Happy New Year!

...and we're back. We've been quite busy these last couple of weeks. My mom was here for a week helping keep our house on track and letting me spend time with Jax and Des, as well as put my feet up. She went back to Montana and Marc has had this time off for Christmas break. We had the goal of getting a schedule for me (and Jax and Des) by the time he went back to school so that the transition wouldn't be all that difficult for me as mommy to two little boys but it is becoming increasingly obvious that Monday will be a shock and a "schedule" will just have to evolve as we wade through the next month or so. With that realization we have just focussed on keeping Des happy (within reason) and spending time as a family.

We jetted up to Montana for Christmas - one day with Marc's family and one day with my family. We also went to the Christmas Eve service as a family of 4 and it was good. I personally love Christmas Eve services as a way to refocussed the "reason for the season." As well as the "magic" in a candle lit sanctuary with the traditional acapella Silent Night. We had a hard time getting back home - the first time we set out for home the roads were questionable and a friend called and informed us that our house was inaccessible (if you remember we had the same problem last year). The second time we set out Marc noticed some car trouble (minor) and we were detained once again but we did eventually make it home and breathed a sigh of relief as we all settled into our own beds that night. (We very much enjoyed our time with families but sleeping with two babies in your room at close proximity can make for two tired parents.) Although I will say that Des did remarkable despite a few night time awakenings. He shared a smile with every one and found fun around every corner.

Like I said, we enjoyed our family time and were very blessed with generous gifts from all members. We have since been trying to get our Christmas letter and packages mailed that we weren't able to before the holidays (due to waiting for Jax's arrival to put in the letter). So keep an eye on your mailboxes.... we'll get the letters in them sooner than later!

We have no big plans for the New Year tonight - I doubt that we'll stay up but I'm sure we'll be up with Jax around that time. =) Happy 2009!

Jax just hangin'

Spending time with Dad.

Taking a Christmas walk.

A cup of Christmas joe ( its water in my coffee cup). Pretty amazing that my coffee was a third the size of a toddler.... too much?

Opening gifts with Dad.