As the year draws to an end, I guess I better include some other important happenings in our life.

First, our December baby Remington just turned 9. How does that happen? I still remember bringing him home just a couple days before Christmas and sitting and holding him in the brand new leather rocking chair that we bought the month before. (Besides Rem, it was one our first big purchases in our early married life. :) I don't think the whole meaning of Christmas really sunk in until I sat there staring at my beautiful, perfect little boy and feeling that there was no way I could ever offer him up as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. How did Mary do it? I never felt such raw emotion for the mother of our Savior or such overwhelming gratitude for His gift to me. It was a moment I will never forget. I cried many tears. I'm sure my neighbor who came by in the midst of that life changing moment thought I was a nut case crying over homemade jam. I guess I was for a little while. Oh well, I can blame it on the time of year...I told you that December seems to have that effect on me anyway. But I'm sure it had nothing to do with the after pregnancy hormones kicking in and the whole (my life will never be the same) kind of shock that new mothers go through. I'm sure it had nothing at all to do with that. LOL! Just believe me when I say I will never forget that December day.

Well, my little cowboy is not so little. In fact he's got longer legs than me. Now tell me truly, is that not just crazy? I'm not a midget but it sure feels that way when you're 3rd grader is soon to be taller than you are. I tell you, I'm so envious of those Mendoza Long Leg genes!!!

And just look how sweet and handsome he's becoming. He has lots of little cousins who are watching him closely and I keep reminding him that he needs to set a good example. I don't think I have to worry too much though. He's a natural leader and is smart and determined to do the right thing. Here he is with his little cousin Jack. Aren't they cute? When asked what Jack wanted to be for Halloween he would point to his hat and say Rem. He wants to be a cowboy too. Watch out Blake and Judi. LOL!
Remington is certainly his daddy's right hand man and will go to great lengths to prove it ....like spending a week in a Big Truck right at his dad's side just in case the opportunity arises that he should need to take over the wheel. He enjoys anything and everything that has to do with Trucks, Cattle and Tractors. And just so you know, I've never seen a kid so excited about getting overalls for his birthday. (Last year it was Mud Boots.)

This kid never ceases to surprise me!
I love this boy!

Now, onto Christmas. You're not going to believe this but we actually got to sleep in until 7:30 on Christmas morning. It was a miracle. Our kids slept like rocks and so did we. It was the most relaxing, unhurried Christmas morning we've had in a long while. It was heaven sent for sure. Despite not having ANY snow...it was a beautiful day and I won't complain. It sure was nice not to worry about the driving conditions as we made our way to Rigby to see Eloy's family that afternoon. Yea!

Rem got just what he wanted....a trucking game and double trailers.

Ember still loves her baby dolls. This one can actually walk, fall down, and pick herself up. Those elves at the North Pole sure are getting hi-tech.

Brooklyn, well can you guess what she asked for. You said it....LIP GLOSS! You'd think 101 different smackers would cure her but she still asks for more. Do you think she's addicted? I don't know if they have LIP GLOSSAHOLIC ANONYMOUS. Maybe I should look into that.

Eloy surprised the girls with new cowgirl hats. . .maybe if I'm good he'll get me one next year. :)
Speaking of the New Year, we hope it brings you many blessings.
Love the Mendoza's