The End of the Year

As we are getting ready to say farewell to another year, I cannot help but think about the previous twelve months. So much has happened to our little family this year. There were definitely some high points - Olivia turning one, Emma turned five, Emma started Kindergarten, Halloween, family times, etc. - and there were certainly enough low points to remember as well (we won't get into those right now).

At the end of the day, and the year today, I have to try to look on the bright side of things and remember just how blessed I am to have what I do. My girls are beautiful, healthy and happy. I have a loving husband who accepts me with all of my weirdness. I have an amazing family who supports and loves me. In the end, as long as I have my family with me I can take whatever else happens. We may not be a traditional family, and we may all be a little crazy, but we love each other and we take care of each other. Who could want anything more?

So, farewell to 2008. I can only hope that 2009 brings more happiness and joy to my family and that we are able to spend more time together.I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to spend more time with these two beautiful little people :)

Holidays at Home

So, it has been a little while since I have been able to download some pics and actually post, but here I am, finally! With the holidays and the completion of the work around the house, it has been a very busy few weeks.

We had a most wonderful Christmas here at our house. The girls were thrilled with all of their presents. Olivia really didn't care about the opening of the presents - only when she saw a dolly that she wanted did she get excited. Otherwise, she was busy playing with the new train set that was all ready to go for them in the morning.
After we finished up here we made the long journey - across the street - to my MIL's house for round #2. Again, the girls were greeted with more beautiful presents and were kept very happy and content for hours.
I was able to present Jason with something that he has recently expressed interest in - a guitar. Soon, he'll take some lessons and before you know it we'll be filling the house with music that doesn't come from XM.All and all, it was a wonderful day, spent with family that I love and adore. I couldn't have asked for a better day, other than having more family around. But, miles and other distance separates us. Although we may not have been able to be with everyone that we wanted to, they were certainly in our hearts and minds. Much love to all of our family!

Home, again

Finally - we are home! It has been a long haul and although there are still things that need to be finished, the larger, dirtier projects are done and we are able to live here again! Never thought I would miss it so much, but I did. There is just something to be said about the comforts of home. Love to my MIL for letting us take refuge at her house - you are a lifesaver!!!!!

Please Join...

The Compassionate Friends
Worldwide Candle Lighting

Join me on Sunday, December 14, 2008 along with other bereaved families, for The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. Visit The Compassionate Friends website to find a formal service near you, or light a candle in your home at 7 PM knowing you will be joined by hundreds of thousands of people who are thinking about the children around the world who are gone, but continue to live on in the hearts that they touched.

A Remembrance Book will also be available on The Compassionate Friends' website on that day to post a message or tribute.
The Worldwide Candle Lighting held yearly the second Sunday in December

Long Hard Road

This past week has been an interesting and unsettling one. We have been staying at my MIL's house since our house is in a state of unrest. Our new windows are (finally) going in and some of them require a little more work than others since we are changing their function. Plus, we took up the carpet in our living room to reveal beautiful hardwood underneath and that is going to be sanded and refinished today/tomorrow. Stuff is everywhere. Dogs are here. Cats are there. I am nowhere. Girls have been troopers. MIL is a godsend!!!

Snow Me Over

I hate winter. Ok, maybe I should clarify that. I hate having to bundle up the girls to go out to the store, having to put Olivia's shoes/socks back on once we reach our destination (5 miles away), taking everything off in the store, putting it back on to go out, getting home and having to (again) put Olivia's shoes/socks back on to get inside and then having to take everything off again and hang it up in its respective place. I hate being cold from October to June. I hate how in this blessed state of MI we get so few days of sun during the winter.

But, I do love some things about it. The fresh snow coating the trees that arch over the roads is beautiful. I almost drove off the road staring at it this morning when I headed out. I love to see the crazy people (sorry bro!) out running in the freezing cold. I love the pure joy on my girls' faces when they see the snow. I love that Emma keeps asking if we have enough snow to make a snowman.

Mostly, I love that it gives me a reason to stay inside cuddle up with my girls, or watch them cuddle together. Who wouldn't love that.