I'm back...

I keep telling myself...go update your blog...go update your blog...but it seems like something else always gets my attention before I make it upstairs to update my blog. So, after Brian pointed out how neglected my blog is, I have finally decided to sit down and post a few updates.
I suppose the only real problem with my blog is that a lot of times I just don't have anything blog worthy to talk about; however, I am going to think of something...anything to write about. So, here goes...

Brian and I went to a great restaurant a couple weeks ago...upscale and a bit fussy (definitely not us) but the sushi was amazing. I have only tasted Sushi from Kroger and Costco and what we had puts that stuff to shame. I couldn't believe what real, authentic sushi, with lots of fine ingredients, tastes like. It was sooooo good. Not to mention the fact that they put the napkin in your lap when you sit down and provide such great service. It was certainly a splurge and oh so nice.
Brian is in the market for a new car. He has been looking and looking. We want to stay around 30K-40K miles and less than $20K. The poor guy has champagne taste on a beer budget but rest assured...if there is a nice car out there that fits that criteria...he will find it.
The kids are growing and doing well. We have had our fair share of sickness this winter and spring already. As I type, Will is sitting beside me suffering through yet another stomach bug. Poor guy. I am so anxious for the sickness to subside and warm weather to set in. It was so nice putting all their wool and corduroy stuff up and getting out all the fun, pretty spring and summer clothing. I so look forward to all the fellowship that summer brings...parks, the pool, playing outside, etc.
A big prayer was answered a month ago when I found what preschool Will is going to attend. I have looked and researched so many and I feel so good about our pick. I knew after being there 30 minutes, that it was the right fit for us. They offer not only preschool but kindergarten as well...which is exactly what I wanted. They are also pretty affordable. The only con is the drive. It is a bit of a hike but that is why I am home....to take care of my family.

Looking forward to Easter and our trip to Brian's hometown. Easter is always a lot of fun with the kids and cousins. Mom made Abby's dress this year and one of her colleagues knitted a lightweight sweater to go with it. I can't wait to see the sweet little outfit in person.
Happy Spring and please don't forget the real meaning of Easter. It's not the candy, eggs, family get togethers, or bunny but that our savior is alive!

My kids

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time.

I never want to forget.

But because I can't.

I take a picture.

Sissy's first big boo-boo

Poor "pretty gurl" as Will so affectionately calls her...lost her balance and fell into the coffee table last night. Despite the corner protectors, she still hit the table pretty hard and has a bruised lip to show it. I tried telling her this morning that movie stars pay big money for lips like hers but it didn't make her feel any better. Poor Sissy.

No more coffee table.

Happy Birthday Ney!

We love you! Hope your day is a good one.

Good bye Highlander...hello mini-van.

I am sooo excited. Today we bought a mini van...something I have been wanting for oh...4 years now (is that weird?). I love having the extra bench in the back to haul family and friends and let me tell you how excited my little boy is about our purchase. He kept saying, "this is so cool", "I love this mini van", "thanks for getting this mini-van mom". Needless to say, he is quite carried away with it.

Much credit to my super hubby for this fine purchase. He did his due diligence and found me a 2008 Sienna, low miles, two automatic doors, and it's in excellent condition. As soon as we saw it and sat inside, we knew that it was what we had been looking for. YEA!

Happy Valentines Day

Sending my love and appreciation to a few special people in my life...

1. First and for most--my wonderful husband. I love you so much and have been lucky to call you mine for the past 9 years. We have weathered many storms together and with each one we grow stronger and stronger. Thank you for your love and for our two precious children--the light of our lives. I look forward to growing old with you.

2. To the best mom and dad a girl could ask for. Your love, loyalty, support, and involvement in my life is such a gift. I love you so very, very much. I need and depend on you so much. Thank you for all that you are to me.

3. To my wonderful in-laws...Ney and Big Jul. Thank you for your continuous love and support in our lives. You've got two grand babies that are so crazy about you. I am blessed to have you both.

4. To Matt--thank you for weathering all of my storms and still wanting something to do with me. :) I love you so much and only wish I could have brought more happiness to your life when we were younger. You are a wonderful man and thank you for marrying such a thoughtful, loving, girl. Ash is truly an asset to our family (and anyone that can with stand Pop as well as she does is a keeper).

5. Thank you Lee, Hugh, Ethan, and Eli for being who you are....sweet, funny, loving, and so giving. We are all crazy about you...especially my little boy. We look forward to many, many memories together.

6. Jen--the best friend a girl could ask for. Thank you for your friendship, support, and love. You are one-of-a-kind and how lucky am I to have you in my life. I love you and your little family so much....as does Will. We are crazy about the Tafoyas.

7. Much love to all the rest of my family and friends (it is getting late and I am now realizing that this could go on forever....Tracy, Vicky,....). I am blessed to have good people in my life that bring so much value to my life.

Lastly (but not least), thank you Lord for your love....your perfect love...unconditional, unassuming, free of judgement, and so abounding. How lucky I am to have you in my life and in my heart. There truly is no other love like His.

Sissy's walking...

It's not the most graceful thing I've ever seen but she is finally walking. 14 months and 7 days later. I can't tell you how much Brian and I have been enjoying her lately. She is trying every way she can to communicate, making lots of sounds, laughing, and really playing on her own. She loves all things dog....Brady, dog books, dogs on her clothes,.......you name it. She is crazy about dogs....and we are crazy about her.