Another not-so-exciting update

My dad loaned me his computer and internet connection device for the evening, so I can play at home. It's so nice. I can't believe how much I miss being able to blog from my favorite brown chair. Of course, I probably get more done around the house when I don't have internet access. I was just thinking today that it has been almost 2 years since I met Caroline. Mishayla is nearly the same age now as Melania was then. I look at Melania now, and it hardly seems possible. She's such a big girl now; most of the time! It's also been a year since Caroline went to live with another family. I found out in January that she moved again. I spoke with her mom when I was in WA , and it seems like her new home is a good fit. We still love you and miss you, Caroline! I hope you are a happy girl, and I think of you often. It's also hard to believe that we've been living in MT for over half of a year already. I'm so glad to be here and for what it has meant to be closer to family. That's not to say we don't miss Wendy and Blaine and everyone else who was like family in WA. I thought I'd be more settled in by now, have more house projects complete, and be all ready to start working in the yard... It hasn't quite worked out that way. My business is growing each week. I have enough patients to stop doing home health, although I will continue in a limited capacity. It's so nice not having to drive so much everyday. I have plenty of paperwork to keep me busy, and the learning curve on billing insurance is steeper than I expected. No complaints, though, because I am so happy to be able to do physical therapy in my own little office. Tomorrow is the home show which will feature my bro-in-law who has an exhibit to promote the sod farm, so I'd best sign off and go to bed.

Fingers crossed that there will be more pictures.

Happy 5th birthday Colton Jack! Cool combine cake by Karen.

Sick baby girl with her kitty.

Sister love. Mishayla is still the "baby," but she is only a couple of pounds lighter than Melania. Chopsticks anyone?

The little climber in action.

Melania with a lot of braids. One and a half hours went into this hairdo!

It was so cute though!

The "cooker" at our house. Melania tells me that I am a very good "cooker" when I make mac & cheese for her. Sad, I know. We really miss Trader Joe's.

Great Gma with a very sleepy Melania on New Year's Day.

Awesome quilt by Sew Fab Martha!

Well, I'd hoped to post even more pictures, but.... Blogger doesn't like me, and it's bedtime. Maybe tomorrow

It's spring, right?

Happy Birthday, Trenton! Go, Bulldogs! Mishayla's up and then she wants down. Repeat.

Happy 30th birthday, Carmen. Where is the guest of honor?

The lollipop returns.

Ginger gets into the picture.

The girls with their knit items from June's Aunt Kathy. I love Melania's African American doll, complete with clothes and a bead necklace.

The girls with their dresses, hats and stuffed animals from Don and Barbara.

Thank you!

Bath time + sisterly love. We have no tubs in our new house, just showers. So, the laundry room sink has to suffice!

Tiggers have stripes. So do M&M's.

Melania's very happy with her huge lollipop! It even trumps Pooh Bear. Gma and Taylor Rae June and the kids. M&M's nanny is very popular here in MT! Great Gma and my sister, Karen. The apron gives you a little clue about where we live!

February update

I can't believe it's been this long between posts. Oops. Most of my pictures are on my other laptop, so I won't have a chance to post them tonight. The girls are very busy to say the least. Mishayla has been walking steadily for about 6 weeks. Her vocabulary is growing every day. June started a list of her words because they are still along the lines of "Mishayla-speak," which is recognized only by a few people who live in the same house. She might be getting a little more hair, but that is debatable. Melania has started calling me "Mooommm" - complete with attitude. This is a little distressing, but she still likes to snuggle before bedtime. She's very busy reading about Curious George. Melania likes going to basketball games because of the popcorn and licorice. My business has really picked up since the first of the year, so most of my "spare" time is spent working at the office trying to understand insurance claims and how to submit them for payment. Overdue blog congratulations to Lisa, Troy and Braden! You can check out their blog for more information...

Christmas Eve: Pictures by Martha!

We drove to the greater Seattle area yesterday from MT. Our roads were better than expected. I can't say Mishayla enjoyed the trip, but then would any one year old?

I went to work today at my old job. It was wonderful to see everyone again, but I am still excited to have moved on to owning my business.

Christmas Eve finds us staying at my sister's house, even though she and her husband have left for Canada. Housesitting and catsitting. It's nice.

We are looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family while visiting WA, but disappointed that we won't be able to visit Caroline this trip. Thanks to all of you who have asked about her and how she is doing.

Enjoy the picture collage. My friend Martha and her husband babysat the girls today and this was the result. Martha is an amazing photographer (and friend!), and you can visit her blog -- Sew Fab Martha.

Mishayla and the Balloon

Look for a slideshow of Mishayla's 1st year soon!