How?

How does one make time to blog when there are so many other things to be done? I just can't prioritize it... goodnight blogspot. See you when the house is clean and the kids are sleeping and it's not too late in the evening and I have finished my book club book and folded the laundry and done the ironing and gotten my head around what is meant to happen tomorrow and caught up on the latest episode of The Amazing Race (did I just admit I was addicted to a TV show?!). Sure, see you soon.

#3 is 1

The other day I was amazed that our weeping cherry tree was blooming again - more than once a year! - It only bloomed recently when Nicholas...was.....born.... [shock]... that's a year ago. Have I really lived a year of my life since then?! Oh, yes, this is supposed to be a post about Nick! We love this happy kid who really does want to be a kid and not a baby. He's fully, fully walking now. Took his first steps just before 11 months, promptly threw himself at everything, so he went back to conservative little steps for awhile, but is now up and down the house all day, quite proud of being able to multi-task while walking (drinking, carrying things, even kicking a ball!). He wears himself out and sleeps well. He's started saying 'uh-oh' when he drops something, and loves to pat my shoulder when he gives me a hug. It's the year of being big and little all at the same time. He's a joyful and mischievous addition to our family. "so big!" Happy birthday to Oma too, who has shared her birthday her whole life with her Dad, and now has to share it with a grandson! He loves you heaps! A video of a very typical Nick

Snow!

We went to the snow today. And I was so excited cause there was tons of it on the mountain and the kids were so keen, and I remembered my camera this time! Well, sort of. I put it in the bag, which spilled in the driveway. I thought I picked everything up, but on arrival, no camera. Just as well since they lasted 15 minutes before dissolving into tears cause it was freezing. But it was fun before that! Just as well there are no pictures... (oh, and the camera was sitting in the driveway when we returned - how did I not run over it?!)

Swimming lessons, stealing cookies, turning 30, and turning 60

In the order listed above... So proud watching Daniel happily try everything, given that 6 months ago he was pretty scared of putting his head under. He even blew bubbles underwater in the first lesson! This bench is the perfect height for Nick to peek over. "You AREN'T going to take this from me, are you?" Hmmm, is there any more of that choc cupcake left? Aunty Sharon turned 30. I'm happy she's in my decade, but apparently it didn't feel that way to her, even though we made her a big sprinkly '30' cookie!! Happy Birthday Sharon, thanks for being my friend as well as my sister (and babysitter, and housekeeper and the predictor of my every move... yeah, I know I will always owe you) :) My Dad turned 60 - thanks Dad for being such a great example and encourager through my whole life, even when I met a crazy Australian guy and moved to the other side of the world. You are a Godly man and I love you so much. Sorry bout you being old now.

I am woman

Laura sees Dad come home from work, runs into the kitchen and says to me: "Hurry, dad's home, you better go cook!" "What?" "Go cook before he sees you not cooking!" Oh great, so now my catch cry is "I Am Woman, Watch Me Cook". Humph.

First steps!!

Nick just took his first steps and we have video! It does take him 3 tries, but prior to this, he wouldn't move at all if he didn't have a hand to hold. He's pretty proud of himself.

More recent pics

Laura the hairdresser. How this girl manages to be all-girl and all-tough I am not quite sure... Star Babysitter Olivia with Daniel at a kids party she hosted with her class at school Erica, do you remember giving this bandana to Laura? Well, she wears it nearly every day right now! Do you think this kid has had enough of car travel?! Trying to get a passport picture of a near-toddler... always fun. 3 kids and 6 passports... check! Love those teeth! I might be 33 but I can still jump on a trampoline, right?! (photo courtesy of Daniel) 2 of my girls... :) 10 Kids between us and we actually managed to get a picture without one of them appearing in the shot! Friends since babies, these 2 get along like they've never spent time apart! And their next-youngest siblings have started taking a real liking to each other now too, which is fun to see...

It's time

Well, I'm sick of looking at that ridiculous picture of my eyes and pondering how much of those scary eyebrows to pluck, so figured it's about time to find some new photos to post... These are from Sharon's wedding in Feb, but just got the digital professional pics, so wanted to share my favourites!

Yes, I'm a dork

My eyes still look the same! :) I'm still in awe over this no-glasses thing, often looking for them for a sec, or reaching up to adjust before remembering! Finally got the okay to drive and no more blurry vision. Oh yeah!

See the difference?

Surprise! Laser eye surgery for me! 18 hours in, and besides the bad pictures cause I just woke up and no mascara allowed, so far 20/20 vision! Woo hoo!!