Christmas Time

We had an eventful Christmas this year. We (Jason, Sarah, and Kim) went down to Iowa the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with my grandpa. My aunt and uncle were able to join us, as well. The weather was terrible, but we enjoyed the cozy hospitality Mom and Dad always show. We played some dominoes and ate a lot of great food.

Sarah, Jason, and I traveled back on Sunday in pretty bad weather conditions. I think we hit it at the right time since those that traveled before us weren't so lucky. We must've seen 50 cars/semis off the road between Mom and Dad's and the Mississippi River on I-80. Needless to say, we were very thankful to get home. We spent Christmas Eve with Jason's family. Meghan, Bob, and Sean were up and Ann and Ron hosted a lovely dinner. Their house was decorated so nicely and it was a wonderful night with family. It was fun to see Sarah and Sean together. I'm holding Sean in the video. Try and catch his dimples as you watch. He's showing more and more personality and makes us smile.We went to Christmas Eve service where Sarah made me work very hard to keep her entertained. It was much different this year compared to last Christmas where she slept on Aunt Kim's chest during the entire church service. Mom, Dad, and Kim all traveled to Wisconsin together on Christmas day. We had another enjoyable day with family. Sarah was spoiled rotten by both sets of grandparents and her aunts and uncles. This girl has so many toys. You can see her playing with her new kitchen set in one of the pictures above.

Mom and Dad watched Sarah for a couple of days while Jason and I went to the Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot,WI. Jason won a free stay there for the music teacher of the year award awhile back. We both got 1-hour massages and did a lot of relaxing. It was a nice getaway but we were anxious to get home to see Sarah. She had a lot of fun spending time with my folks. It's nice they had the opportunity to spend that one-on-one time with her. Cleo got into town the day we returned from the resort, so we had a nice dinner at the house and did some more family bonding with our brother-in-law to be. Plans are in full-force for the Jamaica wedding.

Since then, we've been to dinner at the Campbell house, trying to get over colds and working to catch up on some projects around the house. Jason had a New Year's gig, so I watched a movie after Sarah went to sleep. A pretty low-key night. Jason doesn't go back to school until Thursday. It's been wonderful having him around more and to watch him play with Sarah. She'll really miss him when he goes back to school.

As we head into 2008 I'm in awe of how lucky we truly are. I think of those folks that are struggling to get by, sick, serving in military away from family, or unhappy people, in general, and feel grateful for all the blessings we have. We have food on the table, a roof over our heads, running water, etc., etc. On top of those basic needs, we have our faith, love of family and friends, and joy in our life. Now that's not to say our life is perfect every day...I think anyone would be lying if they didn't admit that. Nonetheless, we have so much and nothing to complain about.

I pray that 2008 brings you good health, compassion for others, love and joy! Don't forget to laugh and find humor in yourself. Life is just too short!

Sarah Walking

While she's had a couple steps followed by a fall to the rear here and there, we finally captured her walking across the living room on video last night. Since then, she's been trying to walk more often. Watch out world, here she comes! You can hear in the video that I was just a little excited. Ha! :)

December 13

Sarah is busy playing with some of her birthday toys so I thought I'd write a quick post.

I still can't believe she's one already. I marvel at how she changes each day and is interested in every new object or sight. She has her strong opinions about food and not liking to sit still for her diaper change, but otherwise, she's a pretty agreeable child.

I love that she's patting us on the back when giving hugs and that she rubs her forehead back and forth when giving "eskimo kisses" (I know...probably not politically correct, right?). I also love that she just wants to turn the pages of the books instead of letting us read what's on the page. I love how she pats her hand on the chair to signal Sammy (our dog) to come up and sit by us as we cuddle and read. I love how she waves to everyone she sees and seems to be a "people person". I love how peaceful she looks as she sleeps in her crib. I love her giggle. Basically, I love everything about her...even when the days are long and I haven't had a break. I've also realized how I respect working moms who are balancing so many balls in the air at once. Although, I've also realized how important it is for stay-at-home moms to have something in their life that's just their own. I'm working on that. I'm lucky to have a couple of play groups, a music class, and library group to get us out of the house around other people.

Jason has kept busy getting ready for upcoming concerts. He has the Sacred Music Concert this Sunday and his regular band concert on Monday night. He's playing with the Manhattan Transfer vocal jazz group tonight at Potowotomi Casino. He continues to play in the All Star Superband big band on Thursday night's at Long Wong's in Milwaukee. Those performing opportunities keep him involved with his passion for playing his horn. His biggest playing highlight this year was playing with Josh Groban. He played a concert here in Milwaukee and one in Green Bay. He said Josh Groban is the "real deal", a true musician, and nice guy. Jason's also attending the Midwest Clinic in Chicago this year. He had to miss it last year since Sarah was a newborn. I have to say I'm a bit jealous since I love that convention, as well. It's always good to go and refuel with some top-notch performances and get ideas from fellow directors.

I'm putting my name into the Elmbrook District to teach some private lessons after the new year. It won't hurt to have some extra cash and it will keep my "foot in the door", so to speak.

Despite the snowstorm, we had a fun 1st birthday celebration for Sarah. Meghan, Bob, and Sean couldn't make it due to the weather, but they came up this past weekend for an afternoon. It was great to see them. Sean is really starting to show more personality by jabbering and making some fun facial expression. You could tell he was trying to talk to Sarah. It was the first time they really took interest in one another. It will be so much fun to watch them grow up together.

Kim and Cleo came by while we were hanging out with the Gillete side of the family last Saturday. They're busy making plans for their Jamaican wedding on May 31st. We haven't decided for sure whether or not Sarah is coming along. I did pick up a passport application for her today while I was at the post office. :)

I better go start my Christmas cards. That's enough rambling for now.

Sarah with Santa

We went to visit Santa Claus today. She looked at him very inquisitively and just wasn't too sure what to think of him as you can see.

Here's a video from Thanksgiving weekend when Sarah's Great-Grandpa Whitehead gave her the TMX Elmo for her birthday. Aunt Kim can be heard scolding our dog, Sammy, who was having "issues" with Elmo.

Sarah's 1st BirthdayCake

Sarah eating her first birthday cake