Positivity Wrapped Up

Hello followers, thanks for sticking around, we have truly appreciated your support throughout the year. I cannot believe it's now 2010 and that we've managed to complete this experiment to it's fullest. I've never typed this much in my life. I can say that I was only happy with about 60% of my entries which I know is not very positive. But, I'm aware I am not a stellar writer and this brought that more to the surface for me. I prefer to write in fragments, brief thoughts, and poetic verse.

This blog has traveled with me through the start of my photography career, losing my job, nine months of unemployment, my medical assistant pursuit, to my now teaching aspirations, to my new job in day-care, to my beautiful wedding engagement. 2009 couldn't have been more life alternating for me and now I have it completely documented. I've kept up journal writing through most of my younger years and this process has been very therapeutic in that same regard. I feel I know myself better. I feel more confident in my own skin. I think this experiment effected me more deeply than Jason, just because I was writing during such life changing times. I became a stronger person when I was unemployed and got to explore all my passions. I did love and appreciate this experience. I know now that I need calming devises around me when my life gets tense and stressful. Exercise, music, films, and my favorite foods to name a few. I feel more positive, I really do. Whenever I sense Jason getting negative, I catch myself getting negative with him. I don't like when I do this and I'm glad I'm immediately aware of it, so I usually find myself stepping out of the situation and concentrating on the positive.

Top big projects that we need to stay positive about are selling the Towson House, affording all the bills including our two mortgages, getting my teaching certificate and becoming a teacher, getting the city house finished, getting my photography career moving and shaking again, and getting a wedding plans together. We have each other to get through these tough projects. We can achieve anything together.

Things I think of when times get me down: My loving mom and dad, my sister and Allen, and their wonderful growing boys, Kaiden and Blake. My grandmom, who needs positivity more than ever. My new dreams of helping and teaching children achieve and grow. Cooking delicious food with my wonderful fiance, Jason. My new loving family- Jan, David, Steph, John, Lou, Karin, Grandpa, and Jackson. And all of our other family members and friends. Starting a new garden next Spring. Starting any new project with Jason. Finishing our city home together. Being a bride walking down the aisle to my beautiful, kind, heartfelt soon to be husband, Jason.

I love you dear, we can move mountains together. I hope all your writing dreams come true. I believe in you- Stay Positive!

A Perfect Christmas

Christmas this year was perfect. It was wonderful being with my whole family. We had great laughs, yummy food, and love all around. The boys are growing up so fast and I played with them every chance I had. I hope we get to all see each other again soon. My folks are so happy in there new house and I am so happy to see them so happy. I love you all and want to thank you all for making Christmas so memorable and joyous this year. Hugs and kisses to mom, dad, Kerri, Allen, Kaiden, and Blake.

Little Wonderland

I love the Christmas tradition of setting up the presents under the tree while the little ones sleep. I can't wait to see the expressions on my nephews faces tomorrow morning. It's the best! I wish Christmas was still that surprising and fun as an adult, but I guess that's why you have kids to feel that sense of wonder and fun through their experiences. They are going to be the happiest little boys tomorrow.

My folks used to set all the toys up for us, so when we came down Christmas morning all the toys would be ready to play with. It was like entering your own little wonderland. Maybe I'll do the same for my kids.

Kids are the Best

It's been so great getting to know my nephews, Kaiden and Blake again. Every time I see them they are so different and more grown up. It's truly amazing how fast they grow. They make me realize more and more that I really fascinated by that age group. I think I'm set on wanting to teach Pre K to 3rd grade. I like when they're young and like to play a lot. I can really tell that my new job is helping me interact and play with my nephews. I think I'm starting to know and understand young minds better. It's just wonderful sharing this quality time with them. They really love playing with Jason and I too.

We went to Kaiden's class Christmas Party today. I got to watch the teachers in action and witness a young classroom environment. It was very insightful and looked like something I could really do and enjoy.

Kaiden and Blake, you are two awesome little boys and I'm so happy to be here to get to spend Christmas with you all.

My Thank Yous Part 1

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'm thankful for my loving-caring in-laws. They've all warmly excepted me into their homes time and time again. I am also very thankful for the understanding and supportive love of my life, Jason. I am thankful for this blog, it's been quite an accomplishment.

I am thankful for my wonderful mom and dad. I know I don't call them quite enough, but when we do I love and appreciate our talks. They have both been very supportive and I'm thankful that I'll get to spend some quality time with them in a month. I am thankful for my dear sister, Kerri. She is my rock through good times and bad. I'm thankful that she has a wonderful man in her life and I couldn't of ask for a better brother-in-law. I am thankful for my two beautiful, healthy nephews, Kaiden and Blake.

I'm feeling kind of under the weather, so I'm going to end this now. To be Continued...

The Gift of Giving

Finding the perfect gift for someone can be so challenging, but once you figure it out it's so rewarding for you and the receiver. It feels good to know someone so well that knowing what will make them happy and pleased is very satisfying. I'm not really referring to anything particular, really it's just the idea of finding the perfect present and the feeling you get after you give that present out. Bringing great joy to someone special on a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or just because feels amazing. The light in their eyes, the smile on their face is breathtaking.

The holidays are shortly approaching and I've already given myself the best gift ever- Plane tickets for Jason and I to spend the Christmas holidays for my mom, dad, sister, Allen, and my two beautiful nephews, Kaiden and Blake. I can't wait to see you all, Love you with all my heart!

Be Thankful Everyday

Well it was a very fulfilling weekend, but I think I'm going to touch upon an event that occurred a few days ago. The subject matter is not a positive one, but the end result is something to be thankful for. My sister and my two beautiful nephews were in a terrible car crash Thursday. Blake and Kerri walked away with scratches and bruises and Kaiden had to stay over night at the hospital for observation. He was just in pure shock, so they were concerned he might have a concussion. Kerri was such a strong and loving mother the whole time. She's an amazing lady.

Everyone is now still shaken up and beat and battered some, but overall doing amazingly well. Let's be completely thankful everyday for all the loving family we have in our life. It was so terrifying getting that phone call. All you can do is hope and pray that everyone makes it out alive and healthy. Thanks to good car manufacturing and well structured car seats and seat belts my family is still here with me today. I am so unbelievably thankful. We must continue to talk to and if you can hug the people that we hold deep to our hearts everyday. I love you Kerri, Kaiden, and Blake. This too shall pass and before you know it the bruises will be healed and life will back to its beautiful state.

GrandBob and Grandma

During my families visit I got to witness my parents play the grandparent roles. They were so affectionate with the kids, it was the most precious thing to witness.

Blake is drawn to his GrandBob, that's my dad's new nickname, and it's so cute. Mom becomes a kid again and plays with them both for hours. I really feel having these new additions to their life has brought out the absolute best in them both.

They are in the process of looking for a new house near Kerri and the kids. I'm so jealous that they will soon be able to see them grow up day by day. But, I'm also very happy for them. Kerri's going to have babysitters right near by which is fantastic. Too bad Jason and I aren't the biggest fans of Florida. We'll visit of course, but living there is out of the question. GrandBob and Grandma you are the most loving grandparents, Kaiden and Blake couldn't have ask for better.

The Walker's Visit

These past few days spent with my sister's family have been great. They are such amazing company. You got my crazy sister, Kerri, always keeping things in order with every one's best interests in mind. She's a lot of fun, I love her dearly. Then you got Allen, the chilled out guy with a great sense of humor. He believes in the mellow ways of life, which I really appreciate. The addition of the two boys has added a great deal of amusement. They are both complete joys to be around. The quiet, Kaiden has a loving demeanor and has a a lot of wisdom before those beautiful blue eyes. He's currently obsessed with bugs and I gave him a bug catcher belt with a magnifier, that he loves. I got really lucky, I had no idea he was so into bugs. Then outgoing Blake will get you laughing for hours with his funny sayings and crazy antics. He is definitely Kerri's double. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. I hope I get to be around for as many funny moments as I possibly can.

I love you all very much, you are always welcome in our home. Can't wait till next time.

The Child's Mind

I am so fascinated by the minds of children. The way they continue to develop and grow everyday by what stimulates them is amazing. New words and worlds come alive all the time. We need to try to keep them around positive and beautiful things throughout their first years of life. The world just gets harder and harder the more you grow up. I am so blessed to have grownup in a stable environment. My nephews are also in a great stable atmosphere with a wonderfully loving mother and father. Blake is talking up a storm. He repeats all the words you give him the best of his ability. Kaiden is shy and is not picking up the language as fast as Blake, but I know he's smart as a whip and will soon be talking in full complete sentences before no time. I love them dearly and have loved this visit with them. All kids develop differently, and the process is so interesting. I can't wait to see what my nephews start doing next. I will miss them all terribly when they leave to go home tomorrow.

New Perspectives

Exploring different rooms in your home can be so interesting. Jason and I are sleeping in our guest room this week so Kerri, Allen, and Kaiden can have our larger room. We put one of the new ceiling fans in here and we set up the 2nd floor patio that is right off this room. It's also on the quiet side of the house, so no more being woken up by helicopters or ambulances from the hospital down the street. It almost feels like we're on vacation, too. Venturing out and exploring different perspectives of your home or neighborhood can be such a trip. I really recommend it. It was especially cute when my nephews came in to wake me up.

Hearing my nephews talk

I love hearing my nephews talk to me over the phone. Yesterday was Blake's 2nd birthday and I wished him a happy birthday over the phone and heard him say my name and everything. Both of them are growing up so fast. I truly can't wait to meet them again in person in a couple days and hear them face to face. I hope we become instant friends again. I love you both very much. Happy Birthday Blake. See you both in a couple of days. I will share some new photos of them with you all once they get here.

Babysitting

I got to be a mother for the first time last night. Jason, my mom, dad and I got to watch the kids through the night into this morning, so that Allen and Kerri could spend a romantic night out alone. I had night duty and got up and rocked Blake back to sleep at 11, 2, and 3 am. It felt really sweet to be needed and putting him back to sleep wasn't too hard. I really liked watching my nephews. They have become so much more animated since the last time we saw them. They are both talking a bit and are so much fun. I know being a mother is difficult, but it has to feel good to see and feel that need for your affection everyday. Again, I'm not saying I want kids right away, but the idea and want is present. For now I'll settle with watching my two amazing Nephews, they are growing so fast and hate to miss a minute of it. I love you, Blake and Kaiden, thanks for putting your trust in me.

Nephews

I love being an aunt. I love my nephews with all my heart. Today, Kaiden, the eldest, now 3, told me he "loved Aunt Kate" and thanked Aunt Kate and Uncle Jason for his Christmas presents. Of course, I would rather be there to hear them talk to me in person, but in the meantime I cherish every time I hear them over the phone. I love children and watching them grow, even when it's over the phone and through pictures. Sending hugs and kisses to my beautiful nephews, Kaiden and Blake, I love you both with all my heart!