Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President:

Can you please make sure that you raise federal taxes for all of your new programs you are funding?  And make sure you use our tax money to bail out those affected by the mortgage crisis. Because between what we pay the federal government and what we pay our state, we currently only have to pay about 30% of our annual income to the powers that be.  And really - I don't think that is enough.  I mean, what do we need 30% of our income for?  Maybe so we can someday purchase a house?  But in the time being, please, use our money to pay for someone else's.

Sincerely,
Kristi

Dear Mom, Wishing you were here. . .

Dear Mom,
Wishing you were here. . . Not only just here on Earth again, but here in California and in good health. Wishing you were here to help with the loads of laundry that are overtaking my garage, living room and bedroom.  Wishing you were here to help make dinners on the days I am way too sick to even think of making food.  Wishing you were here to entertain Elisabeth so I could catch up in school.  Wishing you were here so I would have someone to just be a companion on the many nights Lance works late. Wishing you were here to rub my lower back that is just killing me after I pulled some muscles yesterday.  Wishing you were here so I could be less stressed, more rested and actually grateful that I am in graduate school instead of constantly questioning why in the world I am doing this and secretly harboring desires to quit.  But most of all, wishing you were here because I miss you.  Sometimes a girl just needs her mom. 

I know you are shaking your head at me right now.  Rightfully so.  I know I am blessed with great visiting teachers and friends who have offered to take Elisabeth for play dates so I can have more time to get caught up.  I know I am blessed that Lance tries to do a chore every day around the house so we only live in the 90% chaos.  I know I am blessed that Elisabeth loves peanut butter and jelly and that there are healthy options for take-out. I know I am blessed to be pregnant again.  I have much to be thankful for.

However, that doesn't change the fact that I need you and I continually try to envision you here to mother me. 

I love you.

Kristi

Fluffy

Elisabeth this a.m. after searching for something in each of our bathroom drawers: 
"Mama, I "ahnt" fluffy my teef."
Me:  "Huh?  You want to fluffy your teeth?
Elisabeth:  "Uh-huh."
Me inside my head:  "Fluffy?  She wants to fluffy her teeth?" And then it occurred to me.  Fluffy = Floss.
Me to her:  "You want to floss your teeth?"
Elisabeth:  "YES!"

I am so relieved she likes to floss her teeth already.  Maybe it will make our first dentist visit in a few months much more pleasant.

New Spring Duds. . .

To announce a new fall arrival.  Baby Bear #2 estimated to
arrive Oct. 5, 2010.

I had a "rule" that I should wait until my 2nd trimester to announce such things (based on my past losses) but seeing as I am 12 weeks tomorrow, I have had four really good ultrasounds, and most of my clothes are really, really snug, I couldn't keep it a secret any longer.  Besides, I am ready to stop fretting that something may go wrong  (okay, fretting is an understatement.  Try all out sick with irrational worry) and start being excited for yet another blessing in our lives.  Power of positive thinking, right? 

Now, if I can just continue to push through the exhaustion and nausea and finish my graduate project, then I will TRULY have something to celebrate.

Awwwww

Smiling yet? 

 I love this candid shot at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's wedding reception. Congratulations Ryan and Britnee!!!!  The bride and groom look so in love, my other niece is having a ball with grandpa, and my little princess is dancing the night away with one of her favorite boy cousins in a little red velvet number that she has dubbed her "Arella" dress.  

Moments like these are meant to be remembered. 

Pain Medication

I have determined that completing the graduate thesis (or in my case, the culminating graduate research project) has to be about the most painful, educational process EVER.  I will do it.  I will complete it.  But I will kick and scream and suffer the whole way through it.  I am excited to complete my project.  I am just not too excited to write the five chapters plus appendices that must accompany the aforementioned project.

Alright.  Not too excited is an understatement.

On the brighter side, Elisabeth's little toddler personality has provided me much pain relief as I undertake this ordeal.  Here are just a few things that keep me smiling as I pound out yet another chapter:

• Collector:  Beth has turned into quite a collector.  She is not happy with ONE of anything.  She had to carry around TWO blankets and all ten of her little Disney books that her Grandpa Mimi sent her to her babysitter's today.  I have considered buying her a back pack to carry around her treasures.
• Naming:  When we asked her two weeks ago what her name was, she answered "Baby."  Oops.  Our bad.  Now, she insists her name is "Beth."  So, Beth it is (though we still call her Elisabeth and Baby Bear more often than not.)
• The Apple:  Doesn't fall too far from the tree.  Elisabeth, for better or worse, takes after me.  Determined, passionate and sensitive. Not to mention a Type A through and through.  I got up out of bed yesterday to find her playing around in the shower.  I told her it was time to get out and she answered with "Mama.  Go to bed."  Whoa!  Where did that sass come from?  After we laughed and sufficiently parented, she asked for a kiss, said she was sorry and then left the shower.  A+ for verbal skills.   C- for manners.
• Lil' Chef:  To keep her entertained while I cook, I have her fill in the role as sous chef.  We will put on our matching aprons, which she finds pleasing to no end, pull up a chair, and cook together.  She loves to "season" what I am making with as many spice bottles I will let her handle. And she especially loves to taste what we are making.  As long as I don't use anything loud, such as the hand mixer, she couldn't be happier to "help" out.

Well, enough of my creative avoidance.  I hope to post pictures soon. 

Dance Party

When:  Every Saturday
Who:  Anyone in our family - even the beagle
What:  Involves about 20 minutes of the whole family dancing to a few fun, dancing songs.  
Why:  To establish a new family tradition.  And seriously - who can't enjoy the day after rocking out to "Steal My Sunshine" or slow dancing to "Lady in Red" or watching Elisabeth get her groove on for  "The Happy Little Working Song" from Enchanted.
Attire:  Pajamas.  Sunglasses optional.