welcome 2011

Let's be honest...
2010 wasn't what I'd call
my best year.

January:
Hailey started having what we now know is extreme anxiety... seizures...doctors visits & tests & medication. Many trips to the school to pick her up off the floor. Watching your child suffer= extreme heart ache.
Then lots of psychiatrist visits & therapy.
Then, a new therapist... it goes on.

April
Jack left for Brazil...
I know, I know... as a Mormon mother I should be ecstatic?
Yes I am happy for him- thrilled he is a worthy missionary.
Still, I'm human & my babies are growing up, leaving home & I don't like it.
Sue me.

September
Brett lost his job.
As our lawyer put it, "it wasn't illegal, but unethical."
Not nice.
Not nice at all...

On the flip side-
Hailey doesn't have a brain tumor.
she is more confident & stronger than ever.
she has grown leaps & bounds & we didn't even know she needed to?
she is becoming more talented & writing incredible music.
She is kind & empathetic to other people with problems.
She has an understanding & a "way" with people who have special needs.

Jack is very happy.
Possibly happier than any other time in his life. He has purpose. He knows who he is & who He is & loves teaching & serving. Now.... my only worry for him is- how will he ever adjust to coming home?! Thankfully that trial will wait until 2012.

Brett has a new job & in just less than 3 months-
this is truly a blessing & miracle from above.
It's a good job too!
One with great potential & he is happy.
Yes- we have learned lessons & yes we have many more lessons to learn.

Trent is doing okay in school.
There are definitely trials ahead.
I am grateful for such kind boys his age in our neighborhood. There are more than a couple who look after him. I can't even tell you how much better his life is because of this. Childhood can be so cruel. Thank you boys (some of them my former scouts) for being kind. Each one of you will be truly blessed by your efforts someday. I know Trent doesn't show it & is even rude to you at times- but he really does appreciate your friendships. I am eternally grateful & love you.

Chloe-
she is such a lady. She is also growing up... but just so lovely. she is a dear sister & loving daughter. she cleaned & organized my laundry/sewing room for me as a Christmas present. Can you think of a better gift? I cannot. Jr. High has not been her favorite experience... but who loves jr. high? This year- she will start High School! Hard to believe.

Brian (aka: lover boy) that's what we call him now that he has a girl friend. He has stopped mourning leaving his mission, as far as we know? He loves teaching the missionaries in the Missionary Training Center & receive letters from many of them on a regular basis. He is doing well in college- not just passing. He has great friends- we adore Laura- he comes home a lot. ya we like having him home.

Megan, Tony & Charlie are the frosting on my cupcake. I can't imagine them being better examples for my other children & OOOH that Charlie! He is the most darling thing I have ever laid eyes on. I am so in love with him & someday he will love his Grandma Messer. He will have a sibling this year!! Oh my joy is full.

I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me trials that help me to grow.
I am grateful for a new year.

Now that I have boasted over my children...
surely one or all will do something terribly embarrassing & public.
that is what always happens when a mom gives into pride... me included.
Let's just hope it doesn't make national news...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Christmas in pictures

this year, luckily...

we had some money set aside for Christmas before the whole job lay off.

Of course- we were not sure what was ahead of us,

so I was nervous about spending it all or even any of it.

Then- I got my little job.

That made all the difference in my attitude.

I knew the money from that would be enough to cover a chunk- or most of it.

Then of course- Brett was offered his present job & can I just say-

wow

we are truly blessed.

Not only did we have our money set aside-

plus my little income- but a job & future income!

NOw-- we didn't go all craZY & buy out the mall or anything-

I'm just saying- mentally it was a huge relief.

(the kids drew names & this is what trent got from hailey)

(brian had hailey & got her a techno jacket)

(trent had chloe & got her a soft blanket & socks)

The best part of my Christmas was...

I snuck into our Amazon account & ordered Brett a Kindle.

He has always wanted one, but wouldn't spend the money on himself.

It was so fun for me to have a BIG surprise for him.

Ah Christmas!

It's such a fun day.

We were thrilled to see video from Charlie's Christmas morning on Megan's blog.

Then of course we got to talk to jack.

It just doesn't get better than this.

just a wonderful Christmas!

It has been a wonderful Christmas here at the Messer home!

The highlight of course, has been talking to missionary Jack.

We got to talk to him in the afternoon Christmas day.

He sounded absolutely

WONDERFUL!

He was in a chapel, just next to the beach.

He said he could drop the phone & be in the ocean in less than a minute!

It's been 100 degrees there with 100% humidity.
eew- sticky
He was hoping we could tell him it was snowing here. It snowed a day late this year...

He's had visitors in his intestines... gross.
But they are gone now & he is doing better.
He is gaining the weight back he lost & feeling good.

He kills multiple ants & 3" cockroaches on a regular basis.
eww again
but loves it anyway.

He got his Christmas package which included:
new underwear!
socks
a new journal (he asked for one)
loads of treats & candy
hostess donuts
(they don't have donuts in Brazil)
and hostess apple pies
(apple pie is his favorite food & they don't have that either)

We miss you & love you Jack.
What a privilege to represent Christ on Christmas.
I hope your baptism goes well this weekend.
Keep defending America (he gets a lot of criticism & rude comments about politics)
and no... don't take your tag off & punch anybody.
We are so proud of you & the work you are doing-
Teaching people that there is a God.
He knows & loves us individually.
That Christ was born- lived & died for us.
That we can live again & be together as families forever.
I can't think of a better Christmas present than knowing my son is His servant.
I love you
Merry Christmas

1st day off!

today is my first day off in
seven
straight
days.
I work again tomorrow
and.....
the day after Christmas!

On the list today?
1. making & delivering the girl's & Trent's Christmas gifts.
2. asking Brian (very nicely) to gas up my car. (I hate putting gas in my car)
3. a big BREAKfast- french toast- after everyone sleeps in
(except Trent who has been saying "hi" to me since 6:00 AM... #$%*&!)
4. ELF- I will be sad when Christmas is over... ONLY because I will miss watching Elf.
5. laundry & more laundry
6. Cleaning Up-- bathrooms.
7. Dinner with the family & planning out the rest of the week.
8. Put the final touches on my Relief Society lesson for Sunday....

It could be a very long day.
maybe I should call in & see if they need me at work?

on my mind

1. We get to call Missionary Jack on Christmas. It will be the first time I've spoken live to him since April. I'm tearing up already, just writing this.
2. Karen Carpenter will always remind me of him- (He loves her music.)
3. I can't even count how many times this Christmas season-- I have started FULL ON BAWLING LIKE AN IDIOT because one of her many beautiful Christmas songs were playing...
4. in the car, or in the store......
5. Oh my- how the shoppers must think- How sad, a crying lady at Christmas!
6. Or a disturbed person? (scary, Christmas, shopping, cry lady? Walk away quick!)
7. By the way- karen Carpenter Christmas songs are on - a lot.
8. Or his other favorite- Simply having a wonderful Christmas time by that- ol' Beattle guy. I can't remember his name right now?
9. Funny story- he & Brian were in the BYU Creamery (ice cream shop) last Christmas when the song came on & Jack said to Bri- I love this song. Then a squealing co-ed came around the corner with her roomies & screamed at the top of her lungs -
"I LOVE THIS SONG- AAAHHH!"
Jack & Bri looked at each other in fear, then the girl made eye contact with them- was super embarrassed & took off. hahahahaha- I love that story. We laugh & squeal "I love this song!" every time it comes on now. hahahahaha
10. I am surprised how much I like working.
11. I really do.
12. I like the adrenaline rush of speaking to customers- especially when they buy whole sets of cookware!!! wowowowow! it is awesome.
13. I like being told- "You're good at this and GReat Job today!"
14. I had almost forgotten how much I like words of affirmation. Not that I don't get that at home- but let's face it- stay at home moms-no one comes in after we clean something & says- "Hey, good job today! You are so good at this!"
15. I'm NOT complaining - I don't do it either... I'm just saying- it's life - you know?
16. I feel a lot better about Christmas- just in case you were worried?
17. Having all my packages sent off- that's the best.
18. Even though I am working a lot. I still feel like I am spending good time with my family, and I love that.
19. Except Brett- who is working like a CRazy mad man.
20 New Jobs- after being out of work for a couple of months- he is working hard.
I love him & appreciate him
In fact-

"Brett, thanks for doing such a GREat job for the family this past couple of weeks! You are really good at this. It's great having you on our team! You are such a value to our company/family. You are definitely a keeper!"

the only thing I really wanted to do this week

Was to make cookies with the kids.

Knowing I was working Sunday...

I made the sugar cookie dough Saturday night & stuck it in the fridge.

Unfortunately...

I pooped out after just getting started.
I was in bed by 8:15 & pretty sure it took a micro second to fall to sleep!

this working stuff + real life + Christmas=

A really tired mom.

Lucky we got a few done!

maybe after work today we'll make some more.

getting ready

I saw my work schedule for next week -

yesterday.

(OK I had the chance to check it much earlier, but kept forgetting.)

I am schedule to work

every

day

except Christmas & one other.

oh my

Luckily- I only work from 10-2.... still?

Five days -- the week of Christmas?

dang

(my last tag from Michelle. I save them for special gifts)

The whole idea of it put me into a gift wrapping, frenzy type mode last night!

I wrapped over a dozen gifts. I put all of them under the tree except for Trent's. We both agreed it would be better to put his under the tree on Christmas Eve. The anticipation is just too much for him.

I found this darling photo of charlie in my photos this morning.

I just HAD to share it.

oh I love that baby...

just love that baby...

just so much!!

*What are you doing NeXt week?

p.s. please do not come see me at work, thinking we can visit.

It is EXTREME crazy busy. I just don't want to seem rude.

JUst Come & shop!

a tribute to a burger, a fry & one nice guy

In & OUt BurGer

has been in our town for some time now...

Believe it or not-

I had only eaten there once- Hailey's birthday dinner-

that is until yesterday.

Brian & I went shopping for a Christmas present for his girl friend...

ooo la la

then stopped there for lunch.

Oh my delightful Goodness!

YUM-O
Brian introduced me to "animal style" fries & my life will never be the same. Thank you son for bringing so much meaning to my life.

Our self portrait with some dude in the middle??

Our self portrait with some dude in the middle & me hiding my hideous, healing fever blisters. gross. Brian was heading to work & I was heading out to finish up some last minute shopping.

Guess what?

I think I am pretty much done!?

I can't believe it?

Happiness a whole week early!

catching up

Last week so many fun things happened- but I was super busy...

For instance-

At dinner one night- Brett set Trent's place setting (as a joke) a huge serving bowl & serving spoon. Brett's a big tease + Trent has aspergers = sometimes a disaster, sometimes crazy funny?

For a while Trent wanted to eat all meals with serving utensils... not funny to mom.

Last Wednesday night- we celebrated with the "special plate" for dad.

It was the first day of his new job!

guess what?

It Went Great!!

ah- employment - what a blessing!

Friday night was our annual Christmas dinner at Janae's house.
I took Michelle's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake.
It was divine... hands down- THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER.
Wow... I wish I had a piece right now.

Yesterday we had a -day early creative day- since Lauri has to work today & she was hosting. We got 3-4 inches of snow & I took a picture on my way to her house. It was so beautiful.

The day before last-
Chloe & Trent put together this Gingerbread house.

Okay- it was mostly Chloe.

Didn't she do an excellent job!?

I Love it.

Hailey recently wrote a new song titled- Mondays.

She will be recording a CD after Christmas & she has decided to make this the title song. It's fantastic!!! Definitely everyone who hears declares it -- Their Favorite!

If she posts it on You Tube- I'll let cha know.

Now that Brett is back to work- He is back to his sleeping ways.

Anyone who has ever visited us knows- the poor guy- gets really tired at night.

He is definitely a morning person, getting up by at least 5:30 everyday (even on vacation?) So- back to work= no afternoon naps= back to falling asleep in his clothes where ever he drops. Just try to get him to put pj's on. YOU JUST TRY IT! (I'm rolling my eyes here) We've been married over 24 years, I gave up years ago.

I am happy to report he is loving his new job, happy to be back to work & happy to be tired.

Yes- it's been a great week.

more pictures of missionary jack! HOOray!

Nothing brings perspective more than seeing how someone else lives.

These are more of the photos missionary Jack sent home.

Remember there was the big flood-
the big flood in Brazil that the missionaries went to help clean up?

In the disc of pictures Jack sent,
there are more pictures of that event.

It's crazy how powerful water can be

and scary...

and humbling...

In Brazil the poorest people live in mud homes.

Mud homes built in the poorest areas.

Flood zones.

I'm so glad Missionary Jack is there helping, physically & spiritually.

I was telling the kids tonight- even though I miss him terribly- if I had a magic wand I still wouldn't bring him home. I'm so glad he is there. I'm so proud of him & all the work he is doing.

Gosh- I Love this Kid!