The Sydney we know and love

My personal favorite of the two of them...

And my favorite of Drew

That's more like it! My sister-in-law took these today - way better camera, faster shutter, and better feeling Syd. Thanks, Megan!

Still Here - Merry Christmas!

I've received some comments from friends thinking we've already left AZ - not true! :) We'll be here through the end of the year, don't fly home until January 1st. There's still time! We've just been laying low as little sicknesses come and go... 'Tis the season! Not to mention our baby just turned 1 month on Sunday = stay away, germs, and lots of people potentially with them. :)

To pass the time we did manage to take a family photo for our Christmas cards. Sydney wasn't too happy but at least we can see her face. These days have been trying for her. I feel for her, away from home, cooped up most of the time with Mommy constantly nursing a new baby brother under a blanket, unable to provide the constant undivided attention her two year heart craves. What a difficult adjustment! Then comes the acting up, coupled with sickness... It's just hard. However, a sweet woman in my ward back home spotted me flustered to the point of tears last month (wrestling a two year old, nearly a week overdue in pregnancy) and held me for a minute reminding me, "This too shall pass." Wish I could communicate the same to Sydney... This too shall pass, Syd... I just pray, to know how to help/handle/cope with her raving fits and seemingly endless (patience demanding) whining... Life is fun, Mommies & Daddies, isn't it? But I do feel for the kids. We're just figuring out what the heck we're doing here!

There are my thoughts as of late... Thanks for letting me vent, blog. :) Merry Christmas everyone! I'm more and more feeling the strength to focus on the blessings I enjoy, whether they be past, present or those I find hope for in the future... Bless us all, I pray! Again, Merry Christmas, everyone!

To Daddy

We arrived safe and sound in AZ last Friday ("Black Friday") but left our sweet Daddy behind. Pace's parents were great in that I could NOT have made the journey (2.40 hour plane ride) without them, although we did luck out and had two sleeping babies for most of the trip. Hooray! That's what I call a plane ride. :) This morning I gave Drew a bath and had some fun "family time"... This is for you, Honey!! We are missing you LOTS!! Cannot WAIT for next Tuesday (when he arrives) - best of luck on your finals!!! We're always praying for you. One down, only two more to go - you are doing it! We love you!

"Daddy, time out??"