Carpe Diem

(Sieze the carp?)

Ok, so along with the new year came a desire for change. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time reflecting the previous year, or examining the life changes I want to make.

There was one simple answer screaming in my face.

Carpe Diem.

This is the year.

Make it count.

Live in the moment.

Why put off for tomorrow that which can be done today?

So, that is my ultimate goal this year. To sieze every moment that comes my way, and make the most of it.

Here is what I've come up with so far:

run a 10k. (not impressive to people like ashlee who run half-marathons)

hang-glide

swim with dolphins

go on a real, legitimate vacation

(sorry wisconsin peeps, those vacays just don't count)

I know they aren't huge life-altering goals, but I hope to make them count.

Anyone else out there have aspirations for 2010 they wish to share?

2010

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller

The Future

Wasn't 2010 supposed to be like....the future? I mean, like hover-crafts and life like

The Jetsons?

As I reminisce about the last 10 years of my life, it seems like just that...an entire lifetime. The year 2000 was the year life began - High School. A girls dream. Right? I sure thought so. I had some GREAT friends, and some not so great friends.

Some that have lasted the last 10 years, and others haven't.

More specifically, I want to focus on the last year. 2009. What a year. If I got to live my fantasy year, it probably couldn't have been any better in my imagination.

Life with Luke makes me feel complete. I know that is ENTIRELY cliche, but it's true. He is my best bud and makes me look at life with a whole new meaning. I notice so many other things in my day-to-day life that used to just slide by...everything from the wonder of the light switch to the extra crumbs on the ground. (No matter how many times I vacuum and sweep - he always finds them.)

Cory started the crazy (and never ending) adventure of school...again. I just keep telling myself that 10 years from now it will all be worth it. It sure better be! I am enjoying the journey through life with him and am so grateful to have such a patient, hard-working man by my side.

My sister moved in with us about 6 months ago...best. day. ever. She is my best friend and the person I rely on for just about everything. Whether it be her time, her car, or her mascara - she is always there for me. When I think back to 5 or 6 years ago...we HATED each other. And I mean HATED. My mom used to always say it was just because we are so alike that we couldn't get along....I now totally agree.

I am so grateful for the friendships that have been rekindled this year....3 people in particular - hopefully you know who you are without me mentioning your names. My relationships with all three of these people have not always been pretty, but I definitely think they are now. Through time, growing up, marriage and children (come on megan...it's time to join that club) I have been able to see all three of these girls grow into beautiful strong women. I look up to you all and am so grateful for your friendship.

I am so grateful for the continued relationships (rather than rekindled) of the last year. I have been really lucky to have such great people and role models in my life. These girls/women (I wish there was an in -between word) have been my support and encouragement through any decision or difficulty I may have experienced. I am so lucky to have friends that I can talk to about anything (even though it's mostly husbands and babies) and they are willing to listen and give advice when needed.

2009 was a great year for me. I hope it was just as great for all of you.

Fail

This has been my life for the last few weeks. I go along feeling prepared for what's ahead...and then BAM it just hits me in the face.

13 Months

Well Luke, I almost missed this month's blog...I kept thinking "oh yeah I should write that" and then would put it off...so we're lucky it's only a day late!

You are currently sitting on my lap listening/dancing to Andrea Bocelli & Mary J Blige sing "What Child Is This?" no matter what music it might be, you love to dance. My favorite is when you dance to the songs in church. Not really ideal...but oh so cute

You have picked up your growling trick again. Whenever we say "go get it" or "i'm going to get you" you run growling.

This last month seemed like it just drug on and on for some reason. You have learned a lot...you love to talk. you say dog, dad, ball, uh-oh, achoo when anyone around you sneezes - which you think is the funniest thing by the way - mom, num when you're hungry or like the food you're eating and sadly...poop. You tend to say this right after you poop. Every once in a while you'll say it right before - then we could ditch the diaper! You know where your nose, belly and feet are. Oh and you love to say "sh" for shoe.

You love going into the closet and picking out my shoes and bringing them to me, or dads and taking them to him. You spend probably half of your day trying to put shoes on and walk around in them.

Your current favorite place to hang out is in the drawer underneath the stove. weird, i know. You climb in and take all the pots and pans out, stack them on the kitchen floor and then proceed to take all your toys - one by one - and put them in the drawer and shut it again. If we ever lose anything at least we know where to look right?

We still have a pinching problem with you...I have found that you become quite the little bully when you are hungry or tired. I have no idea where you get that..........must be from your dad. it's the only explanation.

We had such a fun visit with Michelle & Emma. They came in to town for a few days, and we had them and McCall & Libby over to play. You had so much fun playing with Emma, however apparently you didn't want to sit by her...

You love going places too. Maybe it's because I love to go places, so we are constantly out and about. It is getting to be so fun because you understand more and more of what we say to you. Like today, I said "Luke, do you want to go to Target?" and you walked right to the door and reached for the handle. Then I said "well, we need to get your socks and shoes on first" and you led the way into your bedroom to get them on. And then went to the door...again. ready to go.

You are still as curious as ever. And by curious I mean messy. I don't know why you love to empty things so much...closets, drawers, toy bins, cupboards. You name it.

You have become quite the cheesy little boy too. You LOVE to laugh and you especially love to make other people laugh. You have quite the funny fake laugh too.

So after your birthday, Amb took you to get your haircut...I am so happy she did that and I didn't have to. Poor Jessica thinks you will hate her forever for cutting it. You had a serious meltdown. I mean SERIOUS. You sobbed and sobbed and sobbed the entire time. The whole 15 minutes...I have to say, it was totally worth it. Your hair looks a million times better than it did before.

You were the superstar at Thanksgiving dinners with all of Dad's families too. They sure did love you.

We also took away your bottle this month....oh man. It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it was. I think the problem is that your molars are coming in, so that mixed with the lack of bottle soothing you to sleep made for some rough nights. After about a week and a half though we are back to normal...actually, I think better than ever. You are sleeping for 12 hours at night, and still taking 2 naps that are about 1.5 hours each. So awesome.

Thanks for being such a great little boy Luke. You are incredibly easy going and love to be around people. That makes our lives so much easier...especially this time of year when there are lots of holiday parties going on.

We love you very much Luke.

Love,
Mom & Dad.

Best.Show.Ever.

Luke's favorite. This is how we spend about 20 minutes each morning. And probably 20 minutes throughout the day as well. It is the perfect distraction for him while I make breakfast and lunch each day.

He starts dancing when the opening music starts. He starts counting when Manny counts - in spanish of course - before they sing their "let's get to work" song.

If you parents out there don't approve of television for your children - don't judge.

For those of you parents out there who enjoy the 20 minutes while they are distracted - you know exactly what I am talking about.

Another First

I guess there is a first for everything.....

And this was his first time-out. Quite effective wouldn't you say?