My "Timely" Update...

I know, I know....it's been far too long since I posted an update. There are a few of you that probably think I sunk into a deep depression, but rest assured I am doing fine. Life moves about as usual and the days seem to run together with home and work. I should probably make my New Year's Resolution to actually take time for myself once in a while, you think?

Ian is busy. Busy growing up and socializing. What lies ahead is another developmental stage that will make any mom teary eyed. He is pulling away from "the parents" and turning to "the friends". That is okay, though. It is expected and Ian has, for the most part, been a very good judge of character and I really enjoy the friends he has chosen. They all seem to have good morals and strong family units. He surprises me often with his emotional maturment, and Josh and I realize we really are doing a good job with him :)

So what, I'm NOT supposed to turn the water on?



Abby and Keara are your typical close-in-age sisters. They play so well together and fight even better on some days! Abigail is growing up too fast for her daddy and I as she will be 4 this spring. She is such a bright little girl with a whol lot of love to give. So caring and emphathetic, very much a "first born" in her own right. Keara is very vocal with a much larger vocabulary than Abby had at her age. She still struggles with her Atopic Dermatitis but we seem to have plateaud out with a few flare ups here and there. We did find that the Zyrtec off brands do not work for her. She is very sensitive to ingredients and the Brand name just works best for her. She is working through her 2nd sinus infection in 2 months right now. I have never seen a human being produce as much snot as this little girl!! THANK GOODNESS that Josh taught her to blow her nose last year!!

Look mom! We can use the hose without you!!

The first photo was taken at my friend Jana's house. She is one of my inspirations as a Christian women and a dear friend. We have known each other for about 7 years, but I think our friendship took hold when I became pregnant with Abby. She encouraged me with breastfeeding, using the cloth diapers (and rallied for the BEST baby shower gift of a large supply of them) She and Timothy now have 3 beautiful children and I hope that we can remain friends for many years to come! Her son Tristan is such a polite young man (at almost 5) and even held an umbrella for Abby when it was sprinkling outside!! (by the way, that is the dress I made for Abby. It didn't hold too well in the wash so I still have a lot to learn)

Josh is still madly in LOVE with his job! He will be taking his second PAT on December 1 in Houston. Please keep him in your prayers both for his progress and his trip there. He will be staying with his cousin Matt (we thank you for keeping him Matt!) There have been a few changes at work, but it is all good :) I will be picking up a couple of night shifts a month now to help with the income. It will be a bit difficult, but it works best with eveyone's schedules so I shall oblige. I will be working closer to home to do this, so no need to worry about the long drive! I will continue to work my 2 days a week at Harris in Fort Worth. The CVICU is a busy place and I don't think I can leave them! I love it there.

I will be working Thanksgiving and "black Friday" as it has come to be known. I'm sure Josh and the kids will find a large feast to attend (either Phil and Kim's or my mom's). To everyone else...remember to be thankful for all we have, our family and friends, pray for our troops and bless the retired Vet's who served in so many wars to maintain our freedom. Let us remind our children of the true blessings we have to be Thankful for. Oh, and don't forget to watch FOOTBALL!!!!