School

It's been a great winter break. VERY BUSY! Adam and I have had several long nights talking about our goals for the future. You know, trying to sort Good, Better, and Best.

Since we'll both be in school for the next few years, we're trying to find balance. It's a big sacrifice to the whole family when both Mom and Dad are constantly studying. Luckily, school will be online and we'll be home for the kids. Somehow, all the needs are being met.

I had a few GREAT conversations over the past few months which are changing my educational pathway. I've been agonizing over my degree choice. Lengthy prayers, studying program opportunities, and deciding is hard to do. I knew I always wanted a minor in Early Childhood Education...so I'm making that happen. Over the next year, I will be transferring to ASU and I've really been considering their pre-med program. I won't divulge all of our plans, but I'm really feeling pulled in this direction. I've had so many personal experiences with autism and gut disorders, I can't wait to learn more. I know our prayers are being answered and we're starting to see a huge transformation in our family as Adam and I have decided on these goals. This tells us what we're doing is right.

We're so glad for everyone in the family who is supporting us in this. My mom has been a huge help, as she plays "the bank". She's been taking care of all my tuition money. For this, I feel so blessed. John and Ella are seeing their mom and dad work on college degrees and this is so important to us.

Christmas 2009

We had a glorious Christmas and had more fun than can be recorded. On the Monday night before Christmas, we gathered with Adam's family for the "Very Barry Christmas Party" featuring Grandpa Santa. Christmas Eve was spent at our house. We ate pasta and visited with Mom, Dad, and Uncle David. On Christmas morning the kids opened present and we visited with everyone in the family that day. We are so blessed and look forward to 2010!

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Stone Soup

Ella made stone soup with her Montessori preschool friends.

We love stone soup. We LOVE ELLA!

School days

We've been a busy family. Getting an education is quite the process. I'm managing A's and B's right now in these 8 week accelerated courses. I guess I'll minor in early childhood education and transfer into ASU's school of Psychology. Adam is going back to school too! His goal is the Electrical Engineering program at ASU's polytechnic campus. We'll just keep on going until we're wicked smart and no longer have to wear these hairnets. Well, maybe we'll STILL wear random hairnets!

Ella baby is growing too big! AND she's been growing her bangs out. What a process! She's so loving and kind. She's learning to read and enjoys her dance class SO much. She truly has a passion for ballet. Her whole face light ups the second she gets her dance shoes on.


John is really taking off with reading and the whole family has been enjoying the Junie B. book series. I'm still volunteering in John's school and he's really come a long way. He's really into Legos and Wii Sims right now. His two front adult teeth are starting to come in and he's looking like a handsome young man!

School days, school days!

Giving Thanks 2009!

It's early morning turkey time! Adam, darling, are you awake?

John enjoyed one more birthday present from Uncle David

The table was set for our FIRST Thanksgiving at home. Not perfect, but oh such fun!

Ella watched the Macy's Day Parade with Mom.

Adam and John went out to play football.

Adam took care of the kids so I could go black friday shopping with my mom. Then we put up all the Christmas decorations. Sure was a great weekend!

John's 7th Birthday

I took a trip to John's school with some goodies for his class. I wish I had the camera! John had a big old smile when he saw his mom come into the cafeteria.

John and Ella swinging for candies.

John got wonderful presents. Transformers, building kits, movies, puzzle games, money, and Legos. He was sure to give everyone a hug.

I wish I had more photos of the family that came over!

John was so grateful for the night. He's such a blessing to our family!

FINALS WEEK

Two days without a shower,
lack of makeup,
greasy hair with bobby pin,
and really ugly Walmart reading glasses.
It must be
FINALS WEEK!

Getting ready for the Holidays

Ella has a routine on sitting on this step stool for lunch. Perfect size!

Ella is growing so fast! Our little
lady is a big girl! Dancing with Daddy

Baby Kell is my Dad's new puppy and we get to watch her sometimes. She got a brand new sweater for the holidays.

Back into October

Here's a reverse synopsis of what we did this October. It has been one busy month!

Found this little friend on the driveway.

Adam and I turned into Cave People for Halloween. We went to two fabulous Halloween parties in one night. Then I took my online midterm at 11:15pm!! It was due at midnight. WHEW!

John and Ella turned into a ghost and a ballerina. They loved their Gogo's Halloween party and went to 'Trunk or Treat' too. On Halloween night they got lots of candy and came home to watch Star Wars. Adam, my dad, and I stayed up to watch PSYCHO. Gotta love that one!


Earlier in the month we had a lovely weekend with niece and nephew, Bastian and Andi. It was fun having a baby around the house. Ella LOVED...LOVED helping her sweet baby cousin.

Bastian and John practiced ninja moves.

Bastian had a blast running around with the kids.

My mom cam over to visit and cuddled Andi. What a great Nana!

We also took a trip to the zoo. Total fun petting the stingrays! This is my favorite part. I MADE Adam take a photo of Ella and me.

The new aquarium is a wonderful addition to the zoo.

John even made a new best friend! This fish would not leave him alone! We found out later, the fish was protecting little babies!

Enjoying the beautiful weather! What a wonderful month! We've endured the busy schedule and try to continue to focus on what's MOST important... Family! Johnny had an excellent last soccer game (they won!), Ella loves dance class, and I'm busy going to school full time. Adam also turned 31! These moments seem to fly by so fast.