My "Girl" from China!

So, this week was a little rough. Chad and I came down with a virus on the same day, and needless to say it really kicked the "poop" out of us. (for lack of a better word) I asked Taylor if she could keep an eye on Aiden while I laid down for a little. So I had the door cracked so I could still hear them and I started to hear Aiden yell at Taylor a little... which isn't unusual for broher and sister. I walk out into the living room and she has her makeup kit spread out, a dress on Aiden and had him in full costume. At first he was not really into it, but then he wouldn't take the dress off all day... Chad didn't think it was too funny, but hey they are just kids! Now, I want a little girl!

Baby Leahs Dedication Day

I thought I would share some pictures of the day. Today was my sisters baby's "dedication" at church. It was great to be able to share that with her. Leah is so precious, such a joy for the family. It really is a reminder, that as parents the way we live really influences how our childrens lives will be. As parents we have an obligation to incorporate God into our kids lives so they may know right from wrong. It is amazing what kids understand and know. Taylor always amazes me with what she says. It makes me stop and think about my actions. Like on the way home from PA, my one weakness is driving - and I was getting a little mad at the cars that would be riding my bumper and I was muttering a few things, Chad goes remember "Christian Calmness"... and Taylor goes yes mom remember..

It has been awhile since I have blogged.. I am going to get back into it. I have been taking a few classes so I have been busy with that and my kids! Also, I have to admit I have to be in the mood to write and for some reason I just haven't been. I want to do something more with my blog I am just trying to decide which way to go! Right now, I am learning some more graphics things and trying to get use to my new camera. I really need to take a class on it.

The kids are doing really well. Aiden is still such a joy and Taylor a good sister, a bit bossy at times to him but good non-the -less. The pastor who did Leah's dedication was also the pastor who did the funeral service for Chase. He is such a great man... so positive. Well, after the service he got to meet Aiden for the first time. Aiden went right to him, slapped him five and let him carry him around. The pastor said, "Wow, what a blessing you have here. Is he always so happy?".. He also told me he would love to do Aidens dedication as well, so I think it will bring us full circle soon. I just don't know how I would keep it together on that day. It is so ironic how life plays out. I still wonder why at times God lets things happen, and let me tell you it is hard but I thank God for all the blessings that he has given me. I also thank God for the family who lets me cry when I need to and rejoice when I need to as well. Okay, well I have jumped all around on here but thought I would catch you up!

Random Thoughts & Pictures

Well, I have been hearing that I have not been keeping up with my blog so I thought I would post a few random pictures of the holidays. It has been a whirlwind of a holiday that is for sure. Driving to Michigan 16 hours in the winter can be a little stressful to say the least but it was good for the kids to see their grandparents. Florida next year? Sounds good to me (haha) After we left Michigan we went to my parents for 3 days in PA, which since it is only an hour and a half from where we live was great. We were ready to get home and relax... well not really relax, we had 2 car loads of presents and clothing, it took us 2 days to put things away and we are still sorting things out. So now, we feel like we need a vacation from the holidays, anyone feel the same?

As for the New Year, I do have ideas and thoughts and resolutions...
I will share those more next week when I get my thoughts together. I am planning on doing more crafty, cooking type blogging as well... more for us women. So I hope you all had a great Christmas. Ours was good just tiring that is for sure. It was so great to see Aiden get so excited.

When we got home to our house two days ago, Santa did leave some presents for our kids. Taylor was praying she got a gift card and letter from Santa to go the American Girl Doll store in NYC...at first she didn't see the card way up in the tree and we got a very sad face from her, but then she saw it and was so happy. It was really neat to see because she wrote a letter to Santa telling him this was the one thing she REALLY wanted to do. So Santa sent her a big musical card and a letter. She just kept saying, "I can't believe he answered my letter. And look he knows I have a brother because he said I was a good big sister"... So precious! I like to keep the magic in Christmas a little for her, she is only young once. Aiden loved his tractor Santa left for him. We took the battery out of it because he was having too much fun going back and forth in our living room, and running into the TV. After we took it out he had his hands up like, "What happened", he still didn't get off of it for like 30 minutes. So here are a few pictures... the baby in the pictures is my precious niece Leah, she is so cute.