Happy New Year

Well, I hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Ours was nice and relaxing - Greg was home for 10 days which allowed us a great deal of memorable family time. We are glad to be back into our regular routine and charging into 2008. Believe it or not this photo is one of only two that we have as a whole family. This was the four of us on December 29th at my mom's in Vancouver, WA just outside of Portland, OR.

I got our blog site mostly updated before the holidays but failed to send a quick greeting and include the link to everyone. It is amazing how little time there is for the little things. So now, I will send this out as a new year salute to all our family and friends with a little reflection back on the past year.

The highs and lows of our year included my pregnancy and all its drama - I could use those 8 weeks of bed rest now! The birth of the girls was a huge highlight. The daily trips to the hospital for the first six weeks seem so long ago now, it is hard to believe it was all in the same year.

Another big accomplishment for Greg was the completion of a 1/2 Ironman triathlon in July. He worked really hard for it and achieved an amazing goal with its completion. He crossed the finish line with a week to spare before Hannah and Elliot made their appearance which was truly perfect timing. I think we are headed for a full Ironman in his future.

I have been away from work since May, when the doctor diagnosed my pre-term labor. My official leave is arranged for until the new school year in September. Whether or not I will continue to work while the girls are tots is a question we will answer as the new year progresses. Right now, we are enjoying our new roles as parents. The learning curve is steep but is also what keeps me from losing my sleep deprived mind!

2007 brought cancer to our family and in 2008 we are hoping that cancer will leave our family. Please send your prayers towards my dad - he is winning the battle but every little wish helps. Fortunately for him baldness has taken 10 years off him and he doesn't have a lumpy head. Greg will be running a half-marathon in honor of Paul in the new year, please check back to this page soon if you are interested in helping Greg raise money for lymphoma treatment.

We have set no resolutions this year because every choice we make is now full of intention towards setting the best example in the way we live, work, play, and love in front of our kids. There is no resolution more powerful than their little eyes that watch everything you do. Though maybe it is more accurate to say that every single day you make hundreds of mini resolutions.

We wish you all nothing but bliss and prosperity in 2008.