My Sassafras

I know, I've been terrible about updating my blog. And I have SO many pics to go through! I haven't even posted anything about Christmas! But I have to start somewhere, so I decided to post these pics from Bald Eagle Days (late January) out at the Shakespeare Festival theater. I took Addie just for something to do. We didn't actually get to see the bald eagle (couldn't find the show, and by the time we did it was full), but we did see some owls and falcons, and Addie just had a good time running around. With winter weather we hadn't been outside much.

She did get to color an owl mask.

I was having fun watching her run around, wondering where this "child" (not "baby") came from.

Could she be any cuter??

She was trying to hide from me and thought she was rather clever.

Once it was almost time to go I finally convinced her to get her face painted. She chose an owl, and was the very last kid painted. She promptly destroyed it when she insisted on "feeling" it. Oh well.

Then we grabbed a hot chocolate on the way out.

Look at that sassy little thing. I was just asking Loren where we got a 2-year-old that insists on putting on make-up with mom, wants body spray, is already picky about what she wears, and demands Lady Gaga in the car?

I think the nickname Sassafras is quite appropriate.

What Have I Been Up To?

Most of what I write about on here pertains to what I've been up to at home, with the kids -- our outings and events. But I'm putting together some information for my annual evaluation and find myself overwhelmed at having to recant my accomplishments in the past year. I've put together what I can think of and must say I'm damn proud of myself. Especially when you add that I had a baby in the middle of this! Just as a little boasting, these are some highlights:

• Taught 9 classes, including one during the first winter intersession (medical terminology, which I had only taught online before that)
  
• Took the lead as clinical coordinator, and found some new sites -- and coordinated the processing of background checks
• Accepted into a PhD program and took 3 classes
• Published a book, a book chapter, and 3 journal articles (with a number of co-authors)
• Gave 4 professional presentations and 2 poster presentations
• Served on the IRB and 2 college committees
• Supervised an independent study and 3 internships
• Served on the IdHIMA board
• Peer reviewed a textbook and journal article

This is in addition to helping with orientation sessions, doing tons of advising, and attending random department and college meetings. Hmm, no wonder I'm always exhausted! Damn, if I can do this pregnant and with a newborn, how am I going to step it up this year? I mean, I only have a toddler and infant now... ;)

Typical Pic Post

I decided to take the pics off my phone, mainly because I was trying to update some knitting project pics (I use my phone when I'm about to give something away and haven't remembered to take a "real" pic!). Holy wow, I had a lot of pics! Kind of fun going through them all, since many are from this summer. A lot of these made it to Facebook, but since not everyone is on there (can you believe it?), I thought I'd post here too.

One of our many zoo trips.

The first pic I managed to get of all three of us (albeit blurry!).

Love the cheesy grins.

This was the balloon festival.

I had a perfect straight-on shot of this, but Addie deleted it. :(

She hid behind the stroller to poop.

Speaking of poop... Doesn't he look like, "I just crapped my pants. Whatchu gonna do 'bout it?"

One of Addie's fab outfits. Love Bailey's tongue.

I can't believe how much he's changed already!

Addie loves her Dodo.

She decided to try on Tucker's old Halloween costume at Becky's. And added the floaty.

Love all the littles sitting down to eat. Too cute!

Another fab outfit.

I'm pretty sure this has been the most popular pic I've ever posted on Facebook.

Ready for some stompin'!

Real men wear pink.

Free scary face pancakes at IHOP for Halloween.

This was on Halloween actually. She insisted on wearing her pumpkin costume (which was not her actual Halloween costume this year).

She just looks like a sad orphan here.

Ice cream anyone?

He fell asleep in his highchair.

I had never seen Loren in a tie (no, not even our wedding) until this interview. I had to have a pic! Can you tell he was thrilled?

Trying out avocado.

This was so cute. Hayden and I were up that morning while Addie was still asleep. I was getting dressed to I set Hayden in the chair. Addie woke up and immediately grabbed her blanket and wanted to come snuggle with Hayden to watch cartoons.

Picking out Toys for Tots. She really put thought into it.

Loves mommy's make-up.

Me attempting to get a picture of my goodies for my Christmas family.

I can't ever seem to get all three of us to look decent at once.

Lovin' her bear from Aunt Linda.

Bubby too.

This is his 49ers hat that not only came out way too big, but doesn't look like 49ers. I think it looks like the Trojans.

She was rubbing her butt on the coffee table and I started laughing, so she thought she was hilarious and kept doing it.

My handsome boy in a highchair for the first time (at a restaurant).

Modeling the awesome shoes David hooked me up with.

Modeling his clothes from Uncle Sean and Aunt Erin.

Modeling my apron from Sean and Erin.

We went bowling for New Year's.

Addie has recently figured out how to take pics. Here's a fab shot of me (ha!).

Okay, I'm being summoned to help with crying kiddos. Until I upload more photos...