Tis the Season

Well, thanks to my wonderful sister Stacy, I sent out some Christmas cards this year, but I didn't do the yearly letter. I thought I might take a moment and think back. Its a great way to see how we've been blessed, and how much our lives have changed in just a year.
As many of you know, this year has been really tough financially for us. Michael lost all his overtime, and that was a shock, because since he started his job he has worked at least 10-20 extra hours per week. However, in a way, it has been a blessing. He's been able to spend much more time home with us, and we've learned how to be much more creative with money and everything we do. But, we're happy. And, Michael loves his job.
This year has flown by really quickly for me. I was very busy Jan through March trying to finish the quilt I was making for my mother-in-law. Plus, it was the last part of my pregnancy and thus the most miserable. On April 7 Electa was born and time has really flown by since. I've been really busy just trying to keep up with housework, primary, the kids, my husband and sleep.
We were able to go to Idaho in July and that was so much fun. It was sure nice to take a vacation. In October I walked in the Breast Cancer 3 day in Washington D.C. It was so amazing. I will never forget it. Michael and I are already planning on crewing next years event. It was so very worth my time although my feet could barely walk for the next week. Thanks to all those who donated and who supported me and helped me. Mom, I did it for you. And I'd do it a million times over.
It has been a huge year for Owen. He's grown and developed so much. In May we finally found out whats been keeping him from eating and gaining weight, and I think hindering his mental developement. He had the beginning of ulcers in his stomach, and had an infection in his throat. Plus, some very terrible reflux. He's been on medicine since, and he's made huge strides. He's begun to gain weight again, he's talking like crazy. Most of the time you can understand him, and you can just tell he understands things that are going on around him better. He turned 3 in November and he has definatly hit the trying threes. He throws fits all the time, and he's so great at negotiating. He cracks us up. He loves playing and is so good to his baby sister. He's been feeding her, getting her toys and does anything to make her laugh.
Of course this year has been huge for Electa, oh to see how much she has changed. She is now rolling all over the place, but gets very frustrated. Oh how I wish she would crawl. Soon enough. She loves her jumper, playing with mommy, and eats most anything. She hates baby food, but loves spaghetti and anything she can put in her mouth herself. She's finally sleeping through the night, but she is very much a perfectionist. Everything has to be her way, and if it isn't right, she'll let you know.
Its been a crazy busy Christmas season. I feel like I have an endless to do list. I think that next year I will be simplifying. Thanks so much to those of you who've made this season special. I really appreciate all those who have thought of me and have done something about it. You don't know how much I really appreciate it. You've lifted my spirits and I am so thankful.
Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving its just me and the kids, but I'm really determined to make the best of it. So, this morning while I was in the bath I thought of these little outfits that my mom used to make for her preschool kids. So Owen and I made them and we talked about what Thanksgiving was. I don't think I made and impact, but it was fun anyway.

Before you feel bad for me, we've already celebrated Thanksgiving with some wonderful friends just a few days ago. We had the whole dinner, and it was wonderful.

Owen is 3!

I can't believe my little boy is 3! I sure had a hard time convincing him that it was his birthday! It was a good day though. Daddy had to work, but we went and got a balloon at the store, and we had Danish pancakes for dinner once daddy got home. We then had cake and icecream and opened presents. It sure was fun. Then the following tuesday we celebrated by going to the National Zoo with some friends. Owen was in heaven with his good buddy Austin.

100th Post, and Halloween

Wow, I know I'm a bit behind, but here is my 100th post and some pics of Miss E. on Halloween. I didn't get any of Owen because he really didn't want to wear his costume, and as soon as we were done walking around a couple of cars at the trunk or treat, he wanted to go to bed, so we did! Early!

Tuesdays with Miss E.

Week 32

Week 31

Week 30

Week 29

Week 28

Week 27

Where we live!

Many of you have no idea about the type of country we live in, so I thought I would share a little bit. Yes, we live fairly close to Washington D.C. Actually about 70 miles, so not that close at all. But still people commute to work there from where we live. We actually live about two hours from everything. But when I say everything, I mean it. There is so much to see within about two hours from us. What an amazing place we live. We actually live admist a bunch of farmland.

Yesterday, we were all feeling a little bit better, so we ventured out to see the changing colors. Please forgive some of the expressions on our faces, realize we are still recovering from the flu.

My 3 Day Adventure!

Well, I did it! I walked in my very first Susan G. Koman 3 day. It was amazing. Thanks to all those that have donated. It was so very worth it. I trained, but not hard enough, I raised money, and I couldn't have done that without all of you. And then, I walked. Three days strait. I walked for the cure. A cause that I really believe in.

On day one I started out waking up at 3:30 in the morning, so I could be to the opening ceremonies by 6:00. That was amazing. During the opening ceremonies we heard of survivor stories, and stories of heartbreak. Yes, I cried. Especially when I heard about the lady and her sister that were supposed to be walking together last weekend, but instead she was walking in memory of her sister who lost that battle just a few weeks ago. Stories like that makes me know that what I did is going to make a difference. On friday I walked 20 miles around D.C. by the embassy's the capitol building, the botanical gardens and through Georgetown. It wasn't easy, buy I fet good when I was done. Day two began cold and rainy and only went downhill from there. I decided to wear some shoes that I didn't train very much in because I didn't want to get my other ones wet, and because they had padding for my very sore feet. We walked through Bathesda Maryland. By lunch I was cold, wet, sore and had about 10 blisters on my feet. I decided to go back to camp to rest so I could walk the following night. I only walked 13 miles that day, but that was ok.

Day 3 was amazing. Started out cold, but it was to be a bright sunshiney day! I did ok. I walked slow, and tried not to stop for too long, for I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get going again. At 9 in the morning I walked past the Cheesecake Factory. It was a good thing it was closed, because I probably would have stopped and finished there. But, I endured and made it to the end. I walked past the zoo, past many metro stations, by the White House, through the gay rights march, and to the Lincoln Memorial. It was an emotional closing ceremonies, but most of all, I'm proud I made it. I did it. And I would do it again.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!