Since one of the blessings of this year has been our health, it was only fitting that we should all get some sort of 24 hour flu bug when we were back in Iowa for Christmas. Not only that, but we managed to spread it to several other people as well, for which I am truly sorry! Despite all of the puking, we had a wonderful Christmas day and week. We left for Iowa after the girls had performed in the church play (they said their lines so loud and clear--I was proud) and drove for over 9 hours. Jordan struggled a little as we got into the 6th hour, but who can blame a 6 month old for not wanting to spend the day strapped in a carseat? In Iowa, we met Deb's new boyfriend, Andy, who is extremely funny and I think a good fit for Deb. Rebekah and Deb took Taylor and Morgan for an overnight visit (Taylor got her ears pierced!) and my grandmas (the "great grams") also got to watch the kids some while Bracken and I got out to see a movie (!). I was able to see friends from high school, the hospital my mom works at, the hotel where Bek will be getting married in May and enjoy so much time with relatives. Living away from family makes those holiday times together very special to me. Seeing both Taylor and Morgan in the flower girl dresses that mom made them makes me realize even more that I'm looking forward to another great year!

Christmas is coming and I'm so thankful for so many things. I thought I'd better list some of my blessings to keep things in the right frame of mind. Too many times I find myself getting stressed for no reason at this time of year. First of all, I'm thankful for such a wonderful family. My husband is such a hard worker and great provider. Taylor has turned 5 now and is such a big helper. Yesterday we had a Christmas party and she was so good about helping me clean the house. Morgan is such a little snuggler at 3 1/2. She says things like, "Mom, I really, really, really, really love you so much." Then there is Jordan. She has reached the 6 month point already and is just such a good baby. She sleeps 10- 12 hours each night and loves to laugh. She is so content and loves to play by herself or with her sisters.

Beyond family, I'm blessed with a teaching job that I enjoy every day. My family is healthy and so are both of our extended families. My children have 3 great grandmas still living and are getting to know them more each year.

What a great Christmas season this will be!