Thank you...

Thank you mom for being the person you are. It was a little over a year ago that I received that call from dad with the news no person ever wants to hear, especially about their parent. Almost exactly a year ago you started an intense course of 5 day a week chemo and radiation. You fought through your own personal hell to get better so you could continue to be with your family and watch that baby that you love so much grow up.

And now a year later I am so thankful to be able to pick up the phone and talk to you, my mom, who can always tell right away when something is wrong and can always make me feel better just by being there.

I am looking so forward to the holidays this year and getting to share them with you this year, unlike last year. I just hope that my children grow up to love me the same way that I love you and need me the same way that I need you and that they don't have to lose me, or ever even have that fear, for that to happen.

What a difference a year makes. Here's to a new year of health and happiness for my family!

And I know you want new pictures but you will have to settle for this silly one today. I love you mommy! Thanks for teaching me so much about love and compassion and never giving up on the things I believe in!




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Stream of Conciousness

I know, I know, I have been a horrible blogger lately. I promise to get back on top of things soon. I know that I tend to work better under pressure and now that October 15th is past, I feel like I want to just frolick in the last little bits and pieces of warm weather that we have with my little ladybug. Sure, I have taken pictures, but by the time I get home, I just have nothing left in me. Ever since the deadline came and went, I also helped to monitor the "BIGGEST" estate sale ever (to be repeated next weekend!), then 3 days later left town with my boss to go to our an annual conference we attend. Then this week Devin was sick, now I am sick with something else, and I really have a lot of excuses, but ultimately, we have been living life and I just haven't made time to post it although in the next few weeks, especially with the holidays approaching, as well as a certain little someone's 2nd birthday coming up, I PROMISE to get back on track to regular posting! I am afterall keeping this blog in the long run for Devin, Kortnee, and any future children we may be blessed with. That reminds me, I need to get some of our recent books ordered as well. I am a few months behind on that as well, but at least that creates itself since I have done all of the work here on my blog already.

One of Devin's favorite phrases lately is "no mommy", at least it has been this week. We have been together a lot since she has been sick, and I think she is just as tired of being around me so much as I am of her. No matter how much we love each other, we need a break from each other too. I plan to have a nice fun weekend with her though, even if it involves jsut the two of us doing something fun.

The view from here...

I have been in Washington D.C. at a tax technology conference this week. It's been a great conference but I can't wait to get home to my girl! There is a beautiful view from here though!





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Happy

I don't know where the constant tantrums went, and I am sure they will rear their ugly heads again when I least expect it, but I am totally loving the happy little girl who has taken their place lately!

From October 2010

From October 2010

Lately, more and more, everyone tells me she looks just like Chris! I really have to agree with that observation, but he and I would both agree that she may look like him, but she acts just like me!

From October 2010

From October 2010

Piggies

Devin's hair is in an unusual in between state right now. It is long enough to pull back, but there is a bunch of shorter hair around the front that has grown in that will pull back temporarily but usually escapes in no time. Lately, I have been trying to pull her hair back in two little piggy tails, rather than one, in order to try to keep some of that shorter hair in place longer.

It is hard to see in this picture, but man, do I love waking up to this little ray of sunshine everyday!

From October 2010

From October 2010

Birthday Eats

This year my birthday was all about great food!

First, my brother took me for a fabulous sushi lunch! We had such a nice time and one of our longtime childhood friends Maggie joined us. Edward took a few pictures of my girl while we were there.

From October 2010

From October 2010

Later that day, I took Devin to my parent's house and then Chris and I headed out to eat at one of our favorite special occasion places for dinner! We went to Bonnell's. We had a delicious meal. We started with an appetizer of Elk Tacos and Quail Legs. We split a delicious salad. Then I had the pepper crusted buffalo tenderloin and Chris had the pick three and got the buffalo loin, elk loin and lamb. What a fabulous meal it was!

From October 2010

From October 2010

I can't wait for the next time we get to go there!

More, more...more!

Lately, when Devin eats, and finds something she likes, regardless of how much other stuff is left on her plate, when she finishes said item, she starts asking for more. For my birthday, my boss went and got us some really delicious bread for breakfast! My favorite of course was the pumpkin bread and I think Devin enjoyed it as well!

From October 2010

From October 2010

From October 2010

From October 2010

Notice how she tells her dada to C'mon dada

From October 2010

Could she be...

any cuter?

From October 2010

I don't think so!

I have to give credit to Chris for this picture!

Making Daddy Proud

I know it makes Chris so proud everytime Devin shows her Auburn Tigers team spirit!

From October 2010

From October 2010

Looking pretty stylish if I do say so myself!

From October 2010

Harley

Devin really loves her doggies. She always shares her morning "nack" with Izzy and she loves to pet and love on Harley any chance she gets!

She was sharing her seashells with him here...

From October 2010

From October 2010

From October 2010

That girl loves her Harley!