Even though I don't remember much of Christmas, but I apparently took a few photos. These are some of the best. You can see the joy in their hearts, it was Christmas, Jesus' birthday, and He was generous to share his birthday and presents with us. I love this time of the year... the magic still exists in our home!

A note from Santa on our chalkboard!

Katie and her cowgirl boots, she got her first pair when she was 3, she still loves them!

Seth's #1 on his wish list... the "Ultimate Lightsaber"!
Watch out, it's Caleb the Storm Trooper!

New Disney Class

This is a new class that I am teaching in January and possibly in February at Combat Creations. This is a mini-tin with 4 albums that fit inside. I created one album to use for just autographs, another for character photos and the remaining two for random photos and journaling. I just love it! I am so excited about this project because I actually will get to use this. We are planning a family vacation to Disney when Mark gets home from Iraq and I can't wait. I've been begging and badgering Mark for 8 years to take me and the kids to Disney World. We are finally going. I am not sure who is more excited me or the kids. We don't know dates yet because the Marine Corps hasn't told us when we are "allowed" to take leave, but watch out Mickey we're coming down!

Mark has moved...

I just wanted to let everyone know that I did hear from Mark today. He's good. I can tell you he has moved to another part of Iraq. Where he is at now he has to pay for Internet service, which is about $60 per month. He's going to try to "share" access with another Marine and split the cost, but he said they have to see if it'll work or not. One thing he did want me to pass on to you is that with his Internet service he is only allowed to download so many KB per day. So please do not send any pictures, files or any kind of attachments because it will eat up his Internet access time. Do not try to embed pictures into an email either, that will also cause trouble. He's glad to have moved, it has some advantages and different disadvantages, like paying for Internet access. I hate when he is moving around Iraq and out on patrols, it just causes me to worry more. Seems like where he is at now he'll be doing more of that, so please continue to keep him in your prayers. Thanks... I am sure as soon as he can he'll be back on here blogging; so check back often!

No News is Good News

For those who are checking this blog for Mark's status. He's doing fine. One thing I've learned in 15 years of marriage in the Marine Corps is when the guys are deployed -No News is Good News! I live by that, and I've come to appreciate that quote more and more when I get accustomed to talking via email with him everyday and then suddenly it's like he drops off the face of the earth for days to weeks at a time. So just remember that... No News is Good News! But I will keep you updated when I hear something.

back to work, back to school, back to life...

The kids went back to school today, thus starting cheerleading, tumbling, scouts, homework and such.... the list goes on and on. I was asked to make the yearbook page for my boys fourth grade class. No big deal right. Well it's a lot harder thank i thought. It's hard to be creative in a 8x11 space and still put 22 photos with names and dates on them. I did it, but it's certainly not my favorite layout of all time. I wish I could post it for you all to see, but because of privacy rights of the school and the students I cannot post it on the Internet. On a lighter note it's one more thing crossed of my list of things to do in January... not like the list isn't long, only about 25 things to do this week!