Merry Christmas 2009

My present!!!!!!

My awesome, sweet, thoughtful husband surprised me with this for Christmas. I cried! It is so beautiful and he picked it out himself. I love DY and have dreamt of having a piece for a looong time.

White Christmas

They had fun playing in the snow. The pictures of Asher crying is because he was saying, "My hands are FREEZING!". It was so cute and fun!

Christmas Eve

Well, I'm not usually an emotional person and definitely not an emotional girl but on Christmas eve Casey=emotional. Christmas eve morning, I cried b/c I woke up at 2:30am with an ear ache from a bad sinus infection. I was exhausted and awake too early and we had battled pink eye and colds with the kids for the past almost week. Then, the forecast called for snow and we had to move our annual Christmas eve party at my grandparents to the afternoon. I cried on the way to her house b/c I vividly remember year after year, driving home looking out the window to try and catch a glimpse of Santa's sleigh or Rudolph's nose. Now, I am taking my little blessings to continue this same tradition. I am so glad we were able to reschedule so we didn't miss this year. My family is so close and we love being together......that made me happy and made me cry. Asher and Leila made me a shirt with their footprint reindeers....it was thoughtful and beautiful and I felt like I may cry. Then, we all went to church together and that made me so happy that I cried. It was a wonderful service and I loved it. Then, Haley asked me to be her matron of honor and I felt exhausted and I didn't have a voice and I wanted to hug her (without making her sick) and talk all about the wedding and I couldn't and I felt like crying b/c I was upset to be sick and so happy at the same time. Then, it started to snow and it was Christmas eve, and it was beautiful, and I was exhausted, and Leila was throwing a fit only Leila is capable of throwing, and I was remembering Asher's little voice a couple of weeks back asking if we would have snow on Christmas and him saying he was going to pray that we would, and I felt like crying. The snow made the kids happy...it made us happy too! Then, we made cookies despite sickness and exhaustion and I was happy we took the time to do it together. The kids stayed up until around midnight b/c they were soooooooooooo excited. Asher kept thinking he heard Santa on the roof and Leila would sit up and burst into singing "Santa Claus is coming to town". They were exhausted too. So, when they had fallen asleep, we played Santa's helpers again. I looked at the moutain of gifts they would wake up to and gazed out the window at the cold snow and I felt warm in our home that I love. I felt overwhelming gratitude that God has blessed us so immensely that we can provide for our children and keep them comfortable and safe. Then, I thought about the birth of Jesus and I thought about the homeless and then I cried again. Oh yea, I also developed pink eye on Christmas eve. But, that doesn't matter, I am so thankful for the birth of Jesus, my saviour, and my family, friends, my life. This Christmas eve, I prayed I would become more and more like Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus!

I had to include a picture of my favorite gifts....my cards....thanks to all who sent them.

The Officially Engaged Couple.....my beautiful sister in law

I'm so happy for you both. Haley, I love you so much and I am so honored that you asked me to be your matron of honor...even if I will be the oldest girl up there! I can't wait to share in this wonderful time with you.

Haley's Engaged!

Blake popped the question and she said "yes"! Mary Ann threw them a surprise engagement party last night. It was fun. I know Haley was thrilled but I don't think anyone had more fun than Asher. He loved socializing and was super excited to see Day. Uncle Rick and Tuta brought some cool Christmas gifts for the kids...thank you. I developed a terrible sinus infection and could barely speak so I'm sure I was not much fun, but atleast I was there to photograph. Congratulations Haley and Blake...we are super excited for you!

christmas with grandpa and lala

We had a great dinner and fun with Grandpa and Lala last night. The kids loved playing with the toys and Asher made it very clear that his favorite gift was Mousetrap game. He has played all day long today! Grandpa made custard a Wood tradition and our kids loved it! Don't you love Asher's custard mustache in the picture...move over milk!