Bye Bye Baby Curls

Speechless and shocking. Do you even recognize this boy? It's been two weeks since Morgan decided it was time to part with his long locks. Mark and I weren't aware of his desire to do so, until it was too late. His hair hasn't been this short since he was 2 or 3 years old. I love his new style, but it will take some time getting use to it. Afterall, his long, curly hair has been his trademark for years. He's growing up...guess we'll have to let him. :)

It only took 39 years to find out...

that I have many "designer flaws", as I prefer to call them. It's amazing what a bone scan can show you. Three days before Christmas I fell walking to a friend's house carrying 6 dozen cookies for a cookie exchange. I saved the cookies, and didn't really think I was hurt. During Christmas Break, I walked over 32 miles in 8 days. Each time I walked I had severe pain in both lower legs. Finally after a few weeks passed, I decided to see my podiatrist suspecting foot problems. He was pretty certain I had a stress fracture in my left tibia, so a bone scan was ordered. Long story short...bone scan showed a stress fracture in the navicular bone on my left foot. The dr. also pointed out that I do have scoliosis, and one leg is shorter than the other. Mark asked why he didn't get a discount when he married me. I was quick to remind him that he is only 5' 4".

Simple solution to all my "designer flaws", custom made orthotics. Hoping to have them in another week. Right now I'm getting by with inserts. I'm back to walking about 40 minutes each day, pain free. Welcome to 40! Ha!

Picky Politician

UPDATE: Jonathan didn't win, but he was selected to be the alternate boy for his class. He handled his defeat very well.



You've guessed it. Jon is running for student council at school. Hopefully the school has a sense of humor. He will find out on Friday if he is elected by his class.

Oldie Goldie and Molz

Sophie and Mollie...our easy "children." If someone would have told Mark 14 years ago that he would be crazy about his dogs, he would have told "No way!" Sophie is aging fast. She's a sweet, sweet dog. Molz was a much needed addition to our family back in 2004. Mark felt that Sophie needed a playmate. She's kept Sophie young. Mollie has packed on her winter fat this year. She's extremely camera shy, but I managed to snap a picture of her today while she was trapped on the back porch. We were waiting for her feet to dry. Sophie on the other hand, will pose whenever given the chance.

Shades of Winter

Double Digits

Happy 10th Birthday Jonathan! Ten years ago today, we welcomed you into our family. Our lives have been blessed because of you. I can't imagine our family without your smiling face, crazy dances and rages of fits when things aren't going your way. While we love the fact that you are "driven" to succeed in all that you do, we want you to know that it is ok to make mistakes. Thank you for the times when you reach out and touch my hand, or just walk over to give me a kiss. Always know that you are loved.

The conversation went something like this...

"Mark, how tall do you think our Christmas tree is?" "Oh, about 7 feet." It actually measured 9' 3" tall. If it were 9 inches taller, we would have been in trouble. The tree we picked out this year is the tallest tree we have ever had. It's absolutely gorgeous. Next year, we will take a tape measure with us.