Work, laughs and everything in between...

I have this pretty ridiculous idea about father new year. In my wacked out head, mr. New Year is kind of like a social worker. At midnight on December 31st of every year, he passes by and makes a visit. He catches up with you because since he spoke to you last probably a lot has happened!
So I imagine what this wacky conversation with mr. New Year would be like... first he'd point at my belly (a la little robert) and say "again?"... then I'd catch him up on all the things that have happened to us. My new nephew on the way, Lucas is now reading, Tyler is a little wiz who is slowly warming up to the idea of being happy and feeling deserveful of love, my mom is back to school and hoping to work soon, my furry nephew Rigby is gorgeous and an ever constant topic of discussion at our house, we've managed to save money this year, my husband and I are still in love with eachother and still in love with work, in love with our family and our children and probably the happiest we've ever been.
Yeah, the economy sucks, but we are hanging out and hoping to emerge on the other end with as much of our sanity as possible. Everyone is healthy and happy and where God wants them to be. We managed to get away for one big trip, celebrate birthdays and do some fun stuff. Made some big purchases and met some new friends along the way. We've lost touch with some and even lost some others, but we wish them all the best.
Life isn't too drastically different thankfully... but this time of the year also makes you think about next year's conversation and what that will be like. If I could replicate most of the details then I would be thrilled.
It's all so exciting and so scary at the same time. All you can really do is your best. Make smart well thought out choices and always prepare for that rainy day that is sure to come at some point.
So to all my friends, who are all the supporting cast of my crazy ever exciting life... I wish for you contentment... stability and happiness. I hope you are successful at everything you embark on and that you get to live life, not just survive it.
Happy 2009 and so long to 2008!

Lukey's Christmas Debut

We woke up early, and with anticipation in our hearts attended Lucas' very first Christmas show!
We are always proud of our oldest boy, but there's something special about his smile and his excitement that is truly contagious. He appreciates and loves and fills your heart with joy... and who wouldn't wake up early to go and see him?!?!?
Though he picked his nose through most of the show and spent most of the time waving at his mina in the front row while she took pictures, he managed to drag out some pretty funny dance moves.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5_ubSCTxq0

Mission Accomplished!

It seems like the moment i finished typing that last post, the stars aligned, the saints finished their conference call and my husband was finally listening!
Saturday, the same girl Carlos gave her name to came up with the suggestion that would stick!
CASEY!
Androgenous, short, sweet... 5 letters like her brothers' names... not too girlies, not too boyish and over all, pretty darn cool.
Casey...
It was 3rd on my list of 5... but really, how was I going to sell Harper and Harlow to my mom?
So now we call her by name. Lukey said "that's a good name" and really, his opinion is the only one that matters right?
We are all so anxious for the impending arrival of the member that will complete our family. She will be the crowning achievement and the perfect addition to our already rambunctious crew of freakazoids. One more creature to look at in amazement, to laugh at for her adventurous spirit... two more hands to hold, two more feet to tickle... one more baby to worry about and another bundle of joy to adore more than I love myself.
Meeting her is just around the corner... less than 140 days to go!

4 months to go...

AND STILL NO NAME!!!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

What's in a name? ummm... everything! Your name is an identity, the first thing people hear that leads to a mental image or a perception of someone. A name is yours for the rest of your life!
SO WHY HAVEN'T WE FOUND ONE YET???
How do you find a name that fits all the things you want someone to be!?!?! Girly, smart, important, friendly, likeable, cool. On top of all those things, finding a name that none of your friends has "reserved" for kids they don't yet have... and on top of making sure that it's a name that will bring propesperity and happiness according to the Kabalarians... LMAO!

The #1 question after you tell someone the sex of the baby you're having... SO DO YOU HAVE A NAME PICKED OUT? when the answer is no, this question is usually followed by some pretty HORRIBLE suggestions.
Genevive
Carlotta
Eden
Chayenne
Anabel
Mabel
WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?!?!
So as these...umm... special names are handed on to me, i always promise to "put them on the list". Only problem is, this list DOES NOT EXIST!
So the search continues... for a name that won't embarrass my daughter on the first day of school... that won't make people think of a stripper when they hear it... that won't have her going by a nickname when she's 80 because old ladies aren't really comfortable with the name "Pixie".
It's a girl! I thought this was going to be sooo easy!