FIVE

We're so happy to be here celebrating this special birthday with you Sweetie!

We love you!

The "Big" Tree

Here are some pictures of us decorating the tree with my Mom. The girls were so excited to be putting up a large tree. The plan was to take a sleigh ride into the woods and get a real tree, but with the wind chill the temperature was -10. So....it's artifical, but still a beauty! Best of all, we were all together this year to decorate it. The girls had a blast decorating with Grammy and Auntie and playing in the basement with Grampy. It was truly a nice family day. I think I finally feel the Christmas spirit!

Happy Birthday Lee!

Hope you had a great day! We love you!

We Made It to Maine!

I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. I feared that traveling alone, all day, with a 3 year old and an 18 month old might actually be the death of me. Well, I have to be honest...it wasn't that bad. We started the day early and had lots of hands to help get us ready and to the airport (thanks Kim, Larry and Michelle). We arrived at the Norfolk Airport early and had no problems with luggage or security. The flights were on time to DC and to Boston. We had a slight delay for our Boston to Presque Isle Flight, but only about 40 minutes. The best part....the girls were AMAZING!!! They were SO WELL BEHAVED! I really know I had a guardian angel today, because with 2 toddlers, 2 large pieces of luggage, 3 HEAVY carry ons, a stroller, three airplanes, 2 layovers and a 50 degree temperature change, I'm still awake enough to type this post!!
Here are the pics....

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Always chasing Kody around and causing trouble. She just can't get enough of him....and he has absolutely no interest in her!

Warmer Weather

A high of 65 today, a great day to be at the park!

Thanks Grandma & Grampa Ciak!

Lily said, "it's just what I wanted!" We can't wait to start this new Christmas tradition with Daddy next year! Thanks so much for the Christmas goodies!

Click HERE to learn more about The Elf on the Shelf!

Growing

Look who can wear pigtails now!

Baking Christmas Cookies

Sunday afternoon the girls and I did our annual Christmas baking. This years order, Fudgy Peanut Butter Buttons, Chewy Brownie and Sugar Cookies. The girls had fun helping Mommy bake, especially Lily. She loves helping in the kitchen. After we finished up the baking and decorating we packaged them all up and delivered them to our friends and neighbors. We missed you Daddy! Wish you were here to help lick the chocolate spoons!

DD 60

MONTH TWO DOWN!!!

Today marks month two of Jeff's deployment. This second month seemed to fly by much quicker than the first. I guess the busy holiday season has my head spinning. Trying to keep up with all the every day stuff and the holiday to-do list, has me busier than ever. I must admit, I'm happy to be distracted. When I actually stop and sit down I feel a little over whelmed with how much I miss Jeff. Although we get to talk on a pretty regular basis, it doesn't seem to be enough. I just want him home with us enjoying this wonderful time of year. I promise I am not whining, lets call it venting. I'm proud of Jeff and his dedication to his country, but I'm also selfish. I wish he could do all these exciting things from right here in Virginia Beach. But....this is how it has to be. I try and just take one day at a time and that helps. Jeff has also been wonderful with this support and constant encouragement. Being separated really opens up an entire new avenue for communication. The hand written love letters still give me butterflies!
So overall, we're managing and getting very excited for our 3 week trip to Maine next week. The girls and I are going to be spoiled by my Mom and sister. When we get back in January....we'll be at the half way mark!!

Here are some pictures of Jeff out in the field.
We're all so proud of you Sweetie!!

Jingle Bell 5K

SO...I finally did it!! I signed up and actually ran a race. Since Jeff has been deployed I have been running to keep fit (and insane). I have always wanted to run a race, but never felt I was a true "runner". Well, with some encouragement from Jeff and my friends I accomplished a goal today. Michelle, ran with me and we had a great time. Since it was a Christmas themed race, we all wore jingle bells and everyone was decked out in red and green. There were lots of Santa hats, elves and reindeer, it was truly a festive event to support Arthritis. We had beautiful weather and lots of people cheering us on. It was a great first race and motivation to keep me running. Thanks to Michelle for running with me and taking some fun pics during the race.

Finished at 32:00 minutes

Letters to Santa

Getting our letters in the mail to Santa!!

Hard at Work

A picture from Skype today...it's was so wonderful to have a good connection!

Grins and Giggles

Christmas 2008

Discovery

Some warm running tights and my doggie...I do like running in cold weather!

DD 54

CRAFTS.....

CHRISTMAS MOVIES....

DECORATING...

COLD WEATHER....

CHRISTMAS MUSIC.....

THE CHAOS OF THIS BUSY TIME OF YEAR....

We wish you were here to enjoy it all with us!! We miss you Sweetie!