Ineffective

I'm having a bad day.
I'm stressed with the move and unpacking, not finding my swishy pants which I really wanted to wear today.
I'm beyond ticked the way the cable company blew us off, barely offering an apology.
The weather is pathetic, and I really crave spring right now.

Worst of all, my boys absolutely don't listen to me. Not a thing I say. When they are like this, it makes me feel so incredibly ineffective.
It makes working outside the home seem quite appealing.

Oh I know there is always a downside. When I worked full-time I had bad days, too. I had days where I doubted my career choice. The thing about then, though, is that the little critters not listening to me went home at the end of the day.

Perhaps me staying home with my two boys is not what's best. Who knows. I was a damn good teacher, and I am not one to compliment myself.

They just don't have a care as to what I say to them. I say it nicely and patiently
Doesn't matter.
I get frustrated and raise my voice--doesn't matter.
I put them to bed---they wake up---try letting Brennan cry. Doesn't matter. He doesn't go back to sleep.
I encourage them to take care of their toys, and it's not like I'm not even heard.
I make a nice dinner and they don't want to eat it.
Wasted energy.

I'm just not seeing what the point to it all is today.
They clearly don't give a rats patooty about my decisions or directions, and I am quickly losing steam.

Ineffective. Pointless.

Happy Birthday, Dear Friend!

Happy Birthday to Jennifer!!

She is 29 years young on the 29th, so this is her golden birthday. :)
She is destined to have a great year, for sure.

We've known each other 18 years now. That's insane. Insane, but it goes to show that she is one of my best friends. I love ya like a sister, Jen-A!

So many good memories. I wish I could post about them all, I wish even more I could post pictures from these momentous occasions. (*snicker*) Just count your lucky stars out cable guy did a no-show, meaning I only have the laptop, where our pictures are not.
Maybe I can do a belated post next week...

I hope you have a great birthday! Thanks for being such an incredible friend. I would have never made it through high school without you. Nor would I have sent that awesome, bodacious letter to the teen-throb from Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. (oh yeah, Jen and I were cool things kissing the envelope)

Go on off the computer now and find someone to treat you to lunch. Make them get you a Straussner's something or other, too. I'd do it myself if it weren't for the 500 mile difference.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

UnPlugged

I've been "unplugged" the past few days. Boy does that feel weird! I am quite used to frequently checking blogs, e-mail Twitter and Facebook throughout the day. I'm sure I have a lot to catch up on. Wednesday we will have Internet, TV, and phone! Yay!!

Friday our friend Amanda came down (with her daughter), and we were able to get some decent packing done. It didn't seem like we accomplished much, but we truly did. ;) Thanks, Amanda! And Philomena, too, of course.

Saturday we did the big move to our house. My sister-in-law and her husband came down to help. We rented a U-Haul and took over our queen bed, the sofa, and the rest of the big stuff.
It was a day-long process, and an exhausting one at that. (thanks to Kely & Dave!)
We are so grateful for all of the help we've received. I really don't know what we would have done otherwise!

Saturday was difficult sleeping here, but Sunday we got a lot done, and it feels like home now.
We're still surrounded by boxes, but we have the essentials taken care of. It is home.

One thing I've learned is that I have kept so many things. For what reason I am not so sure, but WHOA....lots of things. You never realize how much you have until you move, right?

I finally threw some things away. I actually filled 2 trash bags w/ old cards and papers I was just saving. I hadn't looked at them in the last 2 years, so I figured it's about time I send them off to ruin the environment. ;) I also donated 3 bags of clothed to Goodwill.

As I was going through some of these things, it was quite the trip down Memory Lane.
I found my niece's birth announcement (Haleigh). I found postcards my husband sent me from his semester in Europe. I found clothes I had not worn-or fit into-since we were engaged. I'm sure the hopeful in me was saving them in case I was ever a size 4 again. Ha! But even if I was that size again, the clothes are outdated. Gone. Good riddance.

I found so many pictured. One of me from high school prom, so many of my sister and Haleigh as a newborn. I even found one of my oldest sister pregnant with her oldest child! Way back when.
I'll be sure to get those scanned. ;)

I've saved too much, but it was fun going through them. It's amazing how much room paper can actually take up.

Oh, getting back to my original thought...
When we were engaged and having our bridal showers, I did not open everything. I insisted to my hubby that we'd save these things for when we had our own house. Stashed away into storage they went.
Until Sunday.

Let me tell you, we have nice new things! Only they're really 6 years old. ;) Our everyday plates from Mikasa--yup, finally using them. And they're nice! Our Mikasa flatware...loving it.
It's fun. I almost wish we used them sooner, but it's working out.
We found some unopened beer mugs, a nice glass fruit bowl, serving dishes...all kinds of things. New to us, 6 years later.

So here I am now, our 3rd night in our house. Pat is in class tonight, the boys are actually asleep, and I am on our bed grateful we're able to content off the neighbor's wi-fi.

Wednesday we have everything being set up, and I do hope to catch up with you all then.
After I program our DVR. Kidding! Sort of...

Have a good one!

There in Spirit

Rally Marks Roe V. Wade Anniversary, New President

"Obama, who did not attend the rally, issued a statement Thursday saying the government "should not intrude on our most private family matters" and reaffirming his support for abortion rights.
President George W. Bush regularly voiced support for those attending the annual anti-abortion rally. In audio remarks broadcast to demonstrators last year, he said biology confirms that from the start, each unborn child is a separate individual with his or her own genetic code."

No no no. It's not an anti-abortion rally. I hate when the media does crap like this. It's a pro-life movement. Let's not make it negative using words like "anti-",when in fact it's a positive thing trying to allow for the simple right of life.

Obama's quote about family matter staying private...I would like to call B.S. Hypocrite.

I have the utmost appreciation for Bush's record in this area, which is why I shared the piece on him.

Personally, I have participated in the March for Life in D.C.
Is it easy?
No.

It's emotionally exhausting, especially when marching in freezing temps, witnessing pro-abortion people yelling at you as if you are the one who is supporting something faulty. They come back with their vulgar signs and aggressive behavior; Not all, but it unfortunately takes one to make an impression.

I truly feel that it's an experience worth every pro-lifer's time. At least once in their life should a pro-lifer make the trip to D.C. and experience this. It is so affirming and incredible, coming together with thousands of strangers, uniting for a simple purpose.

LIFE.

It's Only the Beginning

The beginning of Obamanation.
I promise not to make it a regular thing, blogging about Obama and what I don't agree with.
I promise to try and seek at least a few positive things out about this man within the next 4 years.

Today is not that day, though.

Today I'm thinking it's only the beginning, and here is what we have already...

9/11 Families Outraged by Obama's Call to Suspend Guantanamo War Crimes Trials
Families of victims of terrorist attacks say they are outraged by President Obama's call to halt the trials of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

As one man said, "To me it's beyond comprehension that they would take the side of the terrorists," said Peter Gadiel, whose son, James, was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. "Many of these people have been released and been right back killing, right back at their terrorist work again."
Hmmm. I am interested in Obama's reply.

And this may not be directly related to Obama, but it's a reflection of his state, and I feel that the judge is more willing to rule in this direction because of the liberal state of our new President.

Illinois Moment of Silence in Schools Ruled Unconstitutional

"A federal judge has ruled that a state law requiring a moment of silence in public schools across Illinois is unconstitutional, saying it crosses the line separating church and state."

This is the beginning of the next 4 years. I'm taking a deep breath.

Get LOST

Tonight!!!

It's back, and apparently Jack will be searching for the rest of the Oceanic 6 to convince them to go back to the island.

But will they be able to find the island?
Is it even still there?!

Get LOST tonight on ABC at 8:00.
I can't wait!

Bear Talk: Answering Greg

Greg thinks he's all cool asking a question originally presented in The Office.
Alright, Greg, I'm up to it!

Greg asks, "Which type of bear is best? Black or Brown?"

I would initially say black bear. Fierce. Strong.

My answer is confirmed, seeing as Jim Halpert believes in the Black Bear, as well:
Jim: [dressed up as Dwight] Question: What kind of bear is best?
Dwight: That's a ridiculous question.
Jim: False. Black bear.

However, Jim was posing as Dwight at the time, so I'm thinking maybe Jim would really say Brown Bear, in which case I would then vote for the brown bear.

Any day, hands down, I would go with Jim's opinion to Dwight's.

Even though Dwight knows about bears:
Jim: Dwight says that he actually doesn't know one single fact about bear attacks.
Dwight: Okay, no, Jim, tell him bears can climb faster than they can run.
[Andy walks away] Jim! Tell him!

To conclude, brown bears, then, are better. At least until Dwight changes his mind.

Chicken Talk: Answering Stacey

Stacey asked, "What is your favorite chicken recipe?"

If I'm not considering calorie intake or diet restrictions, then homemade Chicken Parmesan. Delicious! I must say, too, the recipe in my Big Red Betty Crocker Cookbook is awesome. For whatever reason, I don't usually like Chicken Parmesan from a restaurant, though.

If I'm trying to be a little better and health-conscious, then I vote for the Breaded Parmesan Chicken. It seriously does not taste low-fat or anything. It's so yummy. Serve it with some fresh green beans and rice-a-roni...yum. great dinner. Oh, and the chicken is super easy to make. Moist.

And now I'm hungry.

Thanks for helping me with a post, Stacey!
Btw, what is your favorite chicken recipe?

Happy Birthday, Perpetua!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Perpetua!!!

We wish you a perfect day and wonderful year.
You are such a beautiful little girl. :)
It's been over a year since we've seen you--we do hope to change that sooner than later.
We miss you and love you!!

Because this picture immediately puts a smile on my face, I just had to post it.
Keep living it up, girly!

Thanks, Bethany

Bethany humored me & asked some questions to fill my writer's block:

1) What was your college major?
Early Childhood Education. I enjoyed it, but thought Dr. Piland was a joke, and McVey was too used to little kids.
2) How long did you teach before quitting/marrying?
I taught for 2 years before having Aidan-1st grade. I tutored p/t thru Sylvan Learning Centers for about a year after he was born.
3) What are Aidan and Brennan's middle names?
Aidan Patrick & Brennan James.
4) What's your favorite color?
Green, particularly sage.
5) What year did you graduate FUS?
2002
6) What's your favorite food?
Oh gosh, too many! Probably top 3: chocolate, pasta, avocado.
7) What's your favorite restaurant?
No clue. I like a place I can get a nice, tasty steak.
8) Are you crafty at all?
Uh, creative, yes, crafty not so much. I can't sew, knit or anything like that. I do alright with arts & crafts projects w/ Aidan.
9) How many US states have you been to?
Hmm...not for sure, but probably 21. That's for states I've actually stopped in. Driving through? Plenty more.
10) When you were in college, how did you spend your spring breaks?
Usually going home to SC, where it was actually warm and like spring! I brought people home w/ me and visited my sister. Once we drove to Charleston to see her.
11) Where all have you lived?
Michigan, South Carolina, Ohio, and Austria for one semester.
12) When did you & Pat get married?
June 21, 2003.
13) Where did you travel while in Austria?
Vienna, Salzburg, Poland (Auschwitz), Czech Republic (Prague), Italy (Venice, Rome, Assisi), France (Paris), Switzerland, Ireland (Republic), Lichtenstein, Germany (Oktoberfest, baby!)

Did these spark any other questions? If so, leave it in the comments!

Writer's Block

I'm feeling like there's something I should be writing about, but can't come up with what.

Same feeling as when you're paying at the grocery store, knowing you're forgetting something but not sure what.

So now is your chance. As other bloggers have done, I'm putting it out there for you to ask me any questions you can think of or would like to know.

Humor me. Entertain. Or ignore.
It's up to you.

Excuse Me, WHAT?!

22-Year-Old Sells Virginity Online-FEDS Won't Stop Her

Excluding the fact that she is degrading herself and ruining her reputation for the future, why is she doing this?
For the money?
The attention?
(the girl says it for money for grad school. Yikes. Like there aren't other ways to go about this)

The reason stated for the government not stepping in: that's because Natalie Dylan, a made-up name for a real 22-year-old California college grad, is marketing her maidenhead in Nevada, where prostitution is legal.

OK, Nevada, what gives? Keeping prostitution legal--for what reason?

I feel so very sorry for this girl. I wonder if her parents are still living, and if so, what they're reaction must be.
I sure hope someone stops this girl before she gets what someone else is paying for.

-8

That's our current temperature/real feel.

I'd like to go hibernate now.
Wake me in the spring, or whenever it's consistently in the 50's again.

Why Should We Cater to the Atheists?

This world we live in...one in which customers sue restaurants for serving hot beverages, where criminals can sue their victims....
This world where we have to be so politically correct that "Under God" is questioned as being a part of the Pledge, and court houses are threatened to remove the Ten Commandments...

This world makes me sad and sickened in so many ways.

Here is the most recent:
Atheists want "so help me God" stricken from inaugural oath, as well as the use of religious words and prayers.

You know, if they don't believe in God, then fine.
Tune it out, don't pay attention.
But don't try to change hundreds of years of history, especially when the person/people involved do believe in God. We're not saying everyone listening has to do the same, but as the one making the speech, they should have the right to add a prayer, say God's name, bestow a blessing, or have a religious leader present.

What is politically correct about a person not being allowed to practice what they believe?
I may not like President-elect Obama, but he does claim to be a Christian, which indicates he believes in God. If he believes in God, then why should he not be allowed to incorporate that into his acceptance?
It'd be one thing if Obama claimed to be an atheist. Then it would be almost a mockery if he included God aloud. (because let's face it, God is included whether we like it or not) But he does not.

There are so many things popping up to be concerned about in our country.
I am really hoping that no law prohibits the use of a tradition--including "so help me God"--which has been used for so long in our history.

Another One Bites the Dust

Melissa George to Leave Grey's Anatomy

What is going on with Grey's?! No one is staying and their plot needs some spicing up. I miss Grey's being good.

I was originally excited to have Journeyman guy join (he's the Army doctor on Grey's), but they're taking too long to connect him with the other characters.

I am so bummed that George is leaving the show.
I am so over Izzie seeing Denny. I love Alex (hottie), and I want him to actually be happy for once.

I wasn't particularly fond of Meredith's former friend, anyway, so her leaving I'm not upset about. But there have been so many changes.
I'm missing this show being good.

Array of Questions

Feel free to answer in the comment section. :)

• Tankless hot water heater: yay or nay?
• Lowe's or Home Depot?
• What do you set your thermostat at?
• Do you have a programmable thermostat?
• How often do you vacuum out your car?
• Have you ever used H&R Block online? If yes, was it worth it?
• If you prepare your taxes yourself, which program do you use? (Turbotax, etc)
• What do you prefer to treat stains on carpet?
• Do you want my toddler for the day?

Before & After Pics

Most of you have already seen some of these, but for those who have not, here are some before & after pictures of our house.

The carpet was finally installed today-yay! So now we can start moving actual furniture.
Hopefully Saturday night we'll be sleeping there.

Boys' Bedroom: Before

Boys' Bedroom: After

We let Aidan choose his room colors to help get him excited about the move.

At that time it went from becoming Aidan's room to the boys' room. We were not planning on them sharing a room, but Aidan really wants them to. We figure we'll try it out, hope it works well, and the 3rd bedroom will be a playroom/guest room.

Our room: Before
Our room: After
3rd bedroom/Playroom: BeforePlayroom: After

OK, when choosing the color for the playroom, our goal was a light orange-peach shade. I found something in the color samples that seemed lighter. The brightest orange was called "bouncing ball", and this is not that. This is much brighter than we were expecting. It's grown on us, though. Keep in mind it's a playroom...

The next two aren't before & after, but they show our backyard.

It's hard to tell in these pictures, but Aidan is out there playing. :) Fortunately this was before the foot of snow that we got!

There ya go. Now all we need to do is move in! lol
Oh, and for the playroom I have some room wall stickers that will be going up. And of course we're getting curtains.

So what do you think?

Lick & Slap

Ever play it?

What you do is choose your prey, lick your fingers, then slap them across chosen person's body, mostly the arm. The arm is good because the skin is usually nice & tight. Marks show up quicker. ;)

The other day Patrick was all "hey, you're too nice to me all the time, I don't deserve you, please slap me around. I know I married up...".

So I was obliged.
Who am I to deny my husband's request?

Here is a sample of my work:

Alright, alright, I hope you noticed my sarcasm. :) We were goofing off, me being overtired, and I did the lick & slap asking him if he remembered that. He wouldn't acknowledge it hurt the first time, sitting their with a smirk on his face, so I challenged him to withstand it again.
On top of it I managed a picture, with Pat doubting I'd actually make a blog post about this.

Ha ha. Since when don't I blog about most everything?

Lick & slap.
Tell me you've done this before, probably as a kid with your siblings?

I Don't Want It

What don't I want?
The near foot of snow we have coming down!
We have about 5 inches right now, with about 8 more inches expected to fall throughout the day.
More overnight.

We're at a Level 1 snow emergency.
My washer & dryer was going to be delivered today, and my in-laws were going to come down to help with the house. I'm thinking this won't happen today.

This crappy weather is really screwing up our moving schedule. :(
It's supposed to get worse.

Thursday? Oh yeah, the high is supposed to be 9. NINE. With a low of -2.

Ugh!!! Our tentative big move date was the 17th.
I don't think we'll be moving in 10 degree weather.
This timing is terrible.
Not to mention I am sick of winter--extreme winter--by now.
It figures that when we actually have enough snow to sled in, it's literally too cold to go out and play.

All you southern folk, be happy for your warmer-than-normal temps! I'd take that to this.

TGIF!

It was a busy week and I am tired.
Are you tired?
This week kids went back to school and everyone resumed their regular work schedule. I suppose it should feel more normal, but with us moving, normalcy is not yet in sight.
I wish I could close my eyes, then when I open them again the house will be ready, we'll be moved in and unpacked. Ahhh....one can dream, right?

This past week-Sunday-started off with us doing our Christmas exchange with Pat's side of the family. It was fun and the meal was delicious. Prime Rib, delicious prime rib that left me wanting more since Sunday. I am so glad my in-laws are great cooks!

The rest of the week was more jumbled:

• Scheduled dental appointments
• Scheduled a tour of our parish school
• Bought a washer & dryer
• Had new house measured for carpeting
• Selected carpeting and hassled Lowe's to schedule installation
• Moved about 7 boxes and miscellaneous things over to new house
• Emptied the boys' bookshelf and our hutch to move over
• Took Brennan to get his hair cut (he looks like a boy again, and older)
• Bought some room wall stickers for the playroom/guest room
• Bought a new shower curtain for the house
• Actually made one home cooked meal
• Ordered vitamins for Aidan
  

See why I'm tired?
I feel like I left something out, but oh well. It's enough of a list to at least make me feel productive.

During the down time I watched the first episode of Superstars of Dance. I have to say-China kicked butt in the group dance!! That was amazing! I feel that Australia's group dance was underscored, and the American solo guy was beyond talented, but it was almost too odd for me.
I enjoyed the episode, but it was hard to get into and it seemed to drag on a bit.

I'm looking forward to this weekend.
Today Pat is taking a half day so we can finish painting the boys' room and put up their border.
Tomorrow his parents are coming down, and they're going to do the faucet work that needs to be done.
Sunday my brother & his family are coming down, and we hope to finish the 3rd bedroom and bathroom.

The bedrooms have to be finished by Sunday night, because the carpet is being installed on Monday. Then we can actually move the big things in! :)

There is our weekend. What are your plans? How was your week?

Let the Research Begin

Topic: Full Day Vs. Half Day Kindergarten

I went to half day kindergarten back in 1985. I've done just fine.

When I did my student teaching in 2002, it was full day kindergarten. The students seemed just fine.

Aidan starts kindergarten this fall.

If he goes to our public school, it's only half day, with full day available for a tuition rate of $300/month. (yikes)
If he goes to our parish school, it's only full day kindergarten.

Prior to having children, I never thought twice about full day kindergarten. My teacher-point-of-view on it was OK -good.
Now that I'm a mom, my point-of-view is questioning-fair.

Research seems to be saying otherwise, but I'm just not sure. I've only just begun.
So I'm researching.
Care to voice your opinion?

Wordless Wednesday: Our Attempt at a Family Christmas Photo

I'm not keeping it wordless.Christmas was miserable in the sense that Aidan was really sick. He had a fever and stiff neck (yeah, does your mind go to meningitis?) He was miserable. :(
I was sick but doing better than the night before, still not 100% with a sore throat.
Pat was about to get sick. And Brennan was just a terror, being the only family member with energy.

This was taken at Sue's house on Christmas Day. It's our only Christmas family picture of 2008.

Shameless Plug

Remember a few months ago I posted with excitement about my new bag?

My wonderful friend, Alison, had custom made it for me. It's been a fantastic bag, and I use it every single day.

I am so excited because she now has her own Etsy shop! You can browse her shop and see for yourself how cute and trendy her bags are. And (ahem), shop, of course! ;)

Cute cute cute, and reasonably priced.
If we didn't just pay out the wazoo for carpet, I'd be ordering this one for spring, or maybe this one.

I know this is a shameless plug, but seriously, I'd review these handbags favorably even if she wasn't one of my closest friends. I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality, not to mention the number of compliments I receive on my bag.

OK, plug over. Go browse & shop!

When you're 4 and 2...

It's amazingly cool to brush your hair with the vacuum brush.
Yup.
Check out the fun:

Christmas Post #2: Girl Time

Surprisingly, we got in some decent girl time this trip. Not enough, but more than usual.

The pictures are from different days, so I'll caption them.
Not all of them were solely girl time, but it was nice regardless all of us being together.

This is probably what I miss the most about living near my family. Even though we usually bicker at some point, it's still one of my favorite things to do (not bicker, of course, but having that girl time).
Hopefully next time we'll be with Erin, too! And include a movie and alcohol. ;)

Downtown Greenville at the Christmas Fest--Sunday before Christmas

Haleigh & Sue showing their holiday spirit at the Festival of Trees

Haleigh by the Girl Scouts tree, Festival of Trees Us girls enjoyed breakfast out at Mimi's Cafe...Sue's trying out the Mocha All the girls! I look terrible here so be glad I'm sharing it. ;)
Of course Sue & I got our eyebrows waxed. Sue recommended this woman, and she was the best. And for only $7, too!
Ta-da! You can't really tell here, but I was way more red than Sue. I looked like I took a good beating. Always fun in public.

Christmas Post #1: The Polar Express

It's not the first thing we did on our Christmas trip to South Carolina, but it's the first thing I'm posting about & sharing pictures. :)

It was a good 2+ hour drive from my parents' house to The Polar Express. It was a gorgeous drive through the mountains, despite ear-pressure changes. The weather was fitting, feeling about as cold as it was in Ohio.

The staff truly did a great job. We boarded and shortly after received hot chocolate and a chocolate-marshmallow Santa. The soundtrack from the movie was playing.
After some time Santa himself got on the train and visited! He kindly gave mini bells to each child, followed by the staff handing out song sheets with Christmas Carols.
We sang, they dimmed the lights, we railed past some nicely decorated homes, and then headed back to the station.

The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and it really was fun.
That being said, I don't think it was the worth the price they charged. My opinion is that it was overcharged by as much as $30.

Seeing as Aidan got sick the next day, I am glad we went. At least he has that fun memory from our trip!

Here are some other pics I like from that day:

House Update

I'm feeling pretty blessed because tomorrow some friends & family are driving down here to help us get our new home ready. After only one e-mail being sent, several replied that they'd be happy to help. I am so grateful for good friends! And family. ;)

Tomorrow will be busy.
We're not sure what we're going to cover, but I have a general list:

• Clean linen closet shelves & line w/ shelf liner
• Clean kitchen cupboards and line
• Caulk bathtub
• Replace toilet seat w/ new one
• Replace mailbox w/ new one
• PAINT bedrooms, if possible
• Seal kitchen counters
• Weatherstripping
• Replace furnace filter

Painting is the big one. We're having Lowe's come out Monday to measure the bedrooms.
Once that's done, we're selecting carpeting/padding for the 3 bedrooms. If the carpet we choose is in stock, they could install it as soon as the next day.
We see no point to installing new carpet and then painting, so we're really hoping to get some painting done tomorrow. No big deal if the nasty old carpet gets stuff on it, because it's trash anyone. Good, right?

Oh, paint colors: Aidan chose yellow & blue for their room. Our room is going to be a sage-minty type of green. The 3rd bedroom will be whatever is most left from the yellow & blue.

Tomorrow I hope to head over before anyone arrives so I can take over cleaning & painting supplies, Pat will replace the toilet seat, and I'm dropping off some toilet paper, hand soap, water, beer, and maybe some snacks.

I really hope to also get some "before" pictures.

There's my boring house update. :) I am eager to see the progress we make tomorrow!

Foto Friday

In honor of Andy on his 30th Birthday! (I can't believe I'm friends with old people)

Like father, like son, right?

Happy Birthday, Andy!
(in case you're wondering who this guy is, he's Jen's husband. Her old husband. She's taking him to get bifocals today and Depends...)

Happy 2009!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

I just can't believe it's 2009 already.
2008 was a pretty good year for us. Of everything that happened, I'd say the best thing for me was Aidan starting preschool. He loves it so much, and it's brought so many smiles to my face. I love seeing him so happy. I miss him, but it's exciting to see him growing so much.

I don't have all of 2009 thought out yet like I did 2008 at this time, but I know January will hold:

• Cleaning and moving into our new house
• Aidan returning to preschool
• Patrick starting his 2nd semester of grad school
• Good shows returning!!! LOST! American Idol, and the regular shows like The Office and Grey's
• Getting back into a routine after Christmas break, being sick and holiday madness
• Establishing a new routine and home as we settle into the house

Busy month ahead! I hope it's a good start to the new year for all of you. :)