2009, a look back.

Christmas 2009
The most beautiful girls in town! :)
A night out... so much fun!
The girls and I were all alone with no power when we got a wonderful
Surprise visit!!!
Trick or treating with family!
Ava, finally potty trained!
4th of July 2009.
Walking to the beach from our new property in Brookings, OR.
The Redwood National forest
Finally finished out koi pond!
Another date, all alone. :)
Bailey when she was just a pup.
Snow day!
Madeline lost both front teeth on the same night!
Best friends!


I am not even sure I can quite remember the beginning of 2009... Let me think back.... I just started my anatomy and physiology class, and believe it or not, I just finished it a few weeks ago. Almost one whole year of studying the human body. I have learned some very interesting things, and I am excited to one day apply my knowledge to nursing. I have been busy, as always, studying, being a mom, helping out with Madeline's various activities, being a wife and taking care of the house and animals. Speaking of animals, we did get Bailey this year in March 2009. She has been a good fit for out family.... unlike little Piper. LOL

When I think about what I should be doing or how I should be acting, I think about how I know that I should be focusing on me just a little, but that will come in time. When I do get some down time it is nice to just spend time together as a family, that's what life is all about right? Plus, it is easy to do since I am married to my very best friend. :)

Just as I was starting to feel like things were getting a touch easier earlier this year managing three kids, another hurdle was thrown in my path. Chris' mom got sick, we were having her live here, and the we did all the cleaning/ remodeling of her condo. This was one of the most trying things I have done. No other saying can fit this situation "You never know what someone else is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes". Chris and I stayed strong through the whole process, and in the end we grew even closer together. I swear though, sometimes I feel so old for being as young as I am. I feel like I should be close to 50, not 30... Not body old, just my experiences with life.

In July we bought our property in Brookings Or. I cannot even tell you how excited I am to move there. The people are wonderful, the schools are great, the land beautiful, and the environment is healthy and clean (in more ways than just air quality!). Madeline dreams of having horses, and just maybe when we move there we will get her one. We have some family that lives in and around Brookings so it will also be nice to see them more often. I am counting down the years....

Lucy and Ava started pre-school in August, and they have been loving every day of it. They have learned so much already and I am just so excited to watch and help them learn. Whoever knew that being a mom could be so much fun?

My little Madeline continues to excel in school. She is soooo smart, it amazes me. She is still playing soccer, though now it is indoor. Her team is great and they have remained undefeated!! It's funny that we usually tell our kids to share and be nice and respectful, but in soccer it is just the opposite. We are always telling her, "take the ball away", or "don't be afraid to be aggressive". Madeline is a very good soccer player, especially for her size.

I don't know about the rest of you, but the holidays this year have come and gone sooooo quickly. I still can't believe that 2010 will be here in just a few short hours. So, what are my goals for 2010? Well, I am not a real goal kind of girl, but this year I hope to continue to do well in school, (and hopefully by this time next year I will be writing that I was accepted to the nursing program!), I hope to continue and build our wonderful family bond, I hope to achieve a few financial goals, I hope to build upon a few friendships of those people who bring joy to our life, and most importantly I want to continuing enjoying life.

Above are a few of my favorite photos or times that we have had.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!