Newest Family Members!

Sadly, our rat, Gromit, passed away 2 days before Christmas. We are happy to introduce you to our two new dumbo rats, Templeton and Remi. We will miss you Gromit!

Today is my niece Phoebe's birthday. She is sweet, beautiful, and the spitting image of my sister. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHOEBE!

We love you,

Aunt Sara, Max, Cal, & Elle

Cousins

Last night I took the kids to my sister's house for dinner. My kids love their cousins so much and sometimes even tell me they want to live at Aunt Bri's house. We had fun eating, playing, and decorating treats! Thanks Skidmores!

Cal's Christmas Program

Last night, Cal had his preschool Christmas program. This was his first time on stage in front of an audience. I was worried he'd just stand there. Cal surprised us! He sang and danced...of course, he had his usual scowl on his face the entire time. Max thought it was the funniest thing he has ever seen. If Cal isn't smiling, he always looks mad and he looked really mad. I know he had fun even if you couldn't see it on his face!

Believe

When I first got divorced, the kids and I moved in with my parents. Always worried about me, my mom tagged along with me everywhere. We had always been very close. But, living in Tucson, I couldn't see her as much as I'd like. When I came back, our bond grew incredibly tight. She pulled me out of a devastating place and gave me the emotional strength to move on. I often wonder where I'd be if I had lost her two years earlier. Going through some old pictures recently, I came across this one. It was 2005 and my mom and I took the kids to the Polar Express. I love the expression on her face. The theme of The Polar Express is to "BELIEVE" and my mom was a strong believer... She believed in the power of the human spirit. She believed that we are all stronger than our adversities. She believed that when the fight is over, we have to have the strength to let go. And...I believe that, someday, I will see her again...

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

I went out with the kids to take some pictures, hoping to get a good shot for our Christmas cards. I forget every year how difficult and aggravating this task is. Max is finally at the age to understand that the only way to avoid an extremely grouchy mommy is to cooperate during these photo sessions. Most of the time they were wrestling or tickling each other and, while I tried, I left pretty grouchy. Oh, well! I think I still got some cute shots...real shots!

Kids that Rip!!

Max and Cal both take skateboarding at Desert Devils. Max is in the "Rippers" class and has been taking for about 6 months. Cal just started and is doing great in the "Mini-rippers" class. They have such a great time and the teachers are really fun!