New Year, New goals

Wow, I can't believe the year 2010 has ended and 2011 has begun.  The last year just went by so fast for us.  It was one wild ride for us, that's for sure.  Survived a 8 month deployment, more time with Jay being out to sea after the ship got back, re-enlisting, getting new orders, having them taken away, and then getting them once more, getting out of debt, moving from San Diego to Norfolk, Jay going off to school and then coming home.  It has truly been an amazing year.  A year that I discovered my voice and ability to stand up for what's right, not matter what the consequences would be.  A year that has given me so many amazing experiences and challenges.

And now here at the start of a new year I can't wait to see what happens.  This year I've made goals that for me, and our family are what is best.  I'll still be standing up for what I believe is right, still defending the consitution of this wonderful country, still speaking the truth (even when it may not be easy), and doing all that I can to teach my kids.  I can't wait for Sunday to begin teaching my new class in primary and to see what comes from it.  This year, Annabelle will be in primary instead of nursery and that will make things different.  It will be quite the adventure this year, I can feel it.

Christmas Snow

Chirstmas night it started to snow and just kept snowing all night long.  We woke up to it still coming down strong.  It was a good snow storm by Jay and my standards, but to those in Norfolk, it was considered a bilzzard.  So for fun the kids and Jay went out and played in it and they all had a blast.  It was also the first time ever that we've had church canceled due to snow.

This is right out our front door.  The wind made visibility really low, but everything was just beautiful.

Miya just loved the snow.  She was going crazy out in it and it was quite deep.  We got about 1ft of snow for the kids to play in.

Jay and the kids were throwing snowballs at each other while Miya went nuts.  It was something the kids haven't gotten to experience much since we lived in San Diego for the last 3 years, but boy was the winter wonderland sight something that just felt right. 

Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year.  Christmas eve kicked off the fun with a trip up to Waynesboro to the anual Teerlink Family Christmas party.  This was a first for the kids and I, and only the second time for Jay to be with Grandma and Grandpa T. and everyone else at Christmas time.  Sadly this is also the last year they are doing the big party.  The whole family comes to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas eve dinner and then they do a Nativity play before opening some simple gifts.  It was a great time, and we all had a lot of fun.

The kids and Jay all had parts in the play, Jay was one of the 3 wise men and the kids were lambs.

Annabelle had her part down great! 

The Grandkids and Great Grandkids all in costume from the play.

We came home Christmas eve and the kids got their jammies before watching "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" (cartoon version).  They were just so excited for Christmas.

Looks like Santa came to our house.  My kids are the 3rd generation on my side to have the "Santa" wrapping paper (white paper). 

Chirstmas Day was wonderful.  My head cold, that I thought was gone, hit me again and while I wasn't feeling the best it was still a wonderful day.  Santa brought the kids the lightsabers and boy do they just love those.

Even Miya got spoiled for Christmas

Poor dog was worn out by noon.  She just had too much excitement for the day.

The best part of Christmas was it snowed that night.  We had a white Christmas, which for us is exactly how Christmas should be.