Michael is 12 Years Old

Michael turned 12 years old. Last year he was so sick with Stomach issues and losing 30 lbs in two months due to Antibiotics that he didn't enjoy his 11th birthday but this year he made up for it. We had his favorite food homemade pizza, cake, and ice cream for rootbeer floats.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's to celebrate his birthday as well as his Uncle Darren's which is a week later. They had a lot of fun after loading 650 sheep into semi's to sell. It was a long day but fun was had by all.Aunt Mavis' Apricot Coffee Cake as a gift was one of his favorite gifts. It was all his and he didn't need to share with anyone.

Before Michael's Birthday we went to Uncle Charlie and Aunt Rhonda's for a sledding day since we don't celebrate Christmas with the Callens' side because there are so many of us to arrange it with now. Everyone was sore the next day but had a blast.

Michael waiting for the snow ski. He skiied like pro. Maria smiling and happy as always:)

Christina's first sledding day. It was 25 below windchill so she only had three sleddings down the hill but she loved it. Anthony manning the 4-wheeler and sleigh that Uncle Charlie made.

Here is a picture of Dakota. He has really grown. Dixie and Dakota sleep together now. We were so happy to see that since it has been so cold. Joe says he is all puppy and that he and Dakota need to have a talk but I think he really likes him.

Please Pray for Abby

Abby was adopted from Guatemala. At three years old, she was diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Certain genetic complications have put her chance of surviving the treatment at about 20%. I am praying for her and her family. Would you pray for them too? You can find more about Abby here, on her family blog: http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/2009/01/about-abby.html

JOY-New Year's Resolution continued.

After I sent the last post. I realized that maybe people don't know about the Duggar family. They are a husband and wife who just had their 18th child just before Christmas. I started reading their new book. They should have some tidbits for me to learn from since taking care of 4 can be a challenge some days and they are raising 18. JOY has been there goal "motto" for a while to keep everyone in check. Here is their website if you would like to read more about them. http://www.duggarfamily.com/

New Years Resolution

Every year we do a family New Year's Resolution. This year we are going to implement the same goal the Duggar Family of 20 do each day. JOY-Jesus First, Others Second, and Yourself last. It's going to be a challenge but it's something we hope will follow our children into their adult lives. The world gets going to fast that we think of ourselves and how busy we are and we have no time for anyone. But God wants us to look at him for Strength and ask in every situation what would Jesus do and he always thought of others and himself last. Does that mean we are going to be this "Perfect little family"..ahhhh nooooo. We are far from it but it doesn't hurt to try and change toward the better. Maybe you and your family would be interested in doing the same. Can you imagine what our world would be like if everyone did this?? HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!