A White Christmas

A Little piece of heaven here on Earth

What a beautiful sight!!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend a couple days in this breathtaking place. This year we Celebrate Christmas with Bruce and Debbie ( Kasey's mom and step dad) in GREER!!!!! It is a place like no other. We stayed in a gorgeous cabin and even sat in the spa on the deck while it snowed! I have always dreamed of having a white Christmas, and although this was a little early it was still wonderful. I would love to live in a place like this... any day!!!!

The kids had so much fun playing in the snow. Unfortunately when we went to go sledding a storm was starting and we were not able to go. All the kids were disappointed. When they saw that Kasey could barley stand in it ... they wanted to stay indoors for sure.This was Kadyons first experience in the snow and we defiantly learned a lot, like give him a breathing treatment before he goes out in it. It didn't take long before he was having a really hard time breathing and needed to go in to get it.

On Saturday afternoon Kasey and I were able to take a little hike, just the two of us. I am so blessed to have him as my husband. He is so thoughtful and loving ... and romantic! He always takes the time to enjoy the simple things with me and finds time for us to spend together.

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is drinking from an orange with a candy cane. We turn it into a race and we thought it would be fun to share it with the family. I love to watch peoples faces when they see that it actually works.... it's priceless!!!!

Of course the kids had an opportunity to build a gingerbread house. The girls were defiantly more into building it, while the boys really enjoyed EATING IT!!!

Nanny and Poppy with their Grand kids....... Thank you so much for a memorable weekend. We had a blast.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family!

It was so nice to spend time with Kyle, Amy, Kylee and Brady! Even though they live close we are all so busy that we never seem to have much time to just hang out. Hopefully we will find more time in 2009. We hope you had a nice birthday Kyle, it was so nice to be able to share it with you and your beautiful family. We love you guys.

Star of Wonder

Star of Wonder is a play put on by Phoenix First church in Cave Creek. Each year we make it a point to go and experience this uplifting story that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. The show is amazing with live animals, flying angels and even some comedy thrown in there. It will keep all ages entertained.I highly suggest going to see this with your friends and family.



Kaydon was over the picture taking experience by this time. Before the play we met at Debbie and Bruce's (Kasey's Mom's) to take family pictures with them and his brother Kyle's family.

Dear Santa....

Kaydon has so much fun going to talk to Santa every year. This was his first year he would not tell us what he told Santa! Wish me luck ....

Christmas time is here again!!!!

So this has to be my favorite time of year.... hands down! I enjoy creating lasting family moments that our kids will remember- well beyond the gifts- and spending time with family. I love the baking, candles, lights,stories, trees, gift giving and music....It truly puts a month long smile on my face.Every yday in December we try to do something special. The range of activities are huge and there are defiantly some that are more of the favorites then others. It has been a new experience trying to figure out how to do plan and do these activities, shop and work all at the same time. Hopefully next year will be a lot easier.
So the one activity we first is always our Arizona snowball fight. this is one of the kids favorites.... by far! The opportunity to throw things at us, well lets just say it is taken VERY seriously! So the rules are... everyone gets 1 big bag of marshmallows and no throwing above the shoulders.... all else is fair game....

Meet Norton

Norton is our Elf that Santa sent to keep an eye on the kids. He sticks around through the holidays and reports to Santa every night on how the day went. Every morning he is hiding in a new spot and the kids have so much fun trying to find out where he is. Then on Christmas Eve he heads back with Santa for a well needed vacation.

Christmas in our new house

Our tree is up, the stockings are hung and the lights shine outside on our house......

Meet the newest Richardson!!!

Okay so for the past 2 years I have wanted to change Kaydon's last name. It has been almost 3 years sense he last saw his biological Father and 2 years from the last conversation. Kaydon has no clue who the man is and has come to love Kasey and look at him as his DADDY!! A true blessing to me. I have been able to watch a love grow that is not out of a DNA bond so to say. It is amazing to me to see Kaydon look at Kasey and know that this is his Daddy and to know that is true. Regardless of who his Biological Father is. A Daddy is so much more. I have a new understanding on how "adoption" feels to people. Love is amazing and it has no strings.

On November 10, Kaydon became Kaydon John Henry Richardson! I LOVE IT!!!! Many have asked why the Henry was added. Well in Kasey's family it is tradition to have an H middle name if you are a boy. He brought up that Kaydon should not be an exception- he is his son :) It was easy to figure out what it would be- Henry is my Father's middle name- who Kaydon has always adored. What an incredible feeling to stand in front of the judge, with Kasey behind me, hearing him say Kaydon's new name! It was music to my ears, even though that is what we always called him. Knowing that it was real feels FANTASTIC!

I feel like he has such a strong name! And so does he. He has no idea what just happened, he thought this was already his name. One day, when he is old enough I will explain it to him, and why I did it. I will never hide who Alex is- and there is no changing that. He contributed a genetic piece of what makes Kaydon so special. Kasey is leaving the imprints on his heart! He is going to show him what it means to be a Dad and I know how much Kaydon will appreciate Kasey when he is older. They have a great bond.As strong as any Father and Son I have ever known. I am so thankful to God every day to have led me down the path to get to where I am today. I have changed and grown. I have learned so much on the way. God is in control and his plan for us is great! Even if we can't see it.

This was a day to remind me of that. That your past does not dictate our future... but it did leave a mark!

Thank you for all your prayers during this process.