Wow, I can't believe we are on the eve of a new year...2009. Time really does fly (faster and faster it seems as we get older)! As I reflect on the year 2008, I see how truely blessed our family is!! God is good! We began 2008 knowing we would have a new baby joining our family. In March we found out, with great delight, that it would be a baby boy! In April, our little angel, Claire, turned one year old! We also bought a van to fit our growing family in. In August we welcomed our bouncing baby boy, Oliver, into the world! We have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas! How lucky we are!

We have also suffered great loss and sorrow this year. In May, our dear friends lost their baby, born 3 months too early. In August, just a couple weeks after Oliver was born, we tragically lost my grandfather in a house fire. And a few weeks ago, my Aunt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, stage IV. Yet through these heartaches, we come out stronger, more committed to making the most of every day! I know there are many who suffer beyond anything I can imagine.

So, here's to 2009, may it be a year full of many happinesses and joys and few heartaches! I will try everyday to see the world through my children's eyes, with wonder and excitement!! I pray that you all have a blessed new year!

Here are just a few of the many pictures I haven't been able to post until now. There are quite a few on here so, enjoy!

Claire is such a great big sister!!

Merry Christmas!!

My little artist!!

My not-so-little man!

These next few are from the Grandstaff Christmas

Our nephew Hayden

Ryan's brother Randy and nephew Mycah

Claire modeling her new pajama pants, necklace, and dress up shoes

Ryan's sister Sherry and her boys Riley and Hayden

This was the best shot I could get of everyone:

Mycah, Madeline, Riley, Dylan, Claire and Hayden is back there somewhere. Christmas Eve... Our little munchkins Mommy and Ollie

Santa paid the Grandstaff's a visit!! Claire was in amazement, she didn't quite know what to think at first!

Opening presents

Daddy putting together Claire's desk

Claire helping daddy Ollie likes his Elmo...

and his rattle!!

Christmas at the Runyon's

Our niece Brooke and Brother-in-law Brent

Katie, Erica, and Mom

Erica, Mom, and Jared

These are just some random pictures from this week.

Ollie chillin' and talking on Claire's princess fold-out couch

Claire playing with stickers, she even shared with the dogs

Passed out on her couch while watching "Horton Hears a Who"

Wearing an old Halloween wig.

Ollie sleeping with his doggie blankie

4 months old!

Ollie is now four months old! I cannot believe how time flies by. He weighed 16 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 27 inches long. Claire was only 27 inches tall at a year! The doctor changed his dose of Zantac and now he is a very happy baby! He does, however, recognize strangers already. He screamed and screamed as soon as Dr. Hoddinott started touching him! So, this will make for an interesting holiday time! Well, I"ll try to get pics up soon, but our card reader isn't working at the moment. I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and enjoys the time spent with family and friends!!