The pictures are coming..but here is what is on my heart today

I know everyone reading this is probably anxiously waiting for Christmas pictures. They are coming. I actually just wanted to take this moment to share some of my thoughts. Some of you probably know Jason Ceretti. I just found out that his wife Dana passed away yesterday after a very long battle with Cystic Fibrosis. They have a little girl named Abby. I don't keep in touch with Jason anymore and I didn't know his wife other than meeting her a few times. I know from what I've heard though that she was an incredible woman who inspired everyone around her. My friend Jenny said that she never complained, even though she probably was the only one who truly had reason to. Jenny said during our phone call today that she really hopes that Abby knows what a wonderful woman her mom was. As I sit in tears mourning for a woman I hardly knew, I think of my own life and how truly blessed I am. My sons are healthy, my husband and I are healthy and we so often take that for granted. I know that I don't live for today. I am always running ahead and looking for what is next. How often am I missing moments that could affect eternity. Dana is in heaven now and finally able to breathe easily without pain. I know from reading her caring bridge web page that she lived not only for the moment, but to help others see God's light in her. She's inspired me and I hope that each of you will take a moment to reflect on your own priorities and how precious life is.

First visit with Santa

Our neighborhood had a Breakfast with Santa event last weekend. We got there at the tail end of it because I had signed up to help wrap the gifts after the event was over. We thought we'd just bring the boys in so they could see Santa as he was leaving. Well, an hour and a half later they actually got to see Santa. Wow, who knew that Santa was so popular.

On a side note, I found Drew on top of our kitchen table this morning. I guess he can climb on to the chairs now and then up to the table. Drew is almost 15 months and somehow we have been very lucky not to have had any ER visits, but I know they are coming. I'd appreciate any tips on how to keep Drew off the table since you can't really put a baby gate around the whole table. I guess I will have to just move the chairs away and then hide them because otherwise he will just move the chairs back to the table. Wish me luck!

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

It just finished snowing here in Austin!! The ground was too warm so it didn't stick, but the boys and Rudy had a blast. Kyle and I enjoyed it too!

Thanksgiving

We celebrated an early Christmas at my parents while Kirsten and Pat were here.

Blake and Drew playing outside with the wagon

Blake and his new friend "Mr. Pig" or "Little Pig." Blake had such a fun time with Uncle Pat. He would walk around asking where Mr. Pig was. It was very cute.

Me, Kirsten and mom. Kirsten's baby bump hardly shows (Due in January)

This picture is my favorite because both boys were screaming their heads off. I never did get a good picture of the two of them.

Blake all dressed up for Thanksgiving. He helped set the table this year.

Drew and his crabby appleton face that he managed to carry out all weekend.

Oh, never mind, he did smile a little for Pampa.

Blake and Drew watched the Thanksgiving Day parade. I loved Drew's little crossed feet.

The lost has been found!

Baby Ducky was found and returned to Blake. We actually considered just putting him in the keepsake box once we found him, but Blake started saying some really sad things about how much he missed Ducky. Ducky is back with Blake now, but can't leave Blake's bedroom.