It may be MLK day to you...

...but to me, it's a much more special day. Happy birthday Dad!

Top 10 things I love/admire/aspire to about my dad:

1. his knowledge - he knows so much about so many things.

2. the way he can talk to absolutely anyone, and usually quickly find something they have in common. I have never been comfortable talking to people I don't know well so this is definitely something I admire.

3. his sense of humor - it's a really bad day when dad's not laughing.

4. his faith - it's quiet, but strong.

5. his loyalty to his family. I have always known that my mom, sister and I come first.

6. his coaching - he was a great pitching coach for me and I loved making him proud in whatever sport I could find.

7. he is always there for me and always has been. From eating lunch with me in elementary school to being at every single softball game, track meet, gymnastics meet, dance recital, cheer competition to dropping everything to help in any way I need, he's there.

8. his love for my mom - they may bicker like brother and sister at times but I know how much he loves her.

9. his relationship with Andy - who could ask for anything more in a father-in-law?

10. his adoration of Jake, Abby and Hudson. And the feeling is mutual!

Happy Birthday Dad...we love you!

"Hate" is such a strong word

I picked Hudson up from Daycare yesterday and could tell right away it would be a fun night. And by fun I mean an ultimate test of my already stretched thin patience. As we started driving Hudson said:
"I hate Jake!"
"I hate Emma!"
"I hate Abby!"
Keep in mind that it's just me in the car. So I remind him that we don't hate people because it's not nice and he says "I hate everything!" Ookaaayyy...
And the rest of the evening was a crying fit along with:
"I hate mac and cheese!"
"I hate juice!"
"I hate Mickey!"
"I hate Little Einsteins!"
"I hate bath!"
"I hate diapers!"
"I hate my bed!"
"I hate rock!"

Sigh. It was an early bedtime for Mr. Crankypants. And an extra glass of wine for me.

Happy Birthday Sherry!

I know it's a day late (like just about everything in my life these days) but I hope you had this much fun on your special day!

7

Seven years ago today we took our first family picture with Jake. Every day of the past seven years we have loved him more than we ever imagined we were capable of, and more than we could ever completely express. It so amazing that words we have used to describe Jake have been the same since the beginning. Extremely obsevant...likes to watch and absorb. Perfectionist. Sensitive. Does not like to be alone. Verbal. Hates loud noises. Sweet and caring. Free with affection.

The past seven years have flown by. I pray that the next seven don't. As challenging as it is to be a mom, it is well worth every tear and frustration and headache. And I want to drink in and savor every moment.

We love you J-man. You are an incredible blessing.

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We went to Scotty P's tonight at birthday boys request, fell off our diet for the night and had some yummy cheese fries and burgers. Then on to strawberry cake and presents. It was a good night.

10 things

*yoga is a lot harder than i thought it would be. i used to think it was some kind of hippie "work out"...not anymore.

*with my other two kids i thought "3" was the new "2" as far as terribles go, but Hudson is holding to the cliche. Wow.

*you really can be addicted to dr. pepper. i NEED one. it's almost always on my mind.

*i cannot believe my baby is going to be 7 tomorrow. unreal.

*is it friday yet?

*i absolutely hate washing dishes. something about it oogs me out. i can handle blood and bones, but dirty dish water...uh uh.

*fruit snacks and yogos are crack to toddlers.

*i have cooked dinner three nights in a row. i impress myself.

*the bachelor/bachelorette has been on for 17 seasons and i have seen every single minute of every single episode. that's kinda sad. and a lot of time i will never get back. but i'm ok with that.

*my garage will never have space for a car. ever.

The party's over

It's "back to work" time. :(

Here are a few favorites from the holiday break:

When 2-year-olds ring in the new year...

waiting to see santa

taking a blanket break from the christmas craziness

christmas morning

helping daddy put the ramp together

mad about something...
future photographer

I thought about doing some resolutions (kathryn's are really good, by the way), but I'm not "there" yet so I'll just say Happy 2009 and all the best to all of you! :)