown who after 7 years still gives me butterflies.  Our blend, in our eyes is perfect! I don’t care for laundry.  I dream of a life where I have time to exercise, bake stunning frosted sugar cookies, sew pretty things, knit cute little hats, and photograph our life along the way. I struggle with where and how to spend my little free time, and fear that I will miss what gods purpose for me is.  I love sweet nature and the sound of the rushing river, the smell of rain, curling up with a good book and chips to snack on for Sunday football, high heels, aprons and cookbooks. I love chocolate malts and am a sucker for a big plate of nachos! I have a HORIBLE habit of twisting my hair…that maybe someday I will beat. I swoon over the color aqua. I worry lots.  Lastly, I really wish I could persuade my hubby to splurge on a cleaning lady because maybe that would help my lack of organization in this dash for life!

So…what’s your story?

What Women Fear

I have decided to join a book club with a group of ladies on Wednesday night this summer. This is a group of ladies who are leaders within the church. Many of them study the bible in various ways together, year round.

As I was reading the book before our first study last night, I realized this book was a great fit for me. The author Angie Smith is a woman of great fear. She admits that fear, worry, being afraid or betrayed are a major part of her testimony. Angie talks very openly about her daily struggles with fear.

I felt fear just saying I would join these ladies who all seem to know the lord and each other very well. Fear that once again, I may be over committing myself to meet each Wednesday. Fear of acceptance in the group. Fear that I don’t know the bible as they may. Fear that maybe I don’t pray right (if there was a "right" way). Fear that they would judge. 

I came out of last night’s first meeting feeling that all of those “fears” I had about joining these ladies were more than silly. 

I am excited to share with you a few things that go through my mind as we read through the book this summer. 

In the introduction of the book, she talks about life being a balancing act. The book reads:  situations come up and cause us to tip a little, and we cry out in fear. We often feel like just as we get it figured out, the wire begins to shake and we have to adjust it all over again. We (mistakenly) believe that at some point we are going to find the solution, learn how to balance the pole exactly right in every moment so that we don’t ever tremble anymore. 

That is so true.  To put it into perspective, great example of that would be finally hitting a goal in your savings account only to have the car break down.  Worse yet, having the car break down and no money in your savings.  Many of us know just how an example like that feels. How easy it is to let something like that tip you. 

It is so encouraging to read through the book and be reassured in the group that God is not unaware of our fears; this is where we need to fall back on him. Falling back on God, coupled with the balancing act in our way of thinking will help steady us when things get shaky. 

One of my biggest FEARS is fear of acceptance. I want EVERYONE to like me.  I think this is the base of many of my fears. I also fear death to someone close to me. If something were to happen to my husband or child could I go on without them? If something were to happen to me will there be someone there to take care of my young children. Would they be loved and cared for like I love and care for them? Would they know how much I loved them? (remember I told you that is a A HUGE  reason for this blog) You see how real and legitimate our fears are and how easy it could be to let them consume you.

What are some of your daily worries and fears? What keeps you awake at night?

Welcome back...

I have started this post many times over the last several months. Wondering, because I have been away for so long, should I pick up where I left off or start a new blog. It has been a year since I have blogged.

I decided that I have put work into this blog in the past and why not jump back in. 

I truly had no idea anyone really was reading my blog until recently. I had several people tell me they miss my blog. Hum well, come to think of it, I do too! I found that, although I may not be a great writer, the more I wrote the more comfortable I got writing. I also found when I was blogging, I may not be a stellar photographer, BUT I love photography. Blogging encouraged me to take more photos of my family doing the everyday things in life. Over the past year I have realized how much my camera that used to ALWAYS be around my neck, has sat in the closet. So it is time to break out my camera again and start documenting our lives.

This is a blog is about my family. I like pictures, and I like stories and it feels really valuable to me to have some of this kind of stuff written down. I devote time to this blog from here forward so that some day, when I’m not around anymore, this will be a safe place of peace for my family. They can look back and see how much I loved them {to the moon and back AND…more than all the fishes in the sea}. Ask my kidos how much their mama loves them, I guarantee they will reply with that their statement. 

 I may share things with you that put myself out there, I’m not perfect, and you may think I’m crazy. I don’t always have a clean house that smells like fresh laundered clothing, bake cookies, remember to bath my kids, change diapers on time or cook home meals. Your about to get the raw version of a working mama of two!

Did I just say a mama of two?!? That’s right folks! In the time I have been away we welcomed a baby girl into our family. Meet Tennyson Hadley Grider, she was born n January, and as a family we are sooo in love! 

So welcome back…

Greatful

Hi blogger friends…It has been a while. Today Im linking up with The Gypsy Mama for her 5 Minute Friday. Here's the deal... Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing.

GREATFUL…

GO!

Grateful. Oh how this year has brought me such joy and I am so grateful. I’m going to be a mama of TWO! I can’t express to you my feeling of gratitude that this is where I am in my life right now.

Grateful. Maci gets to be a big sister. People this is a dream come true for this little pumpkin, she has wanted to be a big sister for SO long. She cannot wait to meet her baby. She also cannot wait till the DR. tells her in September if this little one is a boy or a girl. She is on team pink that’s for sure.

Grateful. I love looking in the baby section of the store, now I have a reason again!

Grateful. I can’t wait to see how long it takes this little peanut to get daddy all wrapped in.

Grateful. Peanut in 6 short months we will get to meet you and love on you lots. Mommy cannot wait!!

STOP!

The Pinky Swear

Do you remember the pinky swear?

It is common among school age children and their friends…AND at my house.

The pinky swear signifies a promise that cannot be broken.

I love our silly little gestures that carry so much meaning; even if it is just to put my laundry away the next day. Or if your Kyle, a back rub later, not now.

Maci will grow up thinking every family had the quirky little deal in their house, but likely it’s just us. It’s just us that pinky swears to do self-indulgent things like pinky swearing to clean our rooms after dinner (without a fight is the key). Yes, Maci and I throw the same size fit about cleaning our rooms.

What are the silly little things you do in your house?

Motherhood should come with...

A day late, but better late than never. Remember this is where they throw caution (editing, revising, and worrying) to the winds and just write. Without wondering if it’s just right or not. I really want to keep up with these 5 minute Fridays so here it is! This one is so fitting on this Mother’s Day weekend I couldn’t resist still doing it.

Motherhood should come with…

1:48 pm

A performance review. A review of how you’re doing and what you could do better. Someone to cheer you on when you’re doing good, and someone to whip you into shape when you have lost your marbles.

A tissue box. For all the little moments that you let a happy tear slip down your cheek. You know one of those proud mama moments!

A stylist. Where oh where did my style go. I seem to have developed a deep love, and a closet full of jeans, hoodies and flip flops. I can’t keep up with the trend so I resort to one that may not be flattering but will never go away.

A maid. I tell you what; I can’t keep up with all the mamma do’s and a full time job some days. But I give it my all and then some.

A fancy Tahoe. (and a gas card) To truck all these silly little pigtail girls to soccer and back!

1:53 pm

Wishing you all a glorious, sun shining Mothers Day!

A few favorites!

My dear friend Jessica was the first to introduce me to this world of blogging. She originally created a place for us to all watch her so gracefully live the nightmare of losing a baby. She leads such and inspiring message day after day on her blog. I followed her blog for some time. Then I decided to start my own blog. Mine may not hold a deep rooted meaning as some others but it is kind of fun to sit down and pour your heart out or write a funny story. For me, if you have been following since the beginning you will remember it serves as an anchor to the moments that today may seem so small but ultimately define us.

Since then, I have found some of the most AMAZING blogs and sites! Today I wanted to share a few with you. (I will do my best to pick only 5, not my top 5 just 5 VERY good ones)

1. Pick Your Plum They have a crafty item of the day that is dirt cheap! I dare you to check it out. Here are a few of their items I have swooned over lately.

2. CraftGossip is made up of several sub blogs to bring you the latest in craft gossip. Anything from DIY wedding ideas, home and garden, sewing down to food. I have quickly fallen in love with Anne Weaver and her sewing ideas. I send the link to my mom…maybe I will learn to sew soon. What's not to love about this polka dot cake they are sharing today...

3. I♥ organizing I don’t know about you but I need all the help I can get!
4. Hostess with the Mostess This is who I want to be when I grow up. Hostess with the Mostess is the inspiration to many things I do when it comes to party planning. Right now I am planning a bridal shower and bachelorette party; I got my inspiration board from her on BOTH events.
5. Brown Paper Packages. Kierste is one of those gals you feel is your friend even though sadly she has no clue you exist in the world. I just love her crafty style. She is seriously the cutest mom out there, with 5 little people!

Enjoy a few of my favorites!! What are yours?

A party Plan...

So I’m going to try something new here! It is called Five Minute Friday. It happens every Friday over at The Gypsy Mama. You just write for five minutes on a given topic. No editing. No censoring. Just free writing. So here goes my first Five Minute Friday.

This week’s prompt: If I knew I could, I would...

3:17 ready, set, GO

I love to party plan; bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties…you name it I love it! If I lived in a city that could sustain a large scale planner I would make that a career in a heartbeat. One of my favorite blogs is Hostess with the Mostess. I get some of the most amazing ideas from all of her fabulous contributors.

I would own a shop, and have fun trendy frilly things like Sweet Lulu. I would have an amazing office where I could meet with my client’s coffee shop style in a fashion that would allow them to tell me their desires, and let my little hearts dreams soar (on someone else’s budget!).

So if I knew I could do it and keep my pay (but would gladly take more) I would love to design and implement parties that would create lasting memories for families. There is nothing better than stepping back at a party to see the joy on people’s faces.

3:22 (and a few seconds) STOP!

Wow, that 5 minutes went fast.

If you’re new thanks for stopping by!

“Jesus Is Risen” Buns

This weekend my sister and her girls shared with us a tasty treat to help children understand the meaning of Christ’s empty tomb, make this fun and tasty treat. They called them Jesus buns.

Ingredients:
1 Can Refrigerated Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
8 Large Marshmallows
Melted Butter
Cinnamon & Sugar Mixture

Directions:
1. Give each person one crescent roll triangle, (this represents Christ’s tomb) and one marshmallow (representing His body).
2. Have each person dip their marshmallow in the melted butter and roll around in the cinnamon and sugar (representing the oil and spices that were anointed on Christ’s body).
3. Next Lay the cinnamon and sugar covered marshmallow onto the crescent roll triangle then carefully wrap, making sure that all seems are closed.
4. Bake according to package directions and let cool.
5. Break open the ‘tomb’ and show how Christ has risen and the tomb is empty.

Happy Earth Day 2011

Happy Earth Day: the day intended to bring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Some choose to plant a tree or introduce some recycling bins in their home, while others help pick up trash. I think what people don't realize is that they can make a big difference for the environment in little ways.

At our house we save our cans and on Earth Day weekend, we take them in to be recycled. Something my hubby has done since the day I meet him. He sometimes takes the money and gives it to United Way.

For me,

I’m going to scoot around in my microfiber slippers and clean today! That is my way of celebrating Earth Day 2011!

One way you can make an impact is to use green household cleaners. Not only is it better for the earth but you will keep a lot of harsh chemicals out of your home and away from your family.

Nothing like last minute but after work today I am going home to clean for our Easter guests (arriving tonight) told you it was last minute.
When cleaning by bath and shower I use old dryer fabric softener sheets! Soap scum can be a struggle. One way to prevent it is to wipe down the tub or shower after each use. But really??? So, we have soap scum. But, it doesn't have to get out of control by using a common household laundry supply - the dryer sheet. I didn't believe it at first, but it really works! All you have to use is an old dryer sheet. You can use new ones but why not use old ones, they work just the same.

As far as the rest of the house, I love love love the smell of cleaning products. I have a fetish with buying them just not using them. But have you ever noticed how expensive some of the “green” products are? So there are ways you can make a great “green” product at home for pennies on the dollar.
All-Purpose Cleanser:

1 Cup Distilled Water
1/2 Cup Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Soap (optional)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

In general any cleaning supplies made out of Baking soda, water, vinegar or liquid soap or detergent are said to be “eco-friendly” and will do the job when it comes to cleaning.

Cheers to Earth Day AND my race to get the house clean before our guest arrive.

If only I were a Secret Millionaire

Within the last month or so, a reality show called "Secret Millionaire" has showered our TV screen on Sunday nights (along with Undercover Boss and Amazing Race). I don’t know about your house but at ours we've been intrigued ever since.

The premise is as follows: Millionaires go "undercover" into impoverished neighborhoods, living alongside the community and surviving on around $6.50 a day. Gawk-factor material is watching the millionaires adjust from private jets and beach mansions to moldy showers and no AC. At the same time they deal with this culture shock, they seek out worthy individuals and causes in the community. In the process, many of them grapple with their preconceived notions of poverty, gain new perspective on their wealth, and are humbled by those getting by on very little but still trying to do good. Our favorite part of the show was seeing how passionately and selflessly the community members spoke of their service work, completely unaware that they were in the presence of someone who could make them a large donation that may change the path of their life or organization.

One of my favorite was the one with Dani Johnson and Special Spaces that creates dream bedrooms for critically ill children. Such a touching organization and a few people with such passion for these little kids they don’t even know with the drive to do more rooms if only they had the financing.

Is it gimmicky reality TV emo-drama? Sure. A little uncomfortably condescending? Perhaps. Inspiring? Oh yes, thats why viewers are watching.

Now what about you? What if you were a “secret millionaire”? Who in your local area would you give to? What are you passionate about?

In my world:

Have you heard of that organization that goes in and surprises the working working moms with a clean house and sparkling clean car. I know I could find a way to qualify if we had one locally! Hahah can you tell what I am in need of today. In the dash from work to soccer to homework it’s hard to find the time to think some days. I would support any organization that praised the race of the working mama!

Secondly, I am forever grateful for the inexpensive afterschool care that Maci gets at boys and girls club. I know they would get a chunk of my change! In our area there are many organizations that would more than deserve a healthy financial gift. Some like the Harvest Church recognizing their support and ALL they do for kids and families (daydreaming of a swimming pool in the heights…aaaahhhh). I don't think I would have a hard time giving my money away:)

If only I were a “secret millionaire”!

Oh yeah, my names not Stella but I’ve got my grove back.

For Steph and me the zumba madness has begun. So brace yourself...because this mommy will be shaking, samba'ing, and ZUMBA FITTNESSING my way to a healthy & toned up me. Even if I have to get Zumba for Wii. I have struggled greatly this past year with the 25 pounds I put on after the wedding…nearly 2 years ago (crazy to believe).
The gym I go to offers a Zumba class. Zumba…the hip shaken, butt rocken, muffin top tackling work out. Not only is it QUITE a workout, but it's so much fun...I really didn’t realize I was even "working out”. In case you hadn’t heard of it, I’ll fill you in. It's the Latin-dance inspired aerobics class that's sweeping the nation. Zumba is probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on, especially if you're a Mom who doesn't go out dancing much anymore. What could be better than hopping around to fast, loud, Latin pop music and disco? The unbelievably sculpted, tanned, well-endowed teacher at my gym has you working on moves such as "the body roll," the mystifying "rib shake" and of course, hip wiggles and pelvic thrusts with some complicated little samba steps thrown in for spice. All while sweating profusely and laughing at yourself. At least Steph and I laughed at ourselves. Some of our fellow Zumb-ers seemed to take it more seriously. Many of them have become experts in the moves.

As a first timer, my goals were somewhat more modest. a) Do not fall down and b) Minimize the number of times I was facing the back wall while everyone else faced front or worse yet I was facing them when they should have been looking at my back side.

On a more positive note, there were moments when it all came together. For one whole song, I felt like I could keep up ("Yep, I'm facing front and so is everyone else!"). It even brought up memories of evenings from my pre-kids life, at the…here it comes…are ya ready…THE WEST!

If you have not tried Zumba, you should.

Coming from parent teacher conferences

I am one proud mama! Gosh it gives me chills to think of how proud I am of that little blond gal of mine! Straight out of the teachers mouth she is a dream kid!
In the beginning of the year we struggled a bit with “only child syndrome” aka… I want all the attention!! We also wrestled a little bit with friendships. Oh the joys of first grade. But all of that has subsided now and we are on the mend. If only we could find a cure for boogers we would be 100%. If you know my kid very well, you know we suffer from boogers peeking out our nose at the most inopportune times, especially school pictures. I put “please check her nose” and highlighted it on the order form but that must not have been enough, next year I will be sure to attach a pom-pom and flashing lights. Thanks Lifetouch, thank god for Photoshop!

Back to being an incredibly proud mama, her dad had the opportunity to join me at the conference today to listen in as to just exactly how our shining star is doing in class. The shining star that has “skool rocs” (spelling comes later) on her desk! She’s the shining star that says when she becomes president she will make fair rules, help the homeless and feed the animals. Now that’s a president I tell ya!

She takes after her dad when it comes to the brains; lucky for her she got the brains from him and the creativity from me. We recently learned after several tests she has been entered into the extended studies program. The Extended Studies Program provides direct services to qualifying elementary gifted and talented students who have demonstrated outstanding intellectual and academic ability. The primary goal is to provide services that are commensurate with student academic needs and to foster a positive self-image. WOW!!! The program focuses on the development of intellectual skills, intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility while encouraging originality and creativity. Maci will begin attending that this fall a few hours out of the week.

See what I mean, I have every reason in the book to be so happy that this little blond girl (and her boogers) belongs to me!

I’ve fallen in love…with coupons

Yep I’m the lady with the coupons.

I have always been the one with the coupons for dinner or retail purchases; don’t get me wrong this is not a new found love, just a love that has grown significantly deeper.

I had the opportunity to attend a small couponing class in January with my friend Jessica. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you the real reason I went was to spend time drinking coffee with Jess. I had no idea that I would meet these savvy young moms on a mission to slash their grocery bills by 50-90%, moms that were willing to show us how they scour the ads for the best bargains by overlapping deals, promotions, coupons and rebates.

Being in the banking world I have always been passionate about empowering people to take control of their financial lives while having the ability to have fun at the same time. Here is my chance to embrace what I preach.

Taking this class taught me how to collect and redeem coupons with precision. In the last month I have stocked my kitchen and bathrooms for a fraction of the price I was paying before.
The biggest part about this new found love for grocery/drug store couponing is being aware and organized. It is a learned skill, one with practice you get better and better at.

Cheers to matching, stacking and saving!

I dare you to check out a few of my favorite coupon friends!
http://athriftymom.com/
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/
http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/

nothing like a good book...

I love to read. There is nothing as peaceful as a good Jodi Picoult book to tuck you in at night.
I'm one of "those" readers though.
You know the kind.
If the book is really good I could sit around in my pj's all day reading (it happened with the Twilight books….I’m tellen ya).

For a while now I have wanted an ereader (nook or kindle) but have not wanted to pay the price. I did a little research on one that Kyle and I bumped into at Bed Bath and Beyond (you know the place with the 20% off coupon saving me an additional $34!). It was the Pandigital. Pandigital is known for digital photo frames but is dipping into the ereader market. They have come out with an ereader in full color for a fraction of the Nook Color price yet a rather comparable device (with the new firmware I must add that can turn it into a powerhouse). Research all said and done; I have a ereader that will serve its purpose.

I’m still in learning mode but I’m determined to make this thing shine!

Do you have an ereader? Where do you find cheap books?

And just like that 2011 is around the corner!

We hope you all had a Christmas full of celebration for Jesus!

We were spoiled beyond measure that’s for sure. In a mini Christmas recap: Kyle, my man in brown, actually got home at a decent time this year, just after 8, now that’s something for me to be excited about!! We spent Christmas with my In-laws a sleep over to boot! Kyle and I stayed over along with my sister in-law and her family. We went to Faith Chapel for Christmas Eve candle light service and what an incredible hour it was, singing, praising the lord, and the message…oh it was amazing. Faith puts on a better service each and EVERY year. Each year I think as I leave I say that was the best one yet. I can’t wait till next year because I know without a doubt it will be the “best one yet”. Now that is what Christmas is all about.

So as we wrap up the final week of 2010 and look into 2011 do you marvel in thought about what the New Year will bring. I know I sure do. I have made a few resolutions and have already started to act upon them. Like half the world I have added the most popular new year’s resolution to my list, I want to lose weight. Yesterday I got myself a gym membership to Anytime Fitness. With getting it this month we will get the summer free! That brings me to my next resolution; a financial diet. Oh the joys of being submersed in the financial world day in and day out within my job. I know I am blessed beyond words for our financial stability but I also know it could be improved. So with 2011 and some of our plans I know I need to go on a major financial diet and just kind of clean house. Funny I say house…that is item number 3!! Kyle and I live in a BEAUTIFUL home why don’t I stay put more??? It seems every evening I am running here or there and never get the time to just enjoy being home. In 2011 I am going to simplify things a little and just try and enjoy home and the ability to fit in some things that mean more to me. That brings up my 4th and final goal for 2011, attending church on a more regular basis. Our lives are crazy just like everyone else’s but it is time to find that balance for what is important.

How about you, have you given it any thought on how you will try to change in 2011?

May your Christmas be full of joy...

My Christmas Eve day will go at little something like this…

Load the car with gifts that are wrapped and are waiting for the big day along with a few groceries.

See $5 from Kyle on the table for me to stop off to wish the ladies at Startbucks a VERY MERRY Christmas. Ok maybe I needed to stumble in and get a mocha in the red seasoned cup one last time!

Enjoy the last minute rush at work, were open until 1:00. Then I will do a bit of finishing up with any last minute wrapping, and package delivering to my cousins.

We’re going to Faith at 3:00 for their amazing Christmas service to celebrate Jesus! Oh we have so much to be thankful for and praise god for. He is the reason for the season!

After Church we will scurry off to warm our chowder and start our endless snack bar and await Santa flying through the dark night’s sky! From 4:00 on I plan to eat till my tummy can’t take it anymore, crawl into my plush purple pants, and pour myself a glass (or 2) of wine!

Tonight we are attending a sleepover at my In-laws!! We will all get to awake to Christmas morning together.

May you Christmas be full of joy and dreams for the next year to come!

Chowder Tradition

For as long as I can remember, we have had my dad’s clam chowder for Christmas Eve. To me you can’t have Christmas without dads chowder. It brings back such great memories of big family get-togethers with the Mahana’s. Food, food and more food all for our palate pleasure!!

This year my dad will be spending Christmas with my sister and her family. Several weeks ago I asked him if he would make me the family famous clam chowder before he went.

Last night he invited Maci and me over to teach me the tricks to the trade of this clam chowder.
Let me tell you Progresso this stuff puts you to shame

There was a little of this and a little of that…

And waaalaaa we have a Crockpot full of joy for Christmas Eve!

Thank you Daddy you are the best, and the Christmas tradition lives on!

Santa Clause is comin to town

Happy almost Christmas...3 days...really, where has the year gone?!!!

Time to pack my little Maci to go to dads for Christmas! (choke, hard swallow) For those of you that have to share your little ones on the holidays you know my bitter sweet feeling. I know he will be a great Santa but I don’t think it will ever be easy not getting to do it myself. Doing it when she gets home is just not the same. For some families they (as I see it: GET TO) split the holiday by Christmas Eve and Christmas day but with distance that is not realistic for us. I have been struggling this year to be excited for Christmas and here is why…how do you have Christmas morning when the best part of you is 4 hours away? I am doing my best to shake it but the time to pack is among us. She has opened all her gifts here at home and is ecstatic to pack her Christmas movies and jammies head off to dads to see what awaits her under the Christmas tree there.

Tonight I will back my little punken girl into the car and take her over to nanas for a sleep over with nana. Nana will then take her to Sheridan for me in the morning. I don’t think my mom realizes that it is more than just the trip she is making for me. I think it would be a lot harder to watch her go.

My in-laws are pumped for Christmas this year, my mother in law has even invited us to stay the night Christmas Eve so we can all awake Christmas morning together for breakfast and gift opening. I know it will be tons of fun and I am looking forward to 4:00 Friday (that’s after Church) when we will get to eat, drink and be merry all weekend long!! Do you know how long it has been since we had an entire weekend where we just got to be lazy and watch movies in our jammies, no obligations, events or parties…oh what a joy!

But for now, Im going to finish packing this little purple bag and spend the rest of the evening with my Maci.

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Holidays:

As we hang the ornaments from the Christmas tree, frost our Christmas cookies, turn up the holiday music, and Maci’s mind fills with thoughts of what Santa will leave her under the tree, we hope you have had a joyous 2010.

Maci, 7, is now in first grade. I am very blessed that she excels academically. She loves to play soccer, swim, ride her electric scooter, jump on the trampoline with the neighbor girls, have sleepovers with Aunt Debbie or Papa, work on her garden with nana and grandpa Tim, play her Nintendo DS, count “sleeps” till the next time she gets to see the Blankenbaker’s, and is very eager to learn to sew with the sewing machine papa just got her. Maci loves to go 4 wheeling and jet skiing with her dad; she even has her own 4 wheeler.

Kyle is in his 10th year with UPS. He is a driver supervisor and although he puts in many hours at work he is blessed to work with a great group of people and always has good stories to tell when he gets home. For the past 2 years he has been having his 67 Nova restored. It got to come home on his birthday this year. It was one of the best birthday gifts he could have received. He is itching for summer so he can take it to a few local car shows and show it off.

I am in my 4th year as the marketing officer at Billings Federal Credit Union where some of my coworkers remember me crawling across their desk as a baby. Yes my family has banked there for years. This summer I got the opportunity to take a photography class from Karen Russell, a very well known photographer that shares my photography style. Over the past year I have really gotten into photography. I am also the PTA President at Maci’s school which can occupy a great deal of time throughout the year but has been an incredible experience and a great way to get to know teachers and parents at the school.

Kyle, Maci and I moved into our new house in May. It has been so exciting making it our home. We will put the finishing touches on this spring when we put in our yard and finish the basement. We are very fortunate to live in such a great neighborhood and have incredible neighbors.

Kyle and I celebrated our first anniversary in June. We got to sneak away for the weekend and go to Big Sky to celebrate. We spent the day zip lining, getting massages at the spa and ended our day with wonderful dinner.

In July Chrissy and I celebrated our golden birthday (28 on the 28th) my mom and I threw her a surprise party with lots of her friends in Bowman.
Also in July, we were able to attend the Mahana (my mom’s side) family reunion. It was a long time in the making and topped the charts for a great time. Our family wants to go back and float the river again!

In August, Kyle and I along with his parents took our annual trip to Deadwood for the Kool Deadwood nights car show. It is not a trip without stopping for the all you can eat prime rib and crab.

In October Kyle’s grandma passed away. Although a tough time to get everyone together, I can officially say I have now met all of Gary’s (my father in-law) 11 siblings. It was great to get to spend some time with everyone and we look forward to the next time we will get to see everyone.

In November Kyle and I took off on another long weekend adventure to do some Christmas shopping and attend a Denver Broncos game in Denver. It was my first NFL game and yes it was the game the Broncos beat the Chefs and the stadium was rocken, we had a great time!

We hope that all of you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season and a grand new year.
Kyle, Cathy and Maci