I've Found Happiness!

You know when you find something that makes you truly happy, you become addicted to it? Well, I found it! Zumba! I love love love this class. I don't know, maybe it's Julie, the teacher, or the jingly skirt, or the music, or the calories, who knows? But I LOVE IT! I've found my "Kelly time". Tuesday and Thursday mornings you will find me at the gym, shakin' my booty.

Sieauna Turns Ten!

The big "1-0". She keeps telling me she's "double digits" now. Too funny. She's growing up way too fast. She wanted a quiet party at home with a couple of her closest friends. Her party theme was "zoo animals" and she helped make her own cake. I can't believe she was so small when she was born (premature at 34 weeks) and now she is this little pre-tween! Crazy how time flies when you're having fun. We love you so much princess. Happy birthday.

Happy Birthday Sexy!

My handsome, hunky, totally awesome cook, best friend, lover, confidant, shrink, everything-I-could-ever-want in a man, man turned 36 this year. I love him so much. Happy birthday my love. We stayed at home for a quiet night and I cooked him up a huge German dinner with rouladden, red cabbage, butternut squash, warm German potato salad, homemade apple pie, vanilla ice cream and a nice bottle of wine. I hope your day is everything you hope for.

Ice Ice Everywhere!

Met up with my bro and sis-in-law to take the cousins ice skating. Oh what fun they have. Really, we should do this more often as they love it so. Sieauna and Rachel love to go off together while Alex and Bekah go on their own. Ruthie is happy to have Daddy help her around the rink, then it's off to warm up with some hot cocoa. Jack, ahhhhhh my little Jack, I LOVE that little man. He's so happy and funny. He laughs and flirts and oh mamma I want to nibble him! Here are some pics of our fun afternoon. I especially love the ones with my handsome bro in them!

Batali, Lagasse, Flay, Comerford and Vigh, Thank You For A Wonderful Ending To My New Beginning.

We spent the last official night of holiday break doing some pretty extravagant feasting. My most wonderful mom-in-law hosted my family (my mom, dad and brother included) at a "Super Iron-Chef party". While we watched the great chef's in action, she acted the part well by cooking up some clam linguini, bruschetta and tiramisu to name a few...all homemade of course! We ate till our hearts, and bellies were full. Thanks Ma!!!

NOW comes the fun part. 2010. That's pronounced "twenty-ten" to me. It has meaning too. Twenty pounds in ten weeks. Just in time to run another half marathon. I don't have to ask if I think I can do it, because I can. I know I can. I just need to! Starting tomorrow I am back on Weight Watchers and a good exercise/training program. I've got both my ma's to weigh into every week too! So...whose with me? Who wants to do 20-10? LET'S DO THIS!

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. :(