And Now They Are...

on!

Flashback Friday (Thanksgiving Edition)

Two years ago on Thanksgiving, we all gathered on the couch for a quick snapshot with our new family member. Zoe, our Puggle (beagle/pug mix) had just joined our family.

A sweet little puppy, almost 9 weeks old, sat contently in Jordyn's hand.

Thanksgiving 2008

Jordyn (13) Rylee (5) Carter (1) Zoe (8 weeks)

As photos were taken, there were "Awww, she's so cute!" and "Look at how she just cuddles right up to me!" to be heard.

Fast forward 2 years.

This time, as photos were taken, there were, "ZOE! NO!" and "She's getting hair all over my shirt!" and "She won't sit still!" to be heard.

But, determined to duplicate the moment we'd had 2 years earlier, I clicked away at my camera's shutter.

And this is what we got.

And finally, all smiles... and a death grip around the neck of a rambunctious dog by our 7 year old.

Thanksgiving 2010

Jordyn (15) Rylee (7) Carter (3) Zoe (2)

Let's do another one... (and this time, nothing with 4 legs please.)

"Mom, do you want Zoe to be in our photo with you?"

"Thanks anyway hon, but I'm good."

A few years ago, I would've been disappointed that I didn't get a photo of Zoe sitting all calm and cute, looking at the camera along with everyone else.

But I'm going for "perfectly imperfect" these days, remember?

And these "perfectly imperfect" moments are definitely ones in which I am thankful.

Thanksgiving Math

2 large pieces of paper

+ 8 brand new washable markers

+ 2 creative kids

= 2 works of art showing appreciation for "Rylee, Carter, Jordyn, Mom, Dad and Zoe" (and apparently more of those cookies she draws so well)

and "me, my family, Woody, a rocket, and toys."

Oh, and don't forget to add one very proud, thankful Mom.

Good News Bad News

The good news...

The clinic that we are getting Rylee's medical records from (for our 2nd opinion on her spine) called to say that they were ready for me to pick up (a few days sooner than they had originally told me.)

The bad news...

There are very important parts missing... you know, like the radiology report from the initial x-ray done.



The good news...

The CD of x-rays and MRI scans was included, and is very nicely labeled.

The bad news...

There are about 30 various folders and files on it, and none of them open.



The good news...

I called the office and the woman on the phone was incredibly kind.

The bad news...

She told me that the radiology report done after the x-ray was done by the pediatric radiologist, and she is apparently located in a different office. Because of that, I need to go in to her office and sign a different release of records. Then, I can wait another 5 days for that office to get those records copied.

The good news...

I am usually a very patient and understanding person.

The bad news...

I'm getting a little frustrated.

Makeover

What do you think?

It's a work in progress. (I promise you won't have to see the same 2 slides of photos at the top over and over... and over and over for very long! I mean, seriously... I took 789 photos in October. I think I can find a few more to add!)

I didn't plan on a new blog look until the end of the year. You know, I'm the type of person who would wait until January 1, 2011 to show off a whole new look!

Starting a new look at an illogical time (November 18... well, I guess it's now the 19th) just wouldn't be me.

But, I did it.

Wow. I even surprise myself sometimes.

Keep watching! The makeover has just begun!

Oh, and since it just isn't right to post something without photos (you know, since I have 789 to choose from) here are a few of the kids showing off their self-portraits.

Rylee drew herself with a friend... I could be wrong, but I think they are sharing a cookie.

And Carter... well, if that portrait doesn't make you smile, not sure what will! (And you can't help but think about how darn handy it would be to have that many arms at times.)