Christmas Day 2013

For years Shaileen and I have been wanting a specific present but have not gotten it until this year. If you know us at all you know what I am talking about. JAX! It was absolutely incredible to have him with us this Christmas. It was so much more magical having him around even though he had no idea what was going on. I cannot imagine what future years are going to be like when he actually can feel the magic of Christmas himself.  As I always say we are so thankful to Jax's birth family. We all love them so much.

We had to get up quite early to get presents at our house open so we could make it to all of the grandparents houses. 7 am rolled around really quick. We were both surprised with how well Jax did opening presents and staying entertained doing it. The big grin he would get on his face when he would open presents was so much fun to see. 

I love these two more than words can explain!

 After having "Christmas" at our house we first went to Grandpa Scott and Grandma Cindy's house. Jax slept some of the time that we were opening presents. That is why he is not in many here.

I am a terrible terrible person and didn't get a photo of the wrapped present. This was Jax's high chair that has been long awaited. 

Next we went to Grandpa Evan and Grandma Susan's house. Jax had a blast, especially watching all of his cousins running around.

You can easily see the love that Shaileen has for Jax right here! 

Lastly we went over to Grandma Calleen and Grandpa Greg's house. You can tell how much Jax had fun here. We played games and ate food but best of all just spent time around family.

Thank you to our families for spending this Christmas with us and for all of the gifts. We truly appreciate it!

Happy New Years @ the Cline's 2013

Happy New Years! We had a blast on New Years Eve this year. Brady, Lauren and their 2 girls came over to party. Shaileen went all out and decorated the place and got noise makers and all that jazz. We played a few games like boxers and briefs and skip-bo. Then also went down stairs and played the wii for a few minutes until it was time to turn on the tv to watch the ball drop in times square.

 As you can tell from this photo. I had way too much fun.

We are happy to ring in a New Year and see what it has to bring to us.

 



NEW YEARS RESOLUTION SUCCESS/NEW

5 years ago tomorrow I made a resolution to stop drinking soda for good and I have stuck with it. When I first began I didn't think I could do it because I consider that I used to be addicted to Mountain Dew. It is one of the few things that I am really proud of myself for sticking with and going to continue sticking with.

As it is the time of year that I am reflecting on how this last year went and what I want to do to make this new year better and make me a better person I have been thinking a lot on what I can resolve. This last year has been hectic and both Shaileen and I have received a lot of service from friends and family mostly during our failed adoption placement. One of my resolutions this next year is to serve others more. I have noticed that when I am serving others is when I am happiest in life.

As always I resolve to not only lose weight but to become healthy. As most of you know Shaileen and I are going through the adoption process currently and I want to be the best husband/father I can be when it happens. One big step to be the best is to be there. The way I am living when it comes to health is not helping that matter. These last 5 years I have not had and soda to drink, which makes me know that I have the ability to stick to a plan and keep it.

Another thing that I thought about on Christmas that I want to do better at is not just post pictures in this blog but also write what is going on. Shaileen gave me these cool blog2print books that we print out and keep on our coffee table. When I thumbed through them I noticed that they are mostly pictures, which is not a bad thing. However, several years down the road when I am looking back the pictures will be awesome to look at but we will want to know what we were doing and the thoughts we had about it.

Shaileen and I look forward to what 2013 brings! Happy New Year