My buddy and me...

Today me and my best little buddy went to the zoo. We love having mommy/daughter dates. I love spending time with Kinlee just the two of us. It was SO nice outside today. Kinlee insisted on riding the "ladybug" on the carousel. We also got to see the giraffes up close. They were doing some training and feeding them carrots (who knew giraffes liked carrots) and we were so close we could touch it. (we didn't though). A few times he was staring right at us and his head was like a foot away, it freaked me out a little. Kinlee's favorite was the elephants, and she kept saying, "I don't like those monkeys..."

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...

When you were born we held you in our arms and just kept smiling at you. You always smiled back, your big eyes wide open full of love. You were such a beautiful sweet baby. Now as we watch you grow up and become your own person... We look at you, your laughter, your happiness, your simplicity, your beauty, and we wonder... Where will you be in 15 years and we wonder where will the world be in 15 years... We just hope that you will be able to enjoy a life of sensitivity, goodness, accomplishment and love. But most of all, we are very proud of you and love you dearly.

Love,

Mom and Daddy

Kinlee, you are such a spunky little lady, always full of "attitude" as I like to call it. You are so smart, it amazes me everyday the things you know and say and do... Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives.

“Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted.”

Change is inevitable... This past week, Derk and I found out some information that we were not to pleased with. Derks position as one of the buyer's was being "eliminated". Thanks to the economy for this... The good news, Derk was offered to take a management position at Gateway and keep the same pay he was getting. (only with crappier hours). Derk is WAY overqualified for this position. As for now, because we need the insurance and the money, Derk has held his head high and is determined to stay proud of who he is and support our family, and continue to work for a company that he has been with for 10 years. The thing is, he has worked so hard to get where he is, and now to be moved into management clearly tells us that there is NOWHERE to go up from here with this company. Derk will dominate the Gateway store, that I am sure of. He never settles for anything but the best. I am proud of you Derk for being such a strong person, I have not once heard Derk complain about this even though I know deep down, it is very hurtful and has caused him much stress. Thanks for always working so hard for our family and always staying true to yourself and being proud of who you are. You are truely dedicated and loyal.

Oops I did it again...

If you are taking the time to read this post... Well, then you now know that I am pregnant! Yeah. I will be 6 weeks on Friday. I know it is a tad bit early to share this news, but I was so excited today, with the new year coming and knowing what we have to look forward to, that I couldn't not share the news... We wanted Kinlee and our "next" child to be about 3 years apart. Little did we know that I am like fertile Mertile and it happened a little sooner that we thought. So Kinlee and the baby will be 2 years and 7 months instead:) My estimated due date is August 28th. The funnest part about it all, my sister in law Misty is also pregnant. She is almost 10 weeks and is due the very beginning of August. It is going to be so much fun having these 2 cousins so close in age. This will be it for us FOR SURE! After this, we are done reproducing. 2 seems like the perfect number of kids to complete our little family. Hope everyone has a happy new year. I know we will have lots of fun things in store for us this upcoming year. Welcome 2009!