More Disney Pics and Nursery Photos

Isabella's Birthday Breakfast

My worst nightmare: being eaten by a shark!
No kidding!!

Disney's Boardwalk

Isabella the Japanese Chef

The nursery:

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It's a Boy!

Wow! Can you believe its almost June?! Where did May go?! We have had such a fun, exciting and busy month. As I mentioned last month we were preparing for our first official family vacation. In January, Teddy and I made reservations for a trip to Disney World. We got an incredible deal, buy 4 nights get 3 free. We thought Isabella was at the perfect age for her first trip to Disney. So on April 25th we embarked on what turned out to be our best trip ever ( at least for me)! They do everything for you there. I have never come home from a trip so completely relaxed and I don't think any of us wanted to come home. Disney World has changed so much since I was there 20 years ago. I don't care who you are or how old you are, once you step in those gates you are a kid again! We stayed at the Disney Boardwalk which was great. Everytime we came in from anywhere someone always greeted us with "Welcome Home", which was so cool. Everywhere we went all week all the cast members referred to Isabella as Princess. We also got the Disney Meal plan and I have to say what a great decision that was! It was more than enough food and boy did it save us money!

We went to a different park everyday. Isabella's favorite park was Animal Kingdom, of course. While at Animal Kingdom we ate at an African restaurant and our daughter actually tried and liked some African dishes. Who knew miracles happen at Disney too?! Bella also loved Epcot. She couldn't get over that she could travel to all these different countries and she loved the Mexico ride the best. Teddy's favorite park was also Epcot. I could not decide if I had to, I had a great time everywhere. I especially enjoyed spending that time with my family and seeing Isabella's reactions.

Isabella celebrated her 6th birthday on our last full day. Can you believe she's 6??!!! All that day Bella got to wear a button that said she was celebrating her birthday and everyone we met, cast members or other tourists said Happy Birthday to her. By the end of the day she told me she wanted to take off her button because she was tired of saying thank you so much. We celebrated by having a buffet breakfast with the Disney Princesses in Norway at Epcot. While Bella was very excited to meet Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Snow White, she was most impressed with meeting Mary Poppins. I have to say the resemblance was amazing and Isabella loved that "she spoke a different language" ( she actually had a lovely British accent). We then spent the morning redoing our favorite things at Epcot and then went back to the hotel for a swim. (We were in 10 minutes walking distance from Epcot.) That evening we went back to Epcot and took Bella to her first Japanese dinner, the kind where they cook it in front of you. Once again she happily tried new foods and really enjoyed the chef hat and Japanese birthday chant they did for her. We sadly left the wonderful World of Disney and all I could think of is why can't the rest of the world be like Disney World?! Everyone is happy and sooo nice and friendly. Everything is so clean and well cared for, and most importantly for a pregnant woman, there are bathrooms everywhere with no waiting and they were all spotless with toilet paper and soap! The rest of the world should follow Disney's model! Even my husband agreed we will definately be back in 5-6 years!

After we got back from Disney World we jumped right back into the fullness that is our life. Within four days of returning home we got the exciting news that we are having a boy! Isabella is very excited and told me she really didn't care if she was getting a brother or a sister, either one was fine. Then she promptly suggested we name him Thomas. While Thomas is a nice name, I told her, we will not be naming him Thomas. I then explained how the mom and dad get to name the baby. She was not happy and told me that she is a member of this family too and she doesn't understand why she can't have any say like she did with naming Daisy (obviously she doesn't see the difference between having a dog and a little brother). Needless to say our little attorney did not win her argument. It sucks to live in a dictatorship! She did get over it and has been very busy helping us decorate the baby's room and going through all her old things. I have saved most everything from Bella with the exception of a few things. I had full intention to reuse her crib set and wall decor until . . . Damn Fisher-Price, sent me their spring preview catalog in March and I fell in love with their new Precious Planet line. So I decided to get a new crib set and wall decor. The best part is a portion of the proceeds goes to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The crib set and decor arrived last Saturday and Teddy and I began painting and setting up the room. The weekend before we moved what was the upstairs guest room into the office. I threw in some pictures of the final product. I don't know if the pictures will do it justice or not. Teddy, who is usually decoratively challenged actually came up with the color scheme by himself. The top half is a very pale blue, the bottom is green and the stripe in the middle is brown, like melted chocolate. It turned out great. I'm so proud of him. Isabella loves that it is animal themed and she told us she thinks her baby brother will love it too. A big Thank You to Grandma and Grandpa Morris who gave us the crib set as a gift! I do have one wall empty, I have this great idea that I will use my new camera and take pictures of animals sleeping at the zoos we visit this summer and we will pick out the best 4 or 5 pics and frame them. We already got some cute ones from our trip to the zoo this weekend.

By the way don't ask about names we are keeping that a secret and the truth is we haven't really discussed it to much. We are kind of avoiding the subject for now, although I have ideas. I am feeling pretty good for the most part. I did have to give up running last week. The extra weight had begun to cause my knees, then my ankles, then my arches to hurt. I am afraid of causing permanent damage, so thinking of my running future I sadly gave it up for walking until our little Spanky is born. He better appreciate my sacrifice, but I won't hold my breath.

June is going to be another exciting month for the us! Aunt Mandi and Charlotte are coming for a visit. YEAAAHHH!!! Grandma and Grandpa are coming for a visit! Isabella finishes kindergarten June 25th (That's sooo late!). The landscapers will come and put in our beds, bushes and a few trees (hopefully before our company arrives). Most importantly I will turn 25 again! Isn't it amazing how youthful I am becoming! So that's it from here for now! Hope you enjoy the pics! Enjoy the start of summer, I know we will! Our best to everyone!

Shenanigan's Quote Board:

"The reason that I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept."

- George Carlin

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Ahhhh, Peace and Quiet at Last! (Well for five minutes anyway)

After almost 6 years I have finally discovered the secret to getting some much needed peace and quiet. Who says dog crates are just for dogs?! I thought everyone would enjoy our Isabella's newest silly stunt. Yes, she did lock herself in the the dog crate with Daisy on purpose (you didn't really think I would do that, did you?! Although the thought is tempting). Isabella really, really would like to be a dog. Something I too can relate to because at her age I also wanted to be a dog. While Teddy and I were painting her bathroom, for the second time, Bella entertained herself and Daisy by playing dog family and locking herself in the crate. All was quiet until we heard, "Hey Mama! You have to get the camera and come see me!" So of course I did. Unfortunately, she did want to be let out a few minutes later.

Daisy too has picked up a new habit but this time its not related to digging or barking or getting on my last nerve. As you can see she greatly enjoys drinking from the kitchen or bathroom faucets ( sure beats drinking out of the toilet). We did not teach her this trick. She began drinking from the tub during Bella's baths. She would also like to get in the bath with Bella so we have to watch her carefully or crate her. She soon graduated to drinking from the shower sprayer while we rinsed the tub and had now moved on to standing at the kitchen sink while we hold the sprayer so she can quench her thirst. She does always have a bowl of water, I guess she just likes it fresh. Life with Isabella and Daisy is a new (noisy) adventure everyday!

Life has been pretty quiet here. I am feeling much better. No more afternoon and evening sickness, but I seem to have grown overnight. To answer the most popular question: Yes, we will be finding out if its a boy or girl but not until after our trip. We will share the news as soon as we have it. Although I don't think I want to share our name choices until the baby is here and named. I don't really want the commentary or facial expressions if we are thinking about somthing different. Besides Teddy and I will have enough to argue about without everybody else weighing in. So maybe we will leave that for a surprise! As I mentioned I have been feeling much better, my only complaint is that I can't make my body move like I want it to. I miss yoga (prenatel yoga is not the same!) and I miss being able to move with such ease.

I am still running and that's really the only time I feel normal. Everyday I am truly grateful for my treadmill , because there is no way I could run outside. I literally, no exaggeration, have to pee every five to ten minutes. Between the longer warm up and the bathroom visits it takes me an hour to do a thirty minute run and I'm running a ten minute mile! I am not complaining just stating fact. I would not give up my morning runs for anything and I dread the time when I will have too. My running has become such an important part of my life that it will really be hard if the doctor tells me I have to stop (I will of course.) It has gotten me through and helped me stay sane through motherhood, a huge move and everyday ups and downs. It has become my meditation, my outlet and my "Me time". It is truly the one thing in my life that is mine alone and I do cherish it. I don't need marathons or races, just the competition with myself, some goals to work toward and some good tunes! The hardest thing for me about running while pregnant is the pyschological battle of seeing my waistline get bigger and the times get slower despite the miles put in which are also decreasing. All the experts say that pregnant runners should not set or work toward new goals. This is also hard for me, so this morning on my run I decided that they are wrong. We should set goals, just different kinds. Instead of setting goals to reach new distances or times, I am setting the goals to run at least 4 days a week and to finish each run strong and relaxed with the knowledge that I am doing an incredible thing for myself. Who knows maybe Pee wee and I will have a special bond through this experience, maybe he or she will come out a runner and this will be the beginning of many years of running together (as long as they aren't to chatty, I don't like to run with talkers, just ask Teddy!) I also hope that as I grow and get slower and my knees ache from the extra weight it will all help me after our bundle is here and make coming back all that much easier. Afterall if I can run while carrying a child I can run through anything!

We had a very chilly Easter again this year. I don't think Bella will ever see an Easter filled with sleeveless fancy dresses here in the Northeast. We had a very nice day despite the cold. Our neighbors Isabelle, Celine, Lubo, Luke and Amelia had a us again this year for an egg hunt and brunch. Great company, great conversation and great food and Easter Eggs!! What more could we ask for!

Spring arrived here just in time for Bella's Spring break (Thank God!), so she and Daisy got to get outside a lot! I'm not quite sure, how I or they will survive the summer. When Bella is in school or at a friend's, our house is peaceful and the dogs are fairly quiet, but as soon as Bella gets home everything erupts in to chaos and until Brian Williams comes on you can't hear yourself think! (We have a rule all children, furry or otherwise, have to settle down so Mom can hear and fully enjoy Brian Williams and his newscast.) This baby is going to be able to sleep through anything! I also think the baby will thinks its name is "DAMMIT DAISY!" because I seem to be yelling, and I do mean yelling, this all the time. Daisy and Bella have the same affliction, selective hearing. Despite the chaos and craziness Bella and I had a nice time over her break and we were both happy when school started again. I am so proud that so far we have raised a child who is excited about and loves school. She just got her third quarter report card and has been working hard and doing a great job! We are so proud of her. I can't believe her first year is almost over and that she will be six next week! Where does the time go!

That's pretty much it from here for now. We are getting ready for our trip to Disneyworld! I'll have lots of pics and stories next month I am sure. Isabella and I are both sooooo excited! Enjoy Spring!

One last thing before I go, there has been something stuck in my craw this past month. I keep hearing people (either pundits, people being interviewed, even people in casual conversation) refer to our government as fascist. Not just this month but over that last several years as well. Here's my issue: yes, we are free in this country to voice our feelings and opinions but before we do we might want to actually know the meaning of terms like fascism and fascist. Just a thought!

Shenanigan's Quote board:

He who knows nothing is nearer to the the truth than those whose minds are filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

"More and More of our imports come from overseas" - George W. Bush

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Talk About Change!

For a little over a year I have talked a lot about change, mostly in terms of our country and its politics, little did I know how prophetic it would be for the change that would come into our life. I am proud to announce that the Avramov's will be welcoming yet another new addition, only this one will not have four legs and fur (or at least we hope not!). At the beginning of February we found out that we are expecting! The littlest Avramov will arrive around September 29th unless he/she is anything like his/her sister and wants to greet the world a little sooner. By the way Isabella is very excited about being a big sister, we just told her the news this past Friday. She told us she cannot wait to read to the baby and teach it to walk. She even volunteered to help feed the baby, so Teddy and I told her she could have the night shift. She said "no thanks, I'd rather not."

We found out the news and I started experiencing the lovely return of afternoon and evening sickness (which I had with Bella) right before Teddy's parents arrived for a visit. Even though it was still very early we decided to share the news with them because it was just easier than trying to come up with an explanation as to why I couldn't ski but I could run 12 to 15 miles a week and why I couldn't drink wine with dinner or eat feta cheese. They, of course, were thrilled. It did put a slight kink in the cooking and eating plans. Dinner has been very difficult for me to prepare and then eat (it has not gotten better at dinnertime, but I feel better the majority of the day especially on the days I run, which is strange I think). Since my sense of smell is super acute, Maria helping with the cooking was unfortunately not a solution. No one starved and we all had a very nice visit. Dad got to ski with Bella and Teddy. Mom enjoyed watching Bella ski and take Karate while taking tons of pictures. We also got to celebrate Dad's birthday while they were here and of course catch up on all the family happenings.

During Mom and Dad's visit we also hosted our 1st Annual Mardi Gras Party (no children allowed!). Thank god I had one of my better days and was able to cook seafood gumbo, jambalaya and corn bread. I even ordered a King's Cake from Haydels bakery in New Orleans ( I couldn't find one up here). It arrived the day before and was awesome. Teddy quickly became an expert at making Hurricanes (I really missed that part of Mardi Gras), everyone kept it clean (no boobies were seen) and all seemed to have a great time. We decided we would like to make this an annual thing, it was a great break during our long winter! Next year I'm all over those Hurricanes!

March has been crazy, hectic for me. This is the month for everyone's dental visits, vet appointments and doctor appointments for both Teddy and I. It has also been busy at Jamesville Elementary with lots of volunteer duties, and I have been trying to get a start on the spring cleaning. I am really looking forward to our vacation! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, we're going to Disney World! Bella and I are sooo excited! Although I can't ride half the rides now, so I made Teddy promise last night that we'll go back in 5 or 6 years, because I really wanted to ride space mountain! We got one of those great deals in January, buy 4 nights, get 3 free. We couldn't beat the price and we thought this is an ideal time to take Isabella. We decided to go for her birhtday so I don't have to plan a party (Yeah!!). The poor kid probably can't handle any more surprises, we told her about the trip this month too.

Isabella is still enjoying school and loves taking Karate. As you can see she has earned a new belt and can make a very serious Karate face. She is learning to read and can't wait to start reading chapter books. She really enjoyed skiing this year and was as sad as her Dad when the season ended. Teddy has had an equally hectic month. there have been some changes for him at work. Walgreens did some restructuring and gave some his district to the newer Rochester District and they gave him Albany. So, now he has a lot more driving to look forward too and some more messes tobe straighten out. If anyone can make a success out of it he can! Even though the next few months will be stressful, we are very grateful he has a job!

Daisy, our rebellious child, has gone from curious energetic toddler pup to crazy, sometimes pain in ass teenage dog. She has decided, like her human sister, that listening to me is optional, barking at everything is mandatory and she loves to ring that damn bell a million times a day whether she has to go out or not and my favorite, she has picked up the habit of digging, but only if its real good and muddy. Like all children, I can't wait for her to mature and grow out of these annoying phases ( It makes me appreciate Seamus more and more everyday!) Although I have to admit she has grown into a beautiful dog and is especially cute when she wants to cuddle up or she excitedly wags that little nubbin' for you.

I am still running, for anyone who's wondering. My doctor has been really supportive. I have had to cut back on my mileage (12-14 miles per week instead 18-21) and no long runs are in my short term future, but I'm still at my average speed. I definately anticipate having to slow down at some point and I'm sure I will have to trim back on mileage too, but I'm just going to go with what my body tells me. The truth is I have never had so many runs where I consistantly feel so good and like I said is does help with the evening sickness. Hopefully I can get outside more soon and that will help with the insomnia. My biggest problem right now is getting in enough calories with the nausea, but its getting better. I, of course, am still following politics and even though I haven't agreed with everything our new President and his administration has done ( it would be so boring if we all agreed all the time) I think he's doing a pretty good job considering the circumstances and he's definately an improvement! Now if only congress would just straighten out! By the way did anyone see the interview by The Daily Show's Jon Stewart of Jim Cramer. It was beautiful! I haven't seem that good of an interview since we lost Tim Russert! It is a sad day in journalism when a comedian and "fake" news show outshines the real journalists! Jon Stewart, your my hero! I also love how he still manages to work in that brilliant Bush imitation.

That's it from here, hopefully I be able to keep everyone updated a little more often. Since there is no more countdown I decided to do something different. As many of you know I love quotes and in college we had the Green Scabbie quote board, where we wrote down any crazy quote we heard that made us laugh or touched us in some way. I saved that quote board and still get a chuckle when I come across it. So I thought, each update I'll end with a quote, some funny, some poignant. If you have one you like, send to me maybe I'll put it on.

By the way a big Congratulations to my girl Mandi for her hard work and acceptance into Nursing School (her 3rd degree)! I am soooo proud of you! Also Congrats to my cousin Sue for the same accomplishment! You are both amazing examples to all us mom's but especially to your daughters!!! Way to Go! Good Luck!

The Shenanigan's Quote Board:

"Life is mostly froth and bubbles, but two things stand firm as stone: kindness in another's troubles and courage in your own." - Irish Proverb

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

My personal favorite and one used fequently in our house:

"If it weren't for my horse I would have never gotten into college." - Lewis Black, comedian

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Happy 2009!! Change is on its Way! The Countdown winds down.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We sure did! It was very busy but also joyous! I wish I could put into words how beautiful it is here. We have found that we can not decide which is our favorite season. The snows here are just stunning. It is especially gorgeous on our drive to Laborador Mountian, where we ski (about 25 minutes south of us). All the fields, hills and forests blanketed with sparkling snow makes me look forward to the drive. It reminds me of postcards. Isabella and Teddy started skiing in December and have gone every Sunday. She LOVES it and is asking to go starting on each Monday. She has gotten very comfortable on skis and is flying down the slopes. Teddy is a great teacher. My passes didn't start until the first Sunday in January. I wanted to wait, as December is very busy for me and I have been trying to heel from a groin injury in October. I just started back running the first week of January after a month off. Between that and skiing I am doing ok, but its still sore and I have to take it slow (I'm still at the walk/run stage). I am sure skiing isn't helping but as long as I am good, I'm going, its already paid for! So Mandi, I don't think I'll plan on the Shamrock Shuffle this year, but I am hoping to come see you this summer so we are definately on for a running date!

Our third child, Daisy, had a very eventful December. She managed to tear open her incision from being spayed. She had to go back to the vet to get staples and was ordered to have another week of no activity. I looked at the vet like he was crazy and asked if he could give me sedatives this time because keeping her quiet is impossible. He told me 25 mg of benedryl would do the trick. For the following week Daisy got losts of sleep and Isabella drove me crazy wanting to play with her. The staples held, and after having them removed and weighing in at 40lbs, Daisy happliy took off for a wild romp in the snow. She was 6 months old the day after Xmas and we can't believe how much she has grown. She still amazes us everyday with her intelligence. Her favorite activity is to steal socks, dirty or clean, and run as fast as she can through the house. Usually with someone chasing her. Now that we finally put a carpet in library Seamus can join her. Yes, he is still afraid of the hardwood floors. Until Daisy came I forgot what it is like to have a dog under foot in the kitchen. Seamus has never stepped foot in our kitchen or dining room. Poor boy! I think he needs counseling.

I thought that since we decided not to go to St. Louis this year that our holiday would be pretty quiet. Boy, was I wrong! Isabella actually made it through the whole holiday season without so much as a cold. She even got to finally attend a school holiday party, which I helped with. We did the usual things, visiting with Santa, seeing Lights on the Lake, etc. On Xmas Eve we went to dinnner and then on to our neighbors', the McDevitt's, for some holiday cheer witht the neihborhood. Xmas morning we were invited to have brunch with our neighbor Isabelle and her family. We had a great time and great food, as always. Bella, Amelia and Luke had a lot of fun playing with the new goodies. When we got there we also got to share in some wonderful news. If you'll remember, a few postings back, in September, I think, I mentioned that our friend Gabriella and I had done some matchmaking but I would not mention the parties until the right time. Well, that time is now. Back in April, we introduced our neighbor, Isabelle, to a Bulgarian friend of ours, Lubo. The sparks flew and fireworks have been going off ever since. On Christmas Eve morning Lubo proposed and Isabelle accepted!! So Congrats to them and good job to Gabriella and my big mouth. We are thrilled they are so happy and hope that they find a lifetime of happiness together!

After our brunch we went home to prepare our Xmas dinner. We had invited a fellow transplant from St. Louis, Jordan. Jordan was alone for the holdiays, working, as his wife, Molly, was in St. Louis attending 5 baby showers for their impending new addition. Isabella was very excited that Jordan was coming, as he is Jewish, and Bella had become obsessed with Hanukah. They had been learning about it in school. She told me one evening, that she would like us to celebrate Hanukah. I told her I really didn't know that much about Hanukah and we aren't Jewish. She said, "That's okay Mama, I can teach you all about it even though I'm not Jesus." I'm pretty sure she meant Jewish, but I was laughing so hard I thought I would have to pull the car over. Anyway, Bella couldn't wait to talk to Jordan about Hanukah and Jordan, being a good sport, promised to teach her the dreidel game. Dinner was great, we all had a good time and we all learned something new.

I cannot forget to mention Isabella's favorite gift this year, Spike, the Ultra Dinosaur, from Grandpa. Spike is a 2 1/2 foot tall "camote" control (Bella language) dinosaur. He walks, roars, rears up, sneezes, yawns and sleeps. He can even pick up things in his mouth. Bella adores Spike, and cannot understand how Grandpa knew how much she wanted Spike. She didn't even tell us she wanted Spike, but her and Grandpa think alike. Daisy and Seamus are not to sure of this new pet.

On New Years Eve we were invited to Gabriella and Nick's. Isabella was going to experience her first full New Years Eve. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed seeing everyone. Gabriella had even put together a Newlywed like game for us to play and we all had a lot of laughs playing. Isabella lasted past midnight and even slept until ten the next morning! On January 5th Isabella's break was over and Mama's began. Right!!! At least I have peace and quiet again, a Mom never really gets a break. So we are back to the normal grind, happy to be starting a new year!

I know the news has pretty bleak these days with lots of talk of how awful 2008 was and a lot of people are finding themselves on hard times. After watching all the news I watch (believe me, its a lot) I found myself feeling a little stressed but after some reflection, I realized that we have so much to be thankful for and 2008 was pretty great for us. We are all heathly (and isn't that the most important thing), our family has luckliy not been hit hard by the ecomony (thanks to lots frugal planning and not living beyond our means), we have fully settled in to our life here and become Central New Yorkers (I'll always be a St. Louisan in my heart) and found we love living here and we have each other and so many wonderful friends and family in our lives. It doesn't get much bettter than this! Except that maybe on top of all this, Barack Obama will be President a week from today!!!! (I am doing my happy dance right now!) You didn't actually think I wasn't going to mention it, did you?! One week from today I will be celebrating once again, the year doesn't really start for me until then. So I will be back here next Wednesday. Enjoy the Inauguration! I will!

(Sorry for the lack of pics. We kept forgetting to take the camera with us. I promise more next month!)

7 days left of Bush in the White House!!!!

That's 168 hours left till Obama becomes President!!!

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Season's Greetings from the Avramov's

The stockings are hung, the trees are up, the lights are lit, let the festivites begin! I love this time of year, the only thing we are missing is SNOW. Believe it or not! I'm sure we won't have to wait for long considering we've have three good snowstorms already, the first being the week of Halloween! We've even gotten to enjoy some beautiful hikes in the snow. AAAAAH, life in Central New York.


We had a lovely November! As you can imagine, I was and still am, on cloud nine in regard to the election. I am looking very forward to Inaguration Day and I so wish could be there! Surprisingly I have not had election withdrawal. President-elect Obama's news conferences and Meet the Press keeps me going. And now I have that crazy Rod Blagojevich scandal to follow. I thought Govenor Spitzer was an idiot! Well at least I don't live in the most corrupt state (Mandi!). On Scarborough Country, yesterday, Mike Barnacle compared Chicago and Illinois politics to politics in the Balkans. Teddy and I had quite a chuckle! Oh, and by the way, how about that new moderator for Meet the Press?! I have been hoping since this summer that they would give it to David Gregory. I think he'll be great. (Is it weird that I am sooo excited about this?!) While I look forward to Sunday mornings with David Gregory, I am so sorry to see Tom Brokaw leave again (I 'm beginning to have abandonment issues).


Anyway I digress . . .


November and December have brought a flurry of activity, with Isabella's activites and school, kindergarten illnesses, book fair, open house and Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations (packages, packages, packages! I sent 8 this year, that's just crazy!). In November, Isabella formally started Karate at the Dojo. She took an afterschool class and loved it and her Sensei so much she wanted more, so we signed her up. It is the best money we ever spent on an activity. She absolutely loves it. She goes twice a week and cannot wait to go each time. She has already earned two tips (strips on her belt) and is one away from earning a new belt (they have extra levels for the little ones to build their confidence and move up quicker). She is so proud. They are teaching her the most useful things, like how to protect herself from a stranger and how to get out of hold if someone were to grab her. Every week they have a new lesson about being positive or being a good citizen and being respectful. I love the Senseis as much as she does. She actually told me on Thanksgiving that she was thankful for her Grandma, her whole family and her Sensei.


We also had our first Parent/teacher conference and Bella is doing great. She still loves school and has learned some sign language, to count by tens and has begun reading. She has the most amazing teacher, so its no wonder she loves it some much. Isabella also got to vote in the Presidential Election in her class and she proudly informed me that "Arack" Obama won and she voted for him. She then asked me if she could be President some day, and I told her "absolutely, of course!" She asked if I would vote for her and I told her it would depend on her party and her platform. She asked me what the party was and I reminded her about some discussions we had explaining the parties and that John McCain was a Republican and Barack Obama was a Democract. After some thought she responded, " Well, then I am definately a Democrat!" She keeps asking me if "Arack" Obama is President yet, and how much longer do we have to wait?! I can certainly understand her impatience.

Isabella also got to do her own Xmas shopping at school last week. Her school has the cutest program call "holiday magic". The PTG bought small cheap items and craft kits, that the moms assembled, and sold everything to the kids for .25 up to $1. She got everyone, including some of her friends and Seamus, Daisy and Picasso gifts all for $5. She picked them all out herself and then wrapped them herself too. I can wait to see what mine is.


Our other girl, Daisy, is growing like a weed. At the vet this week she weighed almost 40lbs, and she not yet 6 months old. She does not like it that Bella leaves her everyday and waits on pins and needles for her to get home. Her training is coming along pretty good, she has learned to sit and stay (for about 15 seconds) and she is working on lay, come and heel. She is very eager to please and loves any and all attention. She is the most energetic dog I've ever had, I don't think she ever stops moving. The past two days I have been trying to contain her as she was spayed on Tuesday and we were given strict restrictions for her. I don't think they explained them to her though. You would not know she had surgery. She is not supposed to jump, or run (she is an Aussie for god's sake) and no roughhouse play (she's a puppy and we have a 5 year old and Seamus!) for a week. So needless to say she is spending a lot of time in her crate and I can't wait until next Monday. As you can see in the photo, Isabella has taught Daisy all about Daddy's weekend pancakes and they both have a permanent spot in the kitchen to supervise when he's whippping them up.


We spent Thanksgiving with our good friends Gabriella, Nick, Nadia and Stoycho and the kids. I prepared the dinner again this year. Isabella told me while I was preparing the turkey that it was gross and "thisgusting" and she was never going to make a turkey when she grows up, she would just let me make it. Hmmmm, I seem to recall saying the same thing to my mom!



I want to say a big thank you to Mom Vittoe for her awesome gift of homemade caramel poprcorn (we love the picture). It is so addicitve that I may have to lock it up if Bella and Teddy are to get any. And also thank you to Mandi for the sweet surprise package of chocolate amaretto balls (mmmm, our favorite!). We love you guys! I guess I better break in my new running shoes and start getting some mileage in!



As we enjoy this holiday season we think of all of you and hope you are all well and enjoying the season. Even though we can't be with so many of our family and friends you all are in our thoughts and hearts. We send lots of love and best wishes for very happy holidays and a fantastic 2009! See you next year!!


40 days left with Bush and then competence makes a comeback!!!


Just a funny story to leave you with: This is not a joke, I saw it with my own eyes. At a ceremony to hang his portrait President Bush actually welcomed everyone to "his hanging" . Well, at least he's good for a laugh!


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HOPE RENEWED !

No pictures today, just me with an outpouring of emotions and pride. WOW! I don't even know where to begin. It has been the most amazing 24 hours for me. Yesterday, all day, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. When I went to vote I felt something I had not felt before when I have voted. I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, like instead of reading or studying history I was actually part of making it! To watch those results come in and then the reactions of my fellow Americans (yes, I was up until 1:30), was absolutely incredible. Weren't those crowds something! I don't think history has ever witnessed anything like it! It wasn't that my guy won, it was that our Nation changed and that change is papable. As a student of African-American history I have to say I honestly never thought I would see this happen in my lifetime. I thought maybe I would see a woman first. Although I have to say from the time I saw Obama speak at the 2004 Demcratic convention I have been saying to anyone who will listen , that he is a man who could be and should be President. From his first announcement two years ago my faith in him and his honesty and optimism has never waivered. I even gave up my hope of Hilary for him!

The really amazing thing is, while today all the talk has been about race, this campaign and election was not. President-elect Obama (that is so awesome!) was elected because of who he is and what he wants for our nation, not because of the color of his skin and that, my friends, is monumental!! I have cried tears of joy off and on all night and morning and I feel as if I am walking around with a permanent smile on my face. Isabella asked me this morning why people were crying and were they sad. I tried to explain through my own tears that they and I were so happy our pride and joy just came spilling out. I tried to explain how important this moment is, but her color-blind eyes just looked at me confused and proved to me that this nation really is on the right track, FINALLY!

Barack Obama made this election not about him or the democrats but about all of us. This is OUR country. The politicans in Washington work for us! We got lazy and forgot that. Like a good, lasting marriage, Democracy does not come naturally it requires work from all parties.

I also want to say kudos to Senator McCain. What a gracious and generous concession speech (I think I saw a hint of the old McCain in there). There are a lot of conservatives that should take a lesson from him. This whole moment is not about black or white, Democrat or Republican or religion its about all of us taking our country back and we should all be proud. I hope this nation remembers the feeling of this moment and remembers that Obama is not a miracle worker. It took us 8 years to get into this mess and it may takes us that or longer to get out of it. We need to be patient and and prepared to sacrifice and change our own ways. Remember we all got in this together and one man can not be expected to fix everything alone.

I have never been prouder of my country than I am today. Way to go America! Great Choice!

75 days to go! Bye-Bye Bush!!! Hello Hope and President Barack Obama!!

P.S. A big thank you again to Mandi for sharing one of the most exciting moments in history with me! I wish it could have been in person but the phone was the next best thing! Thanks for all the fun Bush bashing! What are we gonna talk about now? Our Husbands? HA!HA!

One more thing, Tim Russert wherever you are I really missed you last night!

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