To my sweet Kate..

Happy Birthday my cute Katiebug! I cannot believe she is turning 4 - time sure does go fast. Kate, Kate, Kate - I am not sure where to start in describing this sweet girl. Those who know my Kate - know what I am trying to say. She is full of spunk and is definitely her own person. She is going to be one of those girls (of course much later in life) that all the boys like because she loves to play and get dirty but can turn around and be a princess. She is not afraid to voice her opinion and let you know when she feels she is not being treated fairly. She has a voice - and she will be heard!!! Kate is also one of the most "feeling" people I have ever met. She can sense when you are not happy or when you are not feeling well - and she wants to make it right! That girl - she just gets people! She loves princesses, dancing, dolls, playing with her brother and cars. There is not a shy bone in that girl's body and she loves to be at the center of everything! She is my sweet Kate - and she makes our family perfect! I cannot imagine our lives without her. She brightens my day and I am so grateful she is a part of our family. Again - Happy Birthday Kate!! We love you!!

Late Merry Christmas

This is late - but I just wanted to wish everyone a great holiday season (since "Merry Christmas" is over.) This has been a good year for our family - a bit stressful at times, but good. The most important part of this season to me is family - things are nice, but this season would not be the same without our family. We had a great Christmas this year - spending Christmas Eve with my family at my brother's house, Christmas Day at Andrew's moms house and at the Blackburn's. We had so much fun - but I was so tired by the time we got home Christmas night that I left my house a mess (Christmas stuff everywhere) and basically passed out for the night. The kids had a great time as well. They enjoy seeing their cousins and lets be honest here - opening presents! I tried hard to remind them what Christmas is really about - and I think both Thom and Kate really started to understand that Christmas isn't about the presents but about Jesus and about giving and being together as a family.

Something cute that Thomas said: We were at my parents helping them to decorate the tree. We were basically finished but Thomas kept going back for more ornaments. Grandpa told him that we were done and that there was no more room. Thomas in a very excited voice proclaims, "Grandpa, I can't stop! I am having the time of my life!"

So with that - Late Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! I hope your Christmas was beautiful and you were able to get all you needed - not just physical gifts but those spiritual gifts you need as well. Take care everyone I appreciate your friendship and support of my family and of me!

Buttermilk anyone??

Can I say yuck? My husband is a great fan of buttermilk - I can't stand the stuff. Thomas has even tried it a few times and gags every time (you would think he would learn???) Anyway, Kate wanted to try dad's buttermilk today so he let her and she drank about half of his glass. When she came up for air she had the silliest smile on her face - like she had just tasted a piece of heaven (Corney I know). Anyway she looks at her dad and says
Kate: That's so tasty
Dad: I know- but Thom and mom don't like it
Kate: (says while giving dad a big thumbs up) that's okay - you and I can just be the buttermilk girls!!!
Dad: Thanks Kate - I would be happy to be a buttermilk girl???

Serves him right - that stuff is nasty!

Quick Update!

Hi everyone - just an update on me for a change. I am going in for surgery next Wednesday - hopefully it will be a simple out patient- but I am not keeping my hopes up for that one. I have another humungo cyst that needs to be removed (not as dangerous a type as last time) but it is causing me quite a bit of pain... and because of last time, they want to take it out just in case it is something more. So - I will keep you updated on what is going - just please keep me in your prayers!!! Thanks everyone!

Rock on babies!!!

How cute is this!! Thanks to Bryan, my kids got their first taste of Rock Band a few Sundays ago. It was so fun! Andrew, Bryan and I were in the kitchen and I poked my head out to this scene - my little rock stars! Anyway, we had great fun that night with great dinner and awesome entertainment.

Thanksgiving was great fun this year. Dad came home from the hospital and we were able to celebrate a very tasty Thanksgiving all together. Just an update on dad - he is doing really well. He is no longer using crutches or a walker and is only using a cane. His doctor and PT have been extremely surprised at how quickly his recovery is going - though Dad is not as convinced we are glad to see him recovering as quickly as he is.

On the home front, just a little plug for Thomas - he was awarded Principal's Pride this week for a great little comic strip he wrote. Thomas has been doing so great in school this last month his teacher said that he really deserved to be honored. The school held a little presentation and gave him a certificate and a prize for his hard work. We are very proud of him!! Way to go Thom!!! Also, Congrats to Marci's son, Hunter, who was also given an award this week as well!