I guess this shows how busy I've been. I forgot to post our family pictures we had taken in October. If you want to see them, you'll have to log on pretty quick... as they disappear after 90 days, which will be up around the 8th, I believe.
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?eventthumbs?event=01WA4OF7&b=0&t=-1&start=0&password=gurik
These are the very best pictures my girls have had taken, and I just dearly love them..... They're SO cute.... I have such a nice little family.
****Edited to add: Katie took the picture of Molly giving me bunny ears. I loved it so much, I ordered it in a 5x7! Molly is so proud to have her witty humor displayed, and of course Kat always announces that SHE took that picture at the studio, all by herself - which is totally true. The photographer handed her the camera and told her to point and shoot. She did quite well, if I do say so myself.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Life was great in 2008... but life will be FINE in 2009!
That is my theme for the New Year approaching! As usual, the end of the year brings a nostalgic feeling – and as I reflect on 2008, there is not a thing I would change… and I love that. I am perhaps one of the most blessed people in this world, and I believe that with all of my heart. I have the most amazing “little people” who live with me – and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without my daughters.
In 2008, Kate grew exponentially, and her personality changed more than any other year. She is just delightful, especially when you have her one on one. She loves to help out and is very sensitive…believe it nor not! She is an “old soul” in a very young body – and she has some amazing gifts she will give this world. I imagine with great anticipation, what my beautiful daughter will grow and become.
In 2008, Molly also grew and matured. She is officially a “tween” now, and although she is more often embarrassed by mom than not, she still enjoys our special time together. I am sad to see she is not into the “little girl things” like she used to be, but at the same time – I love to see her develop into someone I can have long and delightful conversations with. I’m really beginning to know and understand her on a whole new level – and that’s pretty exciting. Molly is just an awesome person.
As for me – 2008 has been a year of learning – that’s for sure. I began Volunteering in February for the Pediatric Palliative Care Team at our Local Children’s Hospital. This is the same team that took care of Emily when she was in the Pediatric ICU. Now, 5 years later, I visit the parents in the PICU and spend time with the children who are in need of palliative (comfort care) services. I typically go up every weekend I don’t have the girls and don’t drill with the National Guard – which means I’m there once or twice a month – and I LOVE it. On a less positive, but equally important note, I have been actively involved with the legal system since February as a result of my stalker – but I have taken control of my life again, and that is an amazing feeling. As I always say, you may not be able to prevent being victimized – but you can refuse to be a victim. Life is not about what happens to you – it’s about what you DO with what happens to you. I am thankful to “L” in some small fashion, for helping me to establish healthy boundaries. This year was also my 5th year of grieving Emily’s death – which was significant. Our “Emily week” was one of the most difficult it has ever been, and this year ~Angel day~ was practically unbearable. BUT, with a very special group of friends and family surrounding me, I made it through and am better for it. As excruciating as it was, I think it’s good (even years later) to feel the intensity of one’s pain for a little while. It’s a reminder that our loved one was here, and they remain a part of us. BUT MOSTLY, I’ve been thinking about the best things we accomplished in 2008, and of course the first thing that comes to mind would be the DISNEY trip! We had an amazing time. We also had a great time when we went to Niagara falls twice, as well as a couple of other weekend trips away. This year, we discovered “Castaway Bay” and that is our new favorite hangout. By far though, the best thing about 2008 has been the growth of friendships. I am SO blessed with wonderful friends. Whether it was an old friendship I sought out after having lost track of each other for years, or a new friend I discovered through a group, I am thankful for each of you and look forward to continuing our fabulous relationship. I am amazed at the people God places in your life, just exactly when you need them. Nothing in this world is random…. I am convinced of that. Every life event given to us is a tool – we just need to pay attention, and learn how to use it.
In 2008, I have gained SO much….. And probably one of the most important things ever – I got my sister back!!!!! Chrissy and I never got along as young children, and certainly not as teenagers! After my Emily died, when I was hurting so deeply - I lost contact with Chrissy, as I pushed many people out of my life. It was self preservation. In January 2008 I received a phone call from an out of state number, and reluctantly answered. The voice on the other end said very quietly “Missy, don’t hang up.” (insert long pause here) “This is Chrissy, and I was wondering how you’re doing.”… needless to say, she had my full and undivided attention. I am elated to report I have the most amazing little nephew ever, and have a new niece or nephew on the way in March! I also have grown to love (and deeply respect) my new brother in law to be, Jamie. He is a truly incredible man, who I would do anything for. He is a wonderful partner (and soon to be Husband) to Chrissy, and an absolutely amazing father. He is wonderful to our family, and I am thrilled to have him as part of my life. Chrissy is an awesome mother, and we are developing a wonderful friendship together. I am elated to have a sister in my life, who I can relate to.
2009 will be a very full year for my little family. Molly will turn 10 - and Kate will turn 5. We have a HUGE birthday party planned for August 15th (so save the date.) and it should be a LOT of fun. Sooner than that, we have a Valentines Day trip planned to Niagara Falls! My girls will be bringing their friends A and A – who are sisters. A1 is Molly’s 12 year old friend who comes to Niagara Falls with us each year. A2 is Kate’s friend (who is just 3 days younger than her) and this will be her first trip to Canada. I *might* be crazy for taking a 12 year old, 9 year old and two 4 year olds to Canada by myself…. It’s possible, but we’re making memories and strengthening friendships – so nothing else matters…right? I will be on active duty for part of this year, leaving for Mississippi in May and not returning until roughly August. This will be tough for me and the girls – but it is something I need to do, in order to be able to provide for our futures and ensure our stability. It is not an option – especially with this economy. On a positive note, we have a week long trip to Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg scheduled with my friend Aimee and her 4 year old triplets sometime upon my return, so that should be fabulous.
Looking back, I can say life WAS great in 2008…. But life will be FINE in 2009! Wishing each of you a “FINE” 2009!
In 2008, Kate grew exponentially, and her personality changed more than any other year. She is just delightful, especially when you have her one on one. She loves to help out and is very sensitive…believe it nor not! She is an “old soul” in a very young body – and she has some amazing gifts she will give this world. I imagine with great anticipation, what my beautiful daughter will grow and become.
In 2008, Molly also grew and matured. She is officially a “tween” now, and although she is more often embarrassed by mom than not, she still enjoys our special time together. I am sad to see she is not into the “little girl things” like she used to be, but at the same time – I love to see her develop into someone I can have long and delightful conversations with. I’m really beginning to know and understand her on a whole new level – and that’s pretty exciting. Molly is just an awesome person.
As for me – 2008 has been a year of learning – that’s for sure. I began Volunteering in February for the Pediatric Palliative Care Team at our Local Children’s Hospital. This is the same team that took care of Emily when she was in the Pediatric ICU. Now, 5 years later, I visit the parents in the PICU and spend time with the children who are in need of palliative (comfort care) services. I typically go up every weekend I don’t have the girls and don’t drill with the National Guard – which means I’m there once or twice a month – and I LOVE it. On a less positive, but equally important note, I have been actively involved with the legal system since February as a result of my stalker – but I have taken control of my life again, and that is an amazing feeling. As I always say, you may not be able to prevent being victimized – but you can refuse to be a victim. Life is not about what happens to you – it’s about what you DO with what happens to you. I am thankful to “L” in some small fashion, for helping me to establish healthy boundaries. This year was also my 5th year of grieving Emily’s death – which was significant. Our “Emily week” was one of the most difficult it has ever been, and this year ~Angel day~ was practically unbearable. BUT, with a very special group of friends and family surrounding me, I made it through and am better for it. As excruciating as it was, I think it’s good (even years later) to feel the intensity of one’s pain for a little while. It’s a reminder that our loved one was here, and they remain a part of us. BUT MOSTLY, I’ve been thinking about the best things we accomplished in 2008, and of course the first thing that comes to mind would be the DISNEY trip! We had an amazing time. We also had a great time when we went to Niagara falls twice, as well as a couple of other weekend trips away. This year, we discovered “Castaway Bay” and that is our new favorite hangout. By far though, the best thing about 2008 has been the growth of friendships. I am SO blessed with wonderful friends. Whether it was an old friendship I sought out after having lost track of each other for years, or a new friend I discovered through a group, I am thankful for each of you and look forward to continuing our fabulous relationship. I am amazed at the people God places in your life, just exactly when you need them. Nothing in this world is random…. I am convinced of that. Every life event given to us is a tool – we just need to pay attention, and learn how to use it.
In 2008, I have gained SO much….. And probably one of the most important things ever – I got my sister back!!!!! Chrissy and I never got along as young children, and certainly not as teenagers! After my Emily died, when I was hurting so deeply - I lost contact with Chrissy, as I pushed many people out of my life. It was self preservation. In January 2008 I received a phone call from an out of state number, and reluctantly answered. The voice on the other end said very quietly “Missy, don’t hang up.” (insert long pause here) “This is Chrissy, and I was wondering how you’re doing.”… needless to say, she had my full and undivided attention. I am elated to report I have the most amazing little nephew ever, and have a new niece or nephew on the way in March! I also have grown to love (and deeply respect) my new brother in law to be, Jamie. He is a truly incredible man, who I would do anything for. He is a wonderful partner (and soon to be Husband) to Chrissy, and an absolutely amazing father. He is wonderful to our family, and I am thrilled to have him as part of my life. Chrissy is an awesome mother, and we are developing a wonderful friendship together. I am elated to have a sister in my life, who I can relate to.
2009 will be a very full year for my little family. Molly will turn 10 - and Kate will turn 5. We have a HUGE birthday party planned for August 15th (so save the date.) and it should be a LOT of fun. Sooner than that, we have a Valentines Day trip planned to Niagara Falls! My girls will be bringing their friends A and A – who are sisters. A1 is Molly’s 12 year old friend who comes to Niagara Falls with us each year. A2 is Kate’s friend (who is just 3 days younger than her) and this will be her first trip to Canada. I *might* be crazy for taking a 12 year old, 9 year old and two 4 year olds to Canada by myself…. It’s possible, but we’re making memories and strengthening friendships – so nothing else matters…right? I will be on active duty for part of this year, leaving for Mississippi in May and not returning until roughly August. This will be tough for me and the girls – but it is something I need to do, in order to be able to provide for our futures and ensure our stability. It is not an option – especially with this economy. On a positive note, we have a week long trip to Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg scheduled with my friend Aimee and her 4 year old triplets sometime upon my return, so that should be fabulous.
Looking back, I can say life WAS great in 2008…. But life will be FINE in 2009! Wishing each of you a “FINE” 2009!
Friday, December 26, 2008
I am SO in love...
...with these beautiful children. Aren't they cute? I think so...
This year, my girls woke up at their father's house, and I brought them home at 11:30, just in time to open one gift from Santa, and then go to lunch with my Dad's side of the family. They were *mostly* well behaved, other than one incident of a tounge sticking out of a little 4 year old's mouth. Hmmmmm.....Anyway... the picture above is my favorite picture from Christmas. Molly's face is priceless. She squealed and gave Santa QUITE a wonderful compliment, which I will keep to myslf, but still beam with pride when I replay it in my head. My prayer for next year is that she still believes in Santa like this, so I can have yet another magical year of excitement and wonder with her.
As expected, both girls received several dress up costumes - all Disney princess, of course - AND some rockin' art supplies! ( Remeber, I said I *thought that might happen??? I am Soooooo Good!)
This is Molly opening her favorite gift. It was a message in a bottle from Santa (you can see the bottle to the left, beside the sofa.) The message was VERY flattering to Molly, explaining how good a child she has been. Then Santa went on to explain that Molly, Kate and I will be "special guests" at Castaway Bay at a date Mommy chooses. Santa even told Molly that he LOVES visiting her home, in spite of the fact he has to "step over Darwin" when he comes in! Molly thought that was great. She is our resident "Darwin watcher" making sure he isn't stepped on by anyone as they enter the home, since he loves to hang out by the front door.
This year, my girls woke up at their father's house, and I brought them home at 11:30, just in time to open one gift from Santa, and then go to lunch with my Dad's side of the family. They were *mostly* well behaved, other than one incident of a tounge sticking out of a little 4 year old's mouth. Hmmmmm.....Anyway... the picture above is my favorite picture from Christmas. Molly's face is priceless. She squealed and gave Santa QUITE a wonderful compliment, which I will keep to myslf, but still beam with pride when I replay it in my head. My prayer for next year is that she still believes in Santa like this, so I can have yet another magical year of excitement and wonder with her.
As expected, both girls received several dress up costumes - all Disney princess, of course - AND some rockin' art supplies! ( Remeber, I said I *thought that might happen??? I am Soooooo Good!)
This is Molly opening her favorite gift. It was a message in a bottle from Santa (you can see the bottle to the left, beside the sofa.) The message was VERY flattering to Molly, explaining how good a child she has been. Then Santa went on to explain that Molly, Kate and I will be "special guests" at Castaway Bay at a date Mommy chooses. Santa even told Molly that he LOVES visiting her home, in spite of the fact he has to "step over Darwin" when he comes in! Molly thought that was great. She is our resident "Darwin watcher" making sure he isn't stepped on by anyone as they enter the home, since he loves to hang out by the front door.
Kate had a little bit of trouble with her snow white shoes, and that was really our only stressful moment of the day. Kate's feet have grown significantly since Santa's cobblers created these princess shoes for her in their workshop. I guess Santa (in his attempts to do advance planing for my children) didn't really think about that - since Kate's feet have essenitally been the same size for the past year! Anyway, I was awfully tired and a bit short for a few minutes as we were trying to pry the shoes on her feet. I eventually had to make small cuts in them behind the bow, to allow them to go on her feet. Now they fit perfectly. I should explain that is was because of my attempts to really keep the belief in Santa going, that I was SO tired. I always bring home boxes and leave out gift wrap for Santa on Christmas eve. THAT way, no one recognizes the wrapping paper as that which has been in our laundry room for ages. ALSO... there is a notable reason that Kate's present *might be* wrapped in Molly's shoe box on Christmas morning, with a tag from Santa.... it's because WE purposely left that box for him to use. I must thank my Aunt J and cousin L for this wonderful idea, which evolved following one traumatic Christmas morning, involving a shoe box and "Santa" tag. Anyway.... My POINT is I was very, VERY tired on Christmas day a result of my late night gift wrapping adventures. I was up until 4:00am wrapping gifts for the girls in the paper and boxes we left out! Next year, I've GOT to come up with a better plan.....
This is Molly's special dress up gown. It's "Giselle"... the newest Disney princess. She desperately wanted this gown, and so Santa really splurged on it this year. Interestingly, in the movie - Giselle has some silk worms who spin the thread for her, and her forest creatures help her create this beautiful wedding dress. As it turns out, ALL of the silk worms live in Andalasia (where Giselle is from) and so Santa was unable to have them help him with the gown. As a result, Santa had to buy this dress at the Disney store - and he accidentally left the tag on. Oops... silly Santa! I thought for a minute that Mr. Claus *might have been busted* ....but when I gave the whole "silk worm" explanation (off the top of my head, thank you VERY much) Molly just said "Oh, well that makes sense..." and moved on. *** Whew! The words of my mother kept coming back to me ..."Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive..." I don't know how much longer I can keep spinning this web of Santa lies....
This is Molly's special dress up gown. It's "Giselle"... the newest Disney princess. She desperately wanted this gown, and so Santa really splurged on it this year. Interestingly, in the movie - Giselle has some silk worms who spin the thread for her, and her forest creatures help her create this beautiful wedding dress. As it turns out, ALL of the silk worms live in Andalasia (where Giselle is from) and so Santa was unable to have them help him with the gown. As a result, Santa had to buy this dress at the Disney store - and he accidentally left the tag on. Oops... silly Santa! I thought for a minute that Mr. Claus *might have been busted* ....but when I gave the whole "silk worm" explanation (off the top of my head, thank you VERY much) Molly just said "Oh, well that makes sense..." and moved on. *** Whew! The words of my mother kept coming back to me ..."Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive..." I don't know how much longer I can keep spinning this web of Santa lies....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas planning...
I have to share these adorable pictures of the girls visiting Santa. I LOVE that Molly still has such a strong belief in "The Christmas spirit"...if you KNOW what I mean! (wink, wink)
Kate is SUCH a cutie.... she REALLY wanted Santa to know she is 4 years old this year!
These are MY little elves! Aren't they just adorable? : ) In spite of the economy, my girls are going to have a FABULOUS Christmas! I am SO excited...I made a Coupon book for both girls, with 18 coupons per book (to be used throughout the year) for things like ...A day with just Mom... dinner and a movie at home, their choice!... a picnic day at Mohican....a day at our "home spa" complete with facials, hair do's and manicures... an afternoon at Kingwood Center..... a day at COSI (our local science museum) with Dippin' Dots icecream!... a day at the Columbus Zoo and also the Newport Aquarium... a day exploring somewhere we've never been before....Art day (we will go to an art museum of their choice, and then come home and work on a special art project like one they have seen.) I also added A day playing in the fountains at Easton Town Center, and lunch out in Columbus.... "Darwin Day", where we will buy "bling" at our local craft store and decorate our tortoises shell with new and excting designs to be posted on the blog....
I'm giving them each their coupon book in a small treasure chest they can paint! I have a VERY strong suspicion Santa will be bring them some rockin' art supplies this year, so it should be pretty neat! They're also each getting a "message in a bottle" from Santa, complete with sand and shells - which entitles us to a family day at Castaway Bay! I'll let you know how this idea goes over.....
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
My wish for you...
"May you allow fear to soften and melt away. May you release all regrets and resentments. May you see the world with wonder, and may you imagine only good things. May HOPE rise within you. May peace wash over you. May you hear the voice of wisdom, and listening, may you act with trust. May your heart soften. May joy emerge. May love flow through you, and may you heal, and help others."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Misty and Persephone
These are the newest members of our family. Both arrived last week, just before Thanksgiving. "Misty" whose proper name is "mist walker dreamer" is a leopard gecko, who is native to Afghanistan. She is sweet and wonderful, and a beautiful shade of yellow, blue, purple and brown and black stripes. She is striped as a juvenile, and as she grows, she will become spotted. She should not exceed 10 inches in length, and will live in captivity for approximately 20 years. The girls are VERY much looking forward to growing up with her. Especially Molly, who has really taken Misty under her wing. Molly came up with the name "mist walker" after a book she is reading about wild horses in Hawaii. I thought it fitting. Kate immediately advised she wanted to name her "dreamer" and I also thought that was fitting. He has decided now, we need to change her name to "pinkish" which makes no sense to me, since she is in no way "pinkish" - so we are not doing it. Sorry Kate. The world is tough.... best to learn that now.
This is "Persephone"... otherwise known to us as "Percy". Percy has a sweet and wonderful story. She was given to me by one of my hospice patients, who has had her for 14 years! She is an African clawed frog, whose life expectancy should be only 4 years! She has more than tripled that. My patient was VERY concerned that Percy would end up in a pond somewhere when she passes on, and so is was bringing her a great deal of stress. After much debate and discussion, I advised I am VERY familiar with exotic pets (interject conversation about Darwin here) and I would be VERY glad to make sure Percy lives out the rest of her days as "the queen" of the 10 gallon hexagon aquarium in my girls room. Percy, like Misty, is sweet and wonderful - and croaks all evening long. My patient advised that means she is content. I certainly hope so.* On a side note, the police investigation is well underway with my stalker situation, and the girls and I remain safe at this time. We appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts that have been coming our way.
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