Winter Update

Settlers is our favorite game in the Naslund house...as you can tell, even Nils is in on the action.

Maddie and Aunt Rachie downtown to see Santa.

I think this may be her first fake smile. She is so funny!

The cousins...James was trying so hard to hold onto all these girls. They are going to be a wild bunch.

Maddie's rocking chair she got for Christmas from her Grandma.

Her face is priceless...not quite knowing what to do after winning $50 from Grandpa.

Believe it or not...the car is somewhere under there! Maddie was helping us shovel after the big snowstorm.

Daddy and Maddie

This was one of the saddest days of my life. Everyone knows how much I love Mels. I was driving up to go to the big after Christmas sale...when I saw this! I am devastated. Hopefully they have a big re-opening sale :)

It is hard to believe that it is almost 2009! We have had a wonderful year and have been blessed in so many ways. We are looking forward to the coming year and all the joy that it will bring. We are so excited to watch Maddie grow. It is amazing she is already 4 months old! I started back to work this last weekend. The first night was definitely rough...I cried pulling out of the driveway thinking...I miss Maddie, I miss Jeff, and I don't know if I remember how to be a nurse. Amazingly enough it all comes back so quick. I am excited to say that I took a new job and will be working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I will start my new job in 4 weeks and will only have to work 2 nights a week. I am so excited for a change, challenge, and a better schedule for my family. Jeff has been amazing with Maddie, it has made going back to work such a relief to know that she is with her Dad while I am gone. We are so lucky to have Grandma Debbie babysit while I am sleeping too.

We had a great Christmas. We enjoyed spending time with family and all the wonderful food that comes along with the holidays. Some of our highlights were:
1. Making cookies and playing Settlers with Dan, Nikki, and Rachel.
2. Playing with James.
3. Listening to James try to calm Maddie when she was crying in the car by saying "Maddie girl, Maddie girl" over and over.
4. Having all the little cousins together.
5. Jeff being off from school...Maddie and I love having him home.
6. Talking and getting to know the neighbors so much better while shoveling snow.
7. My vacuum breaking...darn I had to get a Dyson Animal vacuum :)
8. All the amazing food that my Mom cooked including the Swedish feast, the amazing prime rib, and her signature spaghetti.

We are so thankful for all that we have. We wish everyone a fun, safe, and exciting New Year! 2009 is going to be wonderful.

Best Friends?

Nils and Maddie get along...at least according to Nils:)

Maddie's Laugh...it will brighten your day!

Happy Birthday Jeff

I feel so blessed to be able to spend today with my husband...I wish you a very happy birthday! I never take for granted that I am the most luckiest girl in the world. I have married my best friend, soul mate, and amazing father to our daughter Madison. I smile everyday when I wake up knowing that I am married to such an amazing man. Here are the top 10 reasons that I celebrate being Jeff's wife:

1. Jeff loves Jesus...he is passionate about walking with the Lord and is a mentor to many students. He loves to bring kids to know the Lord and is an awesome mentor to his Mt. Spokane FCA kids.

2. Jeff treats me like a princess. Whether it be making my lunch every night for work or letting me sleep in on the weekends, I am so lucky!

3. Jeff always makes our family his priority. Whether it be balancing school, his Master's program, sports, working out, friends, or school activities...he always is thinking about what is best for Maddie and me.

4. Jeff is an amazing Dad. Maddie is so lucky to have Jeff as her Daddy, Jeff reminds me of my Dad in so many ways...if only I got to spend more time with him before he passed away. He loves her unconditionally, will support her in anything she does, and will raise her to know the Lord.

5. Jeff is always willing to help my family. With so many changes in our family this past year, Jeff has helped in so many ways. I am so thankful that he can do all the things for my Mom that require a man's strong hands. My Mom is one tough cookie, but some jobs require someone a little taller and a little stronger :)

6. Jeff is a great friend, he really cares about his friends and will always support them in any way he can.

7. Jeff is an dog lover...our dog Nils is so thankful to have Jeff as a Dad. Otherwise he would never get fed or enough attention. It is no secret that I am not the best with animals. I thank Jeff for always working extra hard in this department :)

8. Jeff is always supportive of what is important to me. He is always encouraging me to follow my dreams and strive for the biggest and best. He is also a good workout coach, I am so appreciative to have his support!

9. Jeff always encourages me to have a 99.9% positive attitude. I am forever greatful of his outlook on life. The glass is always half full according to him!

10. Jeff is always doing the little things to make me feel special. Whether it be buying me a new pair of jeans, or making dinner when I don't feel like it. I am so lucky.

I am so lucky to be able to grow old with you. I hope you have a great birthday...today is truly a special day! I love you.

Jeff's Latest Book Endorsement...

I just finished reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is a book that brings perspective, insight, and requires the reader to reflect on their own relationships. I felt like I had to share this, because some people assume that others know about great reads but I didn't find out about The Shack until late Spring last year. Although it took until now to finish (I have had a few things going on), it was well worth the wait. I am giving my FULL ENDORSEMENT, for what that is worth. Please take a look at it...you will get hooked!--Jeff
P.S. I will be posting a video of Maddie that is pretty dang funny, so be sure to check back in soon!