There is a new person in our world

Congratulations to Jennifer and Toby on the birth of their new baby boy, Ryan Timothy. Welcome to this crazy world! You have a great big sister, Anna and perfect big brother, Evan. I also know of two instant friends (J & E) who can't wait to meet you!Also, Happy Birthday to Toby! What a perfect present.

Of the fun we will have!

Babies, babies everywhere!
Just none here. Hehehe...

Congratulations to Natalie and Dorian

on the birth of their new baby girl.
Brooke Alaina Powell was born Saturday, June 13 at 10:01 pm.
7 lbs, 7 oz and 21" long.
This makes me a Great Aunt, my oldest brother a Grandfather and my Mom a Great, grandmother.
Another generation of Brooks'. Life is great!

One of the best little gifts a mother could ask for...

Jack was invited to a birthday party at 10:30 this morning (Sunday).
Paul took Ellis to NCAR for the morning.
Jack and I went to the party and what did I hear upon entering,
"You are welcome to stay if you want to, or you can come back in a couple hours."
I was bathed, dressed and planning on spending 2 hours at a 5 year old's birthday party with my son, but I was just handed a 'get out of jail free card'.
I promptly asked Jack if he was ok if I left, to which he replied, 'Yes'.
I RAN out of the party and headed out for 2 hours by myself.
No husband. No kids. No grocery store list.
Two hours of unexpected 'Erica time'.
I wasted my time at the liquor store, Target and the mall, but it was the best 2 hours I have had in a long time!
No guilt.

Now I'm not one to brag, but...

I have two things to brag about:
1. Jack has been a real trooper with his little injuries. He has learned to clean his wounds (1st with peroxide, water and a syringe and now with soap and water) and care for his hand. He has managed to still be a 4 year old little boy who runs, jumps, swings and rides his scooter, all with stitches, scabs and a smile on his face. He rarely complains about his hand or head hurting, and when he does, you know he means it. He has exercised his hand as much as possible and is even dressing himself, as best as he can.

2. All that said, today Paul came home from NJ/NY (hung over is my guess, but he claims his stomach hurts... it's 6:40 and he is already in bed) the four of us went to see UP (cute movie and worth the $30 price of admission). After dinner Jack made dinner for himself and Ellis. I had left over chicken in the refrigerator that I cut up for him, but he put on the plates and warmed up in the microwave. He gave Ellis her coveted Ranch dressing and squeezed himself some honey. He then decided that they should have strawberries (from Dawn and Bill's garden), and dished them each a nice helping. He added yogurt drinks to round out his meal. He set the table and called his sister to dinner


They really DO grow up fast. Tonight I am a proud Mama, not the most happy wife, but proud of my little boy. I'll take it!

WARNING: Not to be read by children

I have learned to deal with living in Colorado. I gave up being close to my dear friends in Boston, although most of them have left the city. I have learned to give up Lobster Rolls on Newbury Street, fresh fish and seafood (Colorado's idea of fresh is frozen), shopping and meals out in the South End and Backbay, getting my nail done by Tiki and living in my newly renovated home, wish was just shy of perfect. I have accepted that there is NO beach in Colorado, but I do have a nice view of the mountains. I can tolerate the crazy ideals of the people of Boulder and I can almost admit that Denver is a 'city', not by my standards, but some think it is a city and I will give them that. But I can NOT learn to live with this shity, fucking weather. Rain. Cloudy. Cold. Good for the garden, but really sucks for me! I need sunshine and heat!
There, I got that off my chest....


the blog will return to it's "G" status as soon as the weather returns to normal.

Paul is leaving town, another emergency...

...room visit. On Friday night I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed early after getting sick. Saturday, still not feeling well so I let Paul have a day with his kids in the backyard and the neighbor's dogs. I was laying in bed about 10:30 am when I heard an awful sound. I jumped up and ran to the window, Paul was running to the back door, carrying jack whose face was full of blood. I ran down the stairs, grabbed Jack from Paul and took him to the bathroom. We washed off the blood, got the bleeding to stop and surveyed the damage. Jack had been bitten by our neighbors dog. In the head above his right eye and on his left hand. It looked awful so we threw him into the car and headed to the ER. He got 2 stitches in his head and two in his hand. I wanted them to call the plastic surgeon to do the stitches in his head - didn't want to mess up his perfect face, but the Doc assured me he would still be beautiful when he healed, so a agreed. Jack was a trooper. He got the stitches in his head with minimal screaming, the ones in his hand were another story. Because of the tearing, it took a little longer and a couple extra shots of lidacane. I cried as hard as he did. I'm sure the Doc thought I was a freak, but that is MY baby. We spent the rest of Saturday recuperating and trying to manage the pain. Sunday was a day of movies and quiet time at home. This morning, Paul is on a flight to Jersey. Jack is being a trooper about his head and hand. Ellis is being the perfect little sister, helping him get what he needs and keeping him company in the potty. Deep breath...

Congratulations to Michelle, Mark and Abby

on the arrival of their newest family member, Zachary Herbert Richardson. Born May 30, 2009, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and 19 inches long.

We couldn't be more thrilled for you guys.
Congratulation.
We love you all.

Picture Post

Here are a few 'catch-up' pictures from our latest adventures...
MOTHER'S DAY IN THE HOT TUB


TRIKE-A-THON


OUR VISIT FROM NANA, PAPA, TOM, JENA & BETH

A SUNNY DAY AT HOME


A RAINY DAY AT HOME


THE BUTTERFLY PAVILION


A DAY WITH THE ROCKIES & DADDY (and maybe the Red Sox)

Catch Up #274

Another catch up posting...
Jack has finished his 2nd year of Montessori school, Ellis has finished her 1st. When I picked them up on the last day, after they had watched the Kindergartners graduate to the 1st grade and had had a pizza and cake party, I cried. My kids are growing up so fast! Maybe the truth was, I was crying about spending the summer with the kids with no school. They are going to be all mine 24/7.
Oh joy of joys.

J and E are finishing up another session in swimming. J is in the pool with 2 other kids and a teacher. He is putting his face in the water and has no fears. E is still swimming with other kids, a teacher and her Dad. She just isn't the best listener and hasn't figured out the dangers of water. That said, she goes under water, holds her breath and thinks she is a fish. She doesn't always want to do what is asked of her, but E is E whether it is in the pool or on dry land.

My Mom just returned from Barcelona and a 7 day cruise in the Mediterranean. She was gone a total of 11 days, and I'll tell you what, that is a long time for me to go without talking to her (considering I usually talk to her 2x a day). I am thankful she is home and had a great time with my Godmother on her 1st European adventure.

For Memorial Day weekend, we were blessed to have Nana, Papa, Tom, Jena and Beth here for a quick visit. J and E didn't pull out one toy while they were here, all they wanted was for T, J and B to chase them around the house and show off their newest tricks. On Friday T, J, B and Paul all went whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river. No sun, freezing cold water, light rain... Hhhmmm, I stayed home with the kids. Nana and Papa drove to Aspen for the day. Saturday was spent in Estes Park and Sunday we hung out in Boulder before we said, "Good-bye". The visit was short, but it is always good to have family in our home.

Our 1st week of summer started out slow as I began to put the house back together. We have done some additional gardening and had a great play date with some friends from school. It is finally getting warm WITH sunshine. I'm ready for summer... I think!???

Happy Birthday Tess

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Tess,
Happy Birthday to you!

We love and miss you, more than you know.
Smooooooooooooooooch!

A minor brag

Paul is in CA and Jack is doing better, this however is not my brag.

Tonight at dinner, Ellis asked if she could skip her mashed potatoes and only eat asparagus. She ate about 7 spears - Jack ate about 5. At least I have my kids liking vegetables going for me. Minor victory. Now I just have to get some planted in my garden and wait 3 years for my first crop.

Goodnight all.

Paul was planning on traveling, so you know what that means...

...another trip to the ER and an inpatient visit. This time it was Jack. He spent most of last week struggling with pain in his arms and legs. After many sleepless nights and too much Advil, we finally took him to the ER at Children's Hospital. They kept him overnight for observation and IV fluids. By Sunday morning he was MUCH better, but of course, we have no true explanation - some ideas. He is continuing to do better and we hope when more lab results come in, we will have more answers. It is sad to watch you 4 year old get poked for and IV, scream in pain, ask for his Harry and then have your 3 1/2 year old cry because her big Brother is crying. It turned into a major cry-fest. Jack did say one funny thing when we were driving to the ER, we told him he was going to Children's Hospital and he said, "Oh yeah, the Network of Care". If you are from CO you know that that is their tagline.
On Sunday morning, he was sad because he wanted to go home to go "Eastering" (looking for Easter eggs). All was better when Ellis brought his Easter bucket to him in the hospital.

Today, Monday, things are looking better. Jack seems painfree, Paul is in Vegas for the week and the sugar buzz of yesterday has worn off.

A little late, but Congratulations to Gabby on her Baptism. We love you and we are sorry we weren't able to celebrate with you. Please always know that you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers - along with the rest of your family. We love you all!

Everything is a changin'

A few changes with the B's...
At the end of February, Jack gave up his night-night (pacifier). He sent it to his newest baby cousin, Gabrielle. Or at least that is what he thinks. The first night was kind of rough, but smooth sailing since then.
In the middle of March, Ellis came out of diapers, finally! She has done really well, with minimal accidents. She is still in pull-ups at night, but we're working on that too. It is amazing how much girth a diaper adds to a little girl. Without a diaper on, Ellis is straight up and down - No butt.
If I can get rid of all sippy cups, all signs of 'baby' will be out of my house. This is a good thing!

Grandma was here for two weeks in March for Spring Break. She was a great help with Ellis and potty training and Jack in general. The kids loved their time with her; as did I.

After having 70+ degree days and more snow in the month of March than we have had all winter, I am finally getting my garden in the ground. It feels so good to put my hands back in the dirt.

I am looking forward to Spring!

Congratulations to Syd and Tess

With great pride, we are pleased to announce the birth of our latest Niece Gabrielle Joyce
Weighing in at 7-5, 20" at 1:21 this afternoon.
We can't wait to meet you. We love you all!
Sleep well tonight Gina. You deserve it!

All is quiet, once again

Life at my house has slowed down.

It has been great to have Paul home. It sounds like he had a great time in Australia - I wish I could have shared it with him. Ellis is back to her old self - not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. It is hard to imagine that 2 weeks ago she was so sick - the Dr said that with her O2 rate, she should have been blue.
Jack has just loved having Grandma here. In the morning he comes into my room to tell me he is going downstairs to wake up Grandma (he could skip the part where he wakes me up first.) The 2 of them have a close and neat relationship. It reminds me of the times I got to spend with my own Grandmother. Miss Minnie, I miss you! Grandma flew home this morning. The house is always so quiet without her in it. I do have something to look forward to, she will be back in a month for Spring Break and potty training Ellis. Wish us luck.

Thank you Mom for all you do for this family. We couldn't do it without you!

A little late, but Happy Birthday Sydney! We are sorry we weren't there to celebrate with you. I too remember the day you were born. Paul and I had been trying to get pregnant and I was sad that I wasn't pregnant, but happy to have you in my world. Little did I know, I was already pregnant when I held you for the first time. It really was a great time in the B's life.

Days 4 - 12

Bad Erica, I know. I started with such high hopes, but everything went to hell. I'll just do a quick catch up. Ellis came home from the hospital on the 6th and was off O2 on the 9th. I have to say, I was totally shocked that my Ellis was such a pro a leaving the cannula in her nose and making sure it was in right. I would have bet my last dollar that she would have pitched a fit about the cannula, pulled at it and taken it out of her nose every chance she got, but she didn't. She was cognizant of her 20 feet of cannula tubing and did her best not to get tangled up. Ellis also let me use the 'bulb-sucker thing' on her nose to clean it out. It was a great surprise to see that the girl I know as Ellis, Yellis and Hellis, can be such a sweet girl, when she wants to. Ellis was back in school on the 11th and was eating like a hungry hippo.
Grandma and I have had a great time hanging out, shopping and cleaning. It was a surprise trip, and I have loved having her here. Lucky for me, she will be back on the 18th of March.

Well Paul landed last night. The house vibrated, we were all so excited to have him home. I think everyone bounced to the door to greet him. He looked great, but tired. Our Valentine's Day celebration involved gifts, Chinese take-out, a fire and a glass (or 2) of wine. PERFECTION!

As I was cleaning yesterday, I picked up a photo album and a picture of Paul and I fell out. It was a picture taken 10 years ago yesterday, in Boston, on Castle Island - Our 1st Valentine's Day together. We had spent that day with Steve and Gina - Gina had surprised Steve by flying in for the holiday. After 10 years, I remember that day pretty well. Two things were noticed about the photo: 1) Paul and I look really young 2) Ellis wanted to know what that was on Daddy's face - Paul had a goatee.

All is well at the Bieringer's. Paul is home and sleeping. Ellis is eating and back to her bad attitude, Grandma is here - I love it when my Mom is in my home and Jack is handsome.
Life is pretty Good!

Days 2 and 3

We'll day 2 started out with 2 kids going to preschool. Ellis seemed a little slow, but I thought she would rally once she got to school. After dropping them off I ran to the store to grab a few groceries before going back home to take a shower. As I was walking out of the store, the phone rang. It was their school, asking me to come pick up Ellis. She had a fever of 100.2 and, "just didn't seem like herself". I took her home, put her in the bed and proceeded to put food away and clean up. Our dearest friend Dawn came and watched Ellis while I picked Jack up from school.

Ellis woke up from a 4 hour nap and seemed to be panting, like she had just run down the stairs and across the room. I waited a few minutes and checked on her again. Still panting. I called her Pedi and they said to bring her in. A quick drive to Longmont (30+ minutes away), and we found out she has pneumonia, and maybe RSV and an oxygen saturation of 78 (should be closer to 100. Under 80 = mandatory hospital stay). I begged for an hour and 15 minutes, to run home and grab silkies, stellas and the entire barnyard, coordinate care for Jack and then head back to Longmont.

Jenn and Toby T. took Jack for the night, this morning passed him off to Bill and Dawn R. To all of them I say, THANK YOU! I couldn't have done it without you.

Ellis and I had an eventful night. They were able to rule out RSV and influenza. We got her temp down. She is on O2 and without it we can't get her O2 saturation level up. She will probably be in the hospital through the weekend. She was happy to see her brother Jack and surprised to see her Pedi in the hallway. She asked Dr. R, "how did you get here?"

As I type, Grandma is flying to Colorado. Paul is in SFO waiting for his flight to Australia.

I can't wait to see what days 4 and 5 bring... Stay tuned...

Day 1

Today is day one of 12 days without Paul. Today he flies to Las Vegas and on Thursday he is off to Melbourne, Australia. Not a bad gig, if you can get it. We'll see how this goes.

Today it is 59 degrees and the kids and I just enjoyed a Popsicle on the back porch in the amazing sunshine. Ellis has an awful cough and random fevers, Jack just has a cough. I'm feeling pretty good. Not much else planned or going on. Stay tuned...

Good-bye to John"Biker Jesus" Breaux

So many of us strive to be a good person, Louisville, CO lost someone who WAS a great person. The little town of Louisville will not be the same. Rest in Peace my friend.

While police were still investigating the tragic death of a pedestrian on U.S. 287 — and hours before the name of the victim was officially released to the public — a small crowd of bystanders had already gathered at the scene, sure they knew who had been killed but hopeful they were wrong.

By late Friday, their fears were confirmed by the coroner. John Breaux, whose warm smile and gentle heart were famous throughout eastern Boulder County, was dead.

It was the bike that gave it away. Breaux was never without his bike, friends said, which on Friday afternoon stood alone, propped on its kickstand at the edge of U.S. 287 near the scene of the accident. Two white trash bags — probably filled with recycling and litter — hung from the handle bars.

“That bike always has the bags on it,” said Mindy Bentley, a longtime Louisville resident who stopped at the accident when she saw the bike. “He’s always picking stuff up whether it’s trash or cans, helping in some way, shape or form.”

'He was our goodwill ambassador'

Simple life, guided by kindness, touched entire community

His shoes were filthy. His shirt was often torn. His hands were dirty and callused.

“But he was an angel,” Lori Haynes-Bright said Saturday of her brother-in-law, 57-year-old John Breaux, who was killed Friday after being hit on his bicycle by a driver who veered off U.S. 287. “He was put here to show the rest of us how we should be.”

Starting early Saturday, parked cars lined the highway where Breaux was hit and killed. Friends, acquaintances, and those who had only seen Breaux picking up garbage, brought balloons, flowers, pictures and crosses to the site where police say he died.

As the day went on, more and more make-shift memorials popped up in businesses around town, honoring the man who friends said looked rugged on the outside but was “all good” on the inside.

In the afternoon, dozens of community members gathered at Louisville’s City Hall to share memories of the man who many said has forever changed the way they live.

At 5 p.m., several hundreds of people congregated at the Albertsons along U.S. 287 and South Boulder Road, where Breaux volunteered for years, to say good-bye and thank you.

“It’s incredible that one person could have this kind of impact,” said Louisville Mayor Chuck Sisk. “He was our goodwill ambassador.”

Breaux was known around town for his constant care of the roadsides, businesses and community members. He regularly helped gas stations clear snow, spent hours picking up street garbage, and left flowers on friends’ porches.

Audrey Simpson, 43, of Louisville, said Breaux left flowers outside her home on several occasions, and once brought her a candle.

“I just knew it was him,” she said. “It was always him.”

Breaux was a religious man, Simpson said, who would jump from church to church on Sunday mornings, depending on where the day took him. Many people called Breaux “Jesus,” mostly because he kept nothing for himself and dedicated all of his talents, possessions and time to others.

“He would open the door for you, it didn’t matter who you were or your age or gender,” Simpson said. “He was a kind and loving soul.”

Kristina Pattison, 20, of Broomfield, said she came to know Breaux through his smile and familiar presence at all her favorite hot spots around town.

“He truly was an angel,” Pattison said. “He knew things.”

While standing near the roadside memorial Saturday, Bev Sanders, 43, recalled the day Breaux helped her teenage daughter pick out a Valentine’s Day card for her boyfriend. Breaux insisted the card be “cute” and include hearts and bears, Sanders said.

“John knew my daughter well,” she said.

Another of Sanders’ daughters, Alex Sanders, 22, said the first thing she thought about when learning of Breaux’s death was a napkin he gave her nine years ago.

“My best friend and I were at Taco Bell for lunch, and John walked up and gave us a note he had written on a napkin,” Sanders said. “It said, ‘Jesus is going to come to save us all.’ We said, ‘Wow, that’s awesome.’”

On Friday, Sanders called her friend and asked if she remembered the note. She did. In fact, Sanders said, her friend still has it.

“And that was nine years ago,” she said.

Sanders, who made a sign for Breaux that now hangs near the site of his death, said she wants to be clear on something: “We never called him John,” she said. “Everyone I know calls him Jesus.”

It’s a sentiment that was shared dozens of times Saturday evening during a large gathering at the Lafayette Albertsons — just one of the many businesses Breaux was known to volunteer at on his daily circuit across town.

Many mourners made their way to a microphone set up in the parking lot after walking past the site of the accident, which was overflowing with piles of flowers, signs and tearful onlookers.

Albertsons employees recalled Breaux’s playful and kind nature, saying he’d often roll a tennis ball at the feet of unsuspecting workers, bring sodas to them on breaks and wash windows.

Workers from the Coal Creek Bowling Center in Lafayette said Breaux loved the sport, calling every day without fail to find out if there were bowling lanes. Once, they said, he bowled a perfect game.

But for every person who knew Breaux well, it seemed an equal number of people gathered Saturday who knew him simply for his constant gestures of kindness.

“He just waved,” Louisville resident Loretta Edge said. “He would wave at everyone. He never asked for anything.”

She said that single gesture became part of her family’s daily routine.

“It makes you feel like this is our home,” she said.

Her 11-year-old son, Skylar, was in tears.

“He was a huge part of the town, and now he’s not going to be here and it’s sad,” he said.

Terry Maschka, a Lafayette police patrol supervisor, said Breaux was a favorite among officers for nearly a decade.

“It’s just hard to believe he’s not going to be here anymore,” said Maschka, who went to the scene of the accident Friday and immediately knew it was his friend’s bike on the side of the road.

Others called Breaux a “true gentleman” who would run to open doors for people, a man who would give anything just to be helpful and a kind spirit with the “face of Jesus.”

Daniel Prowell, 32, of Louisville, said Breaux’s attitude and generosity consistently left him in awe and with a smile.

“If each city had just one person like him,” he said, “the world would be a better place.”

happy birthday bill

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Bill,
Happy birthday to you!

We hope you have a great day!

an amazing weekend

we had the best weekend of the year! last week paul worked on the holiday so that he could take friday off and we could all head to breckenridge to see the international snow sculpture competition. we headed up about 9 am for a pretty uneventful drive. found the sculptures - not quite as impressive as we had hoped, but still a great time. it snowed the entire time we were there and the kids loved it! after seeing the sculptuures we headed to a local, laid-back spot for lunch and the spiciest bloody mary and beer chaser i have had in a long time. the kids were happy to run around the resturant and play with the wiki stix given to them by the resturant staff. we kept trying to leave the resturant but jack kept eating - and you know, if jack is eating, we're staying.

after lunch we headed to carter park in breckenridge for a little afternoon sledding - THE BEST PART! it was the perfect size hill for young and old. it was the kind of hill every ski resort town should have. paul and i pulled sleds full of kids up the hill several times and then decided that if they wanted to keep sledding, they had to walk and carry their own sleds up the hill. needless to say they walked up the hill until paul and i finally said, "Enough'. we gathered our kids, dusted off the snow and headed home. on the way home I-70 turned into a ice road and we ended up sitting in the car, on a closed road for 2 hours. with the help of a full tank of gas, the DVD player, juice boxes and endless snacks we weathered the closed road due to too many accidents and made it home. what should have been a 2 hour drive took up over 4 hours but we made it home safe and sound. it really was a great day - i hope we can have a few more before the snow ends.

saturday we cleaned and sunday was a very quiet day at home puttering around.

what if?

i have been watching more tv in the past 2 days than i have in a long time - and that is saying a lot. tuesday i watched the inauguration from the minute i returned home from taking jack to school until President Obama and the First Lady finished their last dance. i couldn't pull myself away - i didn't want to stop watching! there may be more days like this in the future, but there will never be another january 20, 2009; the FIRST day. much of the day i spent on the phone with my mom. we were watching, witnessing together, even though there is 969 miles between us. ellis was in and out of the room, when she would came in the room she would yell, "Barack Obama". there is no one else i would have rather watched the inauguration with, except maybe with my dad too. he would have loved to also be a witness (i miss you daddy!).

i know not everyone voted for Barack Obama. they have their reasons for voting for McCain, as i have mine for voting for Obama. there are those that are still on their witch hunt - trying to find an excuse/any excuse as to why he is the wrong guy. when i say 'witch hunt', i'm not talking about those who are concerned about his lack of foreign affair experience, but those who think Barack Obama isn't a US citizen or worry about his middle name. i think those people have their own personal reason as to why they think he is the wrong person, but that is between themselves and their conscious - it lies within them and nothing i write here will change that. NOTHING will change that. some can dwell on Michelle Obama's dress choice (what a world it would be if we had one uniform or all had the same taste) or something she said many, many months ago (i am guilty of saying things in the past i am sorry for or should not have said - perfection evades me).

President Obama will do something wrong. He will make the wrong choice or mispronounce a word, make silly faces or take the wrong course of action. the cameras will catch it, the media will broadcast it and those on a witch hunt will rejoice and say, "i told you so". just wait, it will happen. i would bet, perfection evades him too.

for now, today, i am filled with hope! what if... what if we spend more time instilling confidence and humanity in our children and less time cleaning the floor? what if we show our children the personal and social benefit of a strong work ethic and less time worrying about who got ahead of us in line? what if we give something back? what if we give something to someone in need? what if the world is a safer place for our children? what if seeing a President that looks like me, makes a difference to children that also look like me - my children? what if the recession does not turn into a depression? what if the wars end peacefully? what if we never have another 9/11? what if? what if? what if?

Sasha, Malia, First Lady and President Barack Obama 'here we go'.

when close is too close

last night about 4:30, jack came into our room and said he had a nightmare. i tried to get him to go back to his room and then decided i was too tired for that fight so i told him to jump in. he snuggled in and than said, "please move over mom, i need more bubble space". for those of you who don't know what 'bubble space' is, it is your own personal space. i told jack if he needed bubble space, he should go to his own room. needless to say, he slept with me.

paul is in phoenix enjoying a midwinter, work subsidized vacation with all of his present and past weather-geek friends. last night when i talked to him, he complained that i wasn't talking loud enough to be heard over the party/music. poor guy!

day 7 of the new year

for the first time this year, in what seems like months, both jack and ellis are at school and i am home alone. i had so many things i was going to do today, and i find myself walking around my QUIET house, accomplishing nothing. oh well, i work hard most days, i deserve a few quiet moments.

for the third time this year, hellis (see ellisisms) had a total meltdown. we were out to eat with ben, iam and jenn and hellis decided that nothing was good enough at lunch. she began by laying on the floor, then throwing trains (thomas trains), then kicking train across the restaurant, then yelling. i tried my best to calm her down but ended up carrying her to the car where it took me a solid 5 minutes to get half of her strapped into the car seat. after gathering jack, i managed to get the other half of ellis strapped in and we set out for home. jack asked me to turn up the music because, "ellis is screaming too loud." when we pulled into the garage i noticed that more than half of her body was out of her car seat. she was still yelling at the top of her lungs, at this point i didn't know what about. i pried her screaming body out of the car and into the house. she kicked me as i carried her to her room and i had to stand at her door to keep her in her room. 30 minutes later i changed her diaper and coaxed her into bed. she napped for about 2 hours and woke up with the best demeanor. we ended our afternoon playing trains and my little pony.

it just goes to show you, what you have one minute can change the next.

Happy New Year

Happy 2009!
It's hard to believe another year has passed and we are faced with a year of enormous possibilities! I am hopeful for the new year. I am looking forward to what is yet to be.

This morning Jack, Ellis and myself took Grandma Joan to the airport. That was the fastest month-and-a-half. She arrived in late November and spent Thanksgiving, my Birthday, Christmas and New Years Eve with us. Mom and I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas gifts, we went shopping the day after Christmas for Christmas bargains and too many days in between. We all spent 3 days in Aspen - snowboarding, riding the bus, playing in the snow, looking for inexpensive and kid friendly restaurants (yes, they do exist) and of course, more shopping. We baked cooking, made gifts for the neighbors and watched movies with the kids. For as long as I can remember I have called my Mom everyday, I have also called her every 4th of July as I watched the fireworks and every New Year's Eve, to wish her a Happy New Year. It was special to wish her a Happy New Year face-to-face and kiss her cheek.
Thank you Mom for spending the holidays with us! It was the best Birthday and Christmas gift you could give this family. We were all sad as we left the airport and talked about your next trip West. We love you and miss you when you are not here!

To all our family and friends, we wish you a Happy New Year! We hope this new year heals old pains, brings health and happiness and a more positive new year. Most of all, I wish you all PEACE.