Ramblings . . .

Well, we lost the house we wanted. Our offer was contingent on us selling our house, which we haven't done yet, so when another couple made an offer, we had to give up the house. :( It's ok though. If it was meant to be, it would have worked out. So, now we have to decide if we want to keep looking or take ours off the market. There isn't much available in the area we want that fits our search criteria. So, we may take ours off the market and do some heavy redecorating. New floors, new paint, new countertops. We'll see.

Jamie is closing on her house today. I'm so excited for her. I know she will be so happy in her new home. I can't wait to see it all decorated.

The boys are doing good.

Michael isn't doing so well. He's got a disk in his back that is on the verge of rupturing. He's been doing physical therapy for a little over a week now. It's not helping much though. I'm afraid he may have to have back surgery. That won't be fun for any of us! Keep us in your prayers!

Update on Us

There's not much going on right now. Ryan is getting over his double ear infections. He took a 10 day dose of Omnicef, so he'll be clear for a little while at least. Jackson is his usual self. It was Hundreds Day at school yesterday. Jackson got to be a member of the Hundreds Club because he can count to 100 by 1's, 5's, and 10's.

We are still showing our house a lot. It's been on the market for 25 days now and has been shown about 18 times. We are hoping to get an offer soon. We are so anxious to get into the new house.

Mom and Dad came up for a visit last weekend. Daddy hadn't seen the boys since Christmas, and I think he was about to go crazy. We went bowling Friday night. It was Jackson's first time. I think he really enjoyed it. I bowled a 97. It wasn't great, but it was fun. I guess that's what it was all about anyway.

Don't Shoot Joe!

Ryan's new favorite movie is "Mighty Joe Young" from like 1995. He can't get enough of the oversized gorilla. Toward the end of the movie when the bad guys are after Joe, Ryan yells "don't shoot Joe!" It's too cute. When it's over, Ryan will bring me the remote and say "find Joe." He wants to watch it over and over.

He said another thing that was too cute last week. I had stopped on my way home and got both boys a happy meal. I had Weight Watchers that night, so I didn't want Michael to have to feed them and bathe them. Anyway, when Jackson finished his meal, there were a few fries left. Naturally, Michael and I grabbed them up. Upon seeing us stealing these fries, Ryan started yelling. "Jasson, Jasson, garbly gook." Then he looked at us and plainly said "Don't eat him's lunch!" It was too cute! I loved seeing him taking up for his big brother!

We are so proud of Jackson! He finished his book at AWANA this week. He has worked so hard!!!!

Tuesday, Tuesday . . . .

We are back in the swing of things. Back in school. Back at work. Back to normal. Well, mostly. Michael is in Golden, CO this week teaching the Coorstek plant there how to use their maintenance software. I am here working on buying a new house and selling ours. So far, so good. We're hoping to get an offer soon. I'm so excited!

Mom is coming up today to spend a few days with us while Michael is gone. That should be fun. The boys will be so excited to see her. Jackson will be glad to be a car rider for a few days instead of riding the daycare van. And I'll be glad to have someone to help me handle Hurricane Ryan. He's precious, but lately he's a terror.

Wish us luck!

Happy New Year!

It's 2009! I can hardly believe it. Last year just flew by. Jackson turned 6, Ryan is almost 2. It's too fast!

Our new year came in rather quietly. Both boys were in bed early. Michael and I fell asleep on the couch around 9:30. We woke up around 11:30 and popped some popcorn. I got a New Year's kiss at midnight, then we went to bed. Not too exciting, but just right, I think. I can't think of anywhere better to be than at home with my family.

Unless maybe a new home with my family. That's what we are working on for the new year, a new house. We've found one we like, so now we have to do the hard part. We have to sell ours. We'll see how it goes.

Happy New Year!

After Christmas. . .

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The boys were so happy with the gifts they received. I think the hamster was the biggest hit. Jackson was so surprised. He screamed "I got my pet! I got my pet!" Ryan seemed a little overwhelmed. All he wanted was to open the sucker that was in his stocking. So, we put him in his highchair and opened the sucker. Sometimes it's the little things that make them happy. Michael was very surprised to get the Tom Tom, XM radio, and Oakely sunglasses. I think he had a great Christmas too.

We had lots of fun playing dirty Santa on Wednesday night. I always enjoy getting together with my dad's family. There are some real characters in that bunch!

I am glad to be home too. It's true, there's no place like home!

Christmas Week. . .

Well, Christmas week is here! And I'm so excited. I've definitely got the Christmas Spirit this week. I can't wait to go to Crossett tomorrow. I'm excited about the things the boys are getting this year. I know they will be pleased. And I can't wait to see all of the Parker family and play Dirty Santa on Wednesday night. That was so much fun last year.

Jackson and Ryan are both in Crossett already. So, I can't wait to see them too when I get there tomorrow. It's going to be a great Christmas! We have been so blessed this year.