Happy New Year

First of all, a BIG congrats shout-out to my sister Kristi and her new fiance Bill! Wooooo hooo! They got engaged a few days ago and we are all so so so excited for them both!

Second, how 'bout them Commodores??!! They (on NYE) beat Boston College for their first bowl win since the 50s. For real people! Go Vanderbilt! Bennett is above in his Vandy gear but rest assured Luke and I also had our Vandy gear on as well.

I am beginning to see a trend in my blogging habits. Kurt out of town = new post. I think it's something about having no other adult to talk to, you start talking to yourself in your head which makes me think "oh I should blog about that". You get the picture.

We had a glorious Christmas is Montana with my parents. We had tons of snow here in Seattle and Bigfork had more snow than my parents had ever seen. We delayed our trip for a few days, saw a break in the weather and high tailed it there. It was well worth the effort! John and Sarah also ended up driving more than 18 hours to get there after their Alaska airlines flight was cancelled. (Note, unsure of booking on Alaska anymore -John, my neighbor and my dentist all had flights canceled by them with little more than a "too bad for you" attitude!).

One of the best parts of Christmas was seeing the three kids together. Kate was so sweet "helping" feed Bennett, checking his toes for 'bo-bo's' and running all over the house chasing Luke. I think that reminded Luke of school so he loved the company! He was happy the entire time we were there which is so nice for us. We had one night when he was awake from 1am to 5 am but he wasn't crying (I was) just hyper and way to active. Kate was also an excellent Christmas present opener "helper" which was great for Luke and Bennett (too cute!!).

There was so much snow that John, Kurt and my nephews all shoveled the walk and drive way several times only for it to snow again and look like they never did anything. We were able to literally cross country ski right out my parents door, down the street and onto the golf course. Snow shoeing was hard because the snow was so deep! I know you are probably thinking, "well Rachel it is MONTANA, it is supposed to snow!" but this was crazy snow. John and Dad even ended up in the ditch because the side of the road looked to be the same height as the actual road. Ummm no. That was alllllllll snow. Thankfully after John and Dad tried to get it out and then Kurt and I came with the chains, the REAL Santa came in the form of 5 very helpful people with a truck and tow rope. We were the 2nd person they had pulled out and this was Christmas day! They were from, of all places, SOUTH DAKOTA! Mom and Dad were, of course, thrilled.

We made it back home with only a small delay behind a jack-knifed trailer. Thankfully we had movies and food and plenty of gas so it wasn't that big of a deal. The boys were excellent in the car. I think Luke could ride in the car for 48 hours straight and not get sick of it. It's right up there with school and the bus in terms of favorite things.

For historical purposes (I see this blog as a way for me to remember things!) Bennett rolled over all the way on December 19th. He had been rolling to his side and even almost all the way for quite a while but getting the arm out from his stomach was the big accomplishment. The funny thing is as soon as he lands on his stomach he HATES it and wants to be on his back again. We will roll him back and then WHAM 10 seconds later he is back on his stomach! It's comedy.

Lastly I want to (again for historical purposes) add the prayer that my mom wrote for Christmas Eve. It's so nice and I wish I had the one from last year (2 years?) as well. Hats off to mom!

"December 2008

Dear Heavenly Father:

This year we are so grateful and thankful for our precious Bennett and we thank you Lord for bringing him to us. We are so joyous for his smiling, happy face and that he looks to each of use for guidance. We will soon be blessed again as we welcome John and Sarah's baby and we ask that you keep that child safe and healthy.

We adore Luke and Kate and may they both continue to grow and become better acquainted with this world that you have created. Please hold them tightly in your grasp dear Lord.

May we all be ever mindful of the simple pleasures of life and begin each day with gratitude for the things that we cannot buy. A smile, a kiss, a touch, a new word learned, a ride on a yellow bus, a caring teacher, a Walt Disney cartoon, a marriage of 40 years and a home that is familiar and comforting.

Bless this house of Grandma and Grandpa's and may it be a peaceful haven and restful place for our wonderful family. "

Nice mom! I love you!