Sweet Mia, Rest In Peace Old Girl.

Our sweet Mia passed away today after some neurological problems and a tumor on her spleen. Justin and I got Mia when she was eight weeks old, almost 13 years ago. SUCH a cute puppy. She's been a dear part of our family ever since. Our first baby. Our best friend. The house will be so lonely without her. Rest in peace old girl. We loved you so.

Christmas!

I was naughty and forgot to take pictures of the kids opening Santa's gracious bounty this year. Video, yes, but no pics from home :(. However, I did manage to snap the above mentioned bounty before crazy kid madness and these other jewels at Nana and BePa's house Christmas day! Santa spoiled our little family with so many fun things but perhaps the funnest thing to play with was cousin James' new addition, Cleopatra (Cleo for short). She is adorable! And she loves to sleep on shoes, just so you know.

Good Friends, Great Times

On the 23rd Justin and I hosted our annual friends Christmas party. The whole clan came over with snacks and the kids did a gift exchange. I am so grateful for these people in my life. They mean the world to me and I am blessed to share my everyday drama with them.

Pierogi, Presents and A Princess

December 13Th marked our annual Pierogi making day, a polish family tradition that started long before I was born. It also was the special 5Th birthday of my sweet little niece, Ruthie. In addition, since our family had mixed plans for Christmas this year, we also did a cousin gift exchange. Needless to say, mom's house was full of love, family, excitement and just a little noise! Mom and dad made these cute aprons for all their grand kids. This year they are up to eight and counting! Little Jack was a little to young for the pierogi making festivities, but 2ND to the youngest, sweet baby Brielle showed her grandma and grandpa how it's done! She was SO DANG CUTE! We had a wonderful time with family. We are sure lucky.

Seriously So Sick.

Since the day after Thanksgiving we've been sick. Alex started Thanksgiving night, then Sieauna, then me, now Justin. We are all so sick with the most wicked head colds EVER..I'm sure of it! The kids have been out of school officially for one week now. Every single garbage can is full of Kleenex. This has been the worst cold I've had in...well since I can remember. I've been to the doctor. Going back again today. Ugh, I am SO done with this. We have things to do people! I don't have time for this! I need a vacation. :(