Goodbye to 2008!

Dear 2008,

Let's be honest, you've been tough on my family. Deaths, illnesses, personal and professional challenges and worries ... not our best year. But before we tip our (old, battered) hats and say a final goodbye, I want to pause and reflect on the blessings you brought.

And so, 2008's greatest hits:

- Another wonderful year with Owen, in which he learned to talk more, sleep less and charm us all exponentially

- Cearra graduated from high school and completed her first semester at college (with a 3.2 GPA) and a new sense of strength and purpose (and, as she would point out, without gaining the Freshman Fifteen)

- My dad beat cancer and successfully told his heart to get its act together - way to go dad

- My dad's two brothers faced some major health challenges and came out stronger ... it's the Kaufmann way

- Samantha and Mackenzie welcomed adorable, healthy (and so far mercifully laid-back) baby brother Riley

- Four of my dearest and most amazing friends found their daughters - welcome home Ava, Aaliya, Brooke and Elloree

- Nanny retired and joyfully devoted more time to creating beauty and sharing her gifts with us all

- Penn State football was thisclose to going undefeated and heads to the Rose Bowl New Years Day (that is a blessing in my world)

And so we head into January with joy and optimism, yet admittedly bearing a few new scars. I'd like to think we'll be stronger for them.

We will of course always love and miss those we lost this year - Tom, Grandmother Fyock, Snyd, Grandmother Mary, Chris, and my hero, my Nana. It is our duty and honor to remember them well.

But when you look for good, you find it. I'm positive 2009 will bring more good things (and hopefully a few less tears) and I wish the same for you all.

And So This Was Christmas

I tend to a bit of melancholy each year as we drive home after the family gathering; the colored lights seem dimmer, the wreaths and garlands a little wilted. I find myself amazed that another Christmas has come and gone, and wishing somehow that I could have squeezed one more hour from the day. But even as I gaze out the car window and feel a bit sad, I am more blessed that I can reflect on another Christmas spent with those I love most. And so some thoughts from this year:

I'm especially thankful that my sister and brother-in-law safely drove 20 hours through rain and snow and ice to be at my parents house, that we could all be together to celebrate my mom's birthday and wake up under the same roof Christmas morning. I'm thankful that Uncle Rich and Aunt Cathy recovered from the stomach bug in time to join the party Christmas day, and that the food was great and the company even better at my Uncle Bud and Aunt Jeanne's house.

I cherish Christmas not for the gifts (although of course they are always nice!) but because on this day I have the chance to visit family, to stand around the kitchen island nibbling veggie pizza and chatting with my cousin Kim, in from Atlanta, and catching up with everyone else.

I love that my dad (and my Uncle Bud) dug out their childhood Lionel train sets - complete with "Plasticville" houses - and created magic for the kids. I love that we had coconut shrimp and ice cream cake on Christmas Eve (Happy Birthday Mom!). I love that Owen liked ripping the paper off his presents and wanted to play with each one. I love that Samantha opened a Dora book first and we all had to pause while she sat with her Pop-pop as he read to her, and that Kenzie danced with her assortment of animated plush toys. I love that Riley happily chewed on his new teething book and sat with Cearra most of the morning. I love that the pink ball exchange continues (yes, Kris and Jeff - we found it!). I love that Cearra's sister Kristine and her hubby Cliff had the opportunity to stop by the day after Christmas for a visit.

So yeah, our Christmas was great - loud, hectic, filled to the brim with kids and toys, and over much too fast. I hope that you all had an equally fantastic holiday!

Merry, Merry

Taking a short break to spend Christmas (and my mom's birthday!) with family. With my sis and her gang coming in from Wisconsin it's going to be one full house, and sure to be chaos. Can't wait.

Bob, Cearra, Owen and I wish you all the joy, peace and love of the season!

Nanny's Gift

Remember this photo from Owen and Cearra's birthday party? It was taken by my cousin's wife Deb. I love it.


Nanny painted the picture now resting on our fireplace mantel and gave it to us for Christmas. Brought tears to my eyes - I love it.

A Cumberland Christmas by Owen

"Mmmmm, I wonder why the big guy is here"


"Pap and Charlene gave me what????"


"Sometimes a guy just isn't in the mood to take pictures, ok?"


"Aunt Maria liked my Mr. Potato Head ... a lot"


"Nanny got me a tricked out mini van of my own - it even has a Kaz sticker like Mommy's!"


"I love it so much I napped with it"


"Cee-cee got another Kathy bag!!"


"Well, I've had better hair days"


"Remember, keep being good - Santa's still watching!"

Can You Choo-Choo?

Cearra arrived Thursday afternoon after completing her first semester at Mary Baldwin (yeah!), and Owen couldn't have been happier to see her. He spent a good hour following her around, gazing lovingly at her, and trying all sorts of things to show off ... including walking around with a laundry basket on his head.


We braved the cold to visit a train garden in nearby Manchester on Saturday; Owen insisted on wearing his Halloween conductor overalls for the occasion. His little face just lit up when we walked into the fire station and he got his first glimpse of the display. It was really well done - several different villages and scenes, plus of course plenty of trains in constant motion.

This Is What Christmas Is About

A few things that make me happy ... bring tears to my eyes ... help me keep believing. Check them out here and here.

Christmas Cookie Play Date

The Sleep Wars

Owen and I are engaged in a difference of opinion.


In Owen's view, naps are to be strictly avoided. The only permissible exception is a a leisurely cuddle on the sofa which leads to a brief period of shut-eye. However, when put in one's room for an afternoon siesta, it is imperative to climb out of bed, head immediately for the baby gate at the threshold of the room, and pass the appointed hour by shaking the gate bars like a crazed weekend jailbird and alternately screaming, crying and plaintively saying "mom-eeee". Should sleep be absolutely unavoidable, the proper procedure is to drag one's entire stuffed animal collection to the gate, make a pile, and take a short respite (see Exhibit A below).


Equally important is the appropriate bedtime for a 2 year old. If a nap has been successfully avoided all day, it is correct to fall asleep at 8 pm. However - and this is nonnegotiable - if a nap is taken during the day, the only reasonable bed time is 11 pm. Equally important is the nightly ritual of waking approximately 5 hours after first being down, making your way to the baby gate and again calling - with much emotion - for "mom-eeee". Once she appears, allow her to lead you back to bed and hold you until drifting off again. Repeat as necessary.

My opinion is that Mama really needs a break during the day and a full night's sleep, so after Christmas Owen will be getting a new routine "Supernanny-strict" style. Shh - don't tell him yet - I don't want him to have time to formulate a response.

Owen Is Thankful For ...

The best big sister

Bath time!

Comfy chairs and warm blankets

Games with Nanny

Ava (and Beamer, Sadie and Remy)

Crayons for both hands

Back pockets

Honey Mustard Pringles

Train sets

And ... The Mickey Mouse Club House, Daddy walking through the door at night, juice, towers to knock over, Mama pretending to be a horse, Gossie and Boo-Boo, "M's", Nana and Pop-Pop, flash cards, hugs and kisses.

We are thankful for every day with Owen. And Cearra. And you all, our friends and family. Life is so good!

It's 25 Degrees and Windy in Westminster

But it was sure warm and beautiful in Hilton Head in October! My friend Le Anne sent me the pictures she took while we were on vacation, and I thought it'd be nice to share some sunshine with you all.

And of course it's always sunny in Southern California ... especially in Pasadena where the Nittany Lions will be headed to play in the Rose Bowl!!! Go Penn State!

P.S. Yes, I know my hair is quite the sight in the beach shot of us, but he looks so cute I had to share ... please be kind to me.