Since it has been so long...

I look weird, but Thea is so cute...She loves that toy too!
A left over gift bag filled with one of my top two gifts of all time! :)
She looks so grown up here sitting with Stewart at the mall
Dancing!
Cuties!

She's 1!

The favorite gift of the day! A wagon from Grandma Lori and Papa Carey!
Thea likes getting presents!
Thea does not like birthday cake.

Springing...

There is something about the melting snow, longer days and boxes of girl scout cookies that makes it really hard to stay unhappy. Spring is in the air, and I am anxiously awaiting the day when I can take the girls out without jackets. I can tell it is coming!

I still can't find my card reader, and that is a real bummer. Thea is growing up so much and doing many cute things that I have caught on film, but have no way of sharing. The girl loves to dance and she loves her maracas. It is very sweet to see her holding them and doing a little dance.

She is standing on her own for a few seconds at a time, but she promptly sits down as soon as she realizes that the toys in her hands aren't supporting her. She just seems so grown up, the last couple of weeks have seemed to age her tremendously. She is such a joy, I can't imagine our family without her.

Leila is her same super sassy and sweet self. She got to go bowling with her dad for Bowl for Kids Sake a couple of weeks ago and she loved it. She has asked to go again several times since then. She was the only little kid around, but that didn't bother her a bit. She loves people, and she loves parties. She followed that up with attendance at a retirement party for one of my teammates, and a graduation party for another work friend of ours. Quite the socialite she is turning into. One common theme...the fit she throws when she has to leave.

Thea's party is next Saturday, and I am really hoping to find that card reader before then!

Sisters

The other day I was sitting in the car with my two girls while we waited for Cory. Thea was cranky and tired in her car seat. Leila reached down into the space between the two car seats and grabbed a toy. She flipped the switch on and the maraca began to play music as Leila held it out across the back seat and handed it to Thea, "our baby." Just one small example of what a wonderful sweetheart of a big sister Leila is.

Thank you Leila for making our family of four such a loving place to be.

House stuff

Someday I am going to look back at this time in my blogging existence and be really annoyed that I didn't take and share more pictures. I do have some, but the camera hasn't gotten much love these days, and I have no idea where the card reader is. I have a habit of doing a last minute "clean" before we have a showing, and that cleaning consists of me throwing whatever clutter happens to be around into a Rubbermaid tub that then gets shoved in a closet. There are a lot of missing items that I am sure will someday be unearthed in a Rubbermaid tub.

So I haven't said anything because I really didn't want to jinx it. I still don't want to jinx it, and yet, here I go sharing....

We have accepted an offer on our house. The home inspection is complete, with only a few small known issues that we are going to take care of. No termites. We find out about Radon tomorrow, and all of the wheels are in motion for us to be out of this house on April 23rd. A date chosen by the buyer.

In the meantime, we have a lot. We will close on the lot on March 31st, and construction will begin April 1. We picked out a plan, and we are working on finalizing the details and getting a final price and contract in place.

Saturday morning Cory and I are going to look at an apartment that we would be able to lease on a short term basis (6 months, beginning in April). The apartment is 3 bedrooms and has a two car garage, so really, we aren't going to lose very much space, but we also aren't going to lose much of the monthly cost of living either. Though, given the short term nature of our needs, and the fact that it has three bedrooms, and that our dog is allowed to live with us makes that worth it. We will have a place for the summer that actually fits our family, and we will save money on not having to purchase more storage. Provided we get this lease, which I think we will.

So many blessings and so much good news makes me feel very fortunate, and also makes me worry about what bad thing is going to knock me to my knees. For now, I am basking in the good, and hoping that everything works as it should. September should find us all moved into our new forever (hopefully!) home.

About 6 years ago when I was newly graduated from college I started my first "real job" as a telephone customer service representative. For my job I interacted with elderly people on the phone, who were generally having a hardship that caused them to need help. One day I took a call from a woman who was at the end of her rope. I can not remember what her issue was, I just remember spending a lot of time trying to convince her that things would be ok. The most memorable part of the call was the very end. I had defused her anxiety enough that she was calm, and had a plan. She thanked me for helping her and then she asked me what my name was. I told her my first name and she reacted in shock. She told me that her daughter, who had been a powerful supporter for her but had passed away was named Tricia. She said that our conversation, and my care for her was a sign from her daughter, and she was happy.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" Philippians 4:13

I was reminded in church this last week of this verse, and of the importance of remembering that in everything I do, I am representing my faith. All my accomplishments are a testament to God, and all of my hardships represent an opportunity to show the strength and resilience that I possess because of my faith. And sometimes, through no choice of my own, I am doing God's work, so it is important to do it well and to realize that the lord is at work in all of us if we allow him.

Cory did take Thea's 11 month picture, and I will post it as soon as I can get up the ambition.  Right now I am just reminding myself of my new shoes post and keeping my mouth shut.  I have had an upsetting couple of weeks and I am just trying to grow a thicker skin and some extra patience.

Roseanne

Last Thursday I was sitting at my desk when one of the frequent Hancher emails popped into my inbox.  On this day I decided to scan it before sending to my trash can, and the name Roseanne Cash caught my eye.  I am not really "in to" music of any kind myself.  I listen to lots of different things, but I haven't been to a concert in years and it generally isn't something that appeals to me enough to be worth the cost, but...my mom LOVES Roseanne Cash.  So we bought 5 of the very last tickets available to a show that was held last night, and my mom, my sisters and I had dinner and an evening with Roseanne Cash's list.

When the lights went down and Roseanne Cash graced the stage with her presence and then her strong and beautiful voice, I was swept back in time.  I felt myself sitting on the gold carpet of the house in Tabor in front of mom's prized stereo.  Roseanne started right in with songs from her latest album, "The list" which consists of 12 of the 100 essential country songs that her father had mandated that she learn, in order to know her musical genealogy.  The songs weren't familiar, but the sound of her voice felt like a warm memory of a time when my own mom was teaching us the love of music.

The entire evening felt like a reunion with my childhood, a reunion with my family as I sat in line with the women who most influence me, and the love between Roseanne and her father permeated the air in the small theater.  After several songs from "The List"  Roseanne stopped to talk about her own daughter, and wondered if she were ever to make a list for her future child, would she include any of her mother's songs?  With that, the familiar tune to "Seven Year Ache" began to play and once again, the overwhelming memories of singing and dancing to that very song with my mom in our little farm house in Tabor came over me.

There is something so surreal about sitting at a concert with your grown sisters and mother, who is now a grandmother; listening to a performer pour out her heart and soul into a performance inspired by her own father.  The memories, the love, the legacy.  An amazing night.

 

This picture projected over the stage while Roseanne performed her final song of he night displayed the loving tutelage between Roseanne Cash and her father. That song was written by Porter Wagner and is titled, A Satisfied Mind.

How many times have you heard someone say

If I had his money I would do things my way
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind

Once I was winning in fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
Then suddenly it happened I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind

Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to a man with a satisfied mind

When life has ended my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones I'll leave there's no doubt
But there's one thing for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.

Tonight I held my baby girl Thea on my hip and danced in the kitchen like my Mom used to do while Roseanne Cash sang Tennessee Flat Top Box over my laptop speakers, a song written by Johnny Cash; and for a few minutes I didn't have a worry in the world, but a satisfied mind. 

New Shoes

“I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet"

This saying popped into my head this morning.  When I was in college I had a little book that I had filled with quotes that I had read or heard that really resonated with me.  If I remember correctly, this quote graced the first page of that book.  At that time I was going through a rough spot. I am not really sure why, probably just the last bit of teen-aged angst showing its face. I had to remind myself all the time that as much as I wanted to complain about my mediocre grades and my lack of funds or clear direction in my life, I really had no right to complain. 

I have found that that attitude is a double edged sword. Sure, it is great to keep things in perspective and count your blessings. But sometimes, no matter how many blessings you have, counting them doesn't do much to make you feel better about life, and that is doubly depressing.

Jealousy and longing are really ugly traits, and I am feeling fugly these days. I wanted to speak to my attitude for just a moment, and to say that if all of my updates are quick family status reports or pictures of my beautiful girls for a while, I am just following that the universal rule, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Our first parent/teacher conference

Love A Lot has a system of evaluation, where both Cory and I, and Leila's teacher fill out an evaluation form about Leila and her development and behavior.  Now that Leila is in pre-school, we had our first sit down discussion about Leila, and the differences in the way that we had scored her.
Cory wasn't able to make it because Thea was home with her first fever on Thursday, so I represented for both of us.
Overall, we both agreed that Leila is a very smart little girl.  She has an awesome vocabulary and she is capable of carrying on very adult conversations. She has been this way for some time, and I really appreciate that about her.  One other major area of agreement...girlfriend is STUBBORN.
A couple of things that I got to hear from Krystal that I didn't already know about Leila was that she does her own thing, she doesn't have a "best friend" at school, but can be found playing with any and all of the kids in the class at different times, and is also happy to play by herself if no one else is interested in her activity of choice.  This made me really happy.  I don't want my kid to be a loner, but I do really want her to be confident and happy without needing to feel accepted and validated by those around her.  Of course, she is just nearing the 4 year mark and lots can change over the years.  I am sure that we will have tough times, because lets face it...kids are assholes to each other.  I just really hope that my kid isn't often the ass hole, and is confident enough to not let other kids get her down.
The other thing that I honestly have worried about, and had my fears put to rest (somewhat) by my conference with Krystal, is that the teachers at Love A Lot view Leila as a compassionate kid.  She watches out for the other kid's feelings.  When another kid is building a tower, Leila will cheer them on and would never dream of knocking it over.  In my experiences with Leila, this isn't really true.  She isn't the nicest to Sawyer and to Thea.  I wouldn't call her compassionate, and it has caused me a lot of concern.  It is nice to know that she does display that behavior at school.  I wonder if it has to do with the fact that she spends a lot of time with younger kids outside of school, I can see that it might be harder to be nice to a baby that doesn't reciprocate that same courtesy.  At least that is what I am going to tell myself.
So there you have it, Leila is smart, friendly, independent and compassionate.  Does it get any better than that?

Swimming lessons!

Cory is such a trooper...he swam with Thea while I watched Leila from the deck.  The idea of wearing a swimming suit makes me want to cry.

Leila leading the charge into the pool! I am so proud of how brave and agreeable she is about swim lessons.  She is a leader and shows the other kids that it's ok to get your hair wet!.

 

Look at those chunky thighs! I had two other mom's come up to me at swim lessons to ask if that was my baby and both commented that she was so adorable and chunky, which she is!

Thea loved swimming lessons!

This picture is zoomed, which my camera doesn't do very well, but she looked so cute holding that little ball! 

Sorry for the lack of Leila pictures.  It was hard to get her without the teacher and the other kids.

6 More weeks...

Until Thea is ONE! I can hardly believe it.

And some other random cuteness...  Notice the tongue in that second pic :)

 

 

Lots of Love for Love - A - Lot

We have always been very happy with Leila's daycare, and now Thea's daycare too. The staff are very friendly and you can tell when we drop the girls off, that the kids are excited to be there (most days).

In the wake of the tragedy in Haiti, I was given another reason to feel good about Love a lot. Leila came home with a note that I took a picture of to attach here. I am not sure how easy it is to read, but the gist of it is that many kids in the pre-school had asked questions about Haiti and about Earthquakes, so the staff decided to switch up the lesson plans and do a 2 week unit on Haiti, and other countries and cultures of the Caribbean.
As part of this effort, the kids were encouraged to donate change to the families in Haiti who were in need. LOVE this idea. So we talked about it with Leila and she chose to give some of the money from her piggie bank, and over the last two weeks has been doing some little chores to earn more change to donate. I plan to keep this up, since we never got going on our Pennies for Peace, and continue to encourage Leila to give to others.

I am so proud of my girl, and proud of the school we chose for her as well.  She was so proud to bring in her bucket to add to the pre-school fund, and I am proud of her for giving, even though she doesn't really understand the value of money, she does really like it, so it means a lot that she would give it away.

Stuff

I have lots of stuff to post, but I have been on edge and not interested in taking the time to find the card reader for the camera. Pathetic I know.
We have our house in pretty good shape now, all planned projects completed, and we have had our first visitor. We have another showing coming up and we are thinking of having an open house on Saturday if the weather is expected to be nice enough.

I feel like I am waiting to see if I will get a second date. Stress level is on overload.

Jewelery

I have been eyeballing mother's jewelry for some time now. If you know me well, you know that I like anything better if it is homemade. This is why I spend too much time and money on Etsy.com. Now that I have my two girls I am feeling more complete and I would love to commemorate my "nest" with something like this.

Maybe Mother's day? *hint, hint*

Credit where credit is due:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cinnamonsticks

About that Baker's Edge...

It has gotten A LOT of use lately. One of the benefits that I have reaped from breastfeeding my babies, is that I can eat a lot, and not gain weight. Of course, like Cinderella, midnight is about to strike and in a couple of months I will give up the nursing, and also my ability to eat like a hog and not get fatter. All good things must come to an end though, and I am currently mentally preparing myself to begin working out again, and eating as many brownies as my heart desires for just a little bit longer!

For Sale By Owner

For the last nearly 4 years all of our pictures have been of our kids.  Before that, the dog.  The last two days? The house.  Rooms from every angle, in different lighting. 

Of course we don't feel ready to show it yet, but it is out there now!  If you know anyone who is looking for a house of this kind, send them our way.  We have loved this house for 5 1/2 years and we hope whoever buys it will have all of the blessings that we have had under this roof.

Here is our listing!

The Coobs' FSBO listing!

The hardest thing

When I think about what is difficult for me, or what has tested my physical and emotional strength I can come up with some answers.  Running a couple of miles, back when I could, really made me push myself physically.  Giving birth really made me push myself mentally.  But the hardest thing has got to be going to bed at night, trusting that my kids will wake up with me in the morning.  Taking them to daycare, knowing their smiling faces will greet me at the end of the day.  Going on a car ride, and trusting that we will reach our destination. Taking them to the doctor, knowing that whatever it is, it will run its course and everything will be fine.  Believing that everything will be fine.  That is the stuff that is really hard for me.

Those things are all a little harder for me this week, as I think of the mothers who have lost their children in an earthquake and suffered through survival. My head and my heart are overwhelmed with sadness for our neighbors across the world, who will go to sleep under the stars tonight, to avoid the dangers of their homes.  And for those who have lost their loved ones, their beloved children who they so bravely trusted to grow up in this world.

Look out your window, look up at those stars and think of all of those suffering under this same sky.  Say a prayer for their comfort, and if you have the means, please give to the relief efforts in Haiti.

Mommy day will hold some extra hugs for my precious children...I just wish I could take every child in this world and cuddle them up next to me and keep them safe and warm. 

John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.


My only comfort is in knowing that for those that have passed on, their suffering is over.

All Done

For some time I have speculated, but I now feel confident in saying that along with "Dog" Thea also says "all done."  After she nurses she will pull herself away from me and she says, "ah-da."  Since we use the sign for "all done" and ask her if she is finished at the dinner table, this makes sense to me, oh, and its cute.

10 Months!

Eagles

Anyone in Iowa City can tell you that if you want to see some huge bald eagles, go hang out by the river during the winter time.  We decided that today's 35 degree weather warranted a trip out to see what we could see. I guess we picked a bad spot to stalk the eagles though, because the only ones we saw were so far away that Leila didn't really get much of a look at them. 

Just think how much better this will look with my new camera though? ; )

There were ducks though, and some cool water effects from the ice.

 

 

Next time we will hit a different spot, and probably leave Thea behind...even though it was 35 degrees today, it was COLD out on that bridge and Thea wasn't interested...Leila was bummed to not see any Eagles...better luck next time!

The Baker's Edge

In a discussion at work today with a couple of friends, one of which is 6 months pregnant with twins, the subject of a "push present" came up.  Now, if you know me, then you know that extravagant gifts are not a part of my everyday reality, but in 2006 when there were no daycare and diaper bills, I was pleasantly surprised to receive diamond stud earrings on the day my first daughter was born.  They are beautiful and simple.  Princess cut just like my engagement ring, and I wear them every day, only taking them out for cleanings.  Leila happened to be born 2 days before my 2 year anniversary so whether I was given a "push present" or an anniversary gift is debatable, it was a bit of a two-for-one. 
Fast forward 3 years and life is a lot different in our little family.  One thing is the same though, I was having a baby.  The idea of a push present didn't even enter my mind, I had bigger things to worry about, like busting out of the hospital, getting home to Leila and cuddling up with my new baby in my own bed!
When Cory and I pulled up to the house with our new little baby on board I opened the door knowing that my parents and sisters were there to greet us, but I was also greeted with one of my favorite smells...fresh brownies...yum.  Two important dessert eating facts about Tricia: 1. I love brownies. 2. The chewy edge pieces are my favorites. Thus introducing my "push present":

Notice the disproportionate amount of delicious chewy edges?!

The push present has a bit of a reputation as being another scheme cooked up by diamond brokers and greedy women to introduce another pricey gift giving occasion.

The diamonds are a reminder to me of that day almost 4 years ago when we went from people who give and receive diamonds to people who prefer to receive hand drawn portraits created by a child.  The baker's edge  on the other hand reminds me of my husband's sweet nature, his attention to the simple things in life that bring me happiness, and his continued dedication to showing me that he loves and appreciates me and the family I began growing for us.

This picture isn't from today, and actually I am going to schedule this to post tomorrow.

This baby carrier was a gift, quite possibly the best baby gift I have gotten.  It is an item that costs more than I would have spent, but is worth every penny.  This carrier is an ergo, and though I have used it lots  with both Thea and my nephew Sawyer, this is the first time I have worn Thea on my back.

Don't mind my dirty bathroom and the disheveled momma in the picture. The picture was from Friday, we decided it was pajama day at the Coobs house.

The finished product...

Anyone want to buy our house??? *cross*

 

Painting

Went well, I will update with pictures later, but right now I can't seem to locate my card reader to load them...plus, we aren't done...ugh. Thanks to my Daddy, the best painter I know for his awesome work! :)

Here are some pictures of our weekend's work...

What Leila did with her Aunties and Grandma while we worked...

Off

Another reason that I am not a fan of the Holiday season....the adjustment to "real life" again.

We came home from a weekend in Tabor planning to start off the next day on our regular routine again, instead Leila came down with the stomach flu and we spent the next 3 days at home.  Though Thea and I escaped the pukefest, I have not felt well all week. Leila is back to her regular self and is bouncing off the walls with excess energy that I can't match or even begin to deplete. 

The house is a huge mess, I am behind at work and we have A LOT of work ahead of us to get ready to sell the house.  This weekend is painting, hopefully the fresh paint will get us off to a fresh start for 2010.  Spring can't get here fast enough!

Chinese food!

If I am going to manage to blog every day for a month, you should expect some snoozers here and there...

When grocery shopping must happen after work, we tend to make a stop at Taste Of China for dinner.  The woman who works at the cash register there recognizes us, both by our order and by our faces.

Cory always gets General Tso's Chicken, I normally get Kung Pao but not today...stomach is not up for it today.  The girls get chicken Lo Mein with no veggies...I know, totally healthy.

Tonight Leila wanted to try out chopsticks like daddy.

She did not want to hear the snap of the sticks coming apart though!

Leila's attempt to load her sticks:

 

 

Maybe this isn't the best way to do things...

Thea likes Chinese food too

2010 Project

I really want a camera.  I have been wanting one for quite a while, but it is so hard to set aside that kind of money for something that isn't a *need* when we have so many other things to buy for our family, not to mention our new house dreams!  I want to make this a priority, without sacrificing for my family.  I have a few different ideas on how to get there.

1.  I have an account at a consignment store.  The money I bring in selling my items, will go to the camera fund.

2. Giving up small expenditures, and instead adding money to the camera fund (Instead of going to Subway for lunch, eat at home and stick the 5 bucks in my fund!)

3. Setting goals for myself, and rewarding  progress with bucks for the fund!

I found this on another blog I read, and I have modified it to fit my life.  Each time I accomplish one of these things, a dollar goes into the fund...This is an initial list of 50, but I may add items as I think of them.

Wish me luck! I will be tracking this post on my sidebar to keep track of where I am.

1. Drink 8 glasses of water every day for three weeks (0/21)

2. Work out 3 times a week (A dollar a week!)

3. No fast food for one month (0/30)

4. No beer/alcohol for one month (0/30)

5. No fried foods for a month (0/30)

6. Stop eating chips for one month (0/30)

7. A day without pop (A dollar a day!)

8. Finish Couch to 5K program (I think this deserves a bonus...maybe 50 bucks?)

9. Self Breast Exam each month (0/12)

10. Try a vegetable I have never had

11. Grow and eat my own veggies

12. Go a week with no carry out

13. Unplug' for 3 evenings a week - no Internet, no TV

14. Set up weekly cleaning routine schedule

15. Stick to weekly cleaning routine (0/52)

16. Make my bed every day for a month (0/30)

17. Organize and back-up all digital photos


18. Work a volunteer shift at the food pantry

19. Attend Church service

20. Read a book

21. Complete an online PMP Prep module

22. Find a podcast related to work and listen to it once a week

23. Make cookies and mail some to someone I am thinking of

24. Take a trip to visit my brother

25. Go on a girls night out

26. Go on a date with my husband

27. Send a random gift to a friend

28. Send a card to someone I've lost touch with

29. Send Christmas Cards

30. Visit a brewery

31. Visit a winery

32. Not log into facebook for a whole week.

33. Blog every day for 30 days straight (11/30)

34. Blog about items I complete on my list

35. Read Bible every day for one month (0/30)

36. Donate to Charity

37. Donate blood

38. Take the girls somewhere fun/educational that they have never been to (1)

39. Make a homemade gift

40. Pay off the credit card

41. Freeze 5 meals for later use

42. Deliver homemade dinner to a friend

43. Spend a day with just Leila

44.  Spend a day with just Thea

45. Take the kids on a picnic

46.  Visit a park we haven't been to

47.  Try a new work out 3 times (0/3)

48.  30 days with no Candy (0/30)

49.  Teach Leila a new game or song

50.  Sew something I haven't made before


51. Visit a zoo


52. Call a family member I don't often talk to


53.  Make a new craft project with Leila

just because...

I really like this picture, I decided to share it.

My little Leila

Everyday you remind me of what a little lady you are turning into.  As you grow into your own person and display your sweet, stubborn and determined personality, you continue to amaze me. 
On Friday night we had the pleasure of taking you to a wedding, which has to be one of your favorite places to go.  The look of awe in your eyes at the site of a real life princess is simply unbeatable. 
While we watched the wedding cake being cut you made it very clear that you were not interested in the already cut slices of cake.  You wanted "the" cake, the princess cake, the vanilla one.  I hope that I never forget the sweet look in your big brown eyes and the way that the clear Christmas lights reflected on them while you patiently waited at the end of the cake table for the perfect slice to come off, fit for a little princess. I wish I had a camera that could have caught that moment that I have stored away in my mind, but I will instead rely on my memory and the timelessness of those same beautiful brown eyes that I have been captivated by for the past 3 and a half years.
The cake cutter noticed the little girl who had her heart set on the special cake and she let you know it would be a few minutes before she would get to it.  You replied by asking her what her name was and when the top of the cake was cut, Elizabeth the cake cutter slid the first piece onto a plate and delivered right into your little waiting hands and told you that this piece was especially for you.
In so many ways you are growing up, getting more patient, more independent and more persistent, but as long as you remember that no matter how big you get, or how determined you are about getting things your way, one thing will always be my way. You will always be your momma's little princess.

2009 In 10 pictures

We rested up for the big arrival of Baby Coobs

 We celebrated the arrival of Thea Dalene, and our family of four!

 Leila turned 3!

 

 Thea got fatter...

Family vacation, and Thea's first boat ride!

And her first tailgate...Go Hawks!

 

We enjoyed the beautiful orchard, first for apples, later for pumpkins

 

Swinging during our Indian summer

 

Farmin' with our friends!

 

A first Christmas as sisters

2009 held many other significant events as well.  We had a year of house guests when we hosted Cassie from sometime in January until the end of July, and then Grandma Sandi and Papa Ed from August through September or so while Ed recovered from his stroke.
Leila had her first haircut, and continued to get smarter all the time.  She has been a wonderful big sister to Thea and we are so proud of her.
Thea has grown so much, and gotten so big and strong that we are amazed by  her already.  She is strong as an ox and equally stubborn, much like her sister.

It has been a wonderful year filled with blessings for us, and I have high hopes for 2010 for my family and yours.  Happy New Year!

2009

A Survey about 2009.  Stay tuned for my year in 10 pictures.  I have to give that one some more thought...

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Natural Childbirth


Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I had to look back at my blog to see if I had made any...I try to choose themes, rather than concrete goals, since those never seem to work out right.  It seems I didn't have anything down for 2009.
For next year my focus will be on establishing a better routine for keeping my house in order, get Thea to sleep through the night, and then to start running again.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Me.  And my good friend Amanda brought home her son that she adopted from South Korea.

Did anyone close to you die?


Vaike, my message board friend. I was touched by the passing of several people, though they were not close to me, and giving thanks for the mostly healthful year that my family has had.

 What countries did you visit?
Just this one.

 What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
A new house! :)

What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

March 13th - When my Thea was born.  Though that date was already pretty well etched in 1986 when the twinnies were born.

What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Having a baby and managing to survive part time work and part time Stay at home Mom, with very little sleep.

What was your biggest failure?
Every day I go to bed wishing I had been a better mom, and lived in more moments.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing serious, thankfully.

What was the best thing you bought?

I can't really think of anything...I think the best thing I "got" that was free--library card.


Where did most your money go?

Childcare

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having a baby

What song will always remind you of 2009?

Hmmm...I would have to say "the Alex and Zuba song" from the Madagascar soundtrack...I have heard that song more times than I could possibly count during 2009, including Cory's drum rendition that always makes Leila squeal with delight.

Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

a. Happier....my family is complete (I think :))
b. thinner.  I was 7 months pregnant this time last year...plus the nursing diet always does me good!
c. Richer in spirit most definitely.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

hugging my babies

What do you wish you'd done less of?

worrying

How did you spend Christmas?

With family for the most part.  It was a great year for Leila and I loved seeing her excitement.

Did you fall in love with 2009?

I can honestly say I fall more in love with my husband nearly every day.
 
What was your favorite TV program?


The Office - Even though Micheal's stupidity makes me mildly uncomfortable...I still love it.  I still have the wedding episode saved on my DVR, if only I had the time to watch it again!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone, and I didn't last year, and I hope I don't this year either!

What was the best book you read?

Three Cups of Tea probably had the most lasting impact, but I most enjoyed the Birth Day Book that I posted about. 


What was your greatest musical discovery?

Tough one...I like music, I mostly listen to country but I don't think I discovered anything outstanding this year.

What did you want and get?

A healthy child
 

What did you want and not get?

A DSLR Camera - not that I could really expect someone to want to spend that kind of money on me...including myself :)

What was your favorite film of 2009?
I can only think of a few that I saw all year and nothing really sticks out for me. I guess I would say The Princess and the Frog.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 and I worked that day.  I went to lunch with two good friends from work.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

The only thing that this year lacked for me was sleep and relaxation.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?
Personal fashion concept? HA! I had to buy some new pants for work. Some black, some gray.
I don't "get" fashion.

What kept you sane?
Undoubtedly, my husband, my mom and my sister Cassie.  They are always there for me when I need them.

What political issue stirred you the most?
2009 was a very political year I would say, but what stirred me the most was my realization that national politics are not worth the heartburn.  I am happy with my life, and I am trying to help others around me to ensure that they have what they need for their families as well.  I am making a effort to feel less partisan, and more human.

Who did you miss?
My Grandma.  It has been just over 2 years since she passed away, and not a single day has gone by that I haven't thought of her.  I miss her presence in my life, and it breaks my heart that she has never been able to hold my Thea Dalene.  I try hard to remember that she is with me in spirit and in the meantime, she is gabbing away at the family reunion in the sky and patiently waiting for us to join her.

Who was the best new person you met?
I can't think of anyone new that I have met in 2009...

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
I have a hard time pinpointing something new.  I feel like I am reminded of important life lessons all the time, through my marriage, my job and my role as a parent.  I try to live my life every year with a few basic ideals in mind:
1. Family always comes first.
2. Whatever happens in my life, my faith will bring me through it.
3. Count your blessings, you never know what tomorrow may bring.

4.