Merry Christmas, everyone!

It is getting late and boy, it was a long day, but before I go to bed, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas. I hope that you had as much fun with your family as we did. I will post pictures shortly. But before I sign out for the day, I would like to send a special Christmas message to the four missing members of our family -- Meg, Tom, Emma and Harrison -- who are in England this holiday season. We love and miss you, but we also hope that you are having lots of fun with the Massey clan. Say hello to them all for us. Hugs, kisses, and oh so much love from us to you. Enjoy!

The baby is not a baby any more...

Want proof? Point 1. Last night Marc and I were relaxing, enjoying having both kids in bed, when we heard a thump from upstairs. It wasn't Santa, but rather Anna waking herself up by hitting her head on the crib. When I went up to soothe her, I asked her where her boo boo was. She pointed to her left temple, and as clear as day said "here". (Until then, she's been able to mimic back to us what we are saying and point to a few things and call them by it, but that's a big step in communication right there!)

Point 2. Anna and I were reading a book about Curious George. In it, there was a smallish bird sitting on an elephant's back. I said to Anna, "Look, Anna, there's a bird!" Anna said, "Yeah, baby bird!" I don't know if technically it was a chick or not, but it was awfully small... esp. in comparison to the elephant!

Aw, what a clever 18 month old my little girl is turning into! Nate seems to be really enjoying her more too. He is always "reading" books to her, which is especially helpful when Marc is away and I am trying to take a shower in the morning!!

Back by popular demand!

I am so sorry, everyone, that I have slacked off in the past month with this blog. There has been so much going on and we've been extremely busy plus Marc has been working like crazy. His field (energy efficiency) is taking off. I am not sure if it is because energy costs are rising, the growing acceptance that our climate is changing, or other factors, but he's been working around the clock. Just yesterday I told him that being a single parent was tiring. At least he is doing good things for this world! And the big bonuses help.

This past month I've been spending time with family, addressing Christmas cards (a few a day), organizing a family photo shoot (after last years debacle, I decided to go with a pro), chopping down our Christmas tree, decorating our house, doing Christmas shopping, going to Christmas parties (including an overnight date in DC with my husband!!!!), taking care of sick kids (I gave Anna motrin this morning ... otherwise I would have missed work for 3 days this week), preparing food, doing mounds of laundry, and sleeping. But I can't do everything and so something has to give! And it's not going to be food or sleep! :) Every year we strive to be the tackiest house in the neighborhood. This year, our decorations have not left the porch. Ugh. One more thing to do.

Here are a few photos to catch you up with how our December is shaping up!!