Signs of being 1 years old!

Graduation: The end is only the beginning

***As May rolls around each year, we hear highlights from commencement addresses on TV, see students in their cap and gowns and remember our own high school and /or college graduations. And to that I share the following from Cheryl Richardson (cherylrichardson.com) Here's hoping we at some point in our lives can proudly say "I've done that."

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."
--Louis L'Amour

Each year, during graduation time, I share the following commencement address that I delivered to both high school and college seniors a few years ago. I've found that I need the reminder and I hope you benefit from it, too.

Dear Class,
For the last fifteen years I've worked as a coach helping people to create great lives. I've guided artists, entrepreneurs, corporate employees, or moms and dads through the process of identifying their goals and crafting an action plan, and then I've held them accountable for taking the actions that will improve the quality of their lives. I've learned a lot about what makes for a great life - a life that honors who we really are - our values and most treasured priorities. And I've learned about what gets in the way.

Today I'd like to share 7 lessons with you in the hopes that it makes a positive difference as you set out on the next exciting phase of your life.

1. Spend more time on the who rather than the what. What you do will always be less important than who you become. Knowledge is great but it will never take you as far as your courage, your integrity, your reputation for someone who keeps his or her word, or your commitment to be of service to others in an important way. As you go through life, you will face challenges and obstacles. When you do, get in the habit of asking yourself the following three questions:
How can I grow from this experience?
What qualities of character am I being called to develop?
How can I use this event to make me a better person?

2. Follow your heart. Pay far more attention to what you think than what everyone else thinks. The most important relationship you'll ever have is with you. When I think about the regrets I've heard from adults over the years, the biggest ones always have to do with listening to everyone else but themselves. Start now. Make your own rules and follow them. At the end of your life, the most important person you'll have to answer to is you.

3. Develop a strong "maverick muscle." Be willing to bend the rules, learn how to disappoint others gracefully, get comfortable with people not liking you, and always strive to be an original thinker. I have a little sign in my office that says: "No Guts, No Glory" and I use it to remind me to go against the grain whenever necessary. Allow yourself to be the unique spirit that you were meant to be. Trust me. Your willingness to rock the boat will set you apart from 95% of the people you meet throughout your life.

4. Build your courage muscles. Starting tomorrow, practice doing one small thing a day that frightens you. Learn to water ski, ask someone out on a date, go for that promotion you keep dreaming about, or learn to dance. Small acts of courage strengthen your ability to take even bigger leaps later on like deciding to write your own book or run for political office. If you really want to build your courage muscles, take a public speaking course. Twenty years ago I allowed someone to drag me to a Toastmaster's Meeting - an international speech club - and it changed the course of my life forever. Courage builds confidence and confident people rarely settle for less.

5. Don't go to the hardware store for milk. When you're excited about doing something new, make sure you turn to those people who will encourage you to take a chance - the ones who believe in you rather than those who will tell you why an idea won't work. Surround yourself with positive people - the kind of people who challenge you to reach beyond your fear rather than play it safe. There will always be people telling you why an idea is risky, or why you can't do something. That advice is usually based on the mistakes they've made or the chances they didn't take because they were afraid. Always remember this: Someone's past does not equal your future. When faced with a naysayer, smile, say thank you, and turn around. Stick with positive people who believe in you. Remember, if you needed milk, you wouldn't go to the hardware store.
By the way, you're mom was right. You do become who you hang around with. Choose your friends wisely :).

6. Live by this mantra: Where there's a will, there's a way. Don't give up, especially when things get hard, and don't ever let anyone or anything put limits on you.

7. Stay connected. Your use of technology - email or texting, for example - will never replace the value of a live connection with someone. Every now and then pick up the phone and call a friend or visit a loved one rather than send an email or text message. Too often I've seen technology draw a wedge between people. When we come to the end of our lives, it's who we loved and who loved us that matters most. Make "in-person" time a priority.

Finally, at the time you were born you were given an amazing gift - a gift that most of us forget about as we grow older. It's the power to design your own unique life. You are an artist. The canvas is your life. From this moment on, take ownership of this gift and use it wisely. If you do, your life will become an extraordinary work of art. Congratulations!

Man's Best Friend

This weekend we dog sat "Oreo" or "Orea" as Jonah likes to call her. Oreo did good with Jonah constantly petting her, following her and calling her name nonstop. Although, this didn't make us want to have a dog anytime soon!

Popo & Me

Popo and Jonah both love to be outside. So Popo made Jonah a nice and comfy wagon ride around the backyard. Jonah looked like a King sitting back enjoying the ride.

When is too young?

Like father, like son. Actually this is for Chris M & Chris F-- the ones responsible for convincing Rick that we need to get iPhones and a Mac.

Hangin' with his peeps

This is the last week Jonah spends at Aunt Justine's for daycare. School is finished Thursday and summer begins! I know Jonah will miss his time over there with so much attention, fun, activities and his "peeps" or aka cousins. It's not like he won't see them anytime soon, they'll be over all summer for the pool. : ) Thank you to Aunt Justine for taking such good care of Jonah treating him like your own, introducing new foods to him, work on his walking and just loving him so. We are so grateful to you!

SAVE FERRIS!

Do you have $2.3 million laying around and need to spend it soon? I know many of our friends and family do....so check this out- Bueller, Bueller
** not sure if the Realtor Meladee Hughes is related to John Hughes---- but heck for a chance at Cinema history and thinking back to such a great movie- well worth it!

A new play area

Yep- it's in the kitchen and in a messy cabinet- all plastic containers, lunch bags, empty water bottles (don't you know how much fun it is for a baby to make that noise with an empty water bottle), etc. Hey who says you need to spend money on toys- heck- just open some cabinets and let the fun begin!

Open Season

The pool is open and Jonah couldn't get enough of it! He was in it all weekend and when he wasn't in the pool he was going to the back door or pointing to the pool. I think we have a 'fish' on our hands. He liked to splash the pool and have the water get on his face. He liked being pulled around in his raft. He liked playing with his toys while on the baby step. It was cool to see him experience something so new and another first.

Completing this 1/2 marathon shouldn't be so hard!

OK- seriously I sound like a broken record about having to reschedule this again! And if you know me - you know I like to work on a goal, achieve the goal and mark it off! And, well this one keeps lingering around like a pest. I was set to run Memorial Day weekend at White Rock Lake with some friends & family cheering me on in a non-formally sponsored run. And then 2 earaches, strep throat, fever for days changed those plans real quick. After 2 doctor appointments, 3 different meds- I am better. But that is after 1.5 of being sick and calling into work for too many days. So me running 13.2 miles this weekend is not an option. Agrharhhah

So I took the Heels and Hills option to transfer my registration for the Sept 27 date. Not my first choice- to train all summer and run when it will still be hot in September, but maybe this is a sign that I should continue on working out, feeling good about myself, participate in the big hoopla of the run rather than by myself. Maybe I need to be a part of the big celebration, finish line, medal, and such to wrap up this journey of becoming a runner. Whatever the reason, I'm committed to still running until Sept 27 (but with a modified version- only 4-6 miles 1 to 2 times a week-- all the rest will be my cardio time). Now come Sep 27th- let's pray for no rain, earthquake, natural disaster, or anything else to stand in the way of that all important finish line I am dying to meet and greet!

Festivals!

I love them. Reminds me of our days in Chicago where every neighborhood had one a different weekend. Jonah & I went to the Main Street Days in Grapevine with the Flemings! Jonah was lathered up with sunscreen - head to toe- now if I could just remember to put some on myself next time!

WI in the House!

Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob drove through town from WI for a quick visit-their next stop - Branson, MO. It was great to visit with them and catch up! We heard some new family stories while Bob and Jonah were inseparable- it was cool to see. Thank you Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob for making time for us! Your welcome back anytime.

A Mother's Day to Remember

Because I was sick as a dog with strep throat, 2 earaches, fever and just weak. So I was pretty much quarantined in our bedroom while Jonah spent the day with Dad and family. What did cheer me up was this awesome home made art from Daddy and Jonah! I just cried when I saw it- so creative, so thoughtful, so heartwarming and meaningful. I'm looking for a new frame to put it in and will keep it out all year long- maybe even forever. Thank you to my boys for making such a wonderful day even while I was sick!

~ Happy 1st Bday Baby Jonah Kaden ~

How fun and exciting this past year has been! We still consider ourselves Rookie Parents and are so happy to experiencing new things through your eyes. You were loved from the start and have brought many smiles to our faces and much love into our hearts. People say you look like both of us (that's a good thing- mom from the nose and above and dad from the nose down). Here's some random notes, we noticed at your 1 year mark:

• you are so willing to go into family and friends arms



• love to read books or have them read to you



• enjoy listening to music playing in the background



• enjoy the outdoors (swinging, walking your cruiser around, sitting in our laps)



• still like to look at yourself in the mirror and smile with that mouth open wide



• bath time cannot ever be long enough as you splash and "talk" the entire time



• you are so willing to eat by yourself and not have us spoon feed you anymore (unless it's dessert or something sweet)



• love milk (yes- we started him a little early- we've never been a rule follower)



• head straight to cabinets that are not locked and take everything out



• love your froggie and talk yourself to sleep every night



• are sleeping 11.5 - 12 hours a night (thank you for this one)



• have learned to sign book, out, hi, bath, milk



• can say mamma, dadda, baba (bottle), ba (bath), eee-ya (not sure what that is, but you love it)



• tomatoes, chicken, all fruits and peas are your favorites



• are spending such quality time with Aunt Justine and cousins during the workday- Mason cannot get enough of you Baby Jonah



• with your broken leg - you continue to move around, not letting it stop you from playing, laughing or having fun or even cruising and standing up



• will look out of our house window and "talk" to us on the other side



• have learned how to turn your toys "on" (we'd rather you learn the off switch, though)



• love your smile and how you tilt your head when you're questioning something



• when you pout and move that bottom lip to the top, it puts such a smile on our faces (sorry)



• are enjoying dropping your food onto the floor



• rub your eyes and put your head on our shoulders when you get tired or crawl to your bedroom



• are happy and when you do cry- everyone can hear it



• never rest, always on the go, enjoy moving from room to room, so active



• are loved in and out by family and friends alike more and more each day
  

***the monkey is wearing the same outfit as the framed pic***

Can't keep a good man down.

The race must go on!

Although it won't this week as I had planned. I had it all organized- I mapped out a 13 mile path along White Rock Lake in Dallas, arranged my water boy (Rick), had Jonah being watched, called my personal cheerleaders (niece and nephews) and then.......... I get sick! Yep- haven't been sick all school year, even when everyone else had the flu this Winter, I was good. But now, I have a temperature, hot and cold chills, sore throat, congestion- it's just ugly. So yet another weekend of fulfilling this running goal down the tubes. I worked out Monday and Tuesday and by Wednesday I was done- just don't have the energy.

So next scheduled time to run my own personal 1/2 marathon- Memorial Day Weekend- Saturday, May 23rd. This again, will be one that I am organizing and not one being held by sponsors. The Heels and Hills did reschedule their 1/2 marathon, but not until 09.27.......ummmm not sure I want to wait that long. Although Rick seems to think I will do my own Memorial Day and then do the one in Sept too. As of right now, I am ready to be done with running, ready to go back to working out for me and not for a race, ready to feel accomplished and know I did the best I can and achieved something far from my reach (or so I thought).

So I've arranged my same "crew" of helpers, cheerleaders, etc. for May 23rd. So if you're in the area of White Rock Lake and would like to see some crazy lady running drenched in sweat, with a smile on her face, running her darnest towards a group of crazy people aka family and friends-come on down.

He is standing again!

Yea- Jonah's leg is getting better! We have x-rays on Wednesday, check up appointment on Thursday with Orthopedic Surgeon to determine if the cast stays on or off and Friday is his 1 year check up appointment. If we haven't met Jonah's yearly deductible yet- this week should make it happen! Jonah could care less for the blue cast, he moves around all over, still getting into everything, smiling and laughing. What a tough boy!

The BIG Race that Wasn't

Yep-- my 1/2 marathon was CANCELED!!!!!!! What, you say? That is what I said at 6 AM this AM. It was canceled b/c our run route was flooded! We've been getting rain all week (literally everyday it has rained) - which is not the norm for the drought state of TX. Well Saturday afternoon came with huge rain up to 4 feet in some parts, high winds (which also tore down the Cowboys training tent- which was 3 miles from where the run was to be on Sunday), thunder and lightening all late afternoon and through the night. Really- this is record breaking rain we've been getting- which is also timing my record setting attempt to run 13.2 miles. So by Saturday night while preparing for the race (laying out my clothes, preparing myself to run in the rain the entire 13 miles, getting to bed early, working myself into a zone of pushing myself, thinking positive thoughts, etc) there were flash flood warnings with tornado warnings going off by our hotel. I woke up different parts of the night with the rain and Jonah crying a little with his leg (poor guy), but knew I was ready to run this 13.2 miles and be done- achieving a huge personal goal of mine.

So we meet Sarah down in the hotel lobby for a light breakfast- half English muffin, half yogurt, half banana only to see the flyer saying "we're sorry to announce the Race is canceled for safety reasons." My first reaction-- laughter in disguise for shock. How can this happen-- we all have been working so hard, knowing this was the last hurdle, this was the end of my 4 month training, my 1.5 hour workouts, I could again schedule things to do after school instead of running, I could mark off that "must run 13.2 miles" from my list- I could be happy and proud knowing I became a runner for a short period of time despite thinking I could never do so. And now this piece of paper posted to a wall tells me otherwise????? Are you kidding????? So after I read the paper on the wall- I took it upon myself to return to the breakfast bar and grab that crispy bacon, biscuit and gravy dish and sit down and eat a hearty breakfast the host hotel was serving since I wasn't running 13.2 miles today!

My all supporting husband volunteered to drive around with us calculating our 13.2 miles while we ran, we considered running around Irving for 3 hours not knowing the city or area in the muddy flooded streets, we thought maybe we could sign up for another one (but then realized- we want one right now- so our training can end). And finally we agreed to meet this next weekend and make our own 13.2 miles and do our own marathon. We would have much rather participated today with the crowd, excitement, energy, water stations, etc., but want to finish this goal off right by actually doing it and not just training for it.

So instead of being off this week- I'm back to training (ughghgh - it hurts me to say that), for another long week of running and this weekend will conclude my training-at least I think so for now. I've learned not to make promises I can't keep since I have no control over mother nature or when it decides to deliver record rainfall to Irving, TX. If you have nothing to do this weekend and are willing to be a water station / cheering section, please let me know. : )

All dressed up and nowhere to go-- the BEFORE & AFTER picture of my 1/2 marathon since there wasn't a stinkin' race after all.

My banner, my loving niece made for me to run into at the big finish line!

My "after the race" relaxation and soothing / healing cream Coach Scott (he's done like tons of these runs, most recently the Boston Marathon) & Rademaker family supplied to me for my big day!

The stack of "stuff" I need to get to that has been growing daily. I was hoping to tackle it this week now that I have extra time and can go back to my 45 min workouts-- silly me for thinking that way!

1st B-day Celebration

Thanks to our family & friends who made the time to join us in celebrating Jonah's 1st Birthday! Games were played (come on- how can you be surprised- we always have games), prizes awarded, good food was eaten, pinatas were hit, fun stories to share later, and great memories!

There was a game "then to now" and everyone had to put the pics in order from when Jonah was first born to now. There was a 5 way tie (they all only got 3 of the pics in order). So there were tie breaking questions:
What time does Jonah go to bed? A: 7:00 - 7:30
What is Jonah's favorite book? A: Goodnight Faces
What scares Jonah the most? A: the vacuum cleaner
***with pride in her smile- little Emma won! She knows her man so well!

The next game was that everyone had to "draw" a portrait of Jonah. Then we would vote on the best one. 3 way tie again- Kirsten, Maddie and Aidann won! There were some funny looking and creative drawings. All to be saved for Jonah to see (or laugh at) one day.

Finally, time for the pinata! Love those! Growing up- we had them all the time. We went from youngest to oldest and Kirsten (go girl power) broke it open. And then there was one for the adults (didn't want anyone to be left out- especially for all of our friends who are such kids at heart).

Jonah didn't want to eat his cake and would rather not get dirty so those photo ops went by the wayside. So we all ate some for him. Thanks again for everyone coming out to celebrate Jonah - we are so lucky and blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

ER Dr was wrong!

Jonah's left leg is broken! We took him to the Peds Orthopedic Surgeon today and he analyzed Jonah's leg (very carefully- among Jonah's crying). He said babies have broken bones they do not show up on X-rays, so he did the physical exam. After his explanation, on to important things like what color (blue, of course), how to bathe him (sponge bath- back to the sink- he was there until 3 months and now rounding 1 years old, we're heading back to the kitchen sink), what to do if there is an itch (use a hair dryer on cool) and for how long (1 to 2.5 weeks depending on how fast it heals). Since Jonah is crawling (see there was a reason he's still crawling-- he will most likely heal faster since he's not putting pressure onto his leg).

Jonah was a trooper- letting the Dr touch his leg, play with him and wrap up his leg. The cast doesn't phase him, he's still crawling all around, going at a fairly fast pace, trying to stand up, but then remembers it hurts so he puts his left leg up like a flamingo! And I was a trooper- not a wet eye from me- I was a big girl watching my almost 1 year old get his leg wrapped for a cast.

I'm glad we as rookie parents followed our gut to take him to the Peds Orthopedic Dr- something just called out to us to get a second opinion and make sure. Dr says Jonah will bounce back fine, will most likely not need Physical Therapy (if he does- Mike- we're coming to you), and will be walking on his cast leg in a couple of days.

Now off to next important things-- like looking into accidental insurance- as my good friends recommended- might not be a bad idea seeing as our little man is learning to be tough early. t'hee

Almost made it, but THAT horrific trip to the ER came 1 week shy of being 1 years old!

Well- we heard boys will visit ERs sooner than girls and since our boy is into everything- we had our first (and hopefully not too many more) trip to the ER- actually the pseudo ER (doc in the box, care now kind of places, etc). I mean really Rick had so many injuries, me on the other hand didn't have a major "injury" until I was a Junior in college- what did you expect? When you don't engage in a physical (or as Rick says "sports") you just don't get hurt- at least that is what I tell myself.

And in the midst of getting directions to the place, getting Jonah's dinner and such- I still remembered the camera- thanks to Rick asking me- "do you have the camera?" After he said it- he stopped quickly- realizing what he said- but it was too late- the thought was in my head- bring the camera. I mean really, this is a "first"- one I wouldn't mind missing, but since it came and I knew his leg wasn't broken - I thought, let me capture this moment. Who knows when Jonah is a major sports player we might have to show how he learned to "tough it out" really early in life.

How it happened: Jonah was playing with his cousins by the computer and he fell between the computer chair and the wall. Not sure how he fell, but somehow he hurt his left shin b/c he wouldn't put any pressure on it, wouldn't crawl, or wouldn't let us touch it without crying. Good news: nothing is broken or fractured. Bad news: it's gonna be sore and cause some painful days ahead. Jonah was a big boy waiting in the room, but as soon as we had to go do X-Rays- well the entire office could hear him in crying, screaming, etc. Poor guy- how do you explain that big machine is going to take pictures while mommy and daddy hold your legs still. Actually, I don't think he could hear us above his own screaming. As soon as it was over, he held on to us so tight and kept looking over to the nurse to make sure she wasn't coming back. And when she did to show us the X-rays he started crying because he saw her- it didn't matter that we weren't even in "that x-ray" room. So we will watch it the next few days and then follow up with an specialist.

just finished with that X-ray- and then we had to take them again b/c really having a screaming baby is just so much fun to hear!

the injured leg

"before" x-ray shots- notice how happy we are!

Walk like a Man

Look at all these steps! Aunt Justine is certainly earning her money! Really, she says they work on it during the day and then show it off to us when we get home. He still hasn't learned to catch his fall completely (as you can see). He still prefers to crawl- I'm thinking it's like before where he kept "army crawling", but could totally crawl typically- just didn't want to. Hmm- smart boy or just taking it all in???

It works!

We've been using sign language with our words for sometime now with Jonah. All along, we didn't know how or if it would pay off. And then he showed us the "book" in sign. WOW! We almost fell over-- not surprising that his first sign is books, since he loves them so much. We're just hoping there is more to come!

The final countdown

This is the final week before my 1/2 marathon. Months of training, watching my diet (ok, not too much, but it has limited what I eat knowing I have to run 8 miles the next day). This week will be lighter workouts, some indoors and some outside, some cross training and some running. I am psyched to be off 2 days in a row and getting nervous for Sunday morning. The only pressure I have on me is what I have put on myself. I'm the one trying to make this 13 miles in 3 hours 15 mins and I'm trying to run more than walk the 1/2 marathon. So time will tell.

I will have good distraction preparing for Jonah's 1st b-day celebration this Saturday. Wow- this time last year, I was ready to pop and this year I'm ready to cross a finish line....who knows what will happen next May.

I want to thank so many of you who supported me with hugs, words of encouragement, inquiring about my training, taking the time to care and push me along the way to completing this goal of mine. When I'm out running by myself, with my music playing, knowing there are so many people in my corner cheering me on makes that extra push I need to finish that mile or go up that hill (please let all those hills on Sunday be downhill or at least make all the uphills in the beginning of the race so I can be going downhill later in the race when I am tired).

I also want to offer a special thanks to those who helped me raise money for Big Brother & Big Sister financially by donating to my web page HeelsandHillsMichelleThompson. I appreciate you for giving so freely to an organization that believes and makes sure kids have mentors / role models - people who are cheering them on! One of the most heartwarming donations was from Jonah (via Rick of course). Poor baby, won't really understand why he has to be in his stroller outside for 3 hours waiting and waiting (and most likely sleeping) for his sweaty mom to greet him. When I started this training it was about achieving my own goal, then I found out BBBS was benefiting from the proceeds and that pushed me to raise money for them. This is such a great program that my sister and I have benefited from. It also has got my brain wheels moving about my next goal- more to come on that much later- one major goal at a time.

OK- next running post update will be a recap of my BIG run- until then, run on!

Anyone home?

Rick & Jonah playing between the doors.

Sorry Jonah Daddy won't let you in HIS media room.

Do you know what Autism looks like?

In honor of Autism Awareness Month- and my beautiful, healthy, happy nephew Logo ~

From my sister:
Truth about being an Autism Mom

Lately moms who spill the truth about motherhood have been getting a lot of press. Oprah interviewed moms who spoke about how hard motherhood really can be and the lack of other moms giving you the full truth about it. So, here's the top 10 surprises in raising a child with autism:


10. Autism children need very little sleep. I still have nightmares of all the times I've been awake from 2-5 a.m.

9. Most autism children don't like very many foods. I wish my child came with cooking instructions, all the tricks my mom raised me on didn't work.


8. The first thing I think about when I wake up is getting my son's vitamins and other supplements in him so I can enjoy my day.


7. I had no clue how often I'd be paying attention to my child's poop... is it regular, backed up, what color and smell? These are all things the doctors want to know.


6. While grooming any child is busy work, try cutting the nails or hair of a child with autism. (We are talking hours of screaming!)


5. I never could have imagined the price tag of a child with autism -- the cost of therapies, lab work, doctor visits, educational testing. And you never feel like you are spending fast enough to heal them.


4. I was shocked at the guilt you'd feel that you haven't ever done enough to cure them of autism.


3. The tantrums and screams of a child with autism can disrupt the smallest of activities -- even going to the bathroom in quiet or trying to read an e-mail.


2. I never imagined the internal strength I'd need to find to withstand the judgments of others that I'm not just raising a brat.


1. Nobody ever told me how intense the joy is the first time your child looks you in the eye or says "I Love You!" or calls for you "mom".


*****I'm so proud of my sister and how she handles Logan's Autism- it's never been a denial or blame, but rather a "ok, he has Autism, now what, what can we do to make his life "typical?" Her days are filled researching, taking him from therapy to school to dr appointments and never with a complaint. There are days where it's an "off" day and days where he amazes all of us (he recently has learned many letter sounds of the alphabet-- he's on his way to reading- WOW). Logo has come so far in the past 3 years and he is being challenged daily with a huge support system of people who love him dearly. The best is yet to come! So when you hear the word Autism - here is a face of one little boy who is a child first who loves to play outside, likes to give and receive hugs, who greets everyone when he enters and leaves a room, who swims like a Champ, enjoys playing with his siblings, likes putting his feet in sand, water and mud, will go with the flow of a crazy 6 person family and oh by the way has Autism too.

Taking a tour of the kitchen ~ Jonah style

10 years ago today

~ then ~

I said - "yes" when Rick got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife! It was a perfect day. We were backpacking across Europe for 2 months and we're just into week 2. We were in Venice, Italy enjoying the floods, the food, the wine and the people. He called the night before to receive my Mom's blessing, he had the "fake" ring (since we were traveling on Euro rail in and out of countries, we brought no valuables with us- so he left the "real" ring at home with Justine & Chris) and had planned our daily activities.

We got on our gondola ride and enjoyed it all to ourselves-and then halfway through the Canal, Rick got down on one knee, sang parts of a song we always sang to each other and asked me to marry him! Through the tears, I said yes, the Gondoliers announced it to everyone and they cheered for us. Even though there the Gondoliers were with us and people were watching, it was as if we were the only ones on the Canal. Special memories, a romantic moment, true love in and out! Wow, it just seems like yesterday when our life began as a couple, a team, a pair, a family. And now 10 years later, we have a beautiful baby boy, a baby girl to be born into our hearts (hopefully sooner than summer 2010, and endless memories of travel, working, family, friends and most importantly - time and memories with each other and many more to come.

~ and now ~

Thank you Easter Bunny

Jonah enjoyed finding his basket, knocking it over and seeing all the eggs fall out and eating his summer hat (we found one with a Velcro strap under his double chin so he can't take it off and get sun burned) and his very own toothbrush for his 4 (yes, count them- 2 on top and 2 on bottom) teeth and eating all the plastic eggs! We headed to Justine's house, had an Easter Egg decorating contest, (I won the "needs work" category), played some games (girls rule and boys drool), had some good foo (and better left overs), enjoyed time with family and had a special prayer to celebrate Easter!