My mom just sent me these pictures. Im not sure how old I am, but I really love these. I can see both my kids in this picture as well. :)

The law firm I work for was kind enough to allow me to relay my story about Cole and our experience in the hospital. So this year they raised money to buy toys for the children in the Hospital! Yesterday I was privileged to deliver 16 boxes of toys and $550 gift cards. I felt very proud. I also went into the pediatric cancer ward and was fortunate to visit with many of the nurses that took care of Cole. It felt very full circle.

So on Monday we are off to England! I am so excited and cannot wait to have that experience with the children. Last year Sam and I went without the children and we had the best time. We also went to Venice, Italy and spent a few days there as well. We have a lot planned this time around and I think the kids are going to love it.

Will update upon our return..

take care,

B

Andrew is hilarious. After his bath he loves to crawl into our bed and "get cozy" (his words). He loves my perfume as well! The second picture is him trying to hide from me, he told me no picture mama while he was laughing..

The countdown has begun and we are getting ready to leave for England. The kids ask everyday if today is the day we leave. Poor things, they dont understand time. So we just keep talking about it and anticipating what it will be like to fly 12 hours with two toddlers. fun fun

So to add to the list of things we do on our weekends, Sam and I now going to the shooting range on Sundays. We spend about an hour shooting clay pigeons. Of course Im saying "we" but in reality Im the button pusher and he is the shooter. Ohh, I tried to shoot the riffle, but the kickback felt very strong and I screamed. I cant belive I screamed.. it was bit embarassing considering the men from the gun club started to laugh. So now Im a button pusher.. thats fine. Wearing ear plugs and a muffler and straining my hearing for the word "Pull". You start to dream that word later.

Our tree has been finished for weeks and we still love it. Last night Sam came home with 4 more ornaments to add to the other 4 we purchased on Sunday. I love looking at it too and its quite the highlight when we come home and the kids fight over who gets to turn it on.

We leave on Monday... I will try to post before then. If not, happy holidays!

b

I know when Im getting older

Last night in the car Emma asked me a simple question. Will I get older? Our conversation: Yes Emma, you will. But Momma, I know when I will be older. And how is that Emma? Because my hair will turn colors and it will get darker. Once that happens I will be older! I just smiled and agreed with her. She was right. She believes I am older, and with my dark hair it became proof to her. Thankfully Andrew just gives me kisses and doesnt ask such things.

Last night I gave some thought as to this past year. I find it to be a difficult year, but manageable. I do hope 2009 will be a happy one since we all could do with that. So I thought I would give a brief run down of the past year:

* both my boyfriend and I finalized our divorces
* Sold my house after a 4 month escrow!
* Moved back to Marin and now living with BF.
* Andrew was hospitalized for 2 weeks due to bone infection
* Appeared on the front page of CNN for 2 months - my financial story
* Appeared on the front page of AOL for 1 month - my financial story.. again.. ughh
* CNBC - On the Money contacted me. I was live on their new hour broadcast... still airing my craziness
* Received full physical custody of the children
* Still NO child support!!
* Took a one semester class at school "Introduction to Nursing"
* Went to Mexico (Ixtapa) for a week
* Family member, Donna Mallet passed away
* Purchased a car
* My cousin, Hava, and the twins being born extremely early
* Went to court to deal with boyfriends Ex and restraining order!
* House broken into, wedding rings stolen
* Boyfriends Ex breaking into cell phones and heard all our voicemails
* Went sailing and participated in a two day race
* and best of all.. ending the year in England with the children and bf.

Of course there was wonderful happy moments this year, but the bad always seem to surface faster. In the end I am very happy with how things turned out. Happy with Sam, happy raising the children and overall just a much happier person.

Here's to a wonderful 2009!

b