Awesome lights!

This shot shows what you see as you drive over the hill towards the Village!

Nothing exciting happened today...but tonight! Bob and I took Morgan to a magnificent display of lights! (Of course our camera was out of battery so the pics are from their website)

Bob and I had been there many years ago (when we were still dating) and I vaguely remembered it, but when we got there the 7 dollar admission was absolutely worth it!! (Kids are a little cheaper, and little ones under 2 are free!) There were soooo many lights and displays! The village has the path marked with arrows to allow it's visitors not to miss a thing!

Not only are there displays along all the walkways but there are little sheds that have a glass window that you look in and see other displays. A few names I remember were: Raggedy Anne's Ice cream Shop, Christmas in the Rainforest, Christmas under the Sea, as well as a great train display, a display from Valley Forge, and a Nutcracker room...just to name a few! As you walk along the path there is not only lights but wood carved characters...including the Sesame Street gang, the Peanuts gang, a group of farm animals, and again many more! Also along the path were wood carved squares that had a picture on them along with a well known Christmas story and they continue down the path with 5-10 of these squares to complete the story! Have I said yet how amazing it was?!

If you go at certain times (I guess stated on their website) you can also see Santa and sit on his lap! Along the path there are also refreshments for sale...I'm sure a lot of hot chocolate sells! Bob, Morgan, and I had such a great time!! There is no time limit for how long you take to go through the display and I think it is great for both children and adults!! If you live within two hours of Reading PA (actually Bernville, a suburb of Reading) I suggest you go! It will be a Lee Family Tradition from now on!

Again, Morgan just loved it! Looking at all the lights and the shed displays, her face just lit up at every display (except for the wise men story...guess she isn't quite old enough to understand that one yet!) I can't wait to take her and RJ back next year! The website address is: http://www.koziarschristmasvillage.com/

Just one of the many paths you walk down!

Another shot of the decorations!

ENGAGED!!

NO NOT ME! :)
Andy and Megan got engaged!! He proposed at the Grand Canyon!! What a wonderful surprise for Megan! She has been glowing! Yea!! (Now it is time for Beth to save money b/c we all know Megan will only expect the best!) Love you both! Can't wait for the planning! Probably a summer 2010 wedding!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The day after!

Wow! Yesterday was an amazing fast paced day! It was so nice to see all the family and share quality time with them! We seem to forget about the most special moments in the day to day rat race we all run!

Today was a day just to catch up on all the excitement and relax! Couple pictures of Morgan checking out her gifts!

We went to see "Marley and Me" tonight as a family. Good movie! Seemed to dipict my life to a tee! The last 15 minutes are very tearful!! Make sure to bring some tissues!! The movie makes you think about your own life, and if you own pets the meaning they have to you and the family!

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful day! We had a whirl-wind of wonderful insanity! From ripping open presents to wanting to play with new toys (which all have little pieces of course) to getting Christmas baths to people arriving to opening more presents to supper to opening more presents to dessert and finally bed...we were all exhausted...but a wonderfully blessed "pooped"!

Morgan was so much fun to watch as she opened all her presents! When it was a toy the excitement in her face was wonderful! When it was a new outfit she would throw it up in the air and look back into the box/bag to see if there was anything else that might entice her more...nope...only clothes kiddo!

I feel blessed to have such a wonderful immediate family, and extended family that we always share Christmas with! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas...and a nice restful long winter's nap!

Merry Christmas Eve!

...and to all a good night! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas... filled with 'Christmas Miracles' as Elmo has told me over and over and over again!

It will be different this year being at the 'rents house, but we will make it work! Santa will hopefully find us and spoil us!!

Today we had friends of the family over for a Christmas Eve supper. It was nice to see Morgan play with the twins! (Thank goodness she woke up from her nap before everyone left!) She got a couple nice presents and will probably play with RJ's presents too until he can grab them away from her! Time to teach sharing!!

We went to 8pm mass so Bob could attend as well. (Bob had to work 7a-7p today) As we sat down the man behind us said jokingly..."He isn't going to make any noise is he?" pointing to RJ, in which I answered "fingers crossed, I hope not"...WRONG somewhat! Other than a complete melt down before church began (where I had to take RJ to the ladies room and nurse) the mass went smoothly...Morgan ate 5 packs of "ak-aks" (fruit snacks) plus a 7 ounce bottle of milk, and RJ had 3 more ounces of milk from a previously pumped bottle. It was a nice mass all together!

Again, to one and all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

(A couple previous blog postings are in the works, just need a minute to download some photos to go with them...check back for them!)

Cookietime Monday!

Morgan had so much fun helping make our sugar cookies!

Step 1: Wash hands
Step 2: Make dough Step 3: Watch Momma roll out the dough
Step 4: Push cookie cutters into the dough Step 5: Transfer the cookies to a cookie sheet Step 6: Sprinkle with colored sugar Step 7: Bake
Step 8: Serve to willing family members and say: " cookie?"
Step 9: Eat one yourself!

Morgan loved the whole experience and was disappointed when the cookie making was over!

We also acquired another dog for the week! Aunt Melanie (who has one of Lacey's pups) is going to visit her parents in Florida and left Carleigh with us until New Year's Eve! One more dog to poop, pee, eat, and pay attention to! Hopefully we can handle it!

Morgan also said her first three word intelligible sentence today!! "Dada ickey on!" (Daddy Mickey on!) Go Morgan!

New house-snow-presents

Last night was a great night for RJ, a little rougher for Morgan! RJ slept from about 12:30am until 6:30am then after nursing until 9:30. Great job little guy! Morgan woke up around 4:30 crying...I let her cry for about 10 minutes and she fell back to sleep...maybe she had a bad dream? She slept until 9:00 after her early wake-up. When I went in to get her she had soaked through her diaper...more wash for Momma today!

Today the family went up to look at our new house! Nothing much was done to the house since the last time we went! The outside is complete, the inside has the linoleum and hardwood floors in and that is it. No cabinetry, no carpet, nothing else done. Guess that stuff gets done quick. The builder offered for us to move in and settle a month early, but we declined b/c the builder's credit was not enough financially for us. Guess my 'rents are stuck with us until March as the original plan was!

This is a picture taken from a local greenhouse. I am wishing for snow...I love the white stuff! When I was a senior in high school (1996) we had some awesome snow! A few snow days off from school and even I went outside and played in the snow! Snow days are about being young at heart...playing in the snow, reading a good book, drinking hot cocoa, sitting by a burning fire...mmm...hence why I took this picture of the snowman...to remind myself of how nice a real snow day would be (not this yucky icy stuff we have been getting). I was hoping for snow on Christmas Eve, but now it looks like it will be to warm for snow and we will be getting rain...bummer!

Presents are finished now! Thank goodness...I think I got them all wrapped...now it is watching my parents wrap all their presents for the family...I still can't believe Christmas is really almost here!!

Trip cancelled!

Today the kids and I were supposed to head down to the DC area to visit my sister and brother, HOWEVER the weather had a different scenario for us! It was scheduled to ice and freezing rain and rain all day today. I really didn't want to drive down on I 95 with that weather! Yuck! I am really disappointed, but I will make a 'snow' date...I mean rain date!

RJ is fighting his first cold! Poor little guy. He woke up Wednesday with a cough and runny nose! I feel so bad for him! Some germ got him! Although he is still a happy baby!

Morgan played with her play-doh again today...loves it! Although I hate the clean-up she lights up while playing...so the clean-up afterwards is worth it!

She still loves her Elmo video! I think I almost have it memorized...but it isn't a video that gets old...it is light-hearted and fun to watch!

TANTA!!

We went and saw Santa today! Tanta as Morgan calls him is amazing at the King of Prussia Mall! He takes his time with the kids and seems to be very easy going! As we stood in the line waiting to see Santa we continuously prepped Morgan to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. "What do you want for Christmas little girl?" "ELMO" "and" "ICKEY" (Mickey). We figured she had it down after rehearsing...100 times... The girl in front of us looked to be about 3 years old and would not look at Santa, would not look at the camera and would not smile. She sat on Santa's knee with a look of "who is this and why am I sitting here" expression. Her Dad and grandfather tried tirelessly to get her to just look at the camera to no avail. Their picture (if they got one) would be Santa smiling nicely and the top of the little girl's head... oh boy... then it was our turn! We sat RJ on Santa's lap and then sat Morgan down. He asked her what she wanted and with a little prompting from Momma she was able to tell him Elmo and Icky (mickey). I moved away so the picture could be taken! He said something to Morgan and with a distinct I am not answering you look turned her nose up and turned her head away. She looked back to the camera but refused to smile...so as you can see in the picture we have the pattened Morgan expression...and RJ is staring pleasantly at the camera. It could have been a lot worse! She didn't try to jump down, she didn't start screaming or crying, she didn't try to steal his glasses, and she didn't try to pull his authentic beard. All in all it was a great Santa experience for all of us!

We walked around the mall for a little while taking in the last minute shoppers and the beautiful holiday decorations hung throughout the mall. It was so nice to be out as a family! Recently Bob has been working a lot of overtime so I feel like we haven't had any good quality family time together! We had it today...even if only for a couple hours!

Playgroup-Holiday Party

I woke Morgan up this morning so that we could make our playgroup! It was the holiday party and we were going to share yummy holiday treats and holiday cheer with one another (we also exchanged gifts with the kiddos). We had a great time! RJ slept for 90% of the time and Morgan warmed up a few minutes after she got there. Morgan got a play-doh set that she absolutely loves and RJ got a Mr. Potato Head set that he likes to look at and Morgan will play with until he can grab the pieces and suck on them (which won't be long, I'm sure!)

We came home and Morgan went down for a nap...talked for a good hour and finally fell asleep!

The rest of the day we relaxed and had a good time playing with the new toys. Morgan looks so happy when she plays with a new toy or with a new-old toy (one she hasn't played with in a while).

No-ing!

Morgan went to the sitter today for the day. She didn't cry when I dropped her off! Yea...she is finally realizing that I will come back for her! When I came back tonight it was snowing! Our conversation went like this:

Morgan looked out the window and said "Aining" with assertiveness.

"Not raining Morgan, Snowing!"

"NO-ING"

"Yes Morgan it is snowing!"

"Aining" with a head nod

"Close...it's not raining, it is snowing"

"NO-ing"

"You got it kiddo, it is ssssssnowing!"

We step outside and Morgan said "No-ing"

"YES Morgan! It is ssssssnowing"

The whole ride home Morgan looked out the window and said "No-ing?" with the expectation I would agree... "Yes, it is ssssssnowing!"

I love you Morgan!

Family Cheer

Today was the yearly family Christmas party. To me it is the Christmas party...to some others it is just the family party...but come on...it is right at the holidays...it must be a holiday party! If the elders don't want me to think of it as a holiday party then lets move the party to the summer! Ok...off my soap box!

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After church and breakfast we had exactly one hour to get both kids bathed and dressed for the party...as well as getting ourselves ready, cutting veggies to take for the appetizer, getting pjs together for the ride home and making sure the diaper bag was stocked (b/c we all know if I don't have a change of clothes for the kiddos they will have explosions and teach me a lesson!).

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We made it to the party just a couple minutes late...still one of the first people there...whew! Now we could relax! The family party is the time to talk with all the relatives and catch up on a years worth of information...when I was a teenager the party really wasn't much fun b/c I didn't want to play with toys anymore but I wasn't old enough to enjoy just talking to the 'adults'. Now...I just talk to the adults (b/c I am one of them!) but I also try to talk to the teenagers a little bit b/c I remember how I felt! (BORED!)

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There is a new generation coming into being! Morgan has several cousins now that she will be able to play with for years to come! The young cousins include: Collin is 4, Brenden is 2, Kyran is 8 months, Justin is 3 months. Plus next year my brother will add a little one to the mix! That is a nice set of kiddos to play with! Hopefully they will all get along! The picture above shows Morgan, RJ, Kyran and Justin! They actually sat still! Yipee!

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Long day for Morgan with no nap...she fell asleep in the car three minutes after we left the party, however woke up when we tried to transport her to bed and then had a hard time settling back down again to sleep!

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It is always nice to celebrate the holiday with family...it makes us remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about!

Spectacular Saturday!

Today was a great day with the family! Morgan didn't wake up until a little after 9 and we cuddled in bed with her and RJ for an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. After we all got out of bed we went out to eat at a buffet breakfast at a hometown favorite and then headed out to check out possible progress on our house! When we got to our house we found something accomplished! The linoleum and the hardwood was laid! Yea!! It looks great! We came home and put Morgan down for a nap...well...maybe a nap...she talked for a good two hours before deciding to fall asleep at which she slept until 5:15!!

After the well enjoyed rest period we headed to a friends home for some holiday cheer. Deklan (3 months older than Morgan) and Morgan parallel played and were helped into sharing with one another. Grabbing and pulling toys and screaming "that's mine" were not tolerated. It caused a few unhappy moments...but 2 year olds have to learn sometime...why not now! AJ (3 months older than RJ) and RJ rolled around on the floor taking in their surroundings. Morgan ate supper like a champ (making Momma and Daddy look like liars...we swear she doesn't eat that good at home!). After supper the kiddos played together while Aunt Amanda, Uncle Cameron, Momma, and Daddy actually played a couple games of Blokus. Great game, I'll talk more about it another time!

As we were getting ready to leave Deklan and Morgan started a running game! It was so adorable that us grown-ups just let them go on and on and on just watching...even if it was after 10 pm... The game consisted of Deklan running after Morgan until they got to one corner of the room and tagging her...then turning and running the other direction until he reached the wall, turned around and waited for Morgan to catch him and give him a big old smooch right on the lips...at which time Morgan started running and Deklan followed...allowing the game to go on and on and on... wait until you are 16 kids...and we bring out the pictures and the video! (I know it will be embarrassing...that is the plan!!)

Rain rain rain

It has been raining all day (again) today! I had to head out with the kiddos to see a private client. Although I shouldn't laugh it was too funny watching my little ones in the rain. Morgan had a hood on so she had both her hands out to 'feel' the rain as it came pouring down b/c she couldn't feel it on her head...and poor sound asleep RJ got the rain pounding down on his little face...the only thing not bundled up! He immediately woke up and his eyes got as big as saucers as I watched the rain drops (bigger than usual rain drops) splat, splat, splat down on his chubby cheeks! I just had to giggle and wished I had my camera for that moment in time! What a nice way to be waken up! After my attention left RJ and back to Morgan she still had her hands out palms up, but now had her face up to the falling sky! She was trying to catch rain drops on her tongue...or at least that was the assumption I made since her tongue was hanging out like a dog! To be young and carefree again! It was a bright spot in the otherwise dreary day!

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MeMom bought the kids a new video..."Elmo's Christmas Countdown". For those kiddos who like Elmo and Sesame Street this is a great video! Morgan pulled her chair up next to RJ and even RJ watched almost the entire 45 minute video! It is a fun video to watch b/c it has real life 'famous' people involved too...allowing some adult entertainment!

Rain day!

Lots of rain today! What to do when it rains? Play inside!! No errand running...just spending time inside where it is nice and cozy (however it is warm outside today!).

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Morgan didn't wake up until 9:30 this morning! It is nice when she sleeps in! RJ was awake around 5:30 and then again at 7:15...at which point he wanted to stay awake and be entertained. We cuddled in bed and smiled at each other until Morgan woke up...then the three of us stayed in bed for a little bit until hunger pains called Morgan's name! I really love being able to lay in bed and cuddle with the kiddos...it is so nice...I am enjoying every day I get with it!

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MeMom bought Morgan an Elmo Christmas DVD and she loves it! She wants it on over and over and over again! Today is the first day we watched it...I have a feeling by Christmas I will know the video by heart!

Wonderful Tuesday!

This picture makes RJ look like a little man...I'm not ready for him to grow up yet!! .

Today was a great day! RJ slept until about 5:30 before waking up (5 hours straight) and then cuddled in bed with me. Morgan woke up around 8:45! We all cuddled in bed for a little while (Daddy had off from work today). I played with the kiddos in the am while Daddy went off to the gym (where I should try to go!!) and then Daddy watched the the little ones while I went off for a massage and then got my hair cut (just trimmed). It was wonderful! The massage was a gift from MeMom and PopPop after RJ was born! I had gone for a prenatal massage from the same lady and enjoyed it so this was a great gift! It feels so nice to have all the attention on me! I may be paying for it but it is worth the pampering...even if only for one short hour!

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After I got home and Morgan woke up from her nap we headed to supper with a friend of mine form elementary school! Our families had a nice supper...Bob, Morgan, RJ, and I for us...and Kelly, Mike, Nathan (3.5 years old), and Lily (just about 2 years) for them! Everyone behaved and we had such a nice supper and time that we lost track of time and didn't leave until almost 8!! It was very nice to see them and spend time together! We live so close yet don't get together as often as we should! We need to try harder!!!

Tree hunt!

Off to the Christmas Tree Farm we go! Although we don't have a 'house' this year I still wanted to have the experience of the farm! I have been going with with my family since I was young...a tradition I continued with Bob, and then Morgan...I just had to take RJ for his first farm experience! (I took Morgan when she was less than a month old her first time!) It was absolutely frigid with bone chilling winds...but that wasn't going to stop me! Morgan got all bundled up from head to toe and then some...I borrowed a big jacket that my brother had left at the house (I think he used it for skiing) big enough that after RJ was in the Bjorn I zipped the jacket up around him! Perfect...nice and warm...and he ended up falling asleep (another plus!).

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Morgan loved walking around and checking out the trees! She wanted to help pick the tree and helped carry some cut branches that we gathered for cemetery wreaths we make every year. We all looked like stuffed marshmallows but we were warm!

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MeMom and PopPop found a tree they like without too much effort and then we were off to get it tied up!

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We got in the car and warmed up with the heat kicked on full blast and Christmas songs dancing on the radio!

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What a wonderful day!!

In for it...

When Morgan wakes up crying in the morning you know you are in for an interesting day! This morning when she woke up crying it ended up she must have been starving and immediately asked for her "baba" (bottle) with "ot" (hot) milk! After she sucked down her usual ounces she asked for "mee" (more). When she finished her second round she put on a smile and was in a much better mood! Whew!

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We watched several episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, played with the dogs, attacked RJ with Elmo, went on a car ride to check out our new house, and then played some more! Not much excitement happened today.

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RJ is getting really close to laughing! Can't wait! I love that he is such a smiley baby!!

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As we continue down this road with two children it just rolls in my head some of the differences between my two wonderful little ones. Two that I have been thinking about most recently are: 1. Morgan rarely smiled (unless you stood on your head, literally) and RJ smiles willingly and easily and 2. Morgan LOVED to sleep on her belly whenever possible, and RJ hates his belly. If I lay him on his belly he immediately wakes up and screams! Hmmm...things that make you go hmmm!

The family

Today felt like an unusual long day. RJ was up bright and early this morning (6:45am)...he didn't even want to sleep in bed next to me and Morgan woke up a little bit earlier than usual (8:25am)! Urgh! Lucky Daddy...he slept in until noon today because he works the night shift. I wish I could get that many straight hours of sleep...I don't think that will ever happen again!

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We were going to visit with Claire and Zandi, but Aunt Jo didn't know how her girls would be after their doctor's appointment (where they were getting a bunch of shots). So our day consisted of playing with toys and cleaning up toys, and playing with toys and cleaning up toys!

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Even though it was a long day, it was enjoyable!

Aunts

Thought I would share some photos of Morgan, RJ and their aunts! I am so blessed to have a wonderful sister and sister-in-law who love to play with and hold my kiddos! It is exciting now because Morgan can say everyone's names now! . Nothing exciting to report happened today...we played and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse... and of course I did my daily load of wash!

Great Fall day

Today was a little bit chilly but after yesterday's 'issues' I decided some fresh air in our lungs would be great! Morgan had a blast playing on all her toys, drawing with her chalk, blowing bubbles, and running around like a crazy two year old! RJ joined us too...all bundled up and under my zipped up jacket, probably a funny sight for the cars passing by!

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I couldn't help but put her 'queen of the world' picture up on the web...my little queen!

Illness, will it strike?

RJ had his doctor's appointment this morning while Morgan was at the sitter. He has grown! He is now in the 50th percentile for both weight and height...his head however is still in the 5th percentile. Guess I raise kids with tiny heads. I'd rather have a small head versus a big head! He was so well behaved for the doctor...until the nurses came back to give him 4, yes 4 shots! Poor guy! At least two nurses give shots at the same time...so it was only 2 seperate stabs...two at once... Nothing a Momma can do except give lots of hugs and kisses after the fact! He slept for a majority of the day.

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Picked Morgan up at the sitter this evening. I found out that she 'shared' her fruit snacks very nicely with another little girl (That grosses me out a little bit b/c I know how two year olds share! Here...let me put one in your mouth, I tasted it and didn't like it but you will like it!) ....then....I found out...that the other little girl had vomited all over the couch and floor sometime during the day (and was still there at the sitter when I picked Morgan up). For anyone who knows me they know I HATE GERMS AND ILLNESSES...YES...I HATE GERMS AND THE WORST IS THE STOMACH BUG GERMS! So needless to say I was very grossed out, disgusted, terrified that someone in my household would now get sick, and would even go as far as saying I was mortified. I REALLY hate PUKE! I rushed Morgan home took off her shoes in the garage (what if she had stepped in it?!) and took her immediately upstairs for a bath...oh...after I stripped her naked in the laundry room and threw all her clothes into a "HOT" laundry wash to kill all those bad things I saw crawling all around her clothes! Even her jacket went in! I think Morgan thinks I am nuts...I seriously washed her 10 times before I let her out of the tub...and until I washed her the first time and emptied most of the water out and refilled it she didn't even get her usual bath toys! Sorry...can't spread those creepy crawly germs! Can you tell how much I hate GERMS. Even to write about it makes me grossed out! So I really do know that it wasn't the little girl's fault...she is only almost two...but now I hope when I look at her I don't get grossed out!! That seems to happen in my mind...b/c of this episode I may never ever have her over for a play date...I will...I really will try to get over it...but EWWW!! I obviously have issues...GERMS are a major phobia for me...

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So needless to say I write this with a fear...a glooming cloud over my head that someone is going to get sick...causing a chain reaction in the household... Pray for me that I got all the germs off her body and that she drank enough soapy water in the bathtub to kill any germs she had inside her!!

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I can't deal with PUKE...what will I do... Please, pray for me!! Now I must go shower, I feel....dirty!

House update

Our house looks great...from the outside! I can't believe we have a standing house! It is so exciting to realize this is where I will spend the rest of my life and raise my family! The inside is all dry-walled, however nothing seems to have been done in the last month, if not two months! We are hoping that something will be done soon...possibly the painting? We found all our cabinetry in the garage the last time we visited, so we know the kitchen installers can start after the painting is finished! Yea! March will be here before we know it!

Only...

One picture I have of Aunt Melanie and Morgan, dated February of 2007! Sorry Aunt Melanie...I didn't realize we didn't take more pictures of you when you visit! Remind me and I will take some pictures!

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Those of you wondering who Aunt Melanie is...since I only have one sister Megan...I have been friends with her since senior year of college...can't believe that was almost 9 years ago! We have kept in close contact and is there when I need her! She is a speech language pathologist just like me, so we have a lot in common! We can bounce ideas off of each other, and vent when the paperwork and school nonsense gets too much!

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Nothing exciting happened today, hence why I decided to devote today to Aunt Melanie! Love ya!