Welcoming 2008

Today's confession ...I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve parties; they feel like too much hope, expectations, regrets, and resolutions crammed awkwardly into a 10 second countdown. I'm not a fan of those "rockin" New Years TV shows, Times Square, or champagne, and definitely not of people who drink too much then get in a car to drive. Some of my best New Years have been spent with Bob and our friends Audrey and Walt, playing cards and talking into the wee hours (and of course that one spent in Pasadena for Penn State's appearance in the Rose Bowl was pretty great!).

Still, there is something undeniable about turning the page on the calendar that triggers certain thoughts, and so, my resolution for 2008 is this: to live more mindfully.

Sounds grand, but I think it's really pretty simple. I will attempt to be more mindful of the food I choose to put into my mouth: more healthy choices, less chocolate (but never no chocolate!), and perhaps more importantly, when and why I choose to eat (am I hungry or simply bored, lonely, stressed?). Same goes for shopping ... do I truly need the item or is it appealing because I'm trying to fulfill some other space inside?

I will try to be more aware of how I interact with Bob, Owen, Cearra, my family and friends. Sometimes in our closest relationships patience and courtesy and even kindness take a back seat; I will be mindful of their importance.

Finally, I will strive to be more aware of how I feel each day and what is important to me. I will try to banish the negative thoughts that do harm and make the conscious effort to look for the good, funny, touching, and wonderful in each and every day.

That's it ... no promises to loose a certain amount of weight, exercise every day, become the "perfect" wife, mother, daughter, friend. Just a willingness and desire to take each day as it comes and to live it mindfully.

I wish you all a year filled with that which is most special to you. Be happy and be healthy, and enjoy 2008!

Christmas 2007

It has become one of our family traditions to go to my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Rich's house on Christmas Eve to celebrate my mom's birthday and to exchange gifts. This year Bob took a moment to walk Owen into the living room and told him "Two years ago, this is where we announced we were coming to get you!".

Owen may not have understood the significance; but I was especially aware of how long we had waited for this day, and keenly appreciative of how incredible it was. And while I love giving and getting presents, the biggest joys this year were wrapped around Owen ... watching him play with his cousins, seeing his smile as he learned to open his gifts, dressing him in his "big boy" Christmas outfit, and sharing these moments with Bob, my Nana, my parents, my sister, my extended family.

Thanks to one and all who helped make Owen's first Christmas with us very special!

A Cumberland Christmas

I love that we get to spread the holiday out over several weekends! We arrived in Cumberland and first stopped to visit Bud, Bob's grandfather. After lunch at a fun local restaurant we went to Pap and Charlene's house, where there was more food (shrimp cocktail - yum!) and presents all around. Owen tried to explain the mechanics of his police cruiser to Pap, but after a quick change into some new threads he had better luck with Charlene!

With a winter storm threatening we headed over to Nannie's house, and woke the next morning to some ice but not enough to keep Uncle Todd, Aunt Maria and cousin Hannah away. After a big breakfast we exchanged wonderful gifts, and with Cearra's help Owen got into the unwrapping too.

One very special gift for Bob and I was a painting that Maria did and that I had long admired. Nannie also did a wonderful job matting and framing an article that Bob had published in "Turbomachinery International: The Global Journal of Energy Equipment" (sounds like light reading, yes?).

Later in the afternoon Bob's high school friend Randy stopped by with his wife Sunny and their adorable girls Sidney and Reagan. Nannie of course laid out more snacks and we had a great time catching up. Good thing one of my gifts was a pair of cuddly P.J.s; they might be the only thing that fits after all this eating!

All too soon it was time to load up the van and head home, but the Christmas cheer and love from our visit will last forever.

How Did This Happen?

Owen is 17 months today (how did that happen so fast?)! So, in honor of this milestone, here's a mini update ...

He's still very much the sweet, calm baby we first met, but there are now times when he will "try out" a mini-fit (a few crocodile tears, a little whining) if I tell him no or take something away from him. It never lasts long.

He feeds himself most things and is getting better and better with a spoon and fork. His food favorites are grapes, watermelon, Craisins, yogurt, turkey, noodles and peas. He doesn't like carrots and red peppers.

Not only does he now skillfully walk backwards - he also likes to turn in circles! And he signals "touchdown" on command (very useful skills all).

When he hears the garage door open at night he goes out to the kitchen to greet Daddy.

Owen still loves to read; his current picks are "This is My Puppy", "Pajama Time" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider".

If you're lucky, he'll give you a "fish kiss", the open mouth, slobbery kind.

He loves to push around toys - his lawn mower, ride-on truck (he likes to stand on it too!), ambulance, firetruck, animal train and block bus. He also likes his mega blocks, balls and the fish that squirts water at him in the tub.

When you ask him what a tiger says he growls. Of course he also seems to think most animals make this sound.

He's a great, happy kid who is a joy every single day!

In a few hours my 17-year old special daughter (I've never really liked that whole "step" thing) arrives for the weekend. Nope, I have no idea how she got that old either!

More Pictures

My cousin Scott's wife took these pictures at the family party - I love them! Thanks so much Deb!

No Snazzy Title Today!

As usual, I was too busy chatting, eating and running after Owen (basically having fun!) to remember to take pictures at our family holiday party last weekend - but I did manage to persuade Malia and Nicole to take a break from reading stories to Vanessa (the dog) and pose in front of one of my parent's two Christmas trees; and I had the camera ready the next day as Owen masterfully played the piano. And Bob managed to get a shot of Uncle Rich and his buddy Owen relaxing.

I promise to try to do better as we get closer and closer to Owen's first Christmas at home!!

Baby News!!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I think my adorable nieces Sam and Mackenzie share the great news from Green Bay better than anyone ... yes, my sister and brother-in-law are having another baby!

Please join me in sending them congratulations and prayers for a safe and easy pregnancy for Kris, and the birth (in June) of a happy, healthy baby.

Oh, and despite Sam's somewhat somber face in the pic, Kris tells me she is very excited and always talking about her new "baby brother"! I'll let you know in a few weeks if she's right on the gender!

Snow & Our Little Flake

Owen's first snow in the US! Hmmm, what's going through his mind ... perhaps "Oh man, I thought I left this cold white stuff in Kazakhstan - you mean it's here too???"

I'm sure it didn't help that I spent more time putting on his snowpants, boots, jacket and mittens than we actually spent outside; and that he took about three steps and promptly fell face first into the fluffy stuff!

I think we'll stay inside the rest of the day, enjoying some hot chocolate (me) and warm milk (Owen). Stay cozy!

Joshua's Request for Santa

Joshua (Amy and Jack's eldest) went to see Santa last week, and being the good buddy he is, asked Santa to bring "Baby O" a workshop like the one he wants! I think he will be happy with the results of his request. Don't you sometimes wished you still believed in Santa?

No big post today, just some pictures of Owen playing, sorting our plastic bag collection, bumming ice cream from Daddy, and, well, just being cute!