The one where we said goodbye

There are few people who enter our lives who cement themselves into our hearts and minds forever.

When we first moved to Seattle, I never thought I would find the kind of best friends I had in Boise. The first time I attended our new ward at church, I noticed a striking, tall, gorgeous girl. Her name was Toni. When we first met, I thought, "I think we will be great friends!" Fast forward 5 1/2 years later, and I can honestly say I have acquired another sister (you would think 6 would be enough right?! lol). Toni is one of those people who genuinely cares about you, is completely self-less, and who will give you her time and talents to the nth degree, times infinity. She brought out the best in me. She taught me compassion, generosity, how to sew!, patience and many other things that would take hours to list. I knew their time here was temporary, her husband has been looking for a new job for a couple years now. But I never actually thought they would really leave. But they did. To Indiana. (insert me crying here!!!) I know we will always stay the best friends, whether we live 5 miles from each other or 5,000. I miss you Toni!!!

They received the job offer, and two weeks later, they were on the road to Indiana. Talk about a whirlwind right?! Luckily, we were able to find a time to slip in a little going-away party for them.

Beautiful Toni, and her little boy Elijah.

Some of the girls (before we all started crying). Kelly, Ali, Toni, Me, Aubrey

Dessert!

Apps!

The beautiful Hostess, Ali.

Ali, Me, Toni, Stephanie, Aubrey, Kelly...post crying. :) We missed you Brittany!!

Brooklyn and Jocelyn (Toni's second child) became the best of friends. And sometimes the worst. But mostly the best. :)

Some of the kiddos at the party. Brooklyn and Jocelyn were so goofy together! Funny girls. Brooklyn can't wait to go visit her. She was just asking me today if we are going to drive to see her soon. I told her I think we'll have to fly. She was not disappointed. :)

We miss you already Bakers!! Come visit soon!!!

The one with Christmas jammies.

We had an excellent Christmas this year. I can't believe we are already in the throws of January! Last year flew by. It seems like the older I get, the faster the years go by. Anyway...we woke up Christmas morning by the sound of pitter patter of little feet around 7:30. Santa actually came! We were worried since the kids had been kinda naughty. But apparently he is a forgiving Santa. So we opened presents, ate a delicious and "healthy" breakfast of cinnamon rolls and breakfast crescent braid, and got ready for church. I have to say, I really enjoyed having Christmas on a Sunday this year. I remember growing up, I loathed it because like all kids, all I wanted to do was play with my new toys all day. But what a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Our Savior and His birth. I am so thankful for Him and his birth. I am so thankful for the Atonement and His redeeming grace. He gives me strength in my life and I would be lost without Him and my Heavenly Father. I know that if I am ever lost or in need of comfort, I can get on my knees and feel of His love and strength. He knows and loves each and every one of us and is constantly lifting and supporting us through life. Again, I am so thankful for my Savior.

A few pictures from the day (someday I'll figure out how to get video downloaded. We have some funny moments of the kids).

Green Goblin. I need to put up the video of Troy saying "green goblin." It's super funny.

Setting up one of Troy's new racetracks. He got two this year.

Breakfast! I did overnight cinnamon rolls this year. They were so easy!

Erik did a photo-op of the kids before church while I got stuff ready for the Christmas program.

Out of a hundred pictures or so, we still weren't able to get a good one of all three in their Christmas outfits! Stinkers.

Savannah was DONE! lol

Christmas jammies!!

Again, really? These are the best pictures we could get?! lol