Well, I haven't written in a while because I thought there was nothing going on worth writing about. We have been existing day to day quite normally. Nothing funny going on, nothing exciting, nothing nothing nothing. Work, school, evening relaxing, sleeping, do it all over again. So since nothing really has been happening, here is what we are looking forward to.

Gabi's birthday is Monday. She's going to be 12. Can't believe she's going to be that old already. Next year she starts middle school which is going to be difficult for me I think. I already got a little choked up at the middle school open house, so I can just image what next year will be like. She's growing up so fast and turning into such a strong and good young lady it's very nice to see. Now if we could only get her to love her brother, but that's an ongoing struggle.

Both kids have another ortho appointment next Thursday. We're hoping for better news than last time, but don't hold out much hope. It's going to cost us a fortune to fix their teeth. We know that. Still hoping the denial lasts a little longer. 

Bryan has Nick's room almost done and I am looking forward to moving him into it soon. We painted the 1st coat last night. Chocolate Froth is the color. So nice and neutral without being white. Sometimes it looks a little brown, sometimes it looks almost white. It's perfect. Tonight we finish up the painting. Then it's on to molding and closet organizer. 

Both kids have the first State Qualifier race next weekend down in Eugene. That should be a good weekend. Lots of racing and fun to be had. They have been training every day so even though we haven't been racing much recently they have been trying to keep in shape. 

Spring break is coming up in a couple of weeks as well. The kids actually get a week and a half off because parent/teacher conferences are the end of the week before the official Spring Break. That gives them 1.5 weeks off. Lucky kids.

Me, I'm getting over a cold and working hard on producing catalogs. They had another round of layoffs at work yesterday. 10 people were let go, luckily I wasn't one of them. However my boss and one of my employees weren't so lucky. They are doing a much needed restructuring which is a good thing. As long as we continue to meet our sales numbers, which we have been, we should be OK. Hope that economy picks up soon! 

Well, that's about it for now. Just wanted to let you all know what is going on around here. Hope all is well with everyone else! 

Christmas Trees

So we finally got the tree decorated last night! It looks so pretty! I was able to get my new "modern angel" Tinkerbell on the top of the tree finally! I love looking at the Christmas tree and decorating it. Brings back so many memories throughout the years. Pulling out all the special ornaments and remembering when we got each one, looking at the photo ornaments of the kids growing up through the years, and talking with them about their activities and interests they have had that are reflected in their yearly ornaments. It's hard deciding what ornaments go on and which don't make it this year. I think we need a bigger house so we can have a bigger tree to fit ALL the ornaments! LOL

So here's the breakdown of ornament memories: Too many dog ornaments to count, all of which are Gabi's from her dog obsession years. Now we are working on the kitty collection. There are the sports ornaments from the different activities they have done: 2 Karate bears, a soccer boy, Ballerina Minnie Mouse, Dan's Comp Bicycle store, Fishing bear, Bob the Builder. And the places we have gone: Jamaica, Seattle, Disneyland, Disney World, and of course Great Wolf Lodge for this year. Of course you can't forget my Tinkerbell ornaments and my Snow Baby collection,  as well as our other Disney ornaments that make the tree complete. 

Yes, the tree is full of memories and the fun we have had throughout the years. The kids look forward to remember the ornaments, looking for their favorites and the memories as much as I do I think. Then they will spend the next few days rearranging everything trying to make sure their favorites have center stage. 

I can't imagine having one of those trees they show on all the decorating shows. The "Theme trees". While they are very beautiful to look at they seem so cold and impersonal to me. I like looking at our hodge podge collection and remembering the story behind every single ornament. Remembering the past, honoring the present and looking towards the future.

And no, there will be no tinsel on my tree! None thrown or individually placed either! A paper chain might make it on, if we can find the time to make one!

So, on that note, if anyone knows where I can find some bicycle ornaments please let me know. Still need to get the kids their ornaments for 2008!