Goodbye 2009!!

The Mueller family is so looking forward to a new year with new beginnings! 2009 was not a bad year, we just went through some changes. We moved (AGAIN), the kids all started new schools and were all at different schools. I have been home since May and attending school at a full time rate. I have enjoyed volunteering at Wyatt's school (even though it was FREEZING and I was making Icee's). We are thankful that Eric was able to work quite a bit of overtime, so I am able to stay at home with the kids. I am grateful to my husband for working hard and encouraging (very intensely) me to be a stay at home mom. I do feel that our marriage, children, and life in general is so much better. I am thankful for our callings in church (encouragement to get up on Sunday) and having the gospel in our lives. Our children love to have FHE and my goal is to have it on a regular basis. This Christmas we were able to remember the true meaning and enjoyed reading stories from the scriptures. We look forward to 2010!!

Remembering what it's all about....

Each year we have our family Christmas party at my parent's house. It is usually the Saturday before Christmas so no one has to rush and we can enjoy the day with each other. EVERY year the children do a Nativity scene. The charaters are rotated each year so everyone gets a turn. One child narrates and at the end they all sing a few songs. It is very sweet and the parents LOVE it! There is even a "sheep", but in this picture he is too low:) I am thankful for my family and the traditions and memories they build for our family.

Gingerbread Houses

A few nights ago we made gingerbread houses out of rice crispy treats. The kids loved it! There was enough so they could each make their very own. I loved to watch them and how intense they worked on making their's just right:) Wyatt couldn't wait to finish his so he could eat it. I am thankful that Ian and Brittney still enjoy these activities with their family.

Oh Baby!

So, Brittney is taking a Careers in Child Care class in school this semester. It is teaching her how to babysit children from infant to around 7 years old. She has been enjoying the class so far. She will get CPR certified and all. I think it is a wonderful resource and is teaching her alot. Well...today she brought home an "infant". This thing cries, needs to be changed, fed..the whole she-bang! We are only an hour into and Brittney is STRESSED to the max! I keep telling her she CANNOT through it against the wall (not only will she fail, but this sucker costs $500) Did I mention this thing CRIES ALOT!!!!! All of the "infants" actions are tracked and Brittney has to wear a wristband that chimes when she holds it so the teacher knows how much Brittney interacted with the "infant". I would love to see the teachers face when she reads this babies report in the morning! We are so grateful that sweet McKinnley came over to help out. She has fed and soothed this little baby. WOW! I can honestly say that I don't think any of us will forget this little adventure:)

Brotherly Love

Ian and Wyatt LOVE to build things. I was so thankful when my best called me up Saturday and said she had some stuff for the kids. They have been playing non stop with the lego's, they have created a really cool pirate ship with trap doors and all! The books have been wonderful too..tons of Magic Tree House (Wyatt's FAVORITE) Can I just say that we absolutely love hand me downs:)

Middleburg Parade

Our family loves to go to the light parade down Blanding Blvd. in Middleburg. This year was the BEST one yet!! There was so many more floats the weather was Christmassy. We picked up a pizza on the way and snuggled with some blankets. The kids love to get the candy that is thrown to them. Wyatt LOVES the lights! I hope we can keep this little "tradition" going:)

Winter Wonderland in St. Augustine

With Brittney and Ian being gone for the weekend, we took advantage of having some time with Wyatt. We loaded up in the car with me and Wyatt in the back watching Santa Buddies. We waled through Candy Cane Forest, Wyatt went on the Ice Sled, let snow fall on us in Elf Village, and we enjoyed a carriage ride through the Enchanted Forest full of lights. We walked by Santa, but Wyatt did not want to sit on his lap because "santa is not real" (gotta love older siblings) After we enjoyed our chilly night out, we hit the Starbucks for some hot chocolate on the way home. Wyatt loved his night out with mom and dad! I am so thankful to have Wyatt as my son. He is the sweetest boy and always reminds us "that he loves BOTH of us".

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was relaxing. Eric woke up at 7:00 and put one of the ham's in the oven for me so I could sleep in. When I woke I began to make dessert's we were asked to bring. I make banana pudding (my dad's request) and pumpkin turtle pie (which is super easy and very tasty!) We then headed off to Eric's g-ma's house fro Thanksgiving lunch. (I forgot the camera) We visited with Eric's family and the kids helped their papa put together a new train set. after clean up, it was time to go to my mom and dad's house....we made it in time to see Jamie and Shannon, the kids, and the puppies (Jackson got to reunite with them one last time before the others are sold) Jr., JennaRae, and Bryant were there too. All the kids LOVE running and playing together. I am so thankful for the closeness that my family shares. I have two AMAZING sister-in-law's and the best neice and nephews around.