2010 - A new year

To those who used to read my blog - Welcome back! To those that my be stopping here for the first time -Welcome!!

As can be seen, I have been majorly slacking as a blogger. So many reasons...but really just excuses!

But today is day 2 of this new year - 2010. And I was thinking about New Year's resolutions. Now, really I don't believe in or make New Year's resolutions, because let's face it - how many people really & truly keep those "resolutions". It's not that you don't want to...and you have good intentions when you make them - it just too easy to put them on the back burner when we get busy, tired, stressed, etc. And that is life!

Anyhow, so while I don't want to make resolutions, I do have hopes & goals for 2010 in general. I admit, at first my attitude was "I hope 2010 is better than 2009". But when I thought some more, I realize that although certain areas of my life are not ideal and sometimes downright depressing and stressful, overall, I am really grateful. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters. We are all healthy (well, Lorelei & I are starting 2010 with a cold - but you know what I mean!!), and we have a nice home to live. And overall, I am quite happy. However, there are things I hope are different by the time 2011 rolls in.

My first goal is this blog. I want to be MUCH better at keeping it up. I need to make an effort. It is so easy and faster to upload pictures just to Facebook - but not everyone is a "FB" person. Plus, this blog is meant to capture more of our lives than just a FB status!

Then, there are things in general, like I hope to find a new job this year with no potential for travel. (Anyone want to help me with my resume)?! I hope to get our finances in better order. I want to be healthier and lose weight (as many do). It is hard, because for me, when I am down, food sure makes me feel better! But, as I learned from all that watching of the Biggest Loser - I should want to be healthier for myself and my family. And I do. It is tough and I may not do well, but I want to try.

Anyhow, here I am going on and on...I think I will end for now. I hope and wish everyone a happy, healthy, & satisfying 2010!

And now, a few pics (of course!!):

Brooke turned 3 on 12/22/09...her two birthday cakes!

Snow Play!



Cookie Making



The Girls!

Apple

I was trying out the settings on my new camera. Just thought these were cute!

Update - August '09

Again, I have been blog MIA! Sorry! You know, work, family, summertime = Busy!

And from here at my work computer, sadly, I have no pictures to include in this post...but I know you'd like an update anyway!

Let's see what have we been up to? Mostly the usual suspects....the zoo, the pool, talking walks, local festivals, etc. We have taken up a couple of Chicago Fire soccer games...we always have to leave early before the girls get too crabby & out of control (!) - but it is still fun for a while!

Lorelei is walking all over now! And she is getting smarter by the minute! Learning and saying more words every day. She talks more than Brooke did at this age, but I imagine it is because she is learning from her sister. She knows what she wants and doesn't like if she doesn't get it, but overall, still the calm and happy little one she's always been!

Brooke has been potty training & is doing great. Only a few accidents here and there now. She is very independent as always. She "over" loves her sister with full body bear hugs & thinks that pushing Lorelei down is just fine! But overall, they get along and laugh together...they just also like there "alone" times when one is sleeping and the other is up!

Kevin & I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary...can't believe it has been 5 years already. It sure has gone by fast!

Nothing much else really to report on. We are blessed & lucky to have a happy and healthy family!

ONE YEAR OLD!

I just can't believe my littlest one is ONE YEAR OLD! An entire year has come and gone. So fast!

Here is the latest on the recent Birthday Girl!

She went to the doctor for her 1 year old well check...she is 18 pounds, 5 ounces & 28 1/2 inches tall. Almost exactly the same as her big sister at that age. Weight is about 10th percentile and the height is about 30th. Doc says she is perfect in every way!

Also, since it is the popular question at this age...Lorelei just took her first steps yesterday! A 4th of July to remember for her! I even made sure she did it again today to make sure it wasn't a fluke! But it wasn't! So, the real walking will be coming in no time I am sure! Look out world, here she comes!!!

It's all about the cake!!!

Five Things...

Five things about the girls right now...

Brooke Madeleine 2 years, 5 months & approximately 29 1/4 pounds

1. Loves to go outside! One of the first things she asks to do after she wakes up!

2. Becoming a little parrot! Better watch what you say!

3. Got her hair braided for the very first time...by DADDY!



4. Got her toe nails painted for the first time this summer!



5. Learned that she can use her rocking horse as a step stool!





Lorelei Grace 11 months & approximately 17 pounds



1. Starting to talk. If you ask me, she says Dada & Uh Oh!...and maybe just maybe starting on mama!

2. Just had her 6th tooth come through.

3. Is standing all on her own with great balance! I think those first steps are coming soon!

4. Is starting to eat lots of table food!



5. Climbs the stairs like a champ!