Ok... so I took the kids to this beautiful historic house to take our Christmas picture. The kids had the patience of a 3 year old, which is awesome cause we have a 3 year old. I wanted to strangle them when I was done so it is so ironic that we put lovely pictures of our kids in Christmas cards and tell all these wonderful things about them so everyone that reads them feels like crap cause their family isn't nearly as perfect. (major run on sentence). Anyway, I am not going to write that letter this year, I want to keep it real. Here goes people...

Ashlen brought LICE to the family reunion this year. Yes, my daughter. Still don't know how she got it, but she did. Brent was in charge of her the previous two weeks before we left for the reunion, so I of course blame him.

I read two entire novels this summer while driving a golf cart. Brent would call me during the kids golf tournaments for updates and I would have to make half of them up cause I really had no idea what was going on. He of course busted me everytime, but I did read the books, that was the point I was making.

I have 4 kids in 4 different schools. Early morning Seminary is enough to kill me. It takes 4 alarms to wake up Lauren. Brent usually has to got up and finally get her out of bed. Once she is up she is fine. I am soooooo grateful that Brent drives her every morning, he has been out of town all this week so I have had to do it and it as been a challenge.

I am "that" mom who always forgets to bring Ashlen her necessary stuff to preshool. For instance; I do not have time to copy 3 pictures a week for the letter of the day, nor do I want to. I am also in the 5th, 7th, and 9th grades, I don't want to do preschool again. I also can't do play groups, I am way older and much wiser than the normal mom of a 3 year old. The other moms may not call it wiser, more like lame!!!!!

Brent and I went on our fun trip this summer to Costa Rica. We stayed at the four seasons, my favorite hotel, and only left the property once. My motto is, if you are at the four seasons is there any reason to leave? I did go out snorkling by my self twice and got major fried on my back. Next year the trip is to Argentina.

The boys have taught Ashlen some fun new words that I won't repeat here, but I can guarantee you she knows more locker room talk than most 3 year old girls in a pink TuTu. I usually have to look for her in the mornings because she is always being stolen from her bed at night from the older kids. They love to snuggle with her.

In all seriousness, we are doing good and have had a fabulous year. Texas continues to bless us and we are blessed to be here among great people. Brent and I talk all the time about how much we love it here and love our super friends who are more like family. We miss our family and friends who live far away like crazy, but feel lucky to see them often. The new year brings promises of tons of sports games, crazy Houston weather, girls camp for the 4th year in a row, hard work at the dealerships, kisses and hugs and prayers.

Love to you all.....The Texas Christiansens