Thoughts on my Mom

This morning as I was showering (crying and showering) after Mom left, I thought about why I miss her so much when she is not here. Then it hit me. My Mom is good for my soul. She is a fun, funny, silly, thoughtful, kind, and generous spirit that truly just makes me glow inside. She is fun to be around and always humming a little tune (or talking to herself...or the project she is working on...damn those curtains!). She is the kind of Mom that leaves a little box of chocolates under your pillow when she leaves. Or a little card on the counter with words of thanks and also a few words of wisdom. Inside this morning's card was "Devin and Colton are good boys. Don't give up. The end will be worth all the sweat and tears. I know, I've shed a few! Just love them and find something to smile about." She always says these things and I believe her. I know she is right. She ALWAYS finds the happiness in things and brings that little something to your life...ya know? That something that after being with her, you can't help but be happier. And at the same time she is one of those people that just says what is on her mind and also gives her opinion (even if you aren't really looking for it). She just be-bops through life with a huge smile on her face and a huge heart in her chest.

I enjoyed just dinking through my day with her. We must have dinked our afternoons away for several days and I couldn't have been happier to have her by my side. It might seem to the mere observer that we really didn't do much for 10 days but my soul is happier and I miss her already. I love you so much Mom! Thanks for being YOU! I am a very lucky daughter!

Bye Nana...we miss you already!

Mom's visit flew by! She was worried that 10 days was too long but it really went by fast! We had a very relaxing holiday and spent several days just lounging and napping over Christmas. It was very nice. On her last few days, we did turn it up a notch and made curtains for my room and Colton's room. They are beautiful! Thanks Mom! We also shopped a bit, watched a few movies and spent long evenings chatting about years past. On the last day, I bought some fresh prawns at one of the Harbors and we cooked up a great dinner. We thought about trying to pack some in her suitcase but just the thought of thawed out shrimp in a suitcase....ewwww!

We miss her already but understand that the sunshine was calling her home (ok sunshine and my brother Jeff and his family)! It was -4 degrees this morning when she left! I sure wished I was getting on that plane with her...brrr!

Christmas Slideshow

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Early Christmas

We had a very busy week last week with holiday festivities! Caden had a Christmas program at his Preschool. He was a shepherd and had to wear a robe. Grandma and Grandpa Mercer came and it was so cute. All those little 3 year olds dressed up and singing...well, all except Caden. He just kinda stod there in shock!

We had an early Christmas for the big boys who had to leave Saturday to spend Christmas with their Dad in Eagle River. We ordered pizza and opened presents on Friday night! Colton was sweet enough to give Caden his very own ipod shuffle loaded with kid songs. It was fast and furious and before the wrapping paper could settle on the ground, they were all off and running upstairs to play some new XBox games. Geeze...teenagers! It is sure quiet here now without them.

My Mom arrived today from Phoenix. We shopped the afternoon away and have lots more planned for the 2 weeks she is here.

Gingerbread madness!

This weekend was all about the gingerbread houses. A few weeks ago, Colton pestered me non-stop to buy a gingerbread house kit to assembly and decorate. A few days later, I received a postcard invitation in the mail to the annual UAS alumni gingerbread house decorating event! Perfect! Except....Colton was 1 of only 2 boys selected from the 6th grade boys basketball team to play "up" a division with the 7th graders in a tournament. YAY for Colton but that also meant that he could not attend the event. Caden and I went without him though and had a super time. Santa paid a visit and Caden was mesmerized! He truly thought that man was Santa. With a twinkle in his eye, Caden ran right over to him and asked him if he would bring him some presents. It was absolutely adorable. He truly believed! We brought an extra kit home for Colton to decorate later (after his team won the tournament!). He spent a few hours eating (err...decorating) that thing.

Also attached are some pictures that Caden took tonight after I finally got the boys to sit still long enough to get their Christmas card picture taken. Not bad huh? Maybe some hidden photographer talent there?

Bring on the season!

Last weekend we did the traditional weekend-after-Thanksgiving decorating. Caden and I made some pressed cookies...would you like some cookie with your sprinkles?? Colton put the angel on the tree and we strung the lights outside. It was a fun time, a traditional time and I sure love the magic and warmth it brings to the house.