Christmas Day!

Santa has come, the presents have been opened, Richard has left for work and the boys are busy figuring out all of their new toys. Ah....time to breath, sit, relax and enjoy the spirit of the season. This has been the most different Christmas for us. Not in a bad way....just different. With the way the economy has been and my job being furloughed, and a commitment we made this year to become debt free - we decided to scale back in a big way. I think most people have had to make this decision in one way or another. I thought I would have a really hard time with not having my “normal” Christmas, but it has really been a blessing. I have been able to really focus on the spirit and true meaning of Christmas, focus on relationship with family and friends, and spend time reflecting on the past year.

All in all...it has been magical. Last night we went to see Richard's brother, Steve at the nursing home. We then came home and tracked Santa on the computer - who would have ever thought this would be possible! :) After bath the boys received new pjs to sleep in. Set the cookies and milk out for Santa (and a few carrots for the reindeer), a quick book and off to bed. Richard and I watched "It's a Wonderful Life" and then did our duty as the big man in red.

The boys seemed to be pleased with what Santa got them. One of Micah's gifts was a Batman mask and when he opened the package he exclaimed, "I have been waiting for years for one of these for my batman costume!" We laughed – he’s only four years old!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you are humbled by the thought of the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. What a great God we serve, who would come to earth as a baby, live among us, and agree to die so that we may have an “intimate” relationship with Him.


We love you all! Here are few pictures of our Christmas!

#13 Things that lift me up

Elf on a Shelf

Whoever invented Elf on a Shelf is a genius! We received this gift last year for Christmas. However, it wasn't until this Christmas we realized his full potential.


As we unpacked the boxes of Christmas decorations, I found the elf and his book "Elf on a Shelf". I pulled him out, sat him on the mantle above the fireplace and showed him to the boys. We then sat down on the couch and read about our new friend.


He came to our family to watch over us during the Christmas season. Each day he sits somewhere in the house and watches our behavior and at night while we are all asleep, he flys to the North Pole and reports to Santa. When he returns from the North Pole he will find a new place to sit and watch us. It is our job to find his new location every morning. We can talk to the Elf but he cannot talk back and we CANNOT touch him because he would lose his magic.

As we finished the book I heard Micah gasp and say, "He's gone". I looked up and saw that the elf was no longer on the mantle. I was a little shocked myself. After searching a few minutes, we found him perched on the living room curtain rod. The boys were amazed. MAGIC!!! We went about the task of decorating for the house for Christmas. Every once in awhile we would look and find that the elf had flown to another spot in the house. Micah thought it was the coolest thing ever!

That night as we tucked the boys in bed, Micah couldn't believe the elf decided to choose his room to spend some time before heading off to the North Pole. It had only been a couple of days before that Micah and Noah went from being roommates to having separate rooms. Both boys had come to find this change lonesome, especially at night. However, knowing that the elf was going to report back to Santa on how well Micah went to sleep, our night owl was dreaming of sugar plum fairies within five minutes of lights out! It was incredible! The elf has been in Micah's room every night since.

The first thing Micah does in the morning is find the elf's position in the house. At times we find him talking to the elf, "Tell Santa I want the ambulance Transformer" or "Make sure you tell Santa that Noah hit me today". A couple of days ago, Micah came into our room horrified because the elf had fallen off his look out. How in the world would he get back up there when none of us could touch him? (I guess he forgot that the elf could fly) :) We went to the kitchen and got the BBQ tongs, picked up the elf and set him back where he belonged.

Initially excited, the novelty of the elf has worn off on Noah. The other day Richard was telling Noah that the elf was going to tell Santa that Noah wouldn't pee pee in the potty. Noah replied, "I don't like that elf and I am going to tell Santa on that elf because he is mean". Maybe next year...it will have the same affect on Noah as it has on Micah.


Traditions are so important. There are certain Christmas traditions that I cherish and want to pass on to my children. The advent calendar, candle light service on Christmas eve, cream cheese breakfast bars on Christmas morning, sharing stories about special ornaments on the tree, time with family, Christmas cookies, the story of Jesus' birth...I could go on forever. Although I did not grow up with an Elf on the Shelf, it is definitely a Christmas tradition that we will be keeping and hope that the boys will pass on to their children.

Santa is almost here!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

#12 Things that lift me up

Having Tea with the ladies

My unit started a tradition a few years back of going to the Victorian Rose Tea Room for our annual Christmas lunch. It is so much fun! We order our favorite tea (mine is Valetine's tea - tasting of chocolate and strawberries - go figure), have a light lunch, and gossip. All of us bring a Christmas ornament to exchange in a "dirty santa" game. The best part is that we get to pick out accessories to wear and pretend to be "real ladies". What a great group of characters! If you are ever in Rome, the Victorian Tea Room is a MUST!!!

#11 Things that lift me up

My JOB!

Although work this week has been long and exhausting, I can truly say, "I love my job". As we are wrapping up 2008, getting presents ready for foster children, attending work Christmas parties, and setting goals for the new year I am just so overcome by pride and excitement for the job that I do and the people I work with.

I am proud of our agency. We have had a year of changes. A new computer system, a more family centered approach through Family Team meetings, WIGS (Wildly Important Goals), etc. Change is hard for people, especially when the changes disrupt "the way it has always been done". However, I am seeing such positive results from these changes. Our foster care department is fully staffed and fully trainined - something that has not been accomplished in the 7 years I have been employed there. This may seem trivial but not having turnover is essential in the support we give families. We are sending children to permanency in a more timely manner - whether that be going home to their family, a relative or through the adoption process. My unit finalized 34 adoptions this year - not that I am trying to brag....well, yes I am. They are incredibly hard working individuals who have a passion for helping children!

I have even noticed that there has been a bigger commitment and coming together of citizens in our community. We have around 350 children in foster care in our county, yet we were struggling to find foster homes for these children. We averaged 35-40 homes which meant many of our children had to not only leave their homes and families, but also leave their community, school, friends to be placed in foster care. This year the Resource Development workers have steadily raised our number of foster homes and hope to have 50 homes by the end of the year and even more next year.

During the Christmas season, the community has reached out in so many ways to show foster children, their biological families, and foster families how much they are cared for. Floyd County EMS held a Breakfast with Santa, at which every child got their picture taken with Santa, a gift, and breakfast provided by Chicfila. Another local business held a dinner exclusively for 3 or 4 foster families at which Santa made an appearance and brought toys for all of the children. The children were ecstatic. So were the foster parents, who rarely get to take their families to a sit down restaurant.

This morning Christmas presents were delivered to our office. A certain company in Atlanta and citizens from Rome sponsor all of our foster children, providing every gift they ask for on their list! Over the next week, the case managers will be transformed into Santa's little helpers -delivering presents to all of the children on their caseload.

As I reflect on being thankful for my job, as stressful as it can be at times, and stand in awe of the magic of the season, I send Santa my own wish list. All I want for Christmas...is to find forever families for these children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnRNP0Qipws

#10 Things that life me up

The fact that anyone who was reading #9 is now asking themselves, "what website link?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0v5oIVT1ZU&feature=related

#9 Things that lift me up

When God speaks to me through music

This morning I woke up emotionally and physically exhausted. I felt like I had been hit by a hurricane. After wrestling with the boys to get dressed, out the door, in the car and into daycare I got back in the car and sighed...Why God? What is the point of all this? I know you are in control but it just hurts so much.

I turned on the ignition and this is what I heard. (see website link)

I am so thankful that we have a God who hurts with us, who hears our cries, and who sends His peace to dwell within us.

Ruth 1: 16-17

Today was a very hard day for me. I stuffed my face with food, hoping that it would fill the void I felt. All day I felt like I was mourning the loss of someone who is still very much alive. Geographical distance has always been a struggle for me...but the emotional chasm that has been created is almost too much to bear. There are certain acts of deliberate kindness that we seriously take for granted. I guess I didn't realize how much sharing a simple "I love you" or "I miss you" or "How was your day?" affects our lives until the ability to do so is taken away.

This day has been on my calendar all year. Over the past several weeks I have thumbed through my day planner and as my attention is drawn to this particular day I think of all the ways I can convey my love - an e-card, an email, a loving thought, tears, a prayer.

My heart is aching....but I know yours is too. I pray God would heal that hurt. I love you.

A New Chapter...

Last night we took the crib down. This was very emotional for me as I saw it as a rite of passage. Richard thought I was silly for crying. He said taking the crib down was much less permanent than the doctors appointment he will have in the coming months. No more babies...It is sad. The crib now sits in the attic for twenty or so years until it is passed down to Micah for my grandchildren to use. That seems like an eternity away but I know the time will pass in a blink of an eye.

Noah has not been using the crib for some time now, except for an occasional nap and certain nights that the boys don't want to settle down and sleep. These nights have become more frequent over the past several months and I HAVE HAD IT!!! I figure I should not have to spend my whole night (until 10 or 11pm) trying to put my children to sleep (or just getting them to quit dancing naked in the middle of their room) - especially when we start the process at 8pm! It has become exhausting!

What a blessing it was (and perfect timing) to receive cousin Daniel's race car bed from Uncle Doug and Aunt Jo Jo. We just had to figure out how to fit it in the car, but given the fact that we are expert packers that wasn't a problem. We are so proud of Daniel for moving up to a big boy bed and thankful for his generosity in passing on his old bed.

So, the crib came down, as well as our guest bed (sorry folks, you have to sleep on the pull out couch!) and Micah and Noah now have separate bedrooms - something we should have done a long time ago.

Thus begins a new chapter in our lives...

Though, somehow I still ended up with a kid in my bed this morning!

Noah turns 3!

It does not seem possible that on the eve of Thanksgiving three years ago I sat on the couch at midnight, ready to explode - not from all of the turkey and fixin's I had eaten only hours before, but from the little life that was growing inside of me!



I had a C-section scheduled for December 4th. I was sitting on the couch thinking of all of things I needed to get done before maternity leave. Pain and tightness..."Man, I really did eat too much of momma's cornbread dressing this year." Pain and tightness... I called mom, Question - "What does a contraction feel like?" Answer - "Honey, it has been 20 plus years since I had a contraction - you just had Micah last year!"


I went into the bedroom and told Richard (who was already in bed), "I think I better go to the hospital. I might be having contractions but I think I just ate too much." Since Micah was also fast asleep I did what any sane pregnant woman who ate too much turkey would do....I drove myself to the hospital! Luckily we only live five minutes from the hospital.


I got into my hospital room, hooked up to all of the machines and the nurse came in to check me. Five centimeters dialated. She said, "sweetie you are having this baby tonight."


"But I can't! I have a scheduled C-section next week! I have another week of work! My husband isn't here!" The nurse said, "The baby may wait until morning but I think we are pushing it to ask for another week." Well, DUH!!!!


I called Richard to tell him the baby was coming. Unfortunately, we only had one vehicle at the time so I was freaking out about how he was going to get to the hospital. Lucky for me (and for him) he is the Director of Security at the hospital, so he called one of the officers to come up to my room, get the keys, take the car and pick him up. He dropped Micah off at his sister's house on the way to the hospital.


A few short hours later Noah Daniel Bryant was born weighing 9.9 oz. What a beautiful child!




Noah had a week of celebration. His birthday was on Tuesday (the same day as their Thanksgiving program) so we took cupcakes for his class to eat at snack time. Monday night before I made him a birthday cake for us to take to MawMaw's Tuesday night. I let him lick the beaters and bowl. Micah came in my room and said, "momma, Noah looks like Humpty Dumpty". I asked him what he meant and walked into the kitchen to discover Noah with the bowl of batter on his head!



Tuesday night he ate his birthday cake at MawMaw's house. He blew out a huge "3" birthday candle and was later found eating the candle - eeewww gross!


He celebrated with his northern family this past week while we were in Ohio and Michigan.

What a great way to celebrate three years of life - with the people who love you the most!

There are so many things that I love about Noah. His touchdown dance, his laugh, his carefree and laid back spirit, the fact that he loves to cuddle with me, his love of all sports (even though he likes Alabama - Roll Tide), his no fear of anything in life, the way he says "I love you momma"....and so much more. I cannot wait to see him grow up into the man God has designed him to be!

I AM THREE!!!

#8 Things that Lift me Up

Micah and Noah's Thanksgiving Program

Micah and Noah's preschool classes had a Thanksgiving program today and all of the parents were invited to watch and partake in a Thanksgiving feast afterward. I tried to post the video the other night before we left to come up north but it didn't work. I will try again when I get home. The boys did a wonderful job - very cute!

Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving feast did not go as well as the program. Micah had a meltdown because he couldn't have a BIG brownie (oh - the frightening acts of a chocoholic!). All of the kids were given a little brownie, as I am sure the teachers did not want to deal with the sugar overload right at nap time. I ended up taking Micah into one of the classrooms and sat with him (in a therapuetic hold) for 30 minutes as he hit, kicked, head butted, and cried.

He finally calmed down and sat in timeout, but by the time we got back to the festivities they were all over. Since Richard was sitting with Noah and making sure he ate, neither of us got any food. Micah ate a roll and a microscopic bite of cranberry sauce, so he ended up getting a tiny bite of brownie - I know, I am push over! The best part is that in discussion with Micah this evening about his behavior, he admitted to me, "Momma, the brownie wasn't even that good!". All of that for a brownie that wasn't even worth it!

All in all though, we had a great time. I am so thankful for my family and I am thankful for a job that allows me to participate in these important moments in my children's lives! As we head up to spend time with family in Ohio and Michigan, I am reminded of how priceless these memories are in the grand scheme of things - both good and bad. They are what matter the most!

Happy Turkey Day!

The Need to Apologize....

There are times in my adult life that I have the urge to call my parents up and apologize. One time was when I had a hateful teenager in my car who was cursing me out because her life "wasn't fair" and I was the worst person the face of the earth. I believe I did call my mom after I dropped the girl off and said, "I am SO sorry for the times I yelled and pouted and acted like a spoiled brat". Another time I had the urge to call was recently when Richard and I were "trying" to have a conversation and Noah and Micah were constantly interrupting us. It took us about two days to have that conversation. I thought to myself, "did my incessant talking have this kind of effect on my parent's quality of conversation?"

Most recently I have felt the urge to call and apologize this week. On Thursday I got home from work and noticed the Walmart Christmas Toy Idea book sitting on our kitchen counter. I thought to myself, "Oh, this will be fun - we can sit down with the boys and they can point out the things they would like for Christmas". I then opened the book up and realized that it had already been perused and almost EVERYTHING on EVERY page was circled - pink marker for what Micah wanted and purple marker for what Noah wanted.

The book has not left Micah's side since Thursday, in fact, he sleeps with it. Not only does he sleep with it but he insists that we sit down with him - several times a day - so that he can show us all of the toys he wants. This process takes about an hour and entails him pointing to "literally" every item on all 30 or so pages. This is what it sounds like, "I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas I want this for Christmas....." I purposefully left out the periods because a period indicates a brief pause. No brief pause coming out of this kid's mouth! And believe me, it doesn't even work to tell him that you have all the toys he wants committed to memory!

I find it humorous and exhausting all at the same time. Tonight Richard and I schemed to figure out how the idea book could go "missing" in the middle of the night. We then tried to convince Micah that we needed to mail the magazine to the North Pole so that Santa would know what he wants. I even tried to explain that Jesus only got three presents for his birthday and that Micah should go through and pick out the three toys he wants the most.

46 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes until Christmas....I may have a mental breakdown before then if I have to look at that stinking book one more time!

So, to my parents....I apologize for putting you through this torture every Christmas. I know you are sitting there reading this and laughing. Enjoy!

#6 and #7 Things that lift me up

The Beauty of His Majesty!!!

and

Spending the day with my kids!!!

Fall is by far my favorite season of the year. I love living near the mountains where I get to watch the leaves change color. I am really enjoying all of the beautiful colors that make up our current landscape. I don't understand how anyone could look at the beauty of this creation and not believe there is a Creator. God is an amazing artist. He could have created this world to be ordinary, but yet He chose to make it extraordinary. Thanks be to God!


I did not have to work today so the boys and I loaded up and headed out to Berry College for the afternoon. Micah and Noah were not able to go to daycare the last two days because they had a skin infection called foliculitis which is highly contagious. Since they were starting to get cabin fever I decided some fresh air would do all of us some good. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time! We saw cows, horses and deer. We explored Frost Chapel and looked at a variety of beautiful, colorful trees and leaves. I was even given the "opportunity" to explain to Noah why animals, like dogs and deer do not sit on the potty when we ran across some deer poop and he started asking a million questions! (This is important stuff in the mind of an almost three year old!)

I love watching my children grow and learn. It is so amazing to see the wheels churning in their little minds as the discover and explore. I cherish these times. Especially, when I am able to share just how BIG God's love is and they seem to grasp it - better than me, most the time.

I am so very blessed!

#5 Things that lift me up

AMAZING FRIENDS!!!!

Although my countdown of the Top 100 things that lift me up are being blogged in no particular order of preference, it is fitting that this one is in the top 5.


I have always heard horror stories about college roommates. I was very blessed because the three roommates I had freshman and sophomore year of college are still three of my best friends. Two other girls who spent a lot of time in our room and were dubbed "honorary roommates" also make up part of the circle of women who hold a deep and special place in my heart.


These five women are my kindred spirits. We are different in so many ways, but alike in all the ways that really count. They have been with me through every high and low. They know the very core of me, who I truly am and they love me despite of that! They just get me. In a world where it is so hard to be real with people, our friendships provide a safe haven. We can be real, vunerable, and honest.

Every year we get together for a weekend to share, laugh, cry, and reflect. Oh yeah, we eat a lot too! We are all spread out over the United States and, at one time, around the world. As we grow older and our responsibilities increase, it has been more difficult for us to arrange six busy women's schedules - somehow we always manage to do it. This year was the most difficult of all - although after about six to eight months of searching we found a weekend. Unfortunately, at the last minute one of the ladies became ill and was not able to come, which is the first time all of us have not been together for a "reunion". There was an obvious piece missing from our intricate puzzle. I think not having all of us there really reinforced the importance of our time together and how necessary our friendships with one another are.


I cannot imagine my life without these five women in it. I wish we lived closer to one another so that we could share in each others daily lives but for now I will cherish our one weekend a year. We joke that someday we will be in the same nursing home together! What a sight that will be!


I admire these five ladies in so many ways and thank God for our unique bond that continues to grow stronger each year.

Here is a picture of Jen, Eliza, Sarah, Kristin and myself at the Chiaha festival last weekend. We really missed you Terri!




Kristin, Terri, Sarah, Eliza and Jen - you lift me up. Thank you for your love and friendship.

#4 Things that lift me up

My boys - the best of friends!

Micah and Noah get along for the most part. But, let Noah take one of Micah's transformers and boy, you better watch out. Micah definitely has my temper! He always tells Noah that he needs to share but is not willing to take his own advice.

I have really enjoyed watching their play develop over the last several months. They have gone from playing side by side to interacting with each other. Micah watches out for his little brother. He calls him "Kid" and "Little Buddy". They are doing a lot more imaginative play too. It is so sweet! I look forward to many years of best friendship.

#3 Things that lift me up

A freshly painted bedroom!

It only took me five years but I finally painted our bedroom. This picture really doesn't do it justice. It is a sage color and the bathroom is a shade lighter. I LOVE IT! It makes me feel like I have a whole new room! So bright and airy!

Richard said tonight, "Well, this is the last room in the house that had to be painted - so we are finally all done." I replied, "yep, until I decide I want to change the color of one of the other rooms!" He just rolled his eyes at me.

I have a feeling that I exhaust him. ;)

Happy Birthday Richard!

Richard turned the big 4-0 today! He told me he did not want to do anything for his birthday, but I just couldn't resist. We had a small family party and he seemed to not be too mad at me for planning it. We got him this cake in the shape of a toomb stone! Aren't we mean?

# 2 - Thing that lifts me up

Day at the Salon!

There is nothing like getting a new do to make you feel human again. When I went on Friday, it had been about six months since I had been. I am bad about not making it a priority. If I don't make my next appointment before I leave....it can be another six months to a year before I go back. Ah, but it sure does feel good to be pampered those couple of hours!

#1 - Things that lifts me up

My work out buddies!

I am so thankful that I now have people to work out with! For a long time I was going to the gym at lunchtime with my friends from work but we all got so busy. My niece and her friend have agreed to meet me at lunch and walk and I am just so greatful. Especially since I did not want to go to work out today and had every excuse in the book - but knowing that they were waiting there for me motivated me to go anyway. Working out alone = BORING! Working out with friends = FUN, FUN, FUN! Now - if Richard and I could just motivate each other to get out of bed in the morning to walk....

Baby steps....

He lifts me up....

One of Micah's favorite songs is by a Christian band, Audio Adrenaline. The chorus says, "I get down....He lifts me up". The funny thing is that Micah and Noah both sing the song this way - "He lifts me up....I get down." The latter version of the song seems to be the way I tend to live my life. Just as every time God gives me an experience that lifts me up, I allow the negatives of life to bring me back down. Why is it so easy for us to focus on the negative?

The other day, during my workout/therapy session, my therapist asked me to tell her some things that I like about myself. As I walked the treadmill, I thought....and I thought...and I thought. I then began to cry....I couldn't think of one thing. I would start to say something that I liked but then it was always tagged with something negative. It took me almost the whole rest of the afternoon to come up with one specfic thing that I liked about myself - that wasn't plagued by a negative. (I am currently working on a longer list) :)

The world is so doom and gloom these days - the constant rise and fall of the Dow, war, gas prices, violence, hatred....I could go on and on. It makes it hard to allow God to "lift us up" when we are down.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9; 16-18
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Through outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


I spend so much of my life looking back at the mistakes I have made, struggling with guilt - the shoulda, coulda, wouldas of life. I spend the other half of my life fretting about the future - worrying about what is yet to come. Rarely do I spend time in the here and now - being thankful for the ways that God lifts me up day by day.

I have decided to steal an idea from a friend who also blogs. I am going to write random blogs at times but over the next several months to a year I am going to post the "TOP 100 things that lift me up". Of course, this exercise in thanksgiving is more for me than anyone else but I hope that whoever (if anyone) is reading this blog - they too will be encouraged, will spend more time living for TODAY, and will being lifted up rather than being brought down.

Food for thought: It takes more muscle strength to frown than to smile.
You can choose to either be a Tigger or an Eyeore.

Steve turns 39!

Friday was Steve's 39th birthday. He and Richard are only 11 months apart! Ellen had twins the hard way! The whole Bryant clan went to the nursing home today to throw him a little party. Steve was elated that we were all there and he enjoyed the company. He ate and drank his weight in birthday cake and Dr. Pepper!

The kids got more hugs and kisses than they expected from random strangers in the hallways. It is not very often that these folks get to see such cute little ones. I think it does their hearts good. Speaking of the kids -what a group of rugrats! They are all growing up so fast!

We told the boys we were going to see their Uncle Steve and Micah said, "We don't have an Uncle Steve." How pitiful is that. Although Steve lives in the same town as we do, we have not been to see him in about a year. I think sometimes it is too hard for Richard to see his brother in the situation he is in.

For those I have not told his story to, several years ago Steve was shot in the head in his home. He is now paralized on one side of his body and has a very limited vocabulary. However, he is so much fun to be around - he likes to flirt with all of the nurses at the nursing home!

It was such a blessing today to spend time with all of Richard's family. I think we take family for granted a lot. I am realizing more and more that I need to treasure the time I have with my family. I have been blessed with so much family and I hate that we all spread out so much. We have to make the most of the time we do have together. At the end of the day, relationships....they are all that really matter.

Happy Birthday Steve. We all love you so very much!

Aunt Jo Jo

Aunt Jo Jo is a pro at potty training. Tonight she was giving us pointers since Noah will potty all day long at school but not so much when he is at home. Here is Noah getting instruction and encouragement from Aunt Jo Jo over the phone as he tries to potty before bed. Hopefully, her encouragement has helped. He can't wait to send Aunt Jo Jo a picture of his pee pee! We love our Aunt Jo Jo!

Communication

For some reason I have a problem communicating with those whom I love (friends/family). This is especially crazy since I have always been the one who "talks to much". My lack of communication these days does not stem from a lack of desire....just a lack of time and energy. Richard and I are attempting to make some major changes in our life. One of these major changes being that we no longer have a television. This change has given me a little more time in my day - since I am sitting in front of the boob tube for several hours a day. Instead, I thought I would try to funnel my creativity into something that would allow me to communicate with my loved ones better. Thus, the blog. Hope you all enjoy!