Some great news

What an amazing 2009 we had. It was one of the greatest years for us! It also threw us a few trials along the way. I have decided and truly believe that everything happens for a reason. This past year we grew stronger, we grew closer and we are happier than we have ever been. We laughed, we cried and we lost hope in certain circumstances. But it still ended up being one of the greatest, most fun year of our life. From graduating from Columbia in the worst job market since the Great Depression, Jeff was searching and we were praying for a job offer to come along... to also trying to have a baby after 3 years of medicines, surgeries, and answers that just didn't seem right... we still had each other and knew again that everything happens for a reason. I don't know what I would do without the Gospel in my life. I am grateful for the power of prayer and faith because it helped us every step of the way.

As I post this, I know that we are definitely not the only ones that have gone through circumstances like these. My heart goes out to everyone this year... because we know that it is not easy. and I promise- it can only go upward from here. I am grateful for these experiences though because they taught me so much.

On that note... Jeff and I received great news on November 4th...

WE ARE PREGNANT!

We couldn't be happier.

Baby Wood- we are excited for you to come on July 10th and we will be waiting for an explanation on why you took so long :) (just kidding)

can't wait to finally meet you my little loved one

It's Christmas all over again!

Wow... better late than never... I don't know what is with me lately but it is so hard for me to get on my computer at night after a full day of work... but I know that I needed to post this sooner rather than later!

Christmas was awesome this year! We had such a great time going back home to Utah. Seeing friends and family, it is always hard to say goodbye. But what a nice VACATION we had. Sleeping in everyday, lunches, naps in the middle of the day, dinners, movies in front of the fire and then sleeping in again! Oh my gosh it was so nice. It was so hard coming back to reality. Here are some highlights of our awesome family traditions...

It starts with Fondue dinner on Christmas Eve with the Woods

all the girlies

sweet Baby Jane- one of the best babies ever!

do you love our wonderful lipstick? Elle is a great makeup artist

Oh how we love these kiddies! They were so cute on Christmas

Then off to the Johnson home to make the "big bed". You get every mattress, pillow and blanket in the house. It's hard to sleep with 4 boys in the same room... I had to go in the other room by 4 am but it was still fun! love my brothers :)

Christmas Day

tradition- pancakes with special secret syrup (just kidding, it's not secret- i just don't know the name of it but it's a good recipe! )

yes they are drunk

Then off to the friends get togethers! It was so fun seeing my great friends for a fun lunch at Market Street- and then also a date night with the couples at Bonsai! miss you already:)

Big Log Lodge

Here is my friends party- greatest party ever. So fun to see everyone who was in town!

Great friends, great times, great fun

Thanks for such a fun Christmas! We are excited for our next visit!