I had forgotten how much I love to read. It wasn't until Tyler and Ashley gave me a book for my birthday that I remembered how much I love it. I read the book they gave me in just a few short days. I couldn't put it down. I love reading. It allows me to leave the chaos of my life for just a short time and imagine another world. There is no better way to escape life and all it's stresses, than a good book and an ICE cold Diet Coke! I think I have found myself a new best friend!

Christmas 2010

We were blessed with an awesome Christmas this year. Santa was good. I guess we made it on the nice list after all! Everyone got what they asked for even Matt!!! He had the best Christmas ever!! Just look at the excitement on his face for a package of socks!

Mason is a boring teenager now. All he wanted for Christmas was clothes and shoes. I wanted to cry this year realizing how old he really is getting until he asked for this ....

a basketball hoop!

I do have to admit, the shoes he got from Santa were pretty "sweet" or "sick" as Mason put it !

Izzy asked for Baby stuff. As tomboy as this girl is, she is the best little Mom in town! She got a new baby, diaper bag, car seat cover and everything else you need to take care of a little one.

She also asked Santa for some indoor soccer shoes. They are petty "sick" if you ask me!!!

Gracie asked Santa for a nintendo DS. Well she must have been really good this year because Santa brought her a DSI!

She saw this case in Target a few months back and never forgot about it. She added that to the list and was so excited to find it under the tree!!!

Santa didn't just bring us gifts. He brought Jake and Sophie bones bigger than they are!!!

Typical Matt ... teasing the dogs with the bone!!!

We had a great day. Spent time with family and enjoyed being with each other. Don't worry I got Christmas too. Pictures to come !!!

A few of my favorite things ...

I love the handmade gifts I receive from each of my children every year. Time goes by so fast! I cherish each and every project. I know they put their heart and soul into every gift. And the excitement on their faces as they wait for me to open it ... Priceless!

I love to get Christmas Cards. Everyday during the month of December my kids wait for the mailman to deliver, just to see who sent us a card. I love seeing the cute pictures of the different families.

I love my Christmas Tree. It's hard to get a good picture of the tree. I thought this one turned out fun with the chasing lights!

Who did it!?!?

8 Gallons of milk per week. That is the average consumption of milk at the Chavez household! Now I am starting to understand why. This glass was left on my counter about half full and everyone home claims they didn't pour it.

Who did it!?!? ... You owe me $$$$

Happy 6th Birthday Grace!

I can't believe it! My baby is 6 (yesterday). Here is a few pictures of her special day. I hope you had a great birthday Grace!!

"The Birthday Girl"

The "birthday breakfast" ... cinnamon rolls!

Grace's Grandma and Grandpa sent her a card in the mail. It came a little early and we made her wait until her birthday to open it. She was so excited to open and find $10.00.

Grace bought a Fancy Nancy game with that $10.00 (Yes the $$ only lasted in her pocket for about 2 hours) Money well spent in my opinion. Gracie and Izzy played and played that game until Sophie decided to play too!

Gracie had to go to kindergarten for the afternoon but after school we had big plans.

We went to dinner at Training Table (Gracie loves their grilled cheese and cheese fries)

next we headed to Build A Bear.

Gracie has had this planned for over a month. She wanted to build her own bear and choose the accessories.

Here she is giving "Lillie" a bath!

Their first official picture as a family "Lillie & Gracie"

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

The Chavez Family have been really good this year. Here are our individual lists for you. We hope you have seen the good we have done and ignored all the bad. Please find us on the good list and bring us a good Christmas this year!

Love,

The Chavez Family

"Matt and Wendy's List"

Please take this room from this ...

To this !!!!

"Mason's List"

(What a great kid ... or a great brown nose er?!?!)

"Izzy's List"

"Gracie's List"

Today, Gracie made Matt a Christmas card at school.

It made me smile when I opened it up to find a drawing of Gracie and her Daddy!

I think she did a great drawing of her Dad!

I love the little details ...

Matt's Hair (before his haircut of coarse!)

The very large flower in her hair, and the lipstick red lips!!!