Twas the Friday before Christmas, and all through the house....

...Not a creature was stirring, ya right!

Usually my mind is blank this time of year, what to get people, what do they want! I don't know I don't know!

This year, I wish I had a million dollars cause I have so many ideas! If only I did! So, instead I write this blog, because this makes me feel rich.

Life goes on, the kids get bigger and bigger. Baran's Christmas pageant was last Friday. Such proud parents we are. I like having a good kid. Feels like we've done our job in this life. Both he and Charlee are so sweet. Mind you, they do have their days! They are in no way perfect but, 'practically perfect in every way.'

Baran has the most interesting mind. He draws so well. His stories will blow your mind. He builds and designs, he's incredible. He loves to laugh. He loves to hug and snuggle and LOVE. He is our sweet sweet sunshine!
Charlee, good ol' Charlee - she's smart, she's a stinker. She tries our patience and melts our hearts. She's a little tomboy that loves to dance and laugh. You can see her frustration, she wants to talk to you and tries so hard. She's my wittle girl! Oh, how sweet she is. Funny thing, she can't say milk, she says "mil" and then clicks her tongue. It is the funniest thing!

Well, just a proud moment in a mom's heart.


Anyhow,

still stirring...

Let it Be, Let it Be

Love this song!

October Crazies!!

Well, well well. Looks like we're back in the saddle again. Life doesn't slow down on it's own, you have to put on it's brakes. So far, I think I need new brakes.

We started October with Jackie and Dave visiting, then Mom came in the next weekend. The next weekend, Johnna and Josh and to finish off, we just took Mom back to the airport this morning. Really, it all happens so fast sometimes I wonder if it really happens. Was it just a dream. No, it was real and it was good. Almost a full month of family and we would do it all again. Now we just need the other half of the family to come in for November. Bellistons, it's your turn? Are you ready? We are waiting!

Yes, little Jackie is having a baby. Another April baby in the family? We will just have to wait and see...

Speaking of babies, little Everett would have been 3 this year. Of course, all the 'what if's' come into my head and invade the little bit of quite time I have during the day. We put some beautiful flowers on his stone and of course, a Halloween decoration. I see Charlee and Baran play and every day I wonder what would have been. But I love what I have and without life's unexpecteds, we probably wouldn't have Charlee. She sure is a pistol, but we love her the same. Our hugs are just a bit tighter these days :o)

We will be dressing up for Halloween this year. The Kissels are throwing a Birthday/Halloween party - it'll be fun. I think Baran wants to be Spiderman, Hulk-smash, a cowboy ghost, or ???? Charlee might be a buzzy bee! Bryan and I are pulling out the old Nightmare Before Christmas costumes and once again will be Sally and Jack. Now to find a red wig so this year I don't have to spray my hair.
Baran said he wanted a super spooky house so, we obliged. We decorated the front of the house with black lights, spider-webs, grave markers and other ghoulish things, Bryan did a great job!

Well, peace out for now - Charlee just woke up from her nap! She needs some hugs-n-kisses!

Summer time, and the livin's easy...

Can't believe how time flys. Next week we all will be flying to Lorain to see little Jackie get married, again :-) Please God, grant me the patience! We just picked up a portable DVD player so that should keep Baran entertained. Now what do we do with Charlee. Hmmmmmmm.

Anyhow, Bryan's business is picking up - hooray! Now to figure out how to handle it all. My job is always too busy in the summer, such is life.

This summer is already full with BBQ's all the time. We are planning to do some camping, we haven't been in a while and are very excited! I just bought a bigger tent today for Father's Day! I finally pulled the bike back out when I bought a trailer for the kids, they love it, I'm glad.

Anyhow, enjoy the summery sunshine! Don't complain either, soon it will be winter and we'll be wishing the snow was off the ground again.

Charlee is 1!!!!

...and just like that, a year has passed.

'The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye'

Where has the time gone?

Happy November! It's that time again, time to give thanks! We have been through a lot in the past few years, ups & downs, ins & outs. The more we live, the more we should be thankful for. We have our families, alot of people don't. Our families are good!

The kiddos are growing and growing. They are so beautiful. When they smile and laugh I truely feel the world stop, and for just that moment there is heaven!

Baran is now 3 1/2 and Charlee just turned 7 months. They play so well together. Baran knows what to do to make his sister happy - you see it in her eyes, she loves her brother :~)

Bryan is still setting tile, slowly but surely. These times have taken their toll on the construction world. Mom says she prays to St. Anthony to help him find work, I do too! But still, we chug along. Real estate is not great, property management is okay. We are trying to build up the business as well. Can't sell? Rent! (please,please,please!)

Anyhow, Happy Turkey Day! (early)

Thanks for all you are! God Bless!

6 weeks later!

And time goes by...

Can you believe it? My mom finally left after 6 weeks - we all still like each other too, even Bryan! Life is definitely more difficult with 2 kids, I will adjust, I CAN do it.

Back to work next week - not sure I'm ready but here we go, I'm jumping in.

Enjoy the pics!