2007... a year in review

This year has brought so many firsts for our family, especially for Isaac. We've all grown in one way or another and are so glad to have lived it. Our life has always brought challenges and with the upcoming addition of our last child, we expect him to be no different. God has blessed us in so many ways, through happy times and sad times, we are thankful for each and every one.

May 2008 bring peace and happiness throughout the world.

May each of us remember that life is about loving each other, not loving our things.

Happy New Year!

Is it back to school time yet?

Okay, so I love my daughter dearly but good grief!!! How much do I have to endure?? Today she's cleaning her room, which is quite wonderful.. except cleaning her room usually entails re-arranging everything and requires the entire day to accomplish.. that's if it ever is completed. I'm glad to know that she's an independent kid but really, how much is too much? I guess this daughter drama is more pleasant than the school related drama, so I'll breathe through it.. and try to be calm.. and maybe survive the day.. haha!

Sickos!

What a gross Christmas gift.. All my children are complaining of something. Alex woke up yesterday saying his feet and neck (throat) hurt. He stayed on the couch most of the day with a fever, and even took a nap with Annie (our German Shepard)! Serenity says her ankle and throat hurts. Isaac is teething with symptoms such as non-stop runny nose, goopy eyes, fever, and of course the ever challenging waking in the night.

Needless to say, it's been a challenge the past few days. I sure hope we can get healthy soon!

Christmas Day.. my first post

It was so nice to sleep in this morning. The kids rarely all sleep in but we were able to sleep 'til 8 o'clock! Since this was the first time ever having Christmas morning at home, Ben and I were so excited for the kids. (secretly, I was thrilled with the idea of all the suspense I'd put in place.)

Our first unveiling was the stockings. Santa was good to the kids this year, not only did they get a new tooth brush as usual but candy as well.. and a few little toy goodies too! I didn't receive any coal this year so I was thankful, maybe because I forgot to hang my stocking?! Ha, Ha!

We ate breakfast in preparation for the mass gift unwrapping.. Thankfully we took the time to do so, cause we didn't finish with the unwrapping, assembling, whining cause we didn't have batteries, "not another box of clothes", "I don't like it, mom", drama until 11:30!

For the rest of the day, we've enjoyed playing with our new stuff and spending time together, something we don't get much opportunity to do.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Christmas at the Nichols's

Our second Christmas celebration was at Ben's parents' house. Ben's sister Saima, and I planned a big meal for dinner, king crab legs and steak! I also brought stuff for crackers/chips and dips. Saima also brought her new chocolate fountain with a bunch of yummy stuff to dip. We spent a lot of time snacking that day, so we opted to have the big meal the next day before we left.

Gift opening was great! The girls all got digital cameras from grandma & grandpa, a complete shock for all of them. They each had a blast trying out the features of their cameras, but the biggest hit was the video mode which kept them busy most of the night.

Alex and Isaac each got some cool toys. We each had a great time and enjoyed seeing all the family and eating all the tasty foods.

Isaac & Sophie

Isaac & Sophie were due a week apart, Sophie then Isaac. Isaac surprised us all by being born 6 weeks early. Even though he started out smaller, he's always been bigger than Sophie.

It's so fun to see them grow together since they are so close in age/size.

Christmas at the Borgs'

We had a nice, non-traditional Christmas dinner.. home-made chicken noodle soup! YUM! Grandma made sure we didn't have any chance of being hungry after dinner.. in fact, with all the appetizers I wasn't even hungry before dinner!

Thanks for a great, early Christmas Mom and Steve.

Alex and Mackenzie

Alex and Mackenzie have been friends since they were quite little. I was babysitting Mackenzie and Preston one day and made the kids go out and play in the snow.. it was a nice day with no wind, very unusual for our location.

Mackenzie loved playing outside as did Alex. I think it helped Alex's sadness because he hasn't been able to go outside since it's been SOOO cold and windy.

In front of the Christmas Tree..

My kids have grown accustomed to having their pictures taken, thankfully! As a photographer, it makes life much easier.. but I admit, I do expect too much of them at times. (sorry chilis!)

I absolutely love these images, especially Isaac cause he learned to say "cheese" just for me! :)