We are sad to see them leave ...

But we want to wish them well.

Our dear friends, the Enlows are moving home to Dallas. Sun night we gathered together for a party to send them off in style. A party they deserve. We met the Enlow family 2 years ago and instantly became fast friends. We connected. Kimberly is genuine. She inspires me. She shares her sweet spirit and generously gives love and compassion. I am thankful for her example. But as much as I have been touched by their kindness, no one more so than Zachy. Zach has a friend in Cole. Cole shares, teaches, and walks beside Zach with the same love that his parents have undoubtedly taught him to share. We feel blessed to know such caring children who have changed our little boys world. Thank you Cole, Spencer, Luke and Carson for giving so freely your friendship.

These are the kind of friends I wish for everyone.

Sunday night we met at the Keiser's beautiful home for a dessert after dinner. We enjoyed each others company while I walked around and snapped photos of our fun friends. We are determined to keep the "Omaha crew" alive in the minds of Kimberly and Jasen for a long time to come.

Lucky for me ...I love to talk ( oh, really) I plan to spend many afternoons chatting on the phone with my dear friend. Our love to the Enlow family and best wishes with your move.

Kimberly and MiaThe boys: Cole, Spencer and Easton
Jenifer, Kimberly and Rebekah
Shane and KeresaKimberly P. and DaveWendi and Mason Rebekah and Dave The Dudes

The little dudes Saving the best one for last...Zachary and his favorite Kimmie.

Say hello to our brave little champ.

before surgery

Zachary has been having headaches for the last couple of days. After a phone call to the neurosurgeon, we brought him into the er for a cat scan of his brain. Sure enough, his shunt was blocked and not draining the fluid. We had our suspicions and had mentally prepared for this outcome. But, still nothing will ever prepare you for the helpless feeling of watching your child being wheeled down the hall for brain surgery. Let it be known that this type of brain surgery (a shunt malfunction) is a relatively simple procedure ...for a brain surgeon! Does that ease my mind...heck NO! But, knowing that Zach is being watched out by a Heavenly Father who loves him certainly does. During a prayer for Zachary Jeff felt the "still small voice" whisper to him, "everything will be fine". He was put to ease. And, ultimately so was I. In addition to peace from prayers, Jeff provides me the added assurance and comfort I crave.



Wednesday night at midnight Zach was taken into surgery. 2 hours later we were holding him in our arms. He was a brave little champ. The surgery went better than expected. He woke up hungry, wanted pizza as early as 6:00 am.

after surgery(obviously)Zachary was so polite and charming he had the nurses, dr's and the anesthesiologist wrapped around his finger. What a dear little child. Since, he did so well, we were discharged Thursday night. He had grown accustomed to all the attention, and at one point commented "Whew, I sure am being pampered" With an endless supply of pudding and a fully stocked game room, he was reluctant to leave the hospital. Surely, he was well of aware that life at home would resume to normal.

In my constant pursuit to equalize the attention for the girls during Zach's hardships, I must mention his sweet sisters. Ellie is laying beside her brother right now, reading him a story. She nurtures and takes care of him like only a twin sister can. Both girls made him get well cards and offered up their favorite stuffed animals for the hospital stay. Love those girls, what perfect sisters.

I must also mention our amazing friends! Everyone pitched in and offered us help. Thanks to Mia, for letting me drop off 2 sleepy girls at 11:00 at night. The girls loved their 1st ever sleep over. Meals, Meals and more meals. Thanks to everyone willing to prepare us dinner...or lunch in some cases. So many sweet gestures, cookies and little gifts for Zach. Wow, the generosity of our friends in Omaha astounds us.

Now, this is my kind of vacation...

Games, Games, Games. Jeff took some vacation time this week and we, well... we just played! We did what we do best. Played with family, played with friends and laughed with each other. Oh yeah, and we relaxed! Besides games, we went to the movies, out to dinner, ate junk food (yes, I'm paying for it now) we went out with friends, and played some more... I loved every minute of having Jeff home all day. Tomorrow morning will come as quite a shock to all 5 of us. Kids go back to school, Jeff to work, and me to the GYM! Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to getting back to the routine. But, suffice it say this has been a fabulous first week of 2009!

Here's to wishing you all a happy year filled with hugs and kisses and snuggly times.

It doesn't get any better than this...

My heart is full with the joy of Christmas. I love to see the twinkle in the eyes of my children as they bound down the stairs on Christmas morning. The excitement is contagious. Their smiles heartwarming. We recognize the bounty of our blessings everyday. And give thanks to God in every way.

"Oh, what fun it is..."

To celebrate the holidays with both my parents and Jeff's. With a crowded and crazy house we were "laughing all the way." We played and ate our way through the entire week.

In our family Christmas Eve is traditionally spent going out to dinner. Since it's my birthday and I refuse to cook, we look to the few open restaurants to gather. This year and several of the past years we have ended up at the "Olive Garden" while it's not a gourmets dream it fits the celebration perfectly.

Speaking of birthdays, I had a wonderful one. I'm thankful to my friends and family for their kindness. Jeff surprised me with a video he made of friends wishing me a "Happy Birthday." The video's introduction was made by the children, and boy oh boy were they cute. Thank you to Jeff for thinking of this fun idea and for putting forth the effort to do it. I love you.

This day is not all about me. Christmas Eve is about traditions. The children open one present from us...always pajamas. Get cozy, comfy and choose one other present from under the tree to open. I love this night. It reminds me of my childhood and brings forth so many memories. Since it's the last night on the advent calender, we read another note to the children (from Jeff and I) and follow it up with the scriptures. After placing a plate of cookies and milk out for Santa we tuck our little ones in bed. This year they quickly fell fast to sleep, while dreaming of the magic yet to come.