Shock of a lifetime...

Ryan's cousin, Scott Murray, died in his sleep Friday morning. The cause of death is unknown. Scott had just gotten married in May of 2008. He was only 32.

We are so shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. It seams that his life was just starting, and then it was taken away. I am asking for prayer for Scott's wife Kristie, for Scott's parents and sister, and for Ryan who loved Scott like the brother he never had. This is a very difficult time.

Happy 2009!

We brought in the new year with a pizza and ice cream feast at our house. We had Ryan's sister and parents over and played Apples to Apples and Taboo. Well... some of us played. :) Papa Murphy's pizza was yummy, and was followed by an even yummier hot fudge cake... which I didn't have since I'm counting calories (kinda). I did endulge in 1 cup of double-churned vanilla ice cream however! Sullivan hammed it up as usual with the 2009 glasses and "big girl juice" (apple-grape cider). We lasted until about 11:00 PM I think, and then we closed it down.

Starting this year... Sullivan WILL sleep in her own "big girl" bed, I WILL stop biting my nails I WILL keep up on my grading, and I will lose more weight. :) Those are my personal resolutions. So... let's hope... here's to 2009!! Woo hoo!

Disney Christmas 2008

So we had a blast in Disneyland. We stayed for three nights... it was great being so close to the park (at the Disneyland Hotel). Sullivan really loved it. She was generally pretty good, but had her moments of acting a bit spoiled. We did almost everything a little girl would want to do. It was kinda nice to get home to Molle and our own bed... but Disney puts on a great show at Christmas, wow! I recommend visiting during the Holidays if you haven't before!

I also have to say that my in-laws were amazing. Between Ryan's parents, his sister Ashley and the two of us, Sulli had PLENTY of attention. She was a busy little Princess! :) Speaking of princesses... we had lunch with Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel and Cinderella! Sullivan was so funny... she had a serious face almost the whole time. She dressed as Princess Jasmine and was disappointed that she did not attend the lunch. The princesses told her that the "real" Jasmine was on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin. :) hee hee.

After all that walking, and eating out at fancy restaraunts, we were so tired each night! The trip was very memorable!

Merry Christmas...













She was really good when we went to visit Santa, but she was also very serious, as you can see. Sullivan can't wait to leave Santa "Cooookies and Mulk" on Christmas Eve. She also told him that wants a "prize" and that she likes "Bah-bies and Tandy". Hee hee! This will be such a fun Christmas!!

Giving Thanks

I am so thankful for my family. Ryan and Sullivan are the joy of my life. I am so thankful for our parents and our grandparents, and aunts and uncles... we are so blessed to have so many relatives close by. We can almost always find a babysitter! :) As I sit here and wrap Christmas gifts (you know, out with Thanksgiving and on with Christmas!), I realize how good we have it. As Americans we have so much freedom and security, and as Christians we have our faith that can be shouted from the rooftops if we want it to! I am personally so thankful for my marriage and my daughter, who is a miracle that I am reminded of each morning. Hopefully I can make this thankfulness last throughout the year, and not just when I feel all warm and fuzzy for the holiday season! :) Most of all, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only by His death that I can have an eternity in Heaven. It blows my mind that God could sacrifice his only child, for ME!?!?! As a parent, there is no WAY I could do that for anyone! God is good!

Ryan and I went to the Fresno State game last weekend. It was actually kinda fun. We had great seats... front row!
Sullivan and I had fun baking apple crisp while daddy was working late. She and I have new aprons which she is very excited about!
She is NOT really this happy about potty time. But I recently added some books and a sticker chart to our bathroom routine. So far, it's helping... a little!

Go CVC!

Ryan's team won again... against the undefeated Exeter team. Yikes! And I wasn't at the game. I opted to attend a student's play in Fresno that night and missed a great game. I was so bummed! So, Ryan is excited because his team got the 1st seed in playoffs. He gets a bye this week, and then plays either Selma or Arvin (at CVC), the day after Thanksgiving. We are enjoying the wins and are so proud of the boys! I just have such mixed emotions... I want nothing more than to have my hubby back, but I want his team to go all the way too! It's a tough spot to be in! :)