I have been very encouraged lately. Christmas was AWESOME! I missed my family like crazy, but my mom & dad did end up coming over yesterday...which they didn't think they would be able to do, so that was nice. We exchanged gifts, ate a really good lunch and spent time together. They gave Chaya this turtle that illuminates stars all over her room at night, it is the coolest thing ever, it's like she has her own little view of the galaxy! Nick had to work on Christmas day so we celebrated on Saturday, it was nice just having our little family together this Christmas without having to worry about whose family we needed to spend time with and having a schedule..it really ruins the fun let me tell ya!

Chaya loved Christmas, she didn't really do to well opening her gifts, but this year she was more excited about the gift than the paper and boxes, I think her favorite gift was baby stella, she's a doll and Chaya absolutly adores her! Another gift that she loves is her animal dvd and polar bear that her daddy got her... I was practical and ended up getting her new toy baskets for her room, I wanted to get her a toy box but I couldn't find one that I liked...We spent Christmas day baking tons of cookies and Nick helped us decorate them, it was so much fun!! On Christmas eve we went out for pizza which I think will be our new tradition and the went to family comunion at church which I really loved. All in all we've just had such a wonderful week together..all 3 of us, it's just really been a huge blessing.

I can't believe that new years is right around the corner...it seems like yesterday we were celebrating the beginning of 2008, I was making my new years resolutions and making a list of goals.... and for once in my life I can actually say I stuck with my resolution, my goal for 2008 was to lose weight, I've lost 37 pounds since this time last year!! I wish it were more, but it's been slow and pretty steady. Which in the long run I think will help me to keep it off. I've lost about 13 pounds over the last couple of weeks since joining weight watchers, I really enjoy doing it because I see results. I've been really slacking off this week and using the holidays as my excuse but let me tell you, my body is hating me for it, tomorrow it's back to fruits, veggies, grains, and protein... not cookies and pasta and pizza etc.. I've just realized that I have come this far and I need to keep going until I get to my goal..which my first goal I'm only about 10lbs away from! Weight watchers starts you off with losing 10% of your body weight and I am sooooo close! I can't wait to be healthier and lose the rest of this weight! I feel so much better already! I've been thinking about my new years resolutions for this year and this is what I've got so far...
* Lose weight*
*stop drinking soda*
*work out everyday*
*listen to God more*
*read scripture more...*
*be the best Christian I can be...*
*make friends*
*read more*
*be a better friend*
*love the unloveable*

thats what I have this far but I'm sure I'll add to that list.....

I'm excited for 2009, I'm excited to reach my personal goals and to see what God has in store for us! I think new and exciting things are coming so be watching for updates!! haha..

well thats about it for now...

~Melissa