Tahoe Trip

We just got back from Tahoe and it was a Winter Wonderland. I rented a house in Tahoma, which is a cute little town close to Tahoe City and the lake. The snow has been dumping up there for over a week and we arrived just in time to take advantage of all the fresh snow with the added bonus of good weather. Jason, his parents and my Dad went skiing both days at Sqauw, while my mom and I relaxed, got lunch, and walked around Truckee and Squaw.

We went out to dinner at Pisanos (great quaint pizza place), Sunnyside (couldn't resist the Hula pie) and then cooked in the last night.


After dinner, we got everyone excited for a game of Mexican Train Dominos. (Please ignore our wild beast attacking Jason's nose)


This was Marley's 1st trip to the snow and she liked it. She was a little skeptical of the snow since it was so fresh she sunk about 4 feet.


Can't wait to go back again next year!

Christmas 2008

With everything that happened early Christmas morning, we still managed to have an amazing and fun Christmas celebration this year.


We love giving Marley her gifts since she gets so excited. This year she got some peanut butter stuffin for her Kong, a furry rabbit and lots and lots of bones and treats.


Jason was excited to get his scarves and new clothes. This man is more into fashion than most women I know.


I was excited to get a new robe and 3 pairs of shoes. Now I just need a bigger closet. Do you like Jason's wrapping job? Quite impressive.


We then headed to my parents house for dinner and more present opening. Nothing beats an "almost" 3 year old celebrating Christmas. Scott was hilarious and kept us entertained all night. The excitement in his eyes and voice were magical and it is so fun to have young kids to spend the holidays with. All the magic of Christmas comes back.


Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!


AND...Happy Birthday Dad! You are such an amazing father and pop and always put everyone else first. We thank you for all that you do all year round.

An Angel is Born

This Christmas Eve, Heidi was induced after finding out that her baby boy had passed away. I headed over to the hospital and got to spend the day with Heidi and Danny as we waited for her labor to begin. Despite the circumstances, we had a special evening together talking and it is a day that I will always remember.

Heidi and Danny showed courage and grace throughout the entire experience. As they have had so many challenges through the past few years, they have never turned their back on their faith but rather embraced it even more. I can't explain how proud I am to have them in my family. I was talking to one of the nurses at the hospital and she said to me, "You can tell what an amazing family you have. You are all so lucky to have each other. It is so clear how much love you have." It touched me since I knew how right she was. It is times like this that you realize that the most important people in your life is your family.

Carl Lavar McMillan was born early Christmas morning. He was named in honor of my Dad (Walter Carl) and Danny's Dad (Glen Lavar). Christmas now holds an even more special place in our hearts as we remember Carl, celebrate my Dad's birthday and the birth of our savior. An angel was born on Christmas Day and he has now returned home to heaven.

Marley and Me

I just finished reading Marley and Me and LOVED IT! If you have ever owned a less than perfect dog or are even an animal lover, this is the book for you. I laughed (almost every page), I cried (for over an hour) and can't wait to see the movie coming out this month.



A lot of people ask if we named Marley after the book, but we actually hadn't heard of the book when we got her. It is simply a coincidence, but we can't help but think this book was written about her. My little Marley is not quite as out of control as the one in the book, but she definitely is no angel.

Without giving away too much, the book starts out with a couple that is newly married that decides to get a lab. It chronicles there life together as a family and shares stories about how their beloved pet Marley always seems to be getting into mischevious mishaps. The book made me realize how my Marley will be such a big part in my own kid's lives. I grew up with dogs that were my best friends and I can't wait to see how my kids will grow up to love Marley as much as I do now.

Cooking Club Holiday Edition

Our Cooking Club hosted our annual Holiday Party this past week. Thanks to Tracy and Jolynn for hosting. Luckily they spoiled us and had all the food cooked ahead of time, so we simply got to just enjoy. We had a great time eating, drinking, talking and laughing. I love this group of girlfriends and look forward to our monthly events. It has become such a comfortable group of friends and such an amazing network of support. Cheers to another fun year ahead.





We had a gift exchange (Cooking Related) and I got Holiday Cookie Cutters. I can't wait to try them out this Christmas.

Amazing Faith

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I write that Heidi and Danny received some sad news yesterday. Heidi is about 20 weeks pregnant with her 3rd baby and when she went in for the ultrasound they found out that their babies brain had not completely developed.

My heart aches for their family as they have already been through so much, but my strength truly comes from them. Heidi and Danny are an amazing example of faith, courage, selflessness, grace and gratitude. They are led by God's plan, their church and their strong testimonies. I am so grateful for them and feel honored to have them in my family as a shining example of how I long to grow with my own faith.

Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. The support and love from their friends, family, church and community mean so much to them. As there are lots of questions to be answered, they are comforted to know that their baby will not suffer and he will return home to our Savior.

Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Loving the Month of December

YEAH...it is December.

My Favorite things about Christmas and the holiday season...

Christmas Lights

The brighter, the better. If you are looking for a good neighborhood to tour, check out San Ramon right near Bishop Ranch. Here is a link to the neighborhood. It is amazing, the entire community goes all out and it is worth the drive. Thanks to Betty and Bob for introducing us to this great tradition.
LINK TO MAP
Info on neighborhood


Holiday Candy


Since I come from a family that suffers from severe cases of sweet tooths, I love holiday candy. Preferably anything dipped in chocolate, caramel or nuts. I also love homemade fudge, so if you are planning on making some please leave some on my doorstep.


Holiday Music

December is the time to blast the holiday tunes. I've added a few of my favorites and Jay's fav to my playlist.


Movie

If you haven't seen Love Actually, you've got to rent it this season. It will warm your heart, make you laugh, cry and smile. Everything you could hope for in a holiday movie.


Holiday Cards

I love going to the mail box and seeing what cards have come. It is like a surprise everyday. AND yes...of course I love cards that include animals.