Bryant and Hannah

As almost all of you know, I've been blessed with a beautiful birth-daughter, Hannah, who I placed for an open adoption 17 years ago! Click HERE to read the whole adoption story.


Although we've always had an open adoption... I've never spent Christmas with her.

This year, she came to Boise with her parents and spend 4 days before Christmas and 2 days after Christmas with us.

Hannah's parents are two of the greatest people I've ever met and I'll forever be grateful that they've been willing to "share" Hannah with me. It's so nice to see her growing and maturing into such a wonderful young lady.

It's also great to see Bryant get to interact with her. He sometimes gets lonely being an only child... and yet in all actuality, he's not an only child. He seems to finally be understanding that. He relishes in telling people he has a sister.

We had so much fun while she was here... much of which I'll post in pictures in the upcoming week or so.

But until then, I'll leave you with some great photo's.

Hannah and I (not a good picture of me... but cute of the two of us)

Bryant and Hannah

Bryant and Hannah both loved the fact they could snuggle on the couch together first thing in the morning while watching TV.

They would even fall asleep together in the evenings!

I think Bryant has a small *crush* on Hannah... which he should. She is super cute and loves him lots.

Happy New Years!

We shared New Years evening with our friends and neighbors.

Zac and I

Shaun and Jen

Dave and Gayle

We ate great food and played an awesome game of Mexican Train Dominoes.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't drink.

But on New Years my neighbor introduced me to TGI Friday's mudslides.

OMG... only the BEST DRINK EVER!The kids had a great time playing their own games.

Karsyn and JayCee read books The boys played Wii

Brady, Cooper, Bryant and Camden

They also played Star Wars for a long long time.


Eventually it was time to ring in the New Year with a champagne toast to 2009.



My New Years resolutions are as follows:


1. Make my kids laugh (act silly and not worry about making a fool out of myself or looking stupid)


2. Surround myself with color (I love bright cheery colors. I painted my living room wall red and I LOVE IT. This year I will paint more or add bright pops of color)


3. Spread Cheer every single day

4. Think like a kid (have a cupcake just because... or run outside and stand in the rain)


5. Take a "Me" day every once in a while


6. Return phone calls to friends in a more timely manner


7. Make date nights with my husband a priority