Merry Christmas To Me!

My amazing husband pulled a major surprise this Christmas and gave me a 10 day vacation to Napili, Maui! A recurring vacation spot growing up was Napili Bay on Maui. We went to the same hotel on the same beach about a half a dozen times growing up and it became by far one of my most favorite places to be. It has been a topic of discussion since we have been married that I really wanted to take Jason there someday and share with him all these amazing memories. Well, unbeknownst to me, Jason and my Dad planned a way to get us all there this year on their annual anniversary trip. Thanks my love! I can't wait to show you my favorite beach, my favorite restaurants, ooh my favorite dessert, and the best snorkeling! We are staying at my parents new favorite place on the same beach but a few hotels down the bay. Check it out! Napili Kai Beach Resort

Fun with the Bakers

Some good friends of ours, Eric and Emily Baker, were in town this past week. They came over for dinner Friday night and we had a great time. The girls loved them! We miss you guys and were so glad we could catch up. We can't wait to do it again!

Katie likes YC's Mongolian BBQ!

One of our absolute favorite places to eat is YC's Mongolian BBQ. Jason brought some home for dinner the other night and we offered some noodles to Katie. She loved them! It was a highlight! Katie has practically rejected all forms of baby food. She does not want to be spoon fed anymore, but wants to eat solid table food with her own hands. Especially, whatever we are eating. And trust me, she makes this very clear! She is only 9 months old, so it has caused some level of creativity. But she likes YC's! This makes her Mommy and Daddy very happy!

Ephesians: Treasure the Word Volume II

Jason was involved in making this years children's ministries CD. A group of songwriters at the church got together and wrote songs for several memory verses from the book of Ephesians. After several months of writing and refining their songs, they got together to record the CD. Our friends, the Bischof's, were so generous to offer their home recording studio and many, many hours of Dale's expertise in recording and producing the album. Jason was able to write two of the final songs and was blessed with the opportunity to help Dale mix many of the songs. The CD sounds fantastic and I am soooo proud of him! The best part is that the point of the CD actually works! Abby can sing all of the songs and therefore knows 12 scripture verses from the book of Ephesians!

The History Channel All-Stars Take It All!

I am the proud wife of this year's champion of our family's fantasy football league! Jason's team, The History Channel All-Stars, brought home the grand championship trophy and it is now proudly displayed on top of the bookcase in our family room! Jason's dad won last year and handed over the trophy while we were in California. He actually handed Jason a large Christmas wrapped box that supposedly had the trophy. He opened it only to find a tiny trophy and a large hammer for weight! After a good laugh, the real trophy was handed over much to Jason's delight! It didn't take long for the trophy to be engraved and displayed with pride! Congratulations my love!

Go Blue!

On New Year's day, we went to the Zeider's house for pizza and Michigan football! Jeremy and Carrie are good friends of ours and big Michigan fans! Carrie is from Ann Arbor and Jeremy and Jason have long been fans. So, with the Michigan flag flying outside their house, we all gathered to cheer them on to victory! And, just because we have to, we spent the next couple of hours playing video games! Best of all, congratulations to the Zeider's family on the expected arrival of their second baby in May!
Katie loved Carrie!

Jeremy is showing Jason a new Wii game. They're in their element!

Ella is showing Abby her Wii skills!

Jeremy had this little remote controlled helicopter that Jason, of course, fell in love with. The next day he went and bought himself one. Oh, they make me laugh! Just like two peas in a pod!

A cute pic of Katie! Becky don't you love her bow!

Happy New Year!

On New Year's Eve we went to two birthday parties and a rockin' New Year's Eve bash at the Daukas'. So, first off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! My sister-in-law's birthday is on New Year's Eve, so we had a family birthday party at their place in the early evening. My family and her family go way back and we have been good friends much longer than her and my brother have been together. So it is so much fun to have her be my sister! I love having you in my family!


Chris and Tara Daukas held a small gathering at their place to roll in the New Year. We are always amazed when we can get 6 kids to sleep in their 3 bedrooms! And we did, and had so much fun eating, chatting, and playing the Wii! Thanks again for opening your home!