Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I feel like I've had such a busy holiday season, I'm so sorry this is my first post in forever. But I guess you all are getting used to it by now. So I'm done apologizing - it's expected from me. With visiting Claire in Georgia in the middle of November, having my family for Thanksgiving, and then planning the ward Christmas party again - I only started getting ready for our Christmas after the 15th - and then it was a whirlwind. And sure, I suppose I could have blogged sometime in the days after Christmas when we literally sat around and didn't even get out of our PJs or scarcely even left the house - but I didn't want to spend time on the computer. I know most of you are different from me, but it's just not that enjoyable for me to hang out online. I know I'm a freak of nature. Sorry. Plus, I had Doug home (Th, Fri, Sat, and Sun) and we watched lots of Christmas - and non-Christmas - movies, and spent a lot of time hanging out. It's been good. Here's the narrative:

Here's our Christmas Eve Nativity cast. I was a pregnant Angel - I don't know what that means, but it definitely seems weird! But, we had a lot of fun, and a nice dinner with our friends the Scow's and Israelsen's.

Christmas Morning:

After everything was unwrapped, but unopened: It's hard to believe it still looked kinda organized. But don't worry, the room didn't look this way again for 5 days!The aftermath! Yes - we went overboard, I know.

Ben took this pic of Me and D - what a little stud. Doug and I also got a freezer! YAY! Something we needed desperately. Thanks to both our moms and dads for helping contribute to [most of] our freezer fund! We love our Christmas present! Here's a pic for you - I'm sure it's not that thrilling to anyone else.

We had such a great Christmas, and a great year for that matter. It's always so amazing to me to look back and be able to LITERALLY count your blessings. The Lord has given us so much, and we are so grateful and happy. We're looking forward to another great year - and some good memories with our growing little family. Cheers to 2009! And since we didn't do a holiday card this year, I'm going to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year too!