Finally writing something meaningful... I've been lazy and pics/videos are so much easier to post

Just tired and busy lately... I had no Christmas break! I was in lab finishing my research and creating the poster to take to Santa Clara. It was nice to get away for a few days but so hard because I didn't take the kids. Thats the longest I've ever been away from either of them. I didn't get to relax because the weekend was packed with speakers, presentations and workshops. Now back at school and working. I'm teach 3 anatomy and physiology labs... not easy. It requires so much outside prep on my part... this week I'm relearning all the bones in the body and preparing to teach cat dissections. Besides that 3 grad classes, lots of reading, research... am I forgetting something??? My home life...

Gav and A are growing up so fast. Gav is great he goes with the flow and rather be out and about playing... though he is learning how to argue (they call it the freaking 4's for a reason haha) I can't believe 4 years are about to past. I still remember being pregnant with him [sigh... teary eyed] I look at pictures just from a year ago and Gav has grown so much in every way. I always think he is this big boy and then a few months past and he has matured some more.

A is a bit more sensitive. She wants someone to be around all the time (has to be someone she is comfortable with) and it takes her time to ease into new surroundings. She is fast and ready to take on the world. She is sooo cute when she eats puffs or cheerios. She uses her two bottom front teeth to take a bite... so dainty and lady-like and takes her time. Gav would shove as many as possible in his mouth. She's mimicing waving goodbye and clapping... oh and standing alone!!!

Boomer is working as usual... but has been home with A during the day... I think he likes laying around on the floor playing with her all day ;)

It feels like time is flying. Some days I want the world to stop so I can breathe and hug my kids without worrying what needs to be done by when... but this is the world we live in. I do love it and I'm greatful... I do all this for my family and myself. I'm counting down the days til spring break and I'm going somewhere. Sorry Dr. B not spending this vacay in lab cause I'm sure the lab will have my summer.

My crazy little girl!!! She's getting really good at standing on her own... Soooo not ready

Gavin's Birthday Invite

This way the info is known to those I forgot to send the invite to. You know if you are meant to have one... all family and friends are welcome
The peachy blobs was my info...

Some advice to keep with me for the upcoming year and the rest of my life...

Maya Angelou said this in an intervirew with Oprah:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." "I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. "I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." "I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that when ever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision." "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." "I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." "I've learned that I still have a lot to learn." "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Mom Especial

Gavin decided to give himself a haircut today. He asked for the scissors and some paper to cut. 5 minutes later he comes back with a curl. I was like "what did you do?" He said he wanted to cut his hair. As I'm running my fingers through his hair, more is falling out and then I found a nice size lock of curls on the floor. After bath I found the area that was missing hair. Luckily he didn't go to the scalp. I had to even his hair out... this was my first time cutting it ever. It came out even... thank goodness

Snowplay

After visiting the families, we went up to Angelus oaks to hang with the bestie, my Godparents and family for the rest of Christmas. Gavin had so much fun in the snow. In the video Gavin and Aubrey were flying down the hill and David was at the bottom to stop them. The kids knock David down like a bowling pin and he rolls over Gav. We laughed so hard... when we think about it... the kids could have ended up under the car. We later found a better spot to sled. Good times

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I love you all and hope everyone has a wonderful day with their families.

Loving Father, help us to remember the birth
of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and
open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings, and teach us to
be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy
to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening
bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen!

The boys, Gavin and Lee, were inseparable during our Vegas trip. I barely saw Gavin because he didn't want to leave his older cousin. Lee was so sweet, he gave Gavin his Star Wars t-shirt, shoes and toys. I can't wait to see my sister and nephew for Gav's bday next month. Thinking of you guys xoxo

New Blog

Jeremy and Dreaa created a cute blog. It is in Clarissa's point of view. Check it out!

Joyous News!!!

Congratulations to Dreaa and Jeremy!!! They are expecting their second child. They are wonderful parents and I know Clarissa is going to be an awesome big sister. Love you guys xoxo