I feel brain dead...

and I'm sure it's due to lack of sleep. ;-) The other night I lay awake thinking of all these things that I was going to type up. Well instead of just getting up and doing so, I continued to lay there just thinking. Morning came, and I can't remember what the hell I was going to write. I had it all planned out. ARGH!!!!

We have just over a week and the kiddos will be spending the night at grammy & papa's house! J and I can get some uninterrupted sleep!! Cel-e-bra-ta-tion, come-on! It's the little things that excite. ;-)

Seriously?

The other week I read an article discussing what some politicians thought of the current situation in Iraq. One noted individual, who I genuinely like, said something to the effect that if they knew then what they know now they would have voted against the war. Well duh! Who the heck wouldn't? I found the statement incredulous. For someone who I consider an intelligent person, I find the idea idiotic.

Most people know that I do not discuss politics with others, so this post is a new branch for me. I consider myself an independent, but do admit that I tend to lean to the left. That said, this is not an opening to continue political discussions where others can tell me my thinking is wrong. The reason I do not discuss politics is that while certain people claim they want an "open" dialogue, what ends up happening is my ideas and thoughts are criticized and said to be incorrect or deluded thinking. It's all in the perspective.

Happy Freakin' New Year

Well, our family rung in the New Year with sickness. All of us had something. Let's hope the rest of the year is full of good health.

Happy Christmas

The Christmas season. I adore it. The joy, the love in people's hearts, spending time with family. I have so much to be thankful for and to cherish this holiday season. I have two beautiful, healthy children and a wonderful husband.

This has been a fun season so far with a new baby and with Ariana understanding more and more about the holidays. At preschool they have discussed how different countries around the world celebrate the holidays, and she's enjoyed finding baby Jesus when we drive around viewing Christmas decorations. Phoenix is something to behold himself, this Christmas. He is almost ready to crawl! He is exploring his world and is soaking in knowledge. He learned to do "raspberries" this week and likes to make screeching noises. The kids will scream at each other and laugh. It's quite a sight to see. Those two kiddos are a blessed light in my life.

Happy Christmas to all! I hope you've all been good and Santa will be bringing you something other than coal.

Some holiday fun that helps out

http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
For every snowflake made a donation will be made to the salvation army.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
Say thank you to our troops! You can send a free postcard to a soldier stationed overseas.

Sleep

At times I think my children are clueless when it comes to sleep. Naptimes have become a battleground with Ana. The little guy barely takes longer than a 15-20 m nap at a time. When I can get them both down for the count together, it's a great day. Or on some days, like today, I'm frustrated and pissed off because neither one is sleeping and therefore is crabby. ;-) I love my kids, I do. But sleep is not on their radar during the day. And some nights. Bless their hearts, both kids have slept through the night the last few nights.

It's amazing how much we treasure sleep now. Also, how we can function as human beings when sleep is in short supply. What I wouldn't give for a non-interrupted night of sleep and a nap of my own during the day.

Tis the Season...

....for donations to organization close to our hearts.

If you are trying to finish up those donations for the year, please think about donating to the Preeclampsia Foundation or the HELLP Syndrome Society in our names. Both websites are listed on my "places I visit" to the right.

An easy way to donate is to use www.goodsearch.com. Enter in the charity of your choice (both the PF & the HSS are listed) and use the site as your search engine. Your charity earns a penny for each search.

Thank you!

Disney

We've finally agreed on our next Disney trip! It's a ways off (fall 2008), but I'm excited there is a trip to the mouse on the horizon.

Not so nice guy

I attended a sentencing this morning from a case that I worked with at my previous job. It was one that I worked with from the start and the client was quite memorable. The guy is a bad, bad man and will be in prison for many years to come, thankfully. His statement to the courts was a complete joke. I am so proud of * for sharing her statement. She has shown courage and strength and I am proud of her. She's had a difficult road with many bumps, but hopefully is off to a new life now.

Jason

I have the best husband. While he's not perfect (who is?), he's perfect for me.

I am amazed daily at how great he is with children. It's one of the things that I love about him and noticed when we met. When I see him interacting with our kids I love him even more. He helps out around the house. Of course, not as much as I'd like, but I guess I can't complain too much when I hear what other men do, or don't do. He helps with laundry, dishes, picking up, etc. He offers opportunities for me to get out of the house to do things so I stay sane. ;-) I appreciate that so much. He has always supported me with my decisions.

He's so passionate. At times it can drive me crazy, and I wish he could choose a different target, but nonetheless he's passionate about things. Packer football, a-hole drivers, the environment. He's caring, tender, hardworking, loving, sexy, geez I could go on and on.

I love him. I love him dearly, and do not know what I would do without him. He is my best friend and a person who I know I can count on for anything. He is my rock.

Touching Moment

I was reminded the other day of something remarkable that happened about a month ago. Ariana received a coin from her grandpa and I was lifting down her piggy bank for her when she asked for Phoenix's. She wanted to put her coin into Phoenix's bank since he didn't have much money. I told her that was very kind and generous, and that I was very proud of her for thinking of someone else. It warmed my heart to see her valuing someone else's feelings.

Thankful....

I am thankful for my family. I am so lucky to have a terrific husband and two awesome kiddos. I am thankful for such wonderful family members who are always willing to lend a hand and are great people to hang out with. I am thankful for some fantastic friends who are there to laugh with, cry with, vent with, shop with, and so much more. I am thankful for good neighbors. I am thankful for my health and to have a roof over my head. I am thankful so many things, the list goes on and on. At a time when many have little or nothing, I remind myself of what I am thankful for.

Six Months

My younger baby is now 6 months old. Where does the time go? Phoenix is growing so fast, and with the second child, I feel you learn to appreciate all the changes so much more. You are not hurrying the new and exciting things like with a first baby. Even with the appreciation for him in the moment, the moments fly by much too quickly. He is skootching himself around the floor and has gotten into crawl position a few times. Daddy thinks Phoenix may crawl by Christmas. I think he may be right. Looks like we'll have another early walker most likely.

Prematurity Awareness Month

November is Prematuriy Awareness Month. Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers. On a side note, the leading cause of known premature births is from preeclampsia.

As a parent of a preemie, I appreciate all the work that the March of Dime's does. You can see Ariana's MOD Band here:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/b.asp?band_id=7479

Running for a Cure to Preeclampsia

There is a woman who I find courageous and inspiring. Her name is Jill and she is running in the New York City Marathon in a few days on Nov 5. She developed HELLP Syndrome during her pregnancy and went through a nightmare. You can read her story here: http://www.bigapplemiraclemarathon.com/index.htm

Jill is doing an amazing thing, both personally and for the Preeclampsia Foundation. I am so proud of what she has accomplished!