So I have been trying to upload some pics on the laptop and every time the internet explorer freezes...so annoying. Oh, well. I know it sounds dumb, we have another computer in the office. But Jack likes to play with too many things he shouldn't when he's in there and with the laptop I can sit anywhere. We also continue to loath windows vista and all it's kinks.

Well, we have been home quite bit, between fighting colds and then a snow storm...Kevin ended up canceling Sunday PM and Wednesday night. I was actually getting cagey but this morning, before everyone else woke up, I made myself get up and pull out my pilates dvd. I am really glad I did and I really like doing it. It's just making it priority. Especially since I have been indulging too much in ice cream lately.

Kevin's dad came up to visit as well and it was nice to have family up. I still think one of my favorite things is watching Jack with any of his grandparents. I really think there is a special love between a grandparent and their grandkids.

We are trying again and are hoping for another one soon. For me is the mental thing of...I'll be 35 next year and there is more of a chance of this or that. It took awhile last time so I am trying to be patient but it's difficult...plus...let's just say...I'm not predictable so that doesn't help. I even have the awhhh thing when I see a little baby. Even with Jack having me up quite a bit lately I still would like to. I know it's a trust God thing but sometimes, to be honest, it stresses me out.

On another note...I hate dealing with a cold for me...but with a 1 year old and no medicine to give him to help with the snot...It's a pain. I do the honey and lemon, vaporizer, and even the vics on the feet thing. I know it will take time but man...he sounds horrible trying to hack it up.

On a positive note...I have caught up to Jack's 8 months pics with scrapbooking. It was fun to sit a scrap and enjoy again how much he has changed and grew. I love it because I can take all the little things I saved and tie them in as well.

Well, my ramblings for today are done...for now.

I feel guilty. I did not sit by the TV yesterday in awe. I didn't wait in anticipation. I didn't hold my breath to see what happened. Instead I went shopping. I actually somewhat avoided the coverage. It's not that I didn't care. I heard so much about it even before yesterday and there still is a ton about it today. I know it was a largely historical event and there are a million different commemorative items to signify it but is it wrong to feel like it's gotten old? I am praying for our president and his leadership of our nation but it is hard for me to see him as the "savior" so many proclaim him to be. He is a human being who is working alongside many other human beings to lead this country. I will respect him as a leader though I will not always agree with his choices. I will seek to uphold him in prayer. But, I just couldn't get into the mania and feel like somehow it is un-American to feel that way.

I look out my window to see a snow covered landscape and begin to think about the last week or so and realize the times of quiet were there to strengthen and restore me for the times of continual challange...from grieving with friends, enjoying a visit from mom and dad for her birthday, doing much ministry alongside my husband including hospital visits, fellowshiping with various individuals, discipling college students, counseling friends, having our first youth activity, and seeing answers to prayer. Yet, in the midst of all this I am so thankful to enjoy the small things in my life...

After all the holiday business it is nice to settle back into somewhat of a normal schedule. I have even been able to write out a general schedule of the day. I am starting to feel more organized again and am ready to tackle some closets soon. I even mixed up some yummy carrot raisin cookies and oatmeal cranberry orange scones using my microplane and kitchen aid...so fun!

I have always been such a huge fan of my birthday. I guess I feel it's the one day that is your special day. I have so much fun looking forward to it and celebrating that day (so opposite of my husband who just sees it as another day)

Kevin had his last skills day for firefighter training on my actual birthday (Saturday) so we went out on Friday. A wonderful lady from the church came over and babysat for us so we could have a date. We went to Panera bread and then did some shopping at various stores. This may not seem like a big deal but since Kevin has had firefighter training he has done most of the shopping while down in Glens Falls (our nearest "big" city -with walmart, target, mall etc.) So, to actually be able to go and shop was enjoyable. And spending time with just my husband was so nice.

On my birthday I woke up and headed down stairs with my little man to discover flowers and a card on the table. Kevin had to head out early but totally surprised me! It was so sweet! In the fridge there was cheesecake (my favorite) for us to have later.

I did not get a present that day because I actually picked out my birthday present in November. I have not always been a kitchen person (I used to be afraid of the waffle maker in the college cafeteria) but am learning to enjoy cooking and baking. My mom had received a kitchen aid mixer a few years ago for Christmas and I saw how nice it was to have one so I had been looking at them for awhile. I knew they were expensive so had chalked it up to "someday." When the Black Friday ads came out I was looking through them and saw one for an incredible price. I thought I might have to go fight the crowds but ended up getting it on-line instead! It came a few weeks later so I have been using my birthday present for awhile! Birthdays Rock!

On a side note, an awesome kitchen gadget I received from my wonderful husband for Christmas was a micro plane and it rocks!! I always get frustrated trying to zest any citrus because I can never get the stuff in between the grooves. Well, this one is amazing! I made cranberry orange scones the other day and it did a beautiful zesting job in seconds! If you don't have one...it's worth the investment!