Happy Valentine's Day!

Sammi had a fun Valentine's Day and loved opening her Valentines from family and friends. Her favorite thing she got was a new Dora the Explorer book, oh yeah, and the candy.

Sammi opening her Valentine from us.

Looking at her new book

Oh where, oh where has my gallbladder gone? Oh where, oh where could it be....

For those of you who didn't hear, I (this is Stefanie) had my gallbladder removed a week ago today. I have been having gallstone attacks for about 18 months. They usually come in the middle of the night and I will be in intense pain for several hours. The attacks have come and gone for a period of several months, but recently have been worse. I had a serious gallstone attack a couple of weekends ago, and another that following Monday. So I went to Instacare that Monday to find out what the problem was. They did an ultrasound on my gallbladder and found that I had several stones. Then they scheduled me for surgery the next day.

A week has gone by and I am doing great. I still have pain, but it is so much better than last week. I had a follow-up appointment on Monday and the doctor said I am healing well.

The hard part is that I haven't been able to lift anything, including Sammi, for a week and won't be able to for another week. So that meant double duty for Kyle. He has been great, though, and has not complained at all. He has definitely turned into Mr. Mom by changing all of her diapers, feeding her, bathing her, and putting her to bed each night. I have also had major help from his mom. I don't think I could have gone through this without either of them. She has helped in getting Sammi up everyday and taking care of her while Kyle is at work.

Hopefully by next week, things will be back to normal and I will be a full-time mom again.

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Sammi wore her new Christmas dress to church the Sunday before. We had a fun Christmas party at Grandma & Grandpa Worsley's house where we did the Christmas program, played fun games, exchanged gifts and the kids got new pajamas from Grandma. On my side of the family, all of my sibings were in-town together for the first time in over 2 years. We were able to see my adorable new nephew, Peter, for the first time and the kids performed the Christmas program at my brother's house on Christmas Eve. We got tons of presents and Sammi got a new slide from Santa. And through it all, we remembered the importance of this beautiful holiday: the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And we thought of our dear family and friends who do so much for us and give us the love and support we need. We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.

Gingerbread Houses

This is a fun tradition that my parents started this year. We all gathered around a couple of weeks ago and make gingerbread houses. It wasn't too hard since we bought the kits to make them and they tell you exactly how to do it-down to the last gumdrop. Aunt Crystal was a pro and whipped her's out before any of us was done. Aunt Val, well she didn't do too hot. Her's looked more like a kid made it instead of an adult. We all teased her about it. Kyle did a pretty good job. Of course Sammi ended up eating the candy and not really helping.

Aunt Crystal and Avery

Aunt Val and Avery

Sammers taking a break

Finished products

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.....

We were so excited for the snow the other day that we decided to bundle Sammi up and take her outside. This was her first time playing in the snow and she loved it! One of the first things she did was dip her head down and lick the snow. We just laughed. She loved sledding and couldn't get enough of it. She did have a struggle walking through the snow and fell down often.

Sammi & Daddy

Sammi waiting for her turn to sled.

Sammi & Mommy

Doesn't she look cute in her snow clothes?

Worsley Halloween Party

We had a blast this year at the party. Sammi and I dressed up as witches and Kyle was a wizard. I spent a lot of time making his costume and it turned out great. Sammi had so much fun playing with her cousins and eating candy. Thanks to everyone for making it a great party.

Kyle in his wizard costume

Sammi and Grandma Worsley

Just a couple of witches...

Uncle Matt dressed as Pink Floyd

Aunt Sherlyn was a My Little Pony

Sammi with her cousins Ammon and Max

We went to a Halloween Party at our friend Hailey's house. It was so much fun! We played games, ate treats, and just had a blast. Thanks Hailey for having such a fun party and inviting us. Sammi and I went as witches.

Sammi played with this toy almost the entire time.

During lunch, Sam just ate the chips off her plate. When she was done, she parked it near my friend Holly and started to eat the chips off all of their plates.

Sammi's cute little friend Harper.

Of course, Sammi cried when it was time to get pictures taken.