It's the little things...

Each night as Mike and I get ready for bed, we spend a few minutes chatting as we brush our teeth. It is just one of those times each day that is part of the routine of life. Small as it may be, it's special quality time. Not only do we have the chance to talk without kids interrupting, but there is a small thing that Mike silently does for me each and every night. He places a clean and neatly folded hand towel by my sink. I glance down at that loyal towel that appears like magic each night, and think of how lucky I am to have a husband who is so thoughtful. Yes, a clean towel is small, but it speaks volumes on Mike's love for me - along with the many other things he does. I could not have asked for a better husband and father for our kids. I am also grateful that he makes time each and every day to do something - small or large - but something that says I love you! It is truly the non-material, giving of yourself gifts that mean the very most.

Of all the gifts in this world that I have been given, I have to say that my husband Mike is one of the best!

Back to work!

With the first official work week of 2009, we are back to our old schedule. Kelsey is back to riding Peaches this week at Healing Reins and she also had water therapy on Monday. Both went great - especially her riding therapy! We have not been out to the ranch in about 3 weeks, so Kelsey was very happy to see Peaches again! James is happy to be back to school. We continue to be amazed at how much he is learning and absorbing! He continues to be very intrigued with the garage and "projects". He is actually very careful - even using the saw! Today, he made of flag pole and drew an American flag to hang on the pole (it even had 50 stars!). Very creative! Leo has given himself a new nickname..."Houdini". We continue to love him dearly and enjoy him, but one small challenge he is presenting us with: He is an escape artist! We purchased a 8'x8' chain link kennel for him when we are not home (which is not too often!). Leo has managed to bend and contort the fence 3 times and escape. Luckily, only into the main garage. Mike and James spent 4 hours this weekend shoring it up, and so far it has held. We are chalking his escapes up to the fact that he truly loves being with us and the kids at all times!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Happy New Year 2009 Friends and Family! I hope and pray for a wonderful 2009 for all! 2008 proved to be a rough year for many friends and family - but life seems to keep marching on!
Mike and I spent New Years asleep - happily! We could say that we don't go out because we have small children, but that would not be true! Even when we did not have kids, we still always spent New Years home by choice. I guess we are just home bodies!
Have a Wonderful 2009!

Christmas

Christmas this year was very nice - and quiet! Mike and I so enjoyed the kids on Christmas morning. James came into our room about 3am and whispered, "Mommy...Santa came! He left my stocking at the end of my bed!" Thankfully he did go back to sleep until about 7am. I remember that "Christmas Morning" feeling like it was yesterday - waking up so excited Christmas morning and looking for the faithful stocking that was always left at my bedroom door or at the foot of my bed. (Thank you Mom for making such a special memory for me and a tradition that I can pass on to our kids!) Kelsey was not very interested in unwrapping anything - she was more interested in the toys that had already been unwrapped by her big brother.

The obvious "best gift" for the family was Leo, our new little friend. He continues to bring us such joy and James especially just loves him. Leo has managed to worm his adorable little way into snuggling in bed with James as he falls asleep at night. It so warms our hearts to see James so happy with his new best buddy! Kelsey also loves to lay on Leo's new cedar dog bed and cuddle with him.

Christmas evening was spent at our home with Mike's parents, Brother Erik and his family. The kids had a wonderful time playing with their cousins Ryan and Meredith.

Mike also turned 35 Christmas day. We celebrated with cake and gifts for Mike after Christmas dinner.

My mom continues to heal from her surgery in the comfort of her own home. She says she is sore, but feeling better and better - depending on the day.

Here are some pictures of Christmas...

"Leo"

Santa came a week and a half early this year with a special gift for our family...Yes, another furry friend. "Leo" is a AKC purebred German Short Hair Pointer. He is such a sweet and kind animal! He is 6 months old, his previous owner has already trained him a bit, but most importantly they potty trained him. The kids (James especially) LOVE him! Unlike Ben, who is getting stiff and grumpy in his old age, they can hug and snuggle with Leo. Where do we stand now in the pet department? 2 Dogs and 2 Cats, ("Mo" the fish passed away a few months back). Mike and I both truly believe that having a pet is one of the great joys in life - especially for the kids. We both reminisce about the dogs we had as children and how fun it was to grow up with a dog. Here are some pictures of our new friend!

O' Happy Day...

Okay, I believe each day we have air in our lungs and ground to walk on is a gift - but some days are just greater than others. Today was one of those days for me and our family! I spent a WONDERFUL morning in Sisters with a friend that I have not seen in a long time. No kids, no crowds, just 2 friends enjoying hot chocolate, endless chatting, and shopping! It was a wonderful and much needed break for me!!
I have had lots of updates on my Mom's surgery and all is good! Her surgery was about 5 1/2 hours long - as expected. It went well and her spirits are good. She and my Dad have also made the decision that she will go to a rehabilitation facility before going home. I believe this will be such a good stepping stone in her recovery!
As some of you may know, we applied to the Sparrow Club in Bend in hopes of getting some financial assistance with Kelsey's Hippo and Water therapy bills. I had called many time in the last 6 weeks and never heard back, so at the beginning of this week, I truly had given up on the idea and just figured that God had another plan in mind. Not so fast...This afternoon the phone rang, and it was the new applicant coordinator for the Sparrow Club. YES! We have a meeting at our home tomorrow morning, and it sounds like Kelsey will most likely be "adopted" by the club as a project. We are so thankful for this early Christmas Gift!
Thanks for your continued thought and prayers for my Mom. She has a long road ahead!

Wednesday

Quick update on my Mom...She is in surgery right now as I type this. They tested the infection and found that it was safe top proceed with the planned back surgery, so it should take around 5 hours. She went in at 2pm. I will update here when I know more information. Thanks!