A Merry Christmas and A Happy Birthday to Chris

We had a wonderful Christmas! It is so much fun to watch my sweet kids enjoy the Christmas spirit. Christmas gets better and better as they grow!

We also got some snow here! We tried to go to the mountain, but the roads were so icy we ended up near the bottom of the mountain. Not much snow (there was actually more at the house), but it was still fun to go. Even Grandad came to play! We also built a tiny sorta scary snowman!

Also Chris turned 30!!! His parents came to visit and we had a great time. As you can see, Deano won't leave Dad's lap!

Christmas Programs

Every Christmas brings lots of programs, so I thought I would share a few pictures. Kiley had a dance recital and her school program, and Ryan's preschool did a cute little program. They did so well in all of their programs. We laughed at how crazy Ryan is but that's why we love him. He even yelled in the middle of the program, "Hey Mom! Clap!" He's too funny. Kiley is the exact opposite; she is so serious about what she is doing. I love how different they are.

Kiley and Kylie backstage after dance

Kiley lookin' so cute before her school program

Ryan and Hanna Layton. They are so cute!

He calls her his Hanna Montana!

Ryan on stage. He looks kinda tough getto?

Husband Tag...
1. How long did you date before you got married? 3 1/2 months. Which we both swore would never happen, but when you know, you know.

2. How long have you been married? 7 1/2 years!

3. What does he do that surprises you? I love days when he calls me out of the blue just to say he loves me.

4. What is his best feature? His dimples! I love them. Oh, he's also got one nice tush, but we won't go into that.

5. What is his best quality? He is so kind. I have never seen him drive by a broken vehicle without helping or not give his change to the homeless. He is also very trusting in Heavenly Father.

6. Does he have a nickname for you? He always calls me gorgeous. One day, he and Marco are riding in the truck, and Chris says, "I love you gorgeous." Marco thought that it was some spanish word meaning Fatso! So, Chris explained, but it still bugs Marco to hear it.

7. What is his favorite color? He says black if Kiley asks. She's big on favorite things.

8. What is his favorite animal? Again, Kiley's asked this one to which he replies tiger. It definately isn't dogs or birds right now.

9. What is his favorite food? He loves Italian food, but right now he is in love with my egg rolls. He wanted me to take them to Thanksgiving!

10. What is his favorite sport? Motocross if you count that.

11. When and where did you first kiss? January 14, 2001 at his house! Good kisser!

12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? We like watching movies and reading together. We also both like staying up late talking about anything; however, the next day we aren't so thrilled with ourselves.

13. Do you have any children? The best 4 kids in the world.

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He has a great singing voice and he is super smart.

15. How old is he? Almost 30, and I remind him of it daily.

16. Who said 'I love you' first? He did, and I'm so very glad he did.

17. What is his favorite music? He loves rock and Christmas music. He says he doesn't like country, but he knows more songs than I do.

18. Do you think he will read this? Nope. He's not a blogger. If he ever does, I love you Chris! Thanks for always supporting and loving me. You are so good to me, and I love you so much! Can't wait for eternity.

P.S. Here' s some pictures of him being the great dad he is as he runs the kids up and down the yard in a wagon and pictures of the wonderful job he did on the Christmas lights. We've had complements on how perfect they are!

Marco

As many of you know, Friday, 11/21, around noon, Chris's friend Marco suffered a brain hemorrhage (a cerebral aneurysm that burst). He had been outside working on the playhouse and shed he is building. He reached down to pick up some shingles, and complained to Chris of a sudden headache. Chris was helping him roof the shed. Chris and Carmen, Marco's wife, had Marco lay down, and as his condition did not improve, they called 911. Marco was taken to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, then flown to the Barrow Institute in Phoenix.

So far, it has been a miracle that Marco is doing as well as he is, but there is still progress to be made. I write this post for two reasons. First, I ask that people reading this blog will think of this kind man and his family in their prayers. Second, I think it's a reminder of what's really important in life and how fragile it can be.

Chris's company started a blog for Marco if you are interested in following his progress. The address is, www.miraclemarco.blogspot.com. Thanks for any prayers that come to him, his wife, and his two sweet daughters.