So far for us it's been a crazy start to a new year! We've been traveling a lot, as well as spending a lot of time with family. Our crazy little kids are getting BIG!! Emma is 18 1/2 lbs. now. Never would have been able to tell she was a preemie.
Girlie is always on the move and wants to eat everything she's the apple of our eye! She has such a great personality! She must get it from her dad because we all know i'm not the happiest at times. It's weird to think that it was only 7 months ago that I delivered her. Wow the time is really flying i just can't believe it. Then we have our "Presto Change-o" He is definitely giving me a run for my money. Always, always on the move. He loves to be with mommy and daddy and loves to play with all his toys! He is smarter then I ever even realized he would be. He's learning so much every day, I'm not sure i'll ever be able to stay on his level. He just turned 3!!! It's so wild to me to think i'm now a mother of two, one of which never has enough time in the day to get out all that he needs to say.
He Is definitely mommie's bestest bud, and biggest help. I thought it was going to be a huge struggle to get him to realize he isn't the only baby in need of attention, but he has definitely proved that he is a "BIG" brother and not just a baby! He's so helpful, and loves his "Emmy Poo" so much. He pretty much entertains himself throughout the day, but of course loves to play with us and be super silly at times. He is especially Papa's little bucco. He just can't get enough of going to Nana and Papa's house. We are still constantly going through the struggle at keeping the bad influences out of his life, as he is to the point he repeats everything he sees and hears! Too smart for my own good. Mom always said I would get one just likke me or hopefully worse, and i'm pretty sure it's him. Can't help but love my little Cuddle bug.
This year for Preston's Birthday we decided to have an addition to the family. We have our little Lily who is the sweestest but most high-strung dog i've ever had. She is Preston's little buddy. They have so much fun together. We still have to remind him she can get hurt too. We thought she needed a playmate who can relate to her, on her level so we adopted another dog from the humane society. Everyone meet Diesel!!!
We initially went to get a kitty for his birthday, and then we heard someone say there was a Boxer in the kennels, and we just had to check it out. We instantly fell in love with his sweet, fun-loving personality. He is just a big teddy bear. He is amazing with the kids, but Lily, and him are still trying to determine who is boss. He has definitely been a great addition to our family.
Our "Willie Dog" , as Preston calls her, has been getting better. We're starting to solve her aggression issues towards people. Now if we could just get her and Diesel to decide neither one has to be dominant then we'd have no problems at all. We have now had her for almost two years, and has just been a joy, as well as a great guard dog! 
We definitely love her spirit, as well as her keen sense of when someone is down. She is great to cuddle with sometimes. She has made our king size bed, her bed as well. Thank goodness Diesel doesn't think he needs to sleep up there too! We get so many compliments on how beautiful she is, but don't let her looks fool you, she will rip you to shreds defending her family!
It's been a long time coming this past year, but my Chris has worked trimendously hard on his Melchezidic Priesthood, and finally all the hard work has paid off. He was ordained an Elder on January 31st, by his Dad! It was such an amazing experience to watch thte love of my life receive something so priceless. He is an amazing man, and a great Father. He is so cute with the kids. Anytime I need a moment he is more than willing to give it to me. I love him so much! 
Unfortunately he was laid off by Alder at the beginning of the year. He hasn't let that slow him down though. He is in full-time training to go to the Dew Tour qualifiers in a few months. He's so excited, and I just couldn't be more proud of him for chasing his dream. He has such a great spirit, and I fall in love with him again and again every morning! His birthday will be coming up at the end of the month, which I'm still unsure of what i'll be getting him! Not sure of how i'm going to top last years trip through California.! He'll be working this Spring, Summer, and Fall at Woodward West coaching kids that want to be BMX'ers. He loves to help the kids in something he is so passionnate about. He is such a great Dad, and I couldn't have asked for a better Husband! He'll be blessing our little Emma in a few weeks and he is so excited to! I'm so impressed with his willingness to stay close to the Lord, and be a devoted follower of our religion!
Well as for myself, I haven't been doing much besides being a stay at home mom, and occasionally working at the VA Hospital as a CNA which i love. I'm hoping to start school soon for my R.N. It's been a long time coming but i'm so excited!! I've been doing my best at supporting Chris in his dreams of becoming "Big time" in the BMX community, and it seems like it's starting to pay off. I've also been helping my Aunt Suzane teach Jazz Dance for the past few months, and it's been great. I love every minute of it, and the girls I get to teach. It really has been an amazing experience. 
I'm totally in love with being a mommy of two beautiful kids. Not quite sure if i want anymore though. These two are such a handfull! Chris, and I have been working so hard on having our family sealed together for time and all eternity, and we are finally here! Hopefully by the first of March we will be sealed together as a family, and I couldn't be happier! It's funny how it takes one man to change your outlook on a religion, plus the past years experiences that have just added to our reasonings! We've been seeing our missionaries every week for a year now, and have grown so fond of them. Thank you so much Lynn and Helen for being our guiding light.
Wow, it's just been such an amazing year, full of happiness, sorrow, excitement, and pure love for one another. We wouldn't have been at this place in our life if it wasn't for loving each other, and having the amazing people in our lives. We want to thank all of you who have helped us on our journey, and who have helped us keep on our path to redemtion! We love you all! We hope you all are blessed with amazing things in your lives as we have been, and always remember you either do or you don't there is NO try! Love and kisses. The Westlund's
