Dornan World 2009

We Have Moved!

2009-07-03T21:46:00.003-06:00

We have moved. Meaning, because I ran out of storage space on this website - I've had to create a 2nd blog site even though the year is not over.

So for future postings, please go to http://dornanworld2009part2.blogspot.com or just click here.

Wagon Trails Animal Park

2009-06-28T23:35:00.002-06:00

Grandma and grandpa Dornan took the kids to this amazing animal park. It was spectacular and will definitely try to go again next year. The kids loved it! Bill and I loved it! We all did!

Fire Dept

2009-06-27T23:46:00.000-06:00

Thanks to aunt Shannon who arranged everything, the kids got a tour of the Boardman Fire station when we were recently in Ohio. Here are clips from that tour.

He Would Be A Grandpa

2009-06-13T22:24:00.001-06:00

I was cutting Bill's hair tonight & my daughter asks why.

I say he doesn't want to look like a girl. She says "...but then he won't have any hair."

I say that I'm not going to cut it all off.

She says "Right because then he would be a grandpa."

Watering

2009-06-08T22:13:00.002-06:00

I've never really been that enthusiastic about watering our flowers. However, with Vaughn - he's made it so that I actually look forward to it. He loves helping me hold the watering can. His helping can often extend the time it takes to water flowers by about 20 minutes. I'm not kidding. And somehow, we manage to get completely soaked by the time we are through.

Graduating 3 Year Olds

2009-06-06T23:12:00.004-06:00

Recently, Bill and I attended Kendall's graduation ceremony from the 3 year old Chinese program. I think the only graduation ceremony I ever had was in kindergarten, H.S. and college. So it was a little surprising to hear of a 3 year old one.

Here are a couple pics and a video from that celebration:

Biking Now W/Kids

2009-06-05T00:31:00.000-06:00

Bill and I haven't really biked in a long time since we had kids. But now that they are older, we can carry them around in our bike trailer and it's been great! If you click on the 1st picture, it will enlarge, and you can actually see Kendall and Vaughn inside.

Kids and Golf

2009-06-02T22:57:00.002-06:00

Bill and I desperately wanted to hit the driving range but in order for us to both do that, we had to bring our kids along. I needed Bill there so he can give me pointers. It ended up being quite fun with the kids providing much of the entertainment.

We were in luck, because NO ONE else was at the driving range. So my daughter could bark as loud as she wanted to (pretending to be a puppy) and my son could run around and pick up balls, sticks, rocks and throw them just about anywhere he pleased.

We hope that when the kids are a little older, they can join Bill and I in a game of golf. Bill had explained to me that around 12 yrs old, he took a few lessons and was able to spend some good quality time with his dad, playing a round of golf. Just like his dad with his grandfather.

As my body gets older and more run down, and I'm not able to do the more strenuous activities like mountain biking, dancing or tennis - I hope that I will at least be able to play golf and spend some nice quality time with my husband.

I envision us with our gray hair (actually, I'll probably dye my hair!), walking around or riding around in a golf cart, holding hands and playing golf.

Marriage

2009-06-01T05:14:00.000-06:00

Can I marry my son? Ha ha ha! I know that sounds crazy but even Bill says it too! We say it about Kendall too. Why do we say such bizarre things? I think it's because we just love them sooo much and cannot get enough of them!

It takes all my strength not to constantly cuddle my little boy and give him kisses 24 hours a day.

He's starting to talk more which makes him even more adorable. I love when he unexpectedly comes to me and says "Hug."

You Are My Friend!

2009-05-31T22:11:00.004-06:00

Kendall just adores Gabrielle, who used to come over our house twice a week when we still had the nanny. Kendall misses Gabby often and asks on a regular basis when she is coming to visit.

They finally reunited again and just absolutely enjoyed each others company, holding hands, laughing and playing.

Father and Son Time

2009-05-30T22:11:00.000-06:00

This boy looooves his daddy so much.

When daddy isn't around, Vaughn asks "Da da? Da da?" No matter what I say in response, he will do his whining and fake crying.

At least once a day, Bill will say "He is so perfect!"

Staging

2009-05-29T23:05:00.000-06:00

These pictures were totally forced but aren't they awesome? Who needs professional photographers?!

Timing

2009-05-27T23:01:00.000-06:00

Part of getting a good picture when it comes to kids, is having perfect timing.

Cave of Wonders

2009-05-27T01:55:00.000-06:00

Not Real

2009-05-25T19:37:00.002-06:00

A rub...

A kiss...

and a pat...

They are not as good as the real thing, but at least you can get up close and touch them!

Bottles

2009-05-23T23:31:00.003-06:00

What is it about the bottle that makes the drink so much more enjoyable? I can take a sippy cup and beg and beg for my kids to drink it to no success.

But as soon as I pour the same contents that was in the sippy cup into a bottle, they can't get enough of it!

Milk and Cookies

2009-05-21T23:01:00.003-06:00

I love Oreo cookies with a glass of ice cold milk. Knowing how long to keep the cookie dipped in the milk is critical to the whole experience. If you leave it too long, you end up with a soggy, drippy mess where the cookie is just mush in your mouth. If you don't leave it in the milk long enough, then what was the point of dipping the cookie in the milk at all?

But what if you don't like Oreo cookies like Kendall? She likes to substitute the cookie with an apple instead.

Bouncy Castle Scare

2009-05-20T23:45:00.003-06:00

What kid does not love a bouncy castle? Vaughn is no exception. Why not? They are provide an out of control bounce that seems to defy gravity at times.

However, a parent's concern when their child enters one are many... including collision with other kids, twisted ankle and the deflation of the bouncy castle itself WHILE the child is still in it. The latter happened. Luckily all the the parents reacted quickly and as a team to get all the kids out fast and safely.

Vaughn Sings (Sort of)

2009-05-17T23:27:00.001-06:00

A little clip of Vaughn sort of singing...

International Bash Performance

2009-05-16T22:42:00.004-06:00

Kendall with her 3 year old Chinese class performing...

Bubbles

2009-05-13T22:30:00.002-06:00

Never underestimate the appeal of bubbles when it comes to kids. We had visited our friends this past weekend and the bubbles were the hit of the day.

My Mother's Day

2009-05-12T23:33:00.000-06:00

All I can say is that I have a pretty awesome husband who planned the best Mother's Day ever. He is such a wonderful and fun dad too! Even though it was Mother's Day, not Wife's Day (hey! There's an idea) - he went all out for his wife.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T12:43:00.005-06:00

We want to wish our mothers: April and Young a Happy Mother's Day! We love you and thank you for being so wonderful!!!!

FOR APRIL, Click link here.

FOR YOUNG, Click link here.

Thank you!!!

Vaughn's First Dance Class On His Own (Sort Of)

2009-05-07T23:59:00.002-06:00

Vaughn had his first dance class on his own - sort of. You see, I meant for him to try out the 2 to 3 year old class but mixed up the time, so he ended up in Kendall's 3 to 4 year old class and you can see for yourself how it went...

Forward Rolls

2009-05-06T23:11:00.003-06:00

Ummm... There really is nothing to write except we were practicing our forward rolls. Although I do have to say that I wasn't sure my body could do one anymore and was pleasantly surprised that it could and without any injury!

Cinnamon

2009-05-05T22:47:00.004-06:00

Kendall tried cinnamon gum for the first time... She couldn't even keep it in her mouth because it was too "spicy!"

Vaughn's First Day of School

2009-05-01T21:55:00.002-06:00

Today was Vaughn's 1st day at his new school! It went perfectly well! I'm very happy and from what I can tell, Vaughn is too. Bill on the other hand is a little sad. I think he wishes either he or I didn't have to work so we could stay home with him. He's such a loving dad! Vaughn really loves being around other kids! He smiles so much just watching them, following them around and copying what they say and do. He is going to learn so much there!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2009-04-28T23:41:00.004-06:00

We met up with some friends and took our kids to their very first baseball game! We had a blast! Here are a few pictures of the event.

Waiting for the free 16th St shuttle bus downtown.

On the bus, holding hands. Okay, this was totally manipulated by me but I was pleasantly surprised that they kept their hands that way almost the entire ride.

My favorite baseball stadium!

The coolest kid on the block.

I'd be surprised if the kids actually watched one play. After a bit of running around on the bleachers, Kendall started to get worn out.

Vaughn was getting antsy so he and daddy headed to this little playground area they have in the stadium. How cool is that?!!

I don't think I got to see one play of the game either!

Obviously, Vaughn did not want to take a picture at that moment.

Did you notice he has on a different top? Yeah, we had a little puking incident. Can anyone say "stinky!!?"

Kendall said she like going to the baseball game so we will definitely do it again.

Vaughn liked it too but fell asleep around the 4th inning.

Fake Dog

2009-04-27T22:55:00.003-06:00

One of the things the kids look forward to when we go for our walks, is getting to see Fake Dog. Who is Fake Dog? Check out the video below. No. We don't know the owners and yes, we do run into them once in awhile, and yes - we feel a little stupid but oh well :)

Are We First?

2009-04-26T20:25:00.003-06:00

Kendall has been in this very competitive mood lately (oh dear lord, she's acting like her mother!!). Whenever we walk anywhere together with Vaughn and daddy, she always wants to be ahead. If she's holding my hand, she asks "Mommy, are we first?" as she looks behind to see Vaughn and daddy walking slowly. If she's with her daddy, I'll often here her call out "Mommy, we're faster than you! We're going to win!"

So when we went on a little trike ride, her competitiveness showed itself again and it was not pretty! She would get so upset if Vaughn and daddy caught up to her or heaven forbid, passed her up!

Botanic Gardens

2009-04-25T21:56:00.003-06:00

We headed to the Botanic Gardens today to check out their plants as well as the dinosaur invasion. It was a lot of fun despite the cold weather.

Germs

2009-04-25T00:02:00.002-06:00

They say kids are just full of germs. Here's one reason why:

Simple Pleasures

2009-04-23T23:40:00.003-06:00

The simplest things can be so pleasurable when it comes to kids. The way they eat. The way they speak. The way they sleep. Anything really. Today, I took in the simple pleasure of watching my daughter run to me : )

Mood: Happy

2009-04-22T22:21:00.003-06:00

I see this picture and I say "I love them" and "They are beautiful" and I'm very happy." How did I get so lucky?

Yeah, our furnace broke down twice in the past few weeks. Yeah, we have huge crack in our windshield. Yeah, we've been sick with a pretty nasty cold. Yeah, work has been kicking my butt lately.

But despite all these things, I'm floating on a cloud of joy because of one thing: my family :)

Still Pooh

2009-04-21T00:12:00.003-06:00

If you recall, Kendall's first love of any particular toy or what not - was a little bear named Winnie the Pooh. And although her love has expanded to other things like dinosaurs, My Little Ponies and Ariel, there is still much love for her first love - Pooh.

Once in awhile, Kendall will insist on having some honey to eat and if I agree, she quickly runs and fetches her little Pooh bear so that he may enjoy some honey as well. I believe she only asks for honey, not for herself, but for him because she knows how much he loves honey.

Usually, I only give her a few spoonfuls and as I do so, we also take turns giving spoonfuls of honey to Pooh too. This is usually followed by an exclamation such as "Mmmmmm. Pooh loves honey!"

Here is a photo taken this past weekend of Kendall painting, as she holds her Pooh, sharing with him her delight in such an activity.

I absolutely love this age! I am enjoying it thoroughly and only wish I could slow down time to enjoy it indefinitely. My children! My husband! They are my loves and they are who I always want to be with above all else. I'm constantly reminded of how time quickly passes by. Especially since work has been eating up a lot of my hours lately. So for the moment, I have tried to cut out non-important distractions just so I can place more focus on the few precious moments I get to have with them. They are so smart and pick up on that extra attention - reciprocating their affection for me back :) Joy! Pure joy!

More Pics from Chinese New Year Celebration

2009-04-19T01:27:00.002-06:00

I nabbed these from Kendall's teacher. She took these the day of the Chinese New Year celebration they held at school where the kids put on a performance.

Puzzle

2009-04-18T01:27:00.001-06:00

No More High Chair

2009-04-15T21:23:00.002-06:00

Several weeks ago, Vaughn suddenly decided he wasn't going to sit in the high chair anymore. I think he really wanted to be able to sit in a regular chair like his sister, just so he could be closer to her : ) At least that is my wishful thinking!

Choo Choo

2009-04-14T21:02:00.005-06:00

Here's a video of Vaughn's train tracks that Bill always plays with when the kids are asleep.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:00:00.003-06:00

Embarrassing head pieces... (Thank you grandma & grandpa Dornan for the Easter presents!!!)

On the hunt with their friend Noah.

Unveiling their treasures...

Coloring the eggs...

Yummy dessert after a delicious dinner cooked by our amazing friends!

Easter Egg Decorating

2009-04-11T23:01:00.003-06:00

Vaughn's Birthday Party

2009-04-06T22:06:00.012-06:00

Vaughn Turns Two

2009-04-02T23:44:00.001-06:00

Vaughn's Day 2 of Birthweek

2009-04-01T23:23:00.001-06:00

A package came in the mail and it was from Aunt Shannon!!!

I think this is going get Vaughn to start liking playing dress up!

Thank you so much Aunt Shannon for all the wonderful gifts!

Vaughn's Day 1 of Birthweek

2009-03-31T21:30:00.006-06:00

Click play to see the video.

Water Park Fun

2009-03-30T23:10:00.005-06:00

More pictures from Florida below...

Also, we started birthweek today. I'll start posting those pictures/videos up tomorrow. Too lazy to do it today.

Choo Choo Playground

2009-03-30T00:22:00.004-06:00

Can you imagine a playground shaped like a train?? They had one in Florida and Vaughn was so fortunate to enjoy it.

Kendall at Mommy's Work Place

2009-03-28T22:58:00.002-06:00

Zoo

2009-03-26T23:32:00.003-06:00

Click the Play button to begin the video:

Swimming with Grandpa

2009-03-26T15:05:00.000-06:00

King Bed for a King

2009-03-23T22:41:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday, Bill and Vaughn headed to Fort Meyers, FL to visit grandma and grandpa. Unfortunately they missed their connecting flight in Atlanta and had to spend a night in a hotel.

Pix from the hotel...

Look What I Made

2009-03-22T00:18:00.003-06:00

MOMMY! Look what I made! All those years when you tried to show me how to cook, well it has finally paid off and I actually learned something!

Doo bu

Kal-bee

Chop cheh

Duk oo

Mandu (well, I didn't actually "make" it. I bought it and then cooked it)

Don't Dodge

2009-03-18T23:42:00.002-06:00

One of Vaughn's favorite games is to run right into our butts. At first we would try to dodge him but then he'd fall and get hurt, so now we just let him.

Escape Attempt

2009-03-15T22:32:00.001-06:00

I had no idea he wanted to escape this badly!!!

Future Skiers

2009-03-11T22:41:00.001-06:00

My little kids found the ski helmets just laying around and so they decided to put them on. I love the fact that Kendall has her's on backwards!

Kendall has been sick these past few days with the flu. Hence the not so happy face.

A Windy Day at the Park

2009-03-09T00:11:00.006-06:00

Apple Sauce

2009-03-04T23:39:00.005-07:00

By the way, Vaughn got his cast removed today! YAY!

A Crowd Gathers

2009-03-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tupperware Hat

2009-02-26T22:51:00.002-07:00

I looked over and saw this... No idea why Kendall did it but I grabbed the camera and took a shot. I just love my family SO much! I've never been so happy : )

Our Winter Vacation

2009-02-25T22:54:00.003-07:00

The pictures are worth a thousand words...

Backyard Sledding

2009-02-22T23:42:00.001-07:00

Two Peas In a Pod

2009-02-18T23:45:00.002-07:00

One of My Favorite Hang Outs

2009-02-17T23:42:00.001-07:00

I just love this view! President Obama was here at the Denver Nature and Science Museum.

Here's some random video footage I took a few weeks ago.

Reading Dads

2009-02-16T23:20:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite things to watch are dads reading to their kids. Our friend Andy is a great reader and kept Alexis and Vaughn entertained.

Bill tends to read to the kids right before bedtime and it's something I'll never tire of.

Wrestling - Toddler Style

2009-02-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

A Valentine's Day Treat From Grandma and Grandpa

2009-02-14T10:20:00.002-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Dornan surprised the kids with a package full of fun Valentine's Day treats!

This pack of underwear will come in very handy when we start potty training. I haven't seen any signs yet from Vaughn that he's ready but I'm hoping seeing these CARS underwear will inspire him.

Thank you grandma and grandpa Dornan! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

Not Good

2009-02-11T22:26:00.002-07:00

Left leg is in a cast.

No. That is not food right below his lip. It's a cut. Happened separately from his leg injury.

If you want details, ask Bill. I'm not in the mood to talk.

Work Out

2009-02-08T20:39:00.003-07:00

Bill and I took the kids to a local fun center and ended up getting more of a workout than we bargained for. It was great to see the kids having so much fun!

Personality Change

2009-02-03T00:08:00.002-07:00

I have GREAT news! Vaughn is healthy!!! It took about a year but he's finally there. And guess what? He's undergone a personality change. He's actually smiling and happy and so funny now that's not sick anymore! YAY! I'm doing everything in my power to keep him healthy!

Now if I can just get rid of Kendall's cough and runny nose, we will be all set!

Eggs and Bacon Play

2009-01-30T19:13:00.006-07:00

Just a typical day at the local mall's play area:

Pajama Day

2009-01-30T00:00:00.002-07:00

Today was pajama day at school. It was for a charity fundraiser.

I loved seeing many of the kids in their PJs. Some of them carried around little blankets or stuffed animals. Somehow, they look younger when they are dressed this way.

The poor little blonde girl in the photo was in tears this morning because her mom had forgotten all about it. "I WANT TO WEAR PAJAMAS TOO MOMMY!" she exclaimed. The little things that break their hearts...

Two is Better Than One

2009-01-27T22:50:00.003-07:00

Bath time has become more enjoyable in recent weeks, as the kids really love playing in the water together. There favorite thing to do right now is splash the water all around, which means plenty of towels on the bathroom floor. It's no wonder I'm always getting soaked during the process. Now the problem is getting them to get out of the bath tub.

CHinese New Year Performance Video

2009-01-24T23:46:00.003-07:00

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

2009-01-24T07:06:00.002-07:00

The Chinese new year begins this Monday and it is the year of the Ox! To celebrate, Kendall's Chinese program at school put on a performance and it was so adorable! Here's some photos from the show (I'll post videos later)....

Just got done performing "Two Tigers"

Just got done performing "Snowflakes"

Kendall's teachers are the ones in the pale yellow jacket and the red vest. I love that red vest and need to ask her where she bought it.

The entire Chinese program student body, ranging from the 3 Yr Old class to 3rd grade. They don't have students in 4th and 5th grade since it's a fairly new program.

Kendall dressed in traditional Chinese costume.

Still Sick

2009-01-22T22:14:00.002-07:00

Ugh. Vaughn is still sick. I swear he wake up every hour from his coughing. My poor little baby. I would totally take on his sickness if it meant he would be healthy. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop this darn coughing?? I tried Mucinex and it doesn't seem to be working. Sigh.

Obama's Inauguration Speech

2009-01-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

"My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many.

They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.

We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

It's Hard

2009-01-20T23:09:00.002-07:00

This past Sunday, Kendall was coughing so much she vomited. A few times actually. On Monday, there was no vomiting but still the coughing. By Tuesday, the coughing had significantly lessened so I feel she is on the road to recovery.

Well, today (Tuesday) - Vaughn started coughing and it got progressively worse into the evening and then he started vomiting. It's about 11:11PM and Bill just finished cleaning his vomit (again) and I just completed coaxing him back to sleep.

But as I type this, I can hear him cough and whimper. It's so hard being a child but sometimes I think it's harder being a parent watching your child suffer :(

My Ranger

2009-01-20T06:22:00.002-07:00

My little son somehow stole this hat from a bear several weeks back. The bear was stuffed so it's okay.

Vaughn really likes to try on different hats lately. If he sees one of our hats just lying around, he'll pick it up and attempt to put it on. Unfortunately, they are usually too big and end up below his eyes. But he's still adorable!

Day with Dad

2009-01-18T20:02:00.002-07:00

While I was skiing yesterday, the best dad in the world had a great time with the kids at the park, and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Lazy

2009-01-17T22:07:00.002-07:00

Sorry no pictures today. I'm too lazy to go upload the pictures that were taken today. I'll do it tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, Bill is heading to the mountains to go skiing while I watch the kids. Today was mine turn. I'm really looking forward to some quality time with my kids. I feel like lately, I've been GO GO GO and tomorrow, I plan to just relax and enjoy every moment (I hope). The weather has been phenomenal here so we are definitely going to spend some of our time outdoors. I'm hoping to pack a picnic for the kids and head to the nearby park. I'll take a ton of pictures and post any interesting shots.

Fighting Over Mommy

2009-01-16T23:22:00.002-07:00

Lately my kids have been fighting over who gets to sit on my lap, and I have to admit that deep down inside, it feels good to be wanted :) Luckily I have two legs then can each sit on but sometimes it's not good enough. Each will want me all to themselves, which can result in shoving or grabbing - which I don't like! I somehow end up getting hurt in the process sometimes. But usually it's mellow and I just squeeze them in my arms as much as I can.

My Little Dino

2009-01-15T23:22:00.003-07:00

My son thinks he's a dinosaur sometimes. I can tell this by the way he'll walk - actually stomp. Also by the way he roars, and unfortunately by the way he likes to bite.

Ski Day

2009-01-12T20:56:00.002-07:00

Sunday was the girls turn to ski, while the boys took care of the kids. What an exhilarating day to be out in the mountains, breathing the cool fresh air.

Here we are on the ski lift, getting ready to do our first run.

My friend, Deidre, coming down...

We're planning on doing it again in a couple of weeks!

Wii Bowling

2009-01-11T20:04:00.001-07:00

We played Wii Bowling. I had never used Wii before until our friends introduced us to this really cool technology.

Now Bill keeps talking about how he wants one too. Bill may be better at real bowling than me but when it comes to Wii bowling, I blow him away! :P

The girls ended up doing better than the boys overall. I think I'm really liking this Wii!

A Great Day in Breck

2009-01-10T20:41:00.003-07:00

We're up in Breck again but this time with our friends! We're having a blast! The guys went skiing, while the girls watched the kids and did some Wii exercises!

Of course Deidre and I being as cheesy as we are, we dressed our girls alike.

Later, when the boys were back from skiing - we headed to the rec center and let the kids have a ball!

Bill and I are about to jump in the hot tub with a nice warm beverage. Ahhhhh... It was a great day!

Covering Up the Nose Picking

2009-01-07T23:21:00.002-07:00

Kendall knows that I dislike her nose picking (and then eats it!), so when she does it, she covers her eyes with her one arm, thinking that I cannot see her picking her nose.

As disgusting as this habit is, I cannot help find it quite amusing every time she does it.

Mobile and Immobile

2009-01-06T23:50:00.003-07:00

Vaughn has been non-stop - always filled with so much energy.

Jumping off

Running

Climbing

And then there's Kendall, who will just lay around if no one is willing to chase after her.

Ann Lincoln

2009-01-05T23:36:00.003-07:00

*grooooan*

Do you feel as sick as I do at the loss tonight? Ugh.

Okay, moving on...

This past weekend we were entertained by Ann Lincoln at the local library.

She juggled, told jokes and performed magic tricks that actually had me asking "How the heck did she do that?!?" Those are the only magic tricks I like.

She even made a dove and rabbit appear out of thin air. Kendall stood in line after the show to pet the rabbit. And she did it ALL BY HERSELF! I did not have to stand in line with her and hold her hand. That is a big step forward for her. She is becoming more and more independent.

Minimum

2009-01-04T19:59:00.002-07:00

When did it become okay to just accept the minimum? I'm soooo tired of people who just do the minimum, or are mediocre or incompetent and think that it's all right. I'm tired for mediocre customer service. I expect more and I don't think that is asking for too much. Here are some examples I have experienced in the past couple months:

1. Dentist: Went to see Dr. Bonnie Ferrell for my twice a year checkup and purposefully made my appointment at 7 AM (right when they open) so that there would be no excuses for lateness. I arrive. Doors are shut and locked. I'm thinking "Did I have the right date?" So I call them from my cell phone and someone answers and says "OH! Oops. I'll go unlock the doors right now." So I finally get in and was told that the hygienist is running late but should be here soon. I sigh and think "GREAAAAAAT! GRRRRR!" About 35 minutes later, I'm still waiting and fuming. I had planned to be back home by 8 AM to pick up my husband and Kendall, so we could get Kendall to school on time, Bill to work on time and then I needed to head to work (we only have 1 car). WRONG! I finally got up and told them I'm leaving. That I can't wait any longer and I'd call back to reschedule (YEAH RIGHT!).

2. Pediatrician: I have changed Kendall's pediatrician three times since she was born. This last doctor, which Vaughn has gone to all his life, is working out great. I left the first one because she was ALWAYS running late. At least 30 minutes late. The last 2 straws was when 1) she walked into someone else's room when she should have come into mine. The nurse told her she was in the wrong room. So she came into mine and said "I'll be back in a minute." FIFTEEN minutes later she finally came back. WHAT THE HECK!? 2) she was also my doctor and asked me questions like she hadn't seen me in over a year, when I just saw her a couple days before with my daughter. She asked me all these "polite" questions like "How is your kid growing up nowadays?" and I'm thinking "LADY, you just saw her a couple days ago!" I left the 2nd doctor, not because of the doctor, because of their incompetent nurses.

3. Ski School at COPPER MOUNTAIN - Kendall had two teachers running the Trailblazer's class: Jen and Joel. What was supposed to be a 2.5 hour class, really turned out to be only 1 hour and 15 minutes. That was problem number 1. They would take an hour long break and color (I discovered this by seeing all the colors the markers left on Kendall's hand), get hot chocolate, etc... Ummm... I didn't see that in the program description! Second, one of the instructors was on his cell phone talking to someone for approximately 10 minutes while the kids just stood around. I know because I was standing right next to him. And the best part is that while he was on the phone, looking down at the ground, not paying attention to the kids - two of them wandered off, around the corner and disappeared to god knows where! A few minutes later, some other Copper Mountain employee brought the two kids back. DANG! I reported him and was told that that would never happen again.

4. Pearle Vision: Went to go get my annual eye exam and a new pair of glasses that is covered under my insurance. When I got there, I discovered they double-booked my time slot by accident due to a computer glitch and unfortunately I was the one who would have to wait another 30 minutes. No problem. I was patient. I was in a good mood. While I was waiting, Brad at the front desk checked with my insurance and said that I was covered for the exam right now but not the glasses until a year from my last date of service. So I said that I would just get the eye exam. I get a call later from the eye doctor saying that my insurance company rejected the claim for my exam and that I would need to pay $99 for what is normally covered! After much debating, the doctor (I believe his name was John Bardash) eventually blamed my insurance company and that there was some computer glitch that told them it was covered originally. So I called my insurance company and they said "No. Your eye doctor is at fault for telling you false information and proceeding with the exam prior to getting authorization from us." So I called back and they finally relented and waived the fee but they still would not admit fault for telling me false information. UGH!

So I talked to my husband and he totally gets me and agrees with me. And I ask him "Are we expecting too much? Are we being too hard on people?" He didn't think so and I wanted to agree with him but I kept thinking "Why then do I keep running into problems with people? It must be me!"

Well I went the gym tonight and picked up a Newsweek magazine from December 8th. I was intrigued because on the cover was Michelle Rhee, a woman I had read a very brief article about in another magazine. I identified so much with this woman. She is Korean just like me. From Ohio, just like me. And she doesn't take shit, just like me!!!

She was put in charge of revamping DC's public schools and in her first year, has fired over 100 teachers with more to be put on notice, as well as principals - she's done more to improve these schools in ONE year, then most have been trying to accomplish for decades. She pisses people off and is not apologetic for it. She doesn't settle for the minimum teachers and principals put out. Reading this encouraged me and made me realize that "No, I'm not expecting too much. I'm just expecting what should be excepted. What should be the norm." America spends more on education than almost any other country in the world! Then why are we the ones that have the worst education system??? It's terrible. Again, people do the minimum and many of us accept it. I say "NO MORE!" Expect more! Do more! The minimum is no longer good enough!

I needed to vent :)

Chase Me

2009-01-02T22:18:00.007-07:00

Kendall is really big into playing "Chase Me" but she only plays the part of the catchee (is that even a word?) and expects everyone else to be the catcher. We were at a play area the other day when Kendall kept yelling out to the other kids "Can someone chase me?!?" Vaughn usually is a willing participant in her game.

Big Boy Bed

2009-01-01T23:14:00.003-07:00

Today, we lowered Vaughn's mattress and removed the side and converted it into a toddler bed. Result? SUCCESS! So far! It's only night 1 and he didn't try to get out of bed.

He hasn't fallen out of bed yet either but I'm not holding my breath. I placed pillows on the floor just in case.

The only big thing left now is potty training. I hope to get him potty trained by the end of the year. We'll see. It will really depend on his developmental progress.

On another note, I'm still convinced Vaughn thinks his name is Baby. I tested it out several times today and when I called "Baby." he looked at me. When I called out "Vaughn" he completely ignored me. Bill didn't believe me until he tried it out and got the same result.

Bill and I have talked about ceasing to call him Baby but we keep forgetting. I hope he doesn't turn out like that Jennifer Grey character in Dirty Dancing, where everyone called her Baby.

Coming Soon

2008-12-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Check back later.