Happy Birthday Piper!

To celebrate her one month birthday today, Piper slept for a 4 hour stretch last night!!!  Hallelujah ~ God is GREAT! 

Happy Birthday Sweet P!

Welcome Piper Leighton!!!

Piper was born March 18th after my blood pressure spiked and I begged the doctor to move up my delivery date!  She came at 12:45pm and was 7 pounds 5 ounces and 19.5 inches long. 

She had a little trouble breathing at first so I didn't get to see her for the first 3 hours but after that she was placed in my arms and I haven't put her down yet.  

She loves cuddling and breastfeeding. She absolutely hates getting her diaper changed. Her sisters can't get enough and she sleeps about 2 hours before waking up mommy. 

Here are a few pictures of our Pip Squeak. 

15 Things I Want my Daughters to Know about Being a Good Friend

1. Think about how you are treating others, more than how they are treating you.

The middle school years can cause otherwise normal, healthy people, to become overly egocentric. Being a good friend means you are thinking more about how you can love others than how they are loving you. If everyone does this, then everyone is being loved, cared for, and thought about. When we shift our focus from, “how am I treating you?”, to “how are you treating me?”, we get all huffy and bent out of shape over all of the ways our friends fall short. When we focus on, “how can I love you?”, we are more attentive, thoughtful and quick to offer grace.

2. Don’t stir the pot with drama.

There is always one, sometimes two, girls who bring on the drama in every group. I do my best to tell my girls often, “don’t be that girl”.  Drama is really about bringing attention to yourself, and feeling like you are in control of others, in some way. It is usually based on hyper-emotions, quasi-true information, and a whole lot of misinterpreted junk. Drama is never helpful. Ever. Take it from someone who was a whole-lot-o-drama in the past. Drama comes from a place of deep insecurity, and can be toxic. Do your best to diffuse drama when you see it. Speak truth bravely, and don’t be manipulated by it.

3. Be mindful of manipulation.

Girls can do this in such covert ways, it should really be considered an art. But, it isn’t Christ like. It isn’t helpful. It isn’t part of being a good friend. Manipulation is about holding something over someone in a way that shows you are in control. Witholding friendship, turning others against someone, threatening to tell someone’s secrets, are just a few of the games girls play. They say,  “I am in charge here, so you better, grovel, ask forgiveness, or do what I want, or else”. Again, I say, “don’t be that girl!”. Be the girl who keeps her friend’s secrets, who quickly reconciles, and who includes others, not excludes them. God is not manipulative, and Jesus never held anything over our heads. Be the type of girl who offers friends safety and security, instead of constant mind games!

4. Forgive freely. Don’t make people work for your forgiveness.

Not forgiving is about holding power over someone, in the same way manipulation is. Friendships aren’t about power, they are about encouragement. Christ freely forgives, and so should we. It doesn’t mean we don’t get hurt, and it doesn’t mean we don’t draw boundaries. But, being a good friend means making it easy for your friends to admit they were wrong. Chances are you will need to be forgiven also, so, offer to others what you would hope they would offer to you.

5. Encourage other’s strengths, don’t point out their weaknesses.

Be the girl, who is confident in who others have made her, to call out a friend for all of the things she does well. Point out her hidden talents, cheer for her when she makes the team, and congratulate her on an opportunity that maybe you wish you had been given. Speak life to your friends, and avoid being overly critical. Most likely, your friends are more than aware of all of the places where they fall short. Encourage them in the ways God has gifted them. We are all good at something, and your friends successes don’t have to mean your failures. They can be your successes as well!

6. Listen.

Be a good listener. Take mental note of what your friends say, and offer constructive feedback. As you get older, this will become easier, but you have to start somewhere. Are you someone who actually hears what her friends are saying, or are you too focused on yourself to get any thing?

7. Be “for” your friends. Choose them. Be on their side.

When someone is talking badly about your friends, stick up for them. Don’t join in, just so you can feel cool for the moment. Be the girl who has her friend’s back. Also, part of being “for” your friends is wanting what’s best for them. If you know a friend is in trouble, or is doing something potentially dangerous, love them enough to tell someone who can help. Even when it is hard, be the friend who looks out for her peeps well being.

8. Say hard things, gently.

Sometimes our friends need to hear the truth. However, when the truth is dripping with sarcasm and cutting words, it isn’t all that palatable. Be the girl who can speak the truth with grace, in a way that makes your friends want to chew on it for a while. Pointing things out in a snotty, I-know-better-than-you kind of way, is not helpful.

9. Protect their name.

Wherever you go, make sure that you are always mindful of how you speak about your friends. Make sure that you are never the one running your friend’s names in through mud! Talk about them in great ways when they aren’t there. Tell others about all of their awesome qualities, and leave when the conversation goes in another direction.

10. Pray for them.

When you listen, you will know how to pray. When you are thinking through how to love them, instead of how they love you, you will know how to pray. When you spend your time with them, you will see areas of need, so you can pray. Ultimately, it is God alone who brings about lasting change, so commit to praying for and with your friends. Battle for them when they can’t battle themselves and battle with them when they can.

11. Don’t let boys get in the way. 

Seriously girls. When you get a boyfriend don’t forget your friends. When your friend gets a boyfriend, don’t take it personally when she wants to spend some time with them. If you like a boy, but he doesn’t like you, but does like your friend, let it go. He wasn’t yours to stake your claim on. Don’t ditch the girls for any guy. Remember if he is worth keeping, you won’t have to. 

12. When you are wrong, say you are sorry.

You will be wrong. You will do something to hurt your friend’s feelings. When you do, admit it, and apologize with sincerity. Sometimes, you won’t be sure if you are wrong. For the sake of unity, let your friend know that you value them, and that you are sorry if you have done something to hurt them. Be a big girl, and be honest with your shortcomings.

13. Pursue Jesus, together.

Pick friends who want to know Jesus as much as you do. The way they do that, might not look exactly like the way you do, but hopefully it will be their desire. If you are both pursuing the Lord, do so in a way that is mutually encouraging. Maybe read the same part of the bible together. Or, you could chat once a week about what God is teaching you. Find some way, no matter how young you are, to make your relationships with God a part of your common ground.  If you have a friend who doesn’t know the Lord, pray for them, and openly share with them. Be there when they have questions, even if your answer is, “I don’t know, but maybe we can find out together”.  Starting this young, will build a firm foundation for your relationships with other ladies, later on in your life.

14. Serve one another, and serve others together.

Do things that are helpful, thoughtful and needed for your friends. If there is someone in your class, neighborhood or general circle of people, who is in need, serve them with your friends. You really get to know people, when you work along side of them. Be a part of what God is doing in your area, with your friends. And be the girl, who thinks about how she can serve her own friends!

15. Friends won’t be perfect, but they are worth it.

Your friends will let you down. They will hurt you, tell a secret of yours, or go after a boy you like. No friend is perfect. But, a good friendship is worth working for. It will require an investment of your time and patience. It will be messy, fun, and everything in between. Fight for your friendships. Work through hard stuff, so that you can continue to grow together. Pray for understanding. Friendship will cost you something, but you will be abundantly blessed by a strong, healthy friendship. So, don’t give up on people too quickly. Put in the time and energy to make your friendships great. Be that girl!

2015 was a good year

2015 was awesome!!

Kirstynn turned 7!  First family cruise! 

Thomas and I celebrated our #donbavand10years in Europe! 

We took a family beach vacation to Corpus! 

We found out we are having another baby! #piper 

The girls started 2nd and 4th grade!  Addison turned 10!  

Life was so good to us.  Can't wait for what's to come in 2016! 🎉🎊. 

Happy New Year everyone!! 💜

Christmas 2015

Well another Christmas has come and gone.  It was really wonderful and went way too fast. We had Nana Lady and Grandad, Nana and Grandad Simon and Auntie and her family and Auntie Chrissy for dinner. Thomas made a delicious turkey and I enjoyed every bite.  

The girls got everything they wanted for Christmas. Addison finally got her iPhone as we felt she was showing enough responsibility. She cried when she opened it.  She also got a sewing machine from Santa and some clothes. 

Kirstynn got her Baby Alive from Santa and also got her doctors kit fully equipped with a stethoscope and scrubs (thanks to Nana Pops). 

Baby Piper is going great. We are 27 weeks along and she is moving like crazy. Mommy is super stuffy and snoring way too much (driving Dad nuts) and experiencing some heartburn.  We are all getting anxious for her arrival.  Crib is put together and our great friend Vanessa gave us her swing. 

Cheers to the upcoming new year!

Belly Picture!!!!

Just wanted to post a quick picture of my sweet baby belly.  

110 Things I Think Every Mother Should Teach Her Daughter

1. You will always remember your first so choose wisely. 

2.  Cut your hair shorter than you dare. It will grow back.
3. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.
4. Pizza is always a good idea.
5. So is a good run.
6. Be strict with your own grammar and spelling. Be lenient with others’.
7. Never skip breakfast if you can help it.
8. Surround yourself with people smarter than you.
9. People deserve second chances, but there is no such thing as a third or fourth.
10. If someone tells you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl, do it anyway, and do it better.

11. Know your limits, and exceed them.

12. Except when you’re drinking.
13. Never bite off more than you can chew.
14. Especially when you’re drinking.
15. Don’t ever feel obligated to explain yourself.
16. Dance whenever you feel like it.
17. Your problems may seem overwhelming right now, but you will get through them. I’ll make sure of that.
18. You never know when you need to wipe away a tear, so always have a pack of tissues at the ready.
19. Wash behind your ears.
20. If you happen to be in the closet, take your time.

21. Just know that I will be waiting outside with open arms.
22. Drink water like it’s the most delicious beverage on earth.
23. Sleep early.
24. Train yourself to rise with the sun.
25. Pets are a lifelong commitment.
26. Learn how to say “no.”
27. Learn to love walking.
28. Your weight does not define you.
29. Feminism is not a bad word, despite what others may say.
30. No one has to earn your respect. Everyone deserves it, regardless of who they are.

31. Once you wear a properly-fitting bra, you’ll wonder how you went so long without it.
32. You are more than just your looks, your GPA, or your sexuality.
33. Choose comfort over style every single time.
34. A smile is your best accessory.
35. But if someone tells you ‘you’d look prettier if you’d smile more’, walk the other way.
36. Even if you’re tall, wear those heels anyway.
37. Read. A lot. Read even those books that you think you can’t understand yet, because you will, eventually.
38. And if you do decide to be a reader, start with classic literature. They’ve lasted this long for a reason.
39. Never quiet your voice for someone else. There is always room for more than one person’s opinion.
40. It’s okay to like pink things and play with toy trucks at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive.

41. Do the cliche movie scene of walking along the beach under the stars with someone you love, at least once in your life.
42. There is a lot of bad in the world, but there is also a lot of good.
43. Expect the good, but be prepared for the bad.
44. Fruits are your friends.
45. Cola is not.
46. Be impeccable with your word.
47. Your sadness, anger, and pain must all have a reason, and must all be within reason.
48. Floss.
49. Being “intimidating” is not a bad thing.
50. TRAVEL.

51. And make sure you talk to the locals.
52. Swimming is a necessary skill, not an optional hobby.
53. Don’t be afraid to ask for my help.
54. Don’t let high school be the best time of your life.
55. Or the worst.
56. Get lost in a city you’ve never been to before.
57. But buy a map just in case.
58. Wherever you go, make sure you smell good.
59. Master a different language.
60. Be unapologetically yourself.

61. Meet someone who makes you laugh so hard your stomach and cheeks hurt.
62. Hold on to that person.
63. Don’t be naive.
64. Know that you can tell me anything.
65. Exercise.
66. Always question authority. If they can’t give you the answer you need, then they aren’t worth following.
67. If you feel homesick, bake yourself some cookies. You’ll feel a lot better.
68. Don’t underestimate the power of a large blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and a good movie.
69. Don’t EVER drink and drive.
70. Grades aren’t everything, but just know that a degree will take you places.
71. Make sure you understand the question before answering it.
72. Tattoos are permanent.
73. Learn to enjoy your own company.
74. Be thoughtful.
75. Be eager.
76. Never skip English class.
77. Or math.
78. Or science.
79. Never skip class, ever.
80. My hugs are free and available 24/7.

81. Start saving your money as early as possible. Your college self will thank you.
82. Turn off that iPad and spend the day outside. Your most memorable experiences will be when you’re under the sun.
83. Beauty is relative.
84. Jump on hotel room beds.
85. No matter where you go, never forget where you’re from.
86. Offer to help a friend move.
87. Always take what you deserve.
88. Be gentle with other people’s feelings. Everyone is fighting their own battle.
89. Take criticism as a challenge.
90. Prove them wrong.

91. Know the difference between studying and learning.
92. Learn to play at least one musical instrument.
93. Buy clothes for the body that you have, not the body you are getting in two months after you give up carbs.
94. Moisturise.
95. Exfoliate.
96. Wash your face two times: once in the morning, and once before going to bed.
97. Smoking will make you look older than your age.
98. The only way to get into something is to just dive in.
99. I’m talking about life in general. And also, pools.
100. Don’t be afraid of wearing red lipstick.

101. Be bold in your choices.
102. I will love you no matter whom you choose to love.
103. He should make you his priority, not an afterthought.
104. You could call me your best friend, because you will forever be mine.
105. Don’t take things too personally.
106. Hit like a girl.
107. Run like a girl.
108. Fight like a girl.
109. And by that, I mean WIN.
110. You will never be too old for me to call you my baby.(Source)

It's a girl!!!

Found out today we are having another beautiful baby girl. I couldn't be happier. 

Second trimester!!

We officially made it into the second trimester!!!! Mommy is getting a bit of a cold. I've been coughing and sniffling but other than that and a bit of tiredness I am feeling great! 

Thomas and the girls spent the weekend at Schlitterbaun and floating the river this weekend. They had fun but said the water was super freezing. I missed them so much and I couldn't be happier that they are home. 

Here's some pics from their weekend and my 13 weeks update!

Hi little one!

We got to see our new little one today ~ so amazing how real this little baby looks already.  I can't wait to meet him or her. 

Advanced Maternal Age

Wow, I am doing this again. Seven and a half years later. I'm pregnant with baby number 3 and due in March! We are so excited and can't wait for our newest addition. 

I was reading the book I had printed of all my posts starting in 2008 and in there Thomas keeps asking for a third kid and I kept saying no way. It went back and forth a few times throughout the years but I think regardless we always knew we weren't quite complete. 

I've been feeling pretty good. A little more morning sickness with this one but as we move towards week 13, I'm feeling better and better.  We have our next sonogram on Tuesday and we also get a panaroma test that gives us genetic testing and tells us for certain the gender.  I get this wonderful perk because I'm now of "advanced maternal age". Lol  feels so weird saying that.  Either way we are hoping the test shows a healthy baby.  Daddy of course would love to have a son but I'm team pink. In reality we don't care the sex ~ just want all clear thumbs up. They sure know how to get your fear going being over 35 and pregnant. 

Either way, I finally got this app so I'm going to try and post again more often. 

A letter to Kirstynn

May 26, 2014 My dearest Kirstynn, Your teacher has asked me to write you a letter that you are not to open until the day you graduate from high school. In 8 days from now, you will be graduating from kindergarten (tear drop). Before I try to give you some advice on your young adult years, let me first give you some insight into where you are today. My amazing girl, you are the most beautiful, loving, expressive and insightful child I have ever met. I look at you often and shake my head, not believing that I had part in creating you. You are 100% your own person. You think outside the box and aren’t afraid to be yourself. You give me the best hugs and kisses. Literally, when you cuddle up against me, all my worries and fears melt away. You make me so happy. I call you my little “fashionista” because you always dress in the most funky, cool way. I take pictures because I am so proud of your sense of self and confidence. You love your big sister so much. You are still sleeping with her every night and although she pretends she is ready for you to move out, I know that she secretly loves it. You are the best dancer and you have become such a great reader! You are kind and emotional and I love you so much. When thinking about what I wanted to put in this letter, I was thinking of all the things that I would want to tell you that I wish I would have known when I was preparing to go out into the world. Most of it you probably will roll your eyes at and some of it you may already know, but I hope that you keep this and one day you look back and make a decision that makes your life better by using my experiences. My biggest life wishes / lessons for you in no particular order of importance: 1) Boys. Guys. Men. Oh Kiki, I already hear you talk about them. And I already see the intoxicated look of awe in your eyes when you talk about a boy that makes you happy. It scares me. If you get anything right in your life, I want you to get this right. Date a lot. I mean, A LOT. That doesn’t mean to sleep with the entire fraternity house, but you COULD let a few of them take you to dinner. Sex is a beautiful thing. I don’t think you should have to wait until you find your husband to do it, but I do think you should wait and do it with someone you love and that loves you back. When you don’t, it feels bad. And that is silly. There are plenty of things in this world that can make you feel bad; why self-impose one on yourself? Don’t pick the boy for his looks. Don’t pick the boy for his job or size of his bank account. Don’t pick the boy because he’s the one you can’t have. Pick the boy that has patience with you. Pick the boy that tells you over and over again all of the wonderful things he loves about you. Pick the boy that understands real love lasts forever and takes work. Pick the boy you would want to be the father of your children. The one that plays with your hair, that one that opens your car door, the one that comes inside to meet your parents. Pick the one your friends like, the one that encourages you to have a life outside of him (but misses you the whole time), pick the one that is nice. Pick the one that is responsible and consistent. Pick the good guy. 2) Education. GET ONE. Go to college. Go AWAY to college. Get a job or two. Some of the best years of my life were away at college. They were the hardest and most exhausting but so much fun. And I learned that I could take care of myself. I found out that in the real world no one is going to make sure I get up for class or study for a test. I learned that If I wanted to live a life where I can take trips, buy the purse, and worry about important things rather than how much I could buy at the grocery store before I went overdraft in my account, then I had to work for it. You are smart and you can do this. If for some crazy reason while you are reading this, you haven’t already been accepted into a college or made plans for the next year, sit down and start doing it. Life goes so fast honey and if you don’t force yourself to take these few years to focus solely on you, then you may lose that chance forever. Education is like a vitamin for the mind. And it’s an insurance policy for your future. Go anywhere. But go. Trust me on this. 3) Friends. Man, at this age, friends are everything. And rightfully so. Friends are vital at every point in your life but probably the most so right now. I want you to remember: You easily become like the 3 people you spend the most time with. So choose carefully. Pick friends who lift you up and make you better. Help them be better. But know that although painful at times- they come and go. Even some of the friends that I thought I would have for a lifetime eventually dropped off the radar. Not because you love them any less but because life happens. So when you have the make life choices, make them based on you. You WILL be around forever. Some friends may disappoint you. Learn when to forgive and when to just move on. You sister is your best friend. Don’t ever take that for granted. Stand out from the crowd when you are walking a line and deciding if you do the right thing or the popular thing. Choose the right thing. If you do it, you are giving your friends the opportunity to do it too. Be an example. A good one. 4) Life Rules. A simple few that you should remember. Don’t drink and drive. It will catch up to you. And that simple mistake could ruin your life forever. I will ALWAYS come and get you if you need me to or pay you back for a cab. ALWAYS. Make sure you say please and thank you and look people in the eyes when you are speaking. Have a firm, confident handshake. Exercise - it’s the best natural stress reliever, it makes you look good and it’s healthy. Travel. Give back. Don’t stay angry – it’s exhausting. Smile often (they say if you smile for 15 seconds then it sends a message to your brain that you are happy…..even if you aren’t). Don’t do drugs – it’s really the smartest way because unfortunately you never know if you are the one that will hate it and can walk away or if you will love it and start a lifelong struggle for yourself – it’s not worth it. Choose family. Don’t cheat. Talk to God. Pray a lot. Be nice. I could write forever and ever Kirstynn Jaan. I want the world to be your oyster. You deserve only the best. You are so special, so important and so incredibly wonderful. I want your life to reflect that. Congratulations on graduating high school my sweet girl. I am so proud of you. I love you to the moon and back. Love, Mom

2013 has now come and gone.

2013 has now come and gone. Crazy how the older you get, the faster time really does pass you by. It was a very eventful year for us! I got a new job, Addison learned to ride a bike, Kiki started school, we made new friends, lost others and just overall had a blast! Addison found out that she is being recommended for gifted and talented! Awesome, right? And Kiki has pushed herself and caught up to where the rest of her classmates are despite her speech delay! I cant express how darn proud I am of these children. They are nothing short of incredible. We spent New Years with our wonderful friends and neighbors! We hosted Christmas for the first time ever and Thomas made a delicious turkey and we danced the night away on the xbox! Addison is taking dance. Kiki started but dropped out. She is spending her time becoming the next fashion diva. Thomas and I continue to eat at as many restaurants as possible and mommy joined the gym!

No more babies

So the 2013 school year is upon us and that means that my baby Kirstynn is now in kindergarten and my Addison is in second grade. It is so bittersweet. I feel like I just started writing these blogs and now my girls are both doing homework!? Kirstynn had a really great first day. She went in with confidence and used her charm on her very pretty and very sweet teacher. She was blessed to have both of our neighbors in her class so it helped that she had friends. The next few days weren't as easy though. By Friday when we sat waiting for the bell to ring, she put her head in her arms with tears in her eyes and said "Mommy, why did you have to sign me up for kindergarten?" Its the work and the waking up early that just isn't sitting well with her. But she is adjusting. We are almost a month in by this point and she is getting into a routine. Addison, on the other hand, just like the years before has jumped in with both feet. She is just such a natural student. We got a beautiful letter from her teacher by the second week of school that read: "Hi, I just wanted to let you know how awesome Addison has been in class! She's such a smart girl and she is a real leader. I have really enjoyed having her and you should be very proud of her! I am very excited about all the great things she will accomplish this year!" Yes, it made my day but didn't surprise me one bit. We had our very first school dance as well... a month full of firsts. Here are a few pictures.

Dear Addison

Dear Addison,




I wanted to write you a letter to tell you how special you are. You are growing up so fast and some days I just want to hold you so tight in my arms and make time stand still.



Today you are seven. I can't believe it. You are reading books and crushing on boys. You are so loving and the best big sister I've ever seen. I'm so lucky to be your mom.



My favorite things we do together is when we hold hands and shop and talk about life. I love hearing how much you love school, how much you care about your friends and how brave you are. When you broke your arm you had so much courage. I'm so proud of you.



Don't try to be a grown up too fast. Have fun being a kid. Play. Be silly. Take naps. Dance. Be kind. Before long you'll have more responsibility and experience and it won't be so easy to just have fun.



Thank you for always giving me hugs when I need them the most. Your cuddles are the best medicine for anything. Please remember to never stop hugging me ~ no matter how old you get.



I love you to the moon and back my sweet angel. You changed my life. In the best ways.



Mommy

Sandy Hook Inconsistencies

As taken from another site, I just wanted your input on this and and verification if its true or not. Again, I am not endorsing or validating ANY of the following..  just want your thoughts.

1. LIBOR connection


2. As yet, parents have not been allowed to see their children. (Photoshopped pictures do not count).
3. As of now, I have seen only one unambiguous statement from a grieving parent (Robbie Parker).
4. According to the official story, Adam Lanza was found with his older brother's ID, and it was not stolen. However, older brother Ryan--who officials say is very cooperative--claims not to have even seen his brother since 2010. Where would Adam get this ID? And why does such use not qualify as a theft?

5. According to the official story, Adam Lanza was wearing a black outfit with a mask and bulletproof vest. Why would he want to hide his identity, and why would he wear a bulletproof vest, if he planned to kill himself?
6. The medical examiner asserts that all wounds were caused by a rifle or other long weapon, and police/FBI say that the school was littered with .223 (rifle) casings. But Adam Lanza was found dead in the school with only handguns--a rifle was found in the trunk of his car. But then he could not possibly have been firing the rifle, and could not have committed the murders. Who did?

7. According to the official story, the killing was tightly confined to two classrooms. But then why were so many children told to close their eyes while leaving the building?
8. Joanne Didonato, the principal's secretary, called in sick on Friday--something she rarely does. So presumably, she must have been awfully ill. Yet she then felt well enough to give an interview. "Of all days," she said, emphasizing the strange coincidence.

9. The hospital went into lockdown and cleared four trauma rooms, but received only three patients, two of them dead children (according to the official story) and one mildly wounded adult.

10. Why were there such persistent reports that Mrs. Lanza was a kindergarten teacher, and that she died at the school, when the new official story is that she was not connected to the school and was killed at home?

11. What happened to the report that Adam Lanza's girlfriend and another friend were missing in New Jersey?

12. What happened to the woodsman in a black jacket and camo pants who was arrested and handcuffed outside the school? He actually shouted to parents, "It wasn't me." Who was he and what was he doing there?

13. What happened to the dark van or SUV that the police surrounded in the parking lot, or the maroon sedan with a blown-out back window they were on the lookout for?

14. The official story is that Nancy Lanza was a gun collector who obeyed the law. But since 20-year-olds are not permitted to buy guns or ammo or carry guns in Connecticut, why would she give her "autistic" son access to both guns and ammo?

15. Why were parents told on Friday that "if you haven't been reunited with your child by now it's already over"? Does anyone imagine that real parents of real children would simply say, "Okay, the show's over, let's go home now"?

16. Would real parents of real children really be satisfied with (possibly photoshopped) pictures of their children? Wouldn't they demand to see their children one last time firsthand?

17. According to the official story, 28 people died but only 1 was wounded. The dead included 20 small, squirmy children--difficult targets even for professionals. How could Adam Lanza achieve such amazingly deadly accuracy, in such a short length of time?

18. A child asserts that he/she heard someone say, "Put your hands up," followed by the reply, "Don't shoot." This indicates that the police took a suspect into custody inside the school. But if that was Adam Lanza, how did he kill himself after that point?

19. Another child asserts that he/she saw a man pinned down to the ground with handcuffs on. Again, this indicates that the police took a suspect into custody. If that was Adam Lanza, how did he then kill himself?

20. When Ryan Lanza was falsely identified as the shooter, who deleted his Facebook profile and created many others in his name?

21. Is it reasonable for a geeky 20-year-old to carry two pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition while wearing a bulletproof vest and a mask?

22. Why did the police say on Friday that they were going to leave the bodies rotting in the school until Sunday, then Saturday morning announce that they had spirited the bodies away in the middle of the night? Perhaps to ensure that the transport, if any, would go unrecorded on photos or video?

23. Why won't police tell us where they found the Henry repeating rifle, the Enfield rifle, and the shotgun?

24. Did the school have one or more security cameras? What do they show?

25. Why did a police officer specifically mention, on radio, that "they're coming at me through this wood," followed by a fellow officer saying, "This is it"?

26. One officer in the school said, "We've got one suspect down." Who was that? Down in this situation generally means in custody (on the ground and cuffed), not dead.

27. Why didn't Adam's uncle see anything out of the ordinary in Adam when the two saw each other in June?

28. Why is Adam Lanza reported to be a loner when a teenager said (oxymoronically), "[Lanza and his friends] always gathered alone in a corner in school"?

29. Why did police assign an individual state trooper to every grieving family, whether the family wants such "protection" or not?

30. Why are Ryan Lanza and his roommates still in custody, and why are the police pretending that it's for their own benefit?

31. Is it a coincidence that Nancy Lanza's brother is Kingston Police Officer James Champion, who lives next door to the former Lanza home?"

NYC 2012

Happy New Year ( and Easter)!

Happy New Year (and Easter)!
I am very late. But isn't that the story of my life with things like this?

There have been a lot of exciting changes in our family over the last few months and I wanted to take a few moments to update this for my future book (that I SWEAR I am eventually going to print for the girls).

First, my sister had her beautiful twin boys, Paxton and Dexter. They were early but not too early. Paxton came out perfectly healthy and Dex only had to stay in the hospital for about a week before coming home. Fast forward two months later and the boys are fantastic and my sister is an incredible mom. And for the cherry on top, they slept through the night for the first time last night! Score!

Addison is six and a half now. Man, that is crazy... and she is almost done with her kindergarten school year. She is reading at a first grade level and academically excelling in every area. As far as conduct, she follows in my footsteps and talks too much and tends to be bossy. Thomas and I are doing our best to foster these attributes into future leadership qualities (in other words, we have a reward chart to make sure she stays in line.) She is playing soccer again and keeps up with the boys on her team pretty well. Thomas is her coach this year. You can tell her friends are starting to have more and more importance in her personal agenda and time with us and the grandparents is (slowly) becoming less cool.

Kirstynn turned four in February. She just learned to write her name. She is still in dance and we are looking forward to her recital at the end of the year. Her rhythm is on spot and she will most definitely be giving us more trouble in her teenage years than Addison. She has more attitude every day. She is different from Addison in that she is already boy crazy. She tells us every day that a new boy in her class has "broken her heart". Don't ask me where she gets it. She adores her big sister and her new nephews (calls them HER babies)....

I still debate on an almost daily basis on whether or not I want a third child. The biggest thing holding me back is the amount of travel I do for work and then money. The cost of daycare is so draining. But I still haven't definitely decided no so it's always an option... (well for the next 2-3 years anyway). Our little family does feel complete though. I am blessed.

The Santa Debate

I had an interesting discussion at work today. 

The boys that all sit around me debated me for about an hour over Santa Claus. 

They all have kids ranging from 3 years old to 22 years old.  And they all felt very strongly that telling their children as soon as they asked that Santa wasn't real was the right thing to do... 
One even said that he never even had the Santa tradition because they felt that it took away from the true meaning that is Jesus's birthday.

Not one participated in the full 18 year childhood of Santa like I did. 
It could have been that I was still given Santa presents until I moved away to college because I was the oldest and I always had younger cousins around that still believed... 
But I LOVED it.  Maybe that is why Santa is so special to me now.

It is not about the presents.  I have never been one to ask for specifics...  But its the tradition... the fantasy... the magic.
I don't think I will fully admit there is no Santa to my girls until they have their own children.  Even if they are 16 years old and watch me put them under the tree.... Nope, I guess I am a liar.

Our children grow up so fast these days...  Reality is in their face so more than even 15 years ago with the invention of the internet and 3000 TV channels. 
What is wrong with encouraging a magical place where you are rewarded for being nice???

I am blessed that my 6 year old still fully believes in old St. Nick and is constantly looking for our "elf on the shelf" because she just KNOWS that he reported back to Santa the night before... 

I am gonna tell the truth.
Santa is real. 

I wonder how many years later...

Sitting here Sunday night, I am having the same thoughts in my head as I did three years ago when I started this blog...
Guilt.

I have always been a hard worker.  I have never been one to be able to sit back and be average. 
In fact, I would rather be terrible at something than be average.  I guess that is why I figure if I am going to work, I am going to rock it. 
So, since I have to work for economical reasons, I will push myself.  To be the best...

Didn't I just write this same post??????????

Well, to be the best at this point in my carrier requires me to travel.  A lot.  
Even more than when I did before.
Case in point, so far this month I have been to Denver, Sacramento, Orange County, Hollywood and San Francisco.
Yes... seriously. 

I come home every trip and luckily after some tight hugs and many "sorry's", it seems that I haven't missed a beat. 
But in reality, I know I have missed a lot. 

My mom stayed home when i was little.  So did my Nana...  so did my husbands mom and so did all of my aunts. 
Addison is going to be 6 this month.  I was home with her for 6 weeks when she was a baby. 
This hurts my heart.

A bit of rambling I know but I hope one day when I print these writings out in a book for my girls, that they know I miss them every second of being gone but that I do it all for them. 
And I hope when they grow up, they can say that they had role models that stayed home and one that worked. 
I pray that I have given them the tools to decide for themselves what is best.  
And I really hope that they have to think about it.
It would sure make me feel better anyway.