Rewind...

I was trying to see where I left off...
I never blogged about my now 7 year old! How did I miss that?! Well, Celeste did in fact turn 7 last November! See...

For her gift from us, she wanted a cheer warm-up suit, so there are no pictures of that. But rest assured, she was still spoiled!
Celeste is our "softie". Her tender heart can easily be bruised- she wears her heart on her sleeve and is such a sweetie.  She is eager to help and is always so good in her class. Her teacher always makes a point to tell me how much she loves her when I see her.  I love that about Celeste. She is loving being 7 and we love her.

Halloween?! Yes, that holiday came too! I even took pictures! Imagine that.  I used Leah's camera for the Trick or Trunk, and on Halloween itself, it was SOOOO cold, so my kids went out for 20 minutes and then we went out to Bob Evans to eat! Lucky.
This year, Alex was Napolean Dynamite, Isaac (here visiting for Liza's wedding...read on...) was his brother, Leah was Effie Trinkett from the Hunger Games, Celeste was a cat (again), and Lanie was the cutest strawberry you have ever eaten seen. So fun!

Aunt Liza got married!! Yah!! So happy for her. She and Jim tied the knot in October, so we got the honor of being there and spending time with the rest of the Ortman's.  Here are a few pics- I did not want to take my camera, but did, but only took a few pics. That dress I am wearing was not so flexible, and it was the end of the day, so I was not feeling the love. But Liza glowed and looked so happy. We could not be more joyed for her.

Dowell Family Reunion in Lancaster
We gathered together for a huge reunion! What a crew! What a day! It was so nice and gorgeous down there- we got to meet so many new family members that we didn't even know existed and spend the lovely day getting to know and catch up with so many. Little did we know that this would be the last time we would see and spend time with my sweet Uncle Don.  He was 89. He died last month. I loved him. He was my Grandpa's younger brother, and the nicest, kindest, most affectionate man you could know. He loved like no other. I have a very special place in my heart for him. I am glad he is at home now with his parents, brothers, and sweet wife. Here are some pics of the gorgeous day we had...

There was just one small tragedy there- Celeste fell into the tree (how did that happen?!) while running for candy when the pinata broke. She crushed her cheek (a huge hematoma). That bruise is just now (it's February) completely faded and gone away! OUCH!

Rewind part 2 coming soon.....

2012 Year End

Happy 2013!!

My annual accounting for the year:

What did you do in 2012 that you’ve never done before? 

Took a trip without my husband or children.

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year? 

I did not make any new ones last year, but this year's list is pretty good, and so far, so good.

Did anyone close to you give birth? 

No one very close, but lots of FB friends! That counts, right?

Did anyone close to you die? 

So thankful to say no. My sweet great-uncle passed this January- he was 89.  I loved him.

What countries did you visit? 

Really?!

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? 

I would like to have it all- is that too much to ask?! Kidding, I don't think I don't have anything I don't lack...I am so blessed.

What date from 2012 will remain etched in your memory and why? 

18 March - Alex received the Aaronic Priesthood that will bless his life and so many others, and stay with him for his entire life.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

Starting my photography business.

What was your biggest failure?  

Spending too much money- life is short!

Did you suffer illness or injury?  

None- even my biopsy on my thyroid came back benign. So blessed.

What was the best thing you bought? 

A new van! 2008 Odyssey

Where did most of your money go?

Vacation, Christmas, new van, healthcare...need I name more?!

What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

Going on vacation with the kids and my mom to Myrtle Beach- it had been 4 years since we went there- totally worth every cent!

Happier or sadder?  

Happier for sure.

Thinner or fatter? 

About the same- thankfully I take my meds at night, on an empty stomach so I never eat after dinner- I think that is the key. I should exercise more, but let's start small, okay?

Richer or poorer? 

Not a fair question! We are so blessed, but this year I took us off track a bit, so I am working hard on that- no debt, but our savings has dwindled.

What do you wish you’d done more of?  

Listening to my children.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Complaining.

How did you spend Christmas? 

With both of our families! So fortunate to have Dana's parents home for good. It was very nice.

Did you fall in love in 2012?  

Yes. over and over. and again and again.

What was your favorite TV show? 

Chicago Fire and Nashville

What was the best book you read? 

Heaven is Here.

What was your greatest musical discovery of 2012? 

I just still love Kelly Clarkson- she has yet to put out a hit I don't love. I can seriously rock out to her, but my kids fell in love with Gangham style and we are still jamming to that!

What did you want and get?

Everything, and then some...including another lens for my camera!

 What did you want and not get?  

Sanity?

 What was your favorite film this year? 

Hunger Games

What did you do on your birthday? 

Went to Church. But my gift was a plane ticket to Arizona.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

It was a phenomenal year.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Skinny jeans and boots- say it isn't so! I seriously wear that every single day...why was I so stubborn? It's a good look for me, or so they say.

What kept you sane? 

I am not sure I am anymore! Dana keeps me grounded, but even that is challenging!

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I did love Mitt...so sad he didn't win,but it is what it is, and we will continue to pray for help!

What political issue stirred you the most? 

The Presidential Election was super fun to watch- I did enjoy politics for the first time, and really hoped for a more positive outcome, but we press forward no matter what.

 Who did you miss? 

My grandpa who died in 2011 and spending time with him.

Who was the best new person you met? 

I don't get out much.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. 

I learned that you teach others how to treat you. I learned that life is too short. I learned that I will not do things I don't love, unless I have to! I learned the Lord loves me very much and is ever mindful of me. I learned how to be patient and that is saying a lot!

Arizona

So, I just realized that I never even posted about my trip in November to Arizona. How could I have not written about that?! Oh, I know why...

She may be cute, but she is a stinker- especially when I want to be on the computer or something that is not giving her my undivided attention. Funny, right?! ha ha - not laughing.

So, for my birthday, Dana bought me a ticket to see Jen in Arizona. Seriously.the.best.gift.ever. I got to spend Tuesday till Saturday in sunny, warm, wonderful Phoenix. Holy cow- I was in heaven. Literally.

I flew a direct flight, which, was wonderful.  I get horribly sick on planes, and so to prevent the least amount of bodily fluids coming up, I double dosed with Bonine.  Great decision. Instead of barfing, I could read, I could sleep, I could eat, and best of all, I could stay in my seat! Awesome. Note to self: always double the dosage! We got there early, even and so my trip began...

We just chilled out on Tuesday- it was Election night, (I voted absentee)  and though we were very disappointed in the outcome, we still managed to have a great night.  We stayed up late...well, late for us is probably not that late, but later, how's that?!

Wednesday, after getting her kids off to school, we went shopping. Shocked?! You DO know me!  What fun to go to the mall and several stores without tag-a-longs! Even lunch! This was fabulous. Now, before you judge me and think I don't love my appendages, just know that they were in great hands with grandparents, friends and Daddy.  I even left meals prepared and money for pizza- see, I do love them....but I loved being away for a few days too! It was good for all of us.

Thursday, we went to Heaven. Seriously. Camelback Inn and Spa IS Heaven. I am not kidding. I got, compliments of my best friend, an hour long massage.  I can hardly type as I remember this...so.fab.  Then, we got to eat lunch at the pool, delicious concoctions only a spa could have- lavash and hummus and sundried tomato wraps- oh my- then, if that wasn't enough, this was the view:

I just wanted to stay...forever, would be okay.  Because we even got to hang out in the pool, in the sauna, take steam showers, and just relax. RELAX. Wow, what a concept! I really think I could live at the spa- do you think they would let me?! I wish.
Later that night, I got the privilege of going to the Mesa Temple with my friend Lauri.  She is my friend here, Katie's mom, but we have become fast friends through blogging and her visits her to see her daughter. She picked me up and we headed out there- it was again, so nice.

She graciously drove me back to Jen's, and  I was sad the night didn't last longer. I failed to mention the shopping we did...the amazing shopping. So, they have a Nordstrom's Last Chance store there and we scored like I have never scored before.  It's high end thrifting, let's be honest...but some great clothing that I could only dream of owning at full price.  I got that dress for $8, those shoes for $15, Wit and Wisdom jeans for $10, and $130 boots for $29.99.  I think I could live there too! Amazing. Best part- shopping with Jen. She makes everything so fun. She is the best ever. I really loved being there with her and her sweet family. They are my family. I just wish the distance wasn't so far. Bummer.
On Friday afternoon, I got to photograph her family. Her whole family. It was so fun. I had a blast- and the weather could not have been more perfect. You can see those photos here.
We finished off the night with a cookout at her parents' house with the family. I just wanted the night to last longer. I really did. Because I knew I had to go home the next afternoon.  I really had the best time....just writing about it a couple months later brings it all to the forefront.  If life weren't so busy, and...well, you know- it would be a perfect world and trips like this could be more frequent.
Before boarding the plane, I picked up 6 of the yummiest cupcakes ever for the kids. They were thrilled.  They should have been- they cost me nearly $30.  Well worth it!
On the plane home, I again, felt wonderful.  It was fast, and I read an entire book. This seriously  has never happened. I returned home to a clean house and happy children. I am so blessed.

2013

Well, after much trial and error, we finally got blogger to allow me to post! Hallelujah! I have wanting to get back on- I have so much to write about, but it has been challenging to even log on! Let me start with December:
 So, we had a fabulous Christmas- as usual. So many fun things- we got to spend invaluable time with family and give/receiver many wonderful gifts. My kids treasured it and we soaked up every minute we could. So happy to have Dana's parents home for good and have our first Christmas home with them in many years.
January: It was dull...snowy...blah.... Not much to report- but Alex started basketball, and has been doing really good, despite his team is made up of 7-9th graders. He is average in the mix, but has become a great scorer and defender for his team. Leah started tumbling again after a 3 year hiatus. She is doing remarkably well for taking such a large amount of time off. She started back hand springing the first night just as if she never left. She has a ways to go to do them in succession, but she is working hard and achieving some goals. She and I started a nightly journal just the two of us. She writes me before she goes to bed and puts it on my pillow, then when I go to bed, I write her back and return it to her bed so she can read it in the morning. It has been really good for us- it is a nice outlet for her to write about her day- good or bad, and about her feelings with whatever is happening in her life. I am happy to say that inspiration from above brought that to us. Celeste is doing great in first grade still. She just had to complete a self portrait with 100 items for the 100th day of school. That was fun. She is doing well with her math, and is working hard to be a better reader. I forgot to mention that grade cards came and Leah got a 4.0 and Alex got a 3.7. We are very proud.
February: Well, we've only just begun, but thankfully it is looking brighter than January! I need me some sun. I often wonder if I have a touch of SAD. The winter is just not fun. I did do some retail therapy this month and last to help with that, just so you don't think I was all that down! I bought new a LG washer and dryer, and completely redid our laundry/mud room. It is lovely. I also went to IKEA with Rachel and Suzanne and bought some fun stuff there to help. I am on a new budget- and so far, it has been 10 days and I have stayed within! Progress!! That even included the shopping trip! We want to get this basement finished and pay more of Dana's school, so I have to watch myself. Dana started back at Ashland this winter. His program will finish up in December 14. He is working on his Administrative License. Principal? Superintendent? Let's start small...He is liking it so far, and his job is busy, but okay. Baseball for he and Alex starts this month, so back to single-parenting for me for a while.  It's not so bad- I really love it when he loves his coaching job.  Unlike soccer, baseball I like.
My photography is going really well also. I have a couple of Senior shoots coming up this week, and I have loved using my new lens on my friend Jodi's baby girl.  Technique, and lighting- a work in progress.  It is so fun for me, though, and I am enjoying it very much.

Feel caught up? I think we are close.  I want to do my 2012 review, so that is next.