Merry Christmas All!

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday with lots of food and family! Mine was actually fairly quiet. We spent most of the day at my house with just my parents and brother. It kind of made me sad, because I remember how it was when I was younger...a party at my house packed with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Oh, how things have changed over the years. It was still nice...just in a different way. We spent the evening at my grandma's house, and Buster's family stopped by. His daughter and son-in-law arrived and seemed to be bursting at the seams with excitement when they walked through the door. They dropped this huge, heavy package in my lab and told me to open it, guiding me the whole way on how to properly remove the bow, and cut of the tape, and open the lid to the box. Inside, was a homeade jewlery box the Wally had created. It was so moving to me. I have never really considered Buster's family to be my family, but for Wally to spend months (literally) creating this intricate piece of furniture meant so much. He made 3, one for each of the neices (Buster's 2 granddaughters and myself). That was probably the best and most beautiful gift that I have ever received, just wanted to share. I'll have to show if off when you all come to visit my new pad!

On another note, Maria, I am so excited for you and Kev, and I can't wait to hold baby Richards! I hope that your "morning" sickness is fading fast and that the rest of your pregancy is as comfortable as it possibly can be. I know some mothers out there who say that they love being preganant...let's hope that you end up falling into that category of moms! Please keep us updated on any new developments.

Lauren, in regards to meeting people in a new city, I think that it's just something that takes time. When I look back on any point in my life, it has usually taken about 6 months for me to get used to my current situation. I'm hoping that when I move, I will put myself out there as much as possible, but also realize that great friendships (or any friendships) don't develop over night. We are all pretty cool people if I do say so myself, and we will meet new friends in no time! Everything will fall into place, we just have to have patience.

MJ, Amy, and LC...I hope all is going well with you. Amy, I hope your job isn't working you to the bone! LC, I am so excited for this new position where you will really be able to put all of your positive enery into helping those kids! MJ, kick butt at school like we know you will!

This year sure has been filled with ENORMOUS changes for all of us. Here's hoping that in 2011 we can be flexible and positive thorughout all of the craziness and wonderful adjustments of our lives.

<3 always

Erin