Photo Hunters #3 "Gross"

My lil puddin' pie

One for the Money

Last night I finished my first Janet Evanovich novel, One for the Money. This is the first book of many in her Stephanie Plum series. A friend of mine recommended the series, I was very skeptical due to the fact that I've never even picked up a crime fiction novel. This just further proves to me that I need to step outside of myself and try new things. I would have never imagined that I'd be hooked on a crime fiction novel! I can't WAIT to go get my hands on the next book in the series "Two for the Dough".

I've worked over 9 hours today (can you say child neglect) and I have a 5 year old litterally pulling me out of my chair screaming "PLAY-WITH-MEEEEE!" Gotta run.

It's their day!

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Mark and Ashley's special day. The day Ashley was officially adopted by Mark and she became an "official" Urben. Ashley has been talking about today for weeks and anticipating their special time together. Last year she got to stay home from school and the two of them spent the day together. This year, Mark didn't say a word to her about it, he had plans up his sleeve. Last night before bed when Mark was tucking her in she said "Daddy, you know tomorrow is February 1st?" Mark had his plan and didn't want to spoil it, so he says "Yeah, January sure did go by fast!" Poor girl, she must have been so sad. She told us weeks ago that we should maybe celebrate on the weekend since she's missed so much school this year. This morning she went off to school without a spoken word. I later found out that the plan worked, she thought we all forgot. Mark showed up to pick her up from school around 10 this morning. She had no idea. Mark took her for donuts and then they met us at the library, checked out some books, then they went ice skating, had lunch and went to Build-A-Bear to make a special bear. They made him together, he has two hearts, one from Mark and one from Ash. They made him together and picked out his little skater clothes together too. They went to a few other places and just had some wonderful time together. It's so hard to believe that it's only been 2 years. He's been daddy since before she could even remember, so 2 years is nothing but a formality, but still a very special day to celebrate two of my most favorite people in this whole world.

This evening Alex informed me that he really, really, really wanted to be adopted too. <> What ever are we going to do with this boy.

Wordless Wednesday #3

January 30, 2007

Daddy, Alex, Grams, Pops and I sat in the Performing Arts Center at the High School and watched Miss Ashley receive her award for advancing to Area in the Visual Arts category for the Reflections contest. She got the biggest ribbon she's ever received, and I'm sure there's a special place on her wall reserved for it. This years theme was "My favorite place". Ashley drew a picture of her view from horseback.

Ash and I went to our first girls High School Basketball game together tonight. Just the two of us. We watched Varsity go in to overtime and win by 1 whopping point. We were on the edge of our seats and that last few minutes we could't even sit, it was an incredibly exciting game. I thought it was pretty special that Ash opted to sit with me instead of all of her friends. I didn't mind if she had decided to sit with them, in fact, I fully expected it, but I thought it was pretty special when she came back over, sat in front of me and leaned back, wrapped her arms around my legs and watched the game with me. I wonder how much longer I have to enjoy this. :)

That I Would Be Good

This song has always been such a positive force for me. When I'm down, listening to this really helps me dig my way out.

Alanis morissette - that i would be good (unplugged)





that I would be good even if I did nothing
that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
that I would be good if I got and stayed sick
that I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

that I would be fine even if I went bankrupt
that I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
that I would be great if I was no longer queen
that I would be grand if I was not all knowing

that I would be loved even when I numb myself
that I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
that I would be loved even when I was fuming
that I would be good even if I was clingy

that I would be good even if I lost sanity
that I would be good
whether with or without you

She's back!!

Our favorite Golden is back for a visit this week!!! Joe is having some work done on the house and will have workers in and out all week. We are so happy to have our step-dog Ally back...even if it just for a short time.

I wonder if we should get our joint custody documented? ;)

CHM Carnival Topic: What parts of yourself do you hope that your child gets?

Another good topic to ponder.

There are so many things I want for my children, but in reality I haven't ever really imagined these things as pieces of myself...but I suppose they are.

Here goes...

• I hope that they both have a very strong sense of family.

• I hope they will have self confidence...it has taken me a looong time to learn this, but hopefully I can show them what I have learned and they can pass me up with an even stronger sense of self confidence.

• I so, so, hope they both continue to have a sense of humor, because no matter what happens in life, a sense of humor will ALWAYS help you get through those bumps in the road.

• I hope Ashley learns how a husband should treat his wife. I hope that I set a good example of balance in a relationship.

• I hope they both learn that kindness and empathy are essential in all relationsips and that both of these will make their lives fruitful.

• I hope they both turn out to be free thinking individuals that don't follow the paths of others without reason.

• And lastly, I hope they learn from their mistakes, and mistakes, there will be a-plenty.

Cranium Family Fun

A few days ago I mentioned my Latest treasure, a game by Cranium called Family Fun. We played it for the first time tonight, and I have to say, this is our new favorite game. The box says ages 8 and up, but Alex is 5 and did fine with me as a partner. Some of it was a little advanced, but nothing we couldn't work around. Basically, there are four different categories and within each category are several different challenges to be completed as a team. You're either drawing, writing, molding, thinking or acting....possibly more. This game is fun for the whole family. We love Cranium games, but this was the best yet.