The Joys of Home Ownership

Ughh, our second hot water heater in a year has went out on us! Unfortunately this time it was the one in the girls' bedroom, so carpet damage went along with it. The plumber (a friend of ours...thanks Karl!) and the carpet man were here a long time yesterday. The carpet will be back today and again on Monday (ching-ching$$$) to monitor the drying of the carpet. In the meantime, the girls are having a blast, because they are "camping" in other bedrooms! I have been washing my hair in the kitchen sink since Thursday, so I really appreciated a hot shower today. Another good thing is that the carpet man is going to do some extra carpet cleaning while he is here Monday. I am waiting to see the bill though, to decide whether or not it is worth filing a claim.

Mixed Emotions

Over Christmas I helped my 91 year old grandmother, who lives alone, clean out her cupboards. She had some beautiful antiques hiding away, to which she began offering me. It felt a little strange to be taking them from her, which has had me thinking. I think it gave her pleasure to give them to me, but I had mixed emotions about it. As I was cleaning them up to put on display, I was thinking of the stories behind each piece, and how Grandma must realize she may not be around much longer. This makes me sad, as she is very special to me. I am so spoiled though, at 42 (shh), to have three of my grandparents still alive!

The pieces cleaned up nicely, and I have put some of them on display in my kitchen. I think of my grandma everytime I look at them:)

Simply Beautiful

Many of you know that my daughter Jaelyn is missing her forearm, so I find this video beautiful and uplifting. The fact that it takes place in China is even more encouraging, since having a disability has not been a very acceptable thing in the past. The more the culture accepts those with disabilities, the more precious daughters they will keep. Take the time to watch, but just in case, have some kleenex nearby.
She without Arm, He Without Leg

Celebrations....

Whew, I think we finally have finished our many holiday celebrations. We started with the usual Christmas celebrations and time with family, then we celebrated Kaia's 3rd Gotcha Day (adoption day, 12/27), followed by Jaelyn's 4th birthday (New Year's Day). Today was her party, so I think the holiday season for us is officially closed. Sorry, but my camera died the second half of the trip, so I didn't get as many pictures there. Enjoy the slideshow.

I "borrowed" this activity from a blog I read on the diabetes online community (OC). One answers the questions and then Googles-Images the answer. Anything from the first page of results is allowed. I am up way too early this Saturday morning due to my very sore throat, so this is how I am spending my quiet time before the kids wake up:

1. Age at my next birthday:

2. A place I'd like to travel to:

3. A Favorite Place:

&

4. A Favorite Thing:


5. A Favorite Food:

6. A Favorite Color:

7. A Favorite Flower:

8. The City You Live In:

9. Name of a Past Pet:

10. A Nickname You've Had:

11. College Major:

12. First Job:

13. A Hope for 2008:

Merry Christmas to me!

Some of you may not know, but I am a Type I diabetic. Today I went on the latest and greatest technology available, a continuous glucose monitor (cgm). I am very excited about it taking me to the next level of staying healthy and in good control. Unfortunately insurance does not cover it, so it is my Christmas gift to myself. Actually, it's a Christmas gift to the whole family, because what's good for Momma is good for the whole family:)

Also, if you or someone you know is diabetic, check out tudiabetes.com. It is a fairly new online community (oc) just for diabetics and their families. There is a wealth of information and support on the site. You can click on the tudiabetes banner on the right side of my page to check it out.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Sorry, but this post is for the grandparents who did not get to see their grand-daughters singalong tonight. Enjoy the music videos!