Merry Christmas to all!

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, food and festivities. The past week has been the perfect balance of relaxation and activity. Unfortunately, I left my camera cord in Atlanta so pictures will have to wait.

In the meantime let me sum up our Christmas with two words: NERF GUNS.

*sigh*

Our life will never be the same.

The fleeting nature of beauty

Matts: Mom, I think you're the most beautiful girl in the world. I'll always think you're the most beautiful girl in the world.

Me: Thanks Matts, but what about the girl you're going to marry, I'll bet she'll be beautiful.

Matts: Nope. I'm not getting married. Uncle Thomas and I are going to live together. What's that called?

Me: A bachelor?

Matts: Yep, me and Thomas we're going to be bachelors together.

Later that night
Matts: Mom, if you're still alive, can I sleep in your bed when I'm 15?

Apparently, my time here on earth may be short, but at least it's sweet :)

The Ronald McDonald House

Every year since Elle's death in 2002 Ron and Debbie Struhs have sponsored a project for the Ronald McDonald house in Denver.

Although it was just over 6 years ago it feels like just yesterday that Reed and I checked into the Ronald McDonald House in Denver with our daughter, Elle. After a flurry of activity I had found myself alone in a strange city with literally nowhere to stay. Reed had flown back to Utah for work and in our hurry to get our daughter to the best hospital for her we hadn't stopped to arrange our living arrangements. Luckily, the next morning a RMH representative came by and by the next afternoon I was settled into a cozy little room just steps from the hospital.

Today the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado has grown substantially. They now have two homes to service Denver area hospitals. With the construction of the new house, in Aurora, has come an increased financial need. Although they often receive "fun" gifts such as toys their greatest need is currently monetary. To help meet this need they are currently offering the opportunity to "buy" memorial plaques which will be displayed in the RMH. These plaques measure 12X12 and feature the child's name and picture. Obviously, the majority of the funds raised go not towards the purchase/crafting of the plaques, but are used in for the ongoing care and upkeep of the RMH and the families they sponsor. I cannot begin to explain the relief that came from living in the Ronald McDonald House. We were within walking distance of our very sick little girl, surrounded by friends who "understood" and no longer concerned with financial aspect of our housing.

Our goal this year is to raise at least $450.00. I am confident that if we come together and each donate even a little we can far surpass our goal for this worthy cause. Feel free to contact Debbie at d.struhs@comcast.net or Kendall at kendallpeterson@gmail.com for specifics on donation.

Why we may have the best neighbors ever...

Before I ran Matts to school this morning we stopped to drop off some dishes to our neighbors, Nima and Nalin (from the miracle drink Nima had already brought by on Saturday). In our conversation I mentioned that I still wasn't feeling great. Next thing I know, Nima has taken Gray and Matts until 3:00pm. To top it all off an hour later she brought us this:

Now that's an answers to prayers (and then some).

***Also, thanks to Ariel and Bonnie for helping with rides. My awesome training partners are a post for tomorrow :)***

Happy Birthday Reed

It's been a rough weekend (and it's only friday!) I've been sick and completely waylaid and Reed has had to pick up the pieces. He and Scott even cooked the turkey together. Although it may not have been his ideal birthday this weekend has cemented what I've guessed all along; I married a truly wonderful, compassionate and fun man.

Happy Birthday Reed, I love you! (I promise I'll get your presents wrapped next year :)

Like father, like son

Although I at least have some part in Grayson's genetics and personality, it's clear his heart is all Reed. Tonite as I snuck in to check on my sleeping Gray I was more than slightly amused to hear him sleep talking (definitely a Kendall trait). As I leaned closer he mumbled "Daddy's car, Daddy's car". I guess it's perfectly clear who the rock star in this house is :)

Happy Birthday Baby Gray!

Here is one of the main reasons that I can find the "invincible summer" even in the depth of winter. I always find it ironic that we celebrate Gray's birthday and Elle's death within hours of each. And yet, I think that was exactly how it was supposed to be. We're so lucky to have such a pleasant, sweet little man in our family. A little man whose favorite past-time is declaring things "funny" and chuckling to himself. Reminding us all how great life truly is.

Happy Birthday Grayson, Gray. We love you.