EDMx2 Austin

Just the two of us!

2010-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I love, love love watching my girls play together. Not that Kenzie can really "play" yet but the interaction between the two is like they've known eachother for years! I was laughing till I was crying the other day when Mya got on the floor, grabbed her sister's hand and started singing " I love you, you love me" the theme song from her obsession, BARNEY. Kenzie smiled and laughed then said " that's cool, but watch me stick my toes in my mouth." HA. Hours of entertainment!

Keepin busy

2010-04-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

There's a reason why it's been months since my last post. My precious girls are keeping me busy! But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm quickly discovering that being a new mom of not one but TWO little ones is the ultimate tight rope act. Always balancing time, energy, priorities... the net on the ground, family, friends and my husband. So, I've concluded that if I can't post on my blog as much as I used to, that's ok. And, if the house is a little dirty, that's ok too! Time goes by so fast, the little things can wait. Gatta go, the circus is calling! :)

Mya's Second Birthday!

2010-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the birthday celebration(s) came and went as quickly as the past two years. I know it's such a cliche thing to say but I REALLY can't believe my little girl is 2 years old. The time does fly by. I will take this moment to brag, after all it's my blog and could be considered an online brag book of shorts. Mya is the sweetest two year old in the world! Despite the occasional meltdown ( which I have to admit, she usually has good reason for) and the word "no" flying out of her mouth with every question asked ( even if she means to say yes... she still says "no") I could not be more proud. I watch her in amazement as her eyes light up and face beams when she's opening birthday presents or just playing tea party with Elmo and Barney. She truly is our special little girl and she makes the world ( our world) a better place just by being her. The love for a child grows with each year, and if ours keeps growing, it's possible we might burst by her 15th birthday. Kenzie has such a great role model in Mya and I can't wait to watch them grow and shine together! Mush mush mush I know... but I'm a new mom, what did ya expect?

Can't wait....

2010-01-25T13:29:00.001-08:00

Until I have time to post on my blog again!!
stay tuned...

KENZIE " AMAZING" GRACE!

2010-01-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

SHE IS HERE!!
So tiny and precious... I feel like my life is complete now.
Despite the sleepless nights and the anxiety that comes with two, we couldn't be happier!

MACKENZIE GRACE AUSTIN
12/26/09 7lbs 14 oz. 21 inches... and 25 minutes of labor.

Mya's First Haircut!

2009-12-20T10:39:00.001-08:00

Mya has spent her life thus far growing those beautiful, brunette locks and her hair was starting to get out of control and totally unmanageable! So, we decided today was the day for the "first" haircut. We were prepared for a lot of screaming and crying but she did great! Now, she's sportin' some cute, side swept bangs and about a 1/2 inch off the rest. We were thinking of giving her a Suri Cruise do but chicken'd out at last minute. The most important thing is now we can see those pretty green eyes with all that hair out of the way.

2009-12-12T06:33:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Winter Wonderland!

2009-12-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Daddy came home last night from work, plowed the 5 to 6 inchies that had already fell and then surprised Mya with a new sled he had picked up on the way home ( such a sweet daddy!) We bundled her up and off they went down the street. Mya had a blast but threw a fit when it was time to come in. I think daddy was getting a little cold.

Looking into a mirror

2009-12-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's so funny to see my daughter dress up in my clothes ( almost ALL of my clothes... at the same time) the way I used to do with my mom's clothes at her age. One of the best things about being a mom I think; seeing yourself ( the good part of yourself) in this little person. What joy and laughter she brings to my life! I can't wait for more of the same from baby girl two.

The tale of the two bloggers!

2009-11-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

Such a fun visit we had with fellow blogger Geri, hubby Jason( Darren's friend from Chicago) and ADORABLE little Brody this weekend! Our friends from Minnesota stopped by on the drive home from a family trip to central NE. We were thrilled to get our Aquarius babies together finally and chat about parenthood, jobs etc., but this time in person instead of cyberspace. We got such a laugh from watching Brody and Mya together. Bath time was especially memorable! ( spanking anyone? ha) Geri and Jason, it was great having you, you are great parents and such sweet people. We look forward to seeing you again. Until then, I know we will keep up with each other via the web. Thank you for the present for Mya by the way. That was very thoughtful of you! Take care of that big, blue eyed sweetheart.

T-Day 2009

2009-11-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

What a great Thanksgiving we had! Good food and family is always a winning combo.
Here's a list of what I'm thankful for this year ( and evey year)

1. All of my family ( most of all my beautiful daughter and wonderful husband)
2. Baby girl #2
3. Good friends
4. Holidays and tradition
5. A good glass of wine ( can't wait to have one again!)
6. Magazines
7. Naps
8. The internet
9. Every birthday
10.My job

I'm also thankful that Mya didn't spill a thing on her pretty cream shirt on Thanksgiving! Miracles do happen.

GRANT Born 11/04/09

2009-11-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

WELCOME BABY GWG! Grant William Gundlach arrived Wednesday Nov. 4th (I'm a little late with this post) and is as cute as he could be. Looks like daddy w/ mommy's hair! So, it will be hard to keep my girls from flirtin' with this guy I'm sure. We LOVE you Billy and Sarah! Congrats and welcome to the club!

32 weeks! IT"S A GIRL!

2009-11-01T07:15:00.001-08:00

Darren and I made the tough decision to switch Dr's at 32 weeks pregnant. The reasons are many and the decision was the right one! Our new Dr. ( a women) is GREAT! Professional and personable. However, with the switch to a girl Dr. brought a revealing ultrasound of our new baby... GIRL. Our last ultrasound was at 16 weeks and our previous Dr. was SO SURE he saw a boy. Of course we had several ultrasounds since but weren't able to get a good view in between the legs. After we got over the shock of two girls, excitement set in. Mya will have a little sister less than 2 years younger then her. We hope they will grow up to be best of friends... oh and successful enough to pay for their own weddings. HA HA. Bring on the pink! (AGAIN)

I love fall... Mya does too!

2009-10-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Although there aren't many trees in our 5 year old neighborhood, we managed to find a corner of sidewalk down the street that was shaded by some mature trees that have managed to shake some of it's leaves. Mya was curious and excited about the crunchy, crackling sound these colorful leaves made. She eventually went running through them, smiling and laughing while I picked up piles and threw them over her head. She could've stayed at this corner of our street all night but, as typical of toddler behavior, she was whisked away screaming and crying the whole walk home. I was reminded of why I love this season so much. It's the simple things like playing in the leaves. Kids are so great at reminding us of simple pleasures aren't they!?

Short but sweet visit!

2009-10-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Went back to IL. for Sarah's baby shower. Had a great time catching up with girlfriends, mom and sister! Look at what a pretty 'mommy to be' she is... made me hestitant to take pictures with her that's for sure! I'm so excited for her as she begins this new adventure of mommy hood. Most exciting of all is Grant and Baby boy Austin will be 6 weeks apart. Perfect play date buddies... oh yeah and the boys will have fun too! ha ha.

Is that a basketball you are hiding under your shirt?

2009-09-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm just waiting for someone to ask me this question! I've seen women who look like they are smuggling a basketball but really just pregnant... never thought I'd be one.
Wow, am I carrying different than w/ Mya. 26 weeks tomorrow!!! That means 14 weeks to get x-mas shopping done too! YIKES

Scrapbooking!

2009-09-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share the recent scrapbook I created for my sister's 18th birthday!
I spent about 4 months on it ( a lot of that time was staring at pictures and reminiscing). Like blogging, I love to scrap b/c it's a great creative outlet! The book was the " A to Z" of Taylor. I didn't include all the pictures but the ones I did are: Brother, Cheer, Dance, Grandma, Holidays, Live, Mya, Niece, Sister, Vacation, You did it!(graduation). Just click on any picture to see it closer.

The belly rub and the hug!!

2009-08-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so... for our anniversary, my loving husband got us tickets to see two of our favs who happened to be performing together; John Legand and India Arie. So, we had a blast and not to mention the luckiest seats in the house. India went on first and came down into the audience during a song. As she walked up the aisle in which we were seated... Darren leaned over to me and said "I'm going to give her a hug!" I strongly advised against it by the look of the bodyguard behind her. But, as she approached, Darren leaned in and she without hesitation leaned in too. Bam... the HUG felt around the world. My husband had a smile from ear to ear the rest of the night. Ok, fast forward an hour and JOHNNY is about to grace us with his presence. He walks into the arena singing some song.. I can't remember now b/c all I was focused on was his big brown eyes. AHHH. Stopped right in front of Darren and I and rubbed my belly before he went on stage. Overall, it was a great night with great music and up close and personal attention from the performers! To top it all, John sang our wedding song as his last song of the night. Perfect ending to a perfect anniversary!

My kind of town Chicago is...

2009-08-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

What a great time we had on our recent trip home. We caught up with friends and family and wished my sister "good luck" and "happy 18th birthday!" There is nothing that makes you feel better than being around people who know you, love you and accept you no matter what. We got a good dose of that and came home feeling revived and renewed. We miss you all and it was so good to see you!

Messy Mya!

2009-08-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ummm don't ya just love toddlers?! The mess was worth this picture... it's priceless! Also a good example of what happens when you let an 18 month old feed herself pasta.
Ha ha ha... love it!

20 weeks!

2009-08-09T19:14:00.001-07:00

Ok... half way point! Very exciting! Tomorrow is another ultrasound and more confirmation that it's a boy. Looking forward to seeing the little guy via technology in the morning. I feel like I'm getting bigger by the day! Look at this belly... although Ben and Jerry are a little to blame.

Mya and her Aunt Taylor!

2009-07-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had over the weekend while aunt Tay visited us from Chicago.
I had weird moments of flashbacks watching the little girl I watched grow up playing with my little girl that I'm now watching grow up! What a paradox! Taylor, I'm so proud of you and hope that Mya turns into the beautiful, kind and smart person you've become! Love you!!!

16 weeks... well actually 17!

2009-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's true that it's easier to neglect taking pictures of your second "experience" aka pregnancy. A couple years ago, we couldn't stop snapping pictures of my growing belly with our growing Mya. Mostly b/c it was just so wierd to see the change that came over me also I wasn't busy chasing a toddler all day. Those constant pictures of our first have not ceased to exist. I just hope we don't get out of the habit with our second little one ( our BOY,.. I can say that after the ultrasound today) However, I did miss taking a picture at the first trimester mark but, thought I'd be sure to take one at 4 months. Here it is... about the same size I was with Mya at this stage. So, excited to meet our son!!

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say this forth was a first for us. We traveled to Colorado to see Jimpa ( Mya's name for my dad) g-ma Judi and uncles Jake and Jordan. We headed to the mountains, Woodland Park, near Colorado Springs to see my grandparents and aunts and uncles. What a great time had by all, although it was a short trip. I, for one, was looking forward to some cooler weather...and that's exactly what I got! It RAINED ALL DAY SATURDAY, a first for me... I don't remember a 4th of July it rained like that. But, we made the best of it! We BBQ'd under tarps and ate and drank and did some catching up with loved ones. Overall, it was fun and the spirit of the day was certainly not lost. Every year I take this holiday to feel grateful for what I have. More than Christmas, New Years or even THANKSgiving, for some reason I've always felt blessed to live where I live with the family and friends I have on 4th of July. Call me a patriot I guess. So, with this always on my mind and in my heart, it never really matters if it's rainy or sunny... it's always good to celebrate yet another 4th of July!

Mya goes to the circus plus visit from family!

2009-06-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Mya went to her first ever circus and surprisingly sat still, paying close attention to all the lights and animals... for about half of it. All her cousins and gramie and grampie were there. It was fun and I know the adults re-lived some fond memories of childhood. Also, Mya's uncles, aunts, cousin, came from Colorado as well as grandma Kim, grandpa Bruce from Chicago and great g-ma from Arizona ALL drove over for a visit last weekend! We went to the zoo and baseball games, what a great time!! Perfect weather too. This past week has been nothing but 80's and 90's and VERY HUMID! I know we complain all winter long but seriously, this weather is not good for the hair. It was even too hot to play outside yesterday. Mya's face was beat red after about 20 minutes! :) Regardless, summer has kicked off to be a great one so far! Looking forward to one of my favorite holidays in a couple weeks! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Baby #2...due Christmas!

2009-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again! I feel like I was just preggo, even though it was 2 years ago exactly this week we found out we were pregnant w/ the love of our lives...Mya. So, the idea of the heartburn, the sleepless nights, the sickness ( which is turning out to be mornings AND evenings... so much fun!)is a bit overwhelming however... this time, I truly know the end result is worth all the work! I wonder, could I love another being as much as I love Mya? Mothers of 2 and 3 plus asure me I will. And so, the often asked question of a mom about to add another child to her life, " do you want a boy or another girl?" If you ask Darren, he will give a definite and without pause answer of BOY!! I, on the other hand, wouldn't mind another girl. I've just had so much fun with the shopping, the hair, the playing dress up! But, of course I would love one of each. I know it's so cliche but... as long as this baby is healthy etc etc. So, I've been away from the world of blogging for quite some time as being at the computer during my little free time has been the last thing on my mind. What have I been doing?? Sleep, sleep and more sleep. However, I'm rounding to the 12th week, second trimester so.... I will be back to my ol' bloggin' self in no time! Stay tuned.....

Baby Boy Frampton!

2009-05-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome Baby Alec James Frampton!
Born May 13th 7lbs 14oz.
This is the second boy for Mandy and Mike.
Yippeee, we are so excited for you!

Read this blog!!

2009-04-23T10:16:00.001-07:00

So, my friend in Minnesota sent a link to a blog of a friend of hers. She insisted every women, especially every mom, read the latest blog entry of Katherine Wolf. And so I did... and boy did I need some tissue after. I thought her story was an amazing example of courage, humility, humor and attitude. I would like to encourage you to read her story too. Go to www.katherinewolf.info and get the tissue ready for the water works! I, personally, was reminded that sometimes we all move so fast wanting everything RIGHT NOW. Her story was good reminder to slow down and appreciate all the blessings in our life.

Spring Break 2009!

2009-04-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the Austin Family so loved the trip to Arizona for Spring Break!
It was nice to see family and friends and lay by the pool! Oh, and can't forget my little bro as a cubbies bat boy. Highlight of the trip for sure! Now, if we can get some springtime weather here in Omaha, I would be a happy camper. Supposed to be 60s this weekend so... I'll take it!! Mya had a great time swimming and soaking up the sun as well. She was a very good flyer too which always makes me a bit anxious. She played with toys and then slept, feeew, a relief for sure. My imagination went wild the night before our flight picturing Mya running up and down the aisle spilling drinks... ha... you get the point. So, with such a great traveler on my hands, I'll be ready for another trip soon. Most likely Colorado and Chicago this summer!

It's been a while...

2009-03-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted anything in quite a while. Spring is in the air and the anticipation of summer grows! Now that Mya is a little older, this spring/summer should be a lot of fun! Because of the 50 and 60 degree weather this weekend, we had Mya outside trying her new swing. She wasn't sure what she thought of that experience. Rosie and her are bonding more ( it only took 13 months) and her most favorite thing to play with in the whole house?? Measuring cups and spoons! Ha! Who knew? Oh, and can't forget her first kiss. Well, not really, more like an attempt at a friend's birthday party. She turned away... good girl Mya... mommy taught you well!

1 really is fun!!

2009-02-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well...it came and went. Mya is a 1 year old now. I can no longer say I have a "baby"... even though she will always be my baby... even when she's 21.
The party was a great success! We had about 25 people here and Mya got to open lots of presents. Thanks to all who came or sent Mya a birthday present or card! She's a blessed little girl to have so many caring people in her life. Wow! It really does go by fast. I know her daddy and I will treasure every moment till her next b-day because the time really does fly by.
We thought she might be walking by her first but no such luck. She's standing and walking with our help... but not feeling very brave yet. That's ok... I think I can wait for that milestone!

2009 already!! Where does time go?

2008-12-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

What a blessed year 2008 has been. A little crazy at times but, we made it through.
From Chicago to Iowa, from pregnant to mom and from employed to housewife to employed again! Whew... yes...what a year.

Looking forward to what 2009 will bring... perhaps another baby?.. another job? Just hopefully not another move ( sorry mom) For sure a first birthday, a 31st birthday and a ton of happiness I hope.

My wish is that all my friends and family are happy and healthy this new year. Oh and..all these babies due this year are healthy too!

What a fun age!

2008-12-20T08:23:00.001-08:00

Mya is truly becoming a funny little girl. Every week we see more of her developing personality and it's what makes being a parent so awesome.
Here are 3 pictures of her latest hobbies:
eating ice cream, sleeping like a pretzel ( yes, she sleeps like this almost every night) and chasing the cat ALL OVER the house. I think they both get rid of tons of energy... it's a win/win!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

To think... this time last year I was hauling my big butt around from store to store with my little girl kicking away inside. This year, I'm hauling her around from store to store and saying " Mya, no screaming honey" or trying not to get so close to items on the shelf so that she doesn't reach out of her stroller to pull them off.

What is easier I ask myself? Ummm, without a doubt... last year! But, the more joyous is this year for sure. These last few weeks I'm reminded of why x-mas is so special, especially when little ones are involved! Even though Mya is not quite a year old, we can already see the excitement in her face when opening gifts (well, more like playing with the box it came in). Receiving all the x-mas cards with updates and pictures of family and friends whose children have grown so much since last year, I know that we should treasure this time with Mya. Soon she will be all grown up and celebrating with her own family. Yikes! I think of this when I see my parents give me that look of disbelief like " where has the time gone, now your a mommy" This is definitely the time of year to reflect, be kind to others and thankful for what we have! I look forward to passing these ideas onto Mya and reliving the wonderment of X-mas through her eyes for years to come!

Thanks For Giving!

2008-12-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

The Thanks For Giving gala on 11/21 was a HUGE success!
My mom and Bobbi along with some incredible volunteers did an awesome job.
I know they are still counting... but I think the total is already sky high.
I'm sure the night exceeded my mom's expectations. It was so much fun and I was so glad to be a part of it.

Congratulations to all and thanks for the support all year!

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."

- Maya Angelou

Fun With Daxton and Ella Myler!

2008-11-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Mya got to hang with her buds Dax and Ella this weekend! Oh can't forget Bettice and Carter too (the Myler dogs). Although, as seen in the last picture, Mya wasn't sure what to think of the the doggies.
Dax and Mya had a lot of fun playing... except for a minor toy incident. I swear these two could be a cute couple in the future but... Mya Myler, hum... sounds like a TV broadcaster to me. :)
Thanks to the Mylers for a nice,relaxing night with some good eats!

Hip Hip Horay!!!

2008-11-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Amazing, surreal, life changing, tears of joy, excitement, proud!

These are some of the things that ran through my mind last night as I watched “the man of change” win ( by a landslide) the election for President of the United States. I shed tears of joy as I saw thousands gather in Grant Park, a park that I've been to many times, now the site for this historic event. The most awesome thing about last night was witnessing all the different people gathered peacefully celebrating this victory. A political analyst said “this is a realistic representation of what the Democratic Party is about... diversity.” I’ve never been more proud to call myself a Democrat and an American. My grandfathers fought in the revolutionary and the civil war. Yesterday, I felt that I had experienced something just as monumental and significant as they had. It was like the past and the future all came together in one hour. A little dramatic I admit but true. I was excited for my Grandma, Mom, Dad and step mom who are such loyal Obama supporters and who have seen their share of discrimination and injustice, get to live this moment they thought might never happen in their lifetime. I’m amazed that I can raise my daughter during a time that has proven anything is possible no matter what your race, sex, physical appearance or background. I can tell her what mattered most in this election was a person’s thoughts, dreams and ideals.
Even though I knew in the back of my mind he would win, it was just so surreal to see! I’m a happy gal today!

Fall is my favorite!

2008-10-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

We went to Valas Pumpkin Patch in Omaha.
What a blast!!
Our little Pumkin had a lot of fun too.

Baby Owen!! So Sweet!

2008-10-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

He's just beautiful!! Congratulations Dan and Chrissy!
Can't wait for him and Mya to meet!

The Toofers are Here!!

2008-10-12T10:49:00.001-07:00

Today, to our delight ( and to Mya's discontent)we found two little teeth that have pooped through to make their debut finally!

For all you parents, you know what these little things can do for your whole day! Darren and I were so excited! We kept saying " yeah Mya, your teeth are here!" She looked at us and smiled and clapped her hands. She knew something was exciting, she just doesn't know what?
So, thought I'd share the news. It's oh so bitter sweet as I feel like our little girl is much closer to becoming a toddler.

THE CURTIS WEDDING! 10/03/08

2008-10-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Gina and Jospeh have finally tied the knot!
We had such a great time at the wedding. It was at Galleria Marchetti in downtown Chicago. The food=great, the DJ=great, all in all a wonderful night. AND What a stunning couple!! Wow-za!
Have fun on your honeymoon you two. Remember, love is the greatest gift of all! Love you both!

Mama to Mama

2008-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Mamas!

This blog was initially intended to discuss mommy topics. I've since gotten carried away with all the political excitement and have therefore neglected the subject nearest and dearest to my heart.

So, I figured with all the new babies on the way, I could ask each mom I know and "mom to be" to click on the comment section of this post and write in a piece of advice you like to give other moms or maybe good advice you have received.

Cheers to all of you for doing the hardest ( yet best) job in the world!!!
Love xoxoxxo Erin

Baby Fever!

2008-09-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS TO MARLA AND DAVID!!!They are expecting a beautiful, bouncing baby,...?

This is the 3rd time we have gotten baby news from our friends of a bundle on it's way... each due beginning of next year. Something is in the water I think!

We are soooo happy for the Spahic family. They are due April 2009! Mya is going to have so many little friends! Yeah hoo! :)

Quote of the day!

2008-09-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

" I've learned you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle rainy days, lost luggage and tangled Christmas Tree lights." - Maya Angelou

More Pro Barack Stuff!

2008-09-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

"I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight....

If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."* Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.* Name your kids Willow , Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review,create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran' s Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.*
If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America 's.* If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA , your family is extremely admirable. OK, MUCH CLEARER NOW

Trip to Colorado!

2008-09-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

We returned home from a wonderful trip to visit my Dad, Stepmom and family in Colorado on Sunday. Mya was hugged and kissed a ton and I know she loved it!

Thank you to all who came and brought gifts for Mya. We love you and look forward to the next time we get to see everyone again!

EDM

Gigi's Last Fling Before The Ring!

2008-09-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

17 days and counting till the big day!

I went to Chicago this past weekend for what was one of the most fun filled Bachelorette parties!!

These are the pictures I "can" post HA. :)

Anyway, it was good to see all the girlies again!!

Looking forward to October 3rd...dum dum de dum.

Sophia Lynn Dimaria

2008-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

The original blogger herself (and the one who got me started on this crazy blogging) has finally had her little one. Let me just say... she's a beauty!

Congratulations Dimarias! Many blessings for your new family!

"OBAMAHA"

2008-09-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Last night on the news local Democrats set up their Obama headquarters in Omaha and were holding signs that said " OBAMAHA." I thought they were neat!

Makes me proud to be living in a mostly red state with so many Obama supporters!

Sarah Palin's misleading speech!

2008-09-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all!Not sure who you may be supporting in this election, but I just thought this was very interesting. I watched VP elect Sarah Palin's speech and thought she threw a lot of false info. out there about Barak... then I saw this article this morning which confirmed my feeling.Although it would be exciting to finally have a woman in such a high office, I'm pretty sure she is not the woman we need. I especially love the fact about Barak's law that just was passed! Geez, you think she would've have checked up on that. HA Happy reading!Erin

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters held back little Wednesday as they issued dismissive attacks on Barack Obama and flattering praise on her credentials to be vice president. In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.
ADVERTISEMENTSome examples:PALIN: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending ... and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress 'thanks but no thanks' for that Bridge to Nowhere."THE FACTS: As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."PALIN: "There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform — not even in the state senate."THE FACTS: Compared to McCain and his two decades in the Senate, Obama does have a more meager record. But he has worked with Republicans to pass legislation that expanded efforts to intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction and to help destroy conventional weapons stockpiles. The legislation became law last year. To demean that accomplishment would be to also demean the work of Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a respected foreign policy voice in the Senate. In Illinois, he was the leader on two big, contentious measures in Illin ois: studying racial profiling by police and requiring recordings of interrogations in potential death penalty cases. He also successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform legislation.PALIN: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, raise payroll taxes, raise investment income taxes, raise the death tax, raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars."THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.Obama would provide $80 billion in tax breaks, mainly for poor workers and the elderly, including tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credits for larger families.He also would raise income taxes, capital gains and dividend taxes on the wealthiest. He would raise payroll taxes on taxpayers with incomes above $250,000, and he would raise corporate taxes. Small businesses that make more than $250,000 a year would see taxes rise.MCCAIN: "She's been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply ... She's responsible for 20 percent of the nation's energy supply. I'm entertained by the comparison and I hope we can keep making that comparison that running a political campaign is somehow comparable to being the executive of the largest state in America," he said in an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson.THE FACTS: McCain's phrasing exaggerates both claims. Palin is governor of a state that ranks second nationally in crude oil production, but she's no more "responsible" for that resource than President Bush was when he was governor of Texas, another oil-producing state. In fact, her primary power is the ability to tax oil, which she did in concert with the Alaska Legislature. And where Alaska is the largest state in America, McCain could as easily have called it the 47th largest state — by population.MCCAIN: "She's the commander of the Alaska National Guard. ... She has been in charge, and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities," he said on ABC.THE FACTS: While governors are in charge of their state guard units, that authority ends whenever those units are called to actual military service. When guard units are deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, they assume those duties under "federal status," which means they report to the Defense Department, not their governors. Alaska's national guard units have a total of about 4,200 personnel, among the smallest of state guard organizations.FORMER ARKANSAS GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE: Palin "got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States."THE FACTS: A whopper. Palin got 616 votes in the 1996 mayor's election, and got 909 in her 1999 re-election race, for a total of 1,525. Biden dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses, but he still got 76,165 votes in 23 states and the District of Columbia where he was on the ballot during the 2008 presidential primaries.FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "We need change, all right — change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington — throw out the big-government liberals, and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin."THE FACTS: A Back-to-the-Future moment. George W. Bush, a conservative Republican, has been president for nearly eight years. And until last year, Republicans controlled Congress. Only since January 2007 have Democrats have been in charge of the House and Senate.
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Labor Day!

2008-09-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Had a blast at teh 4th annual Labor Day get together at the Travers' Lake House!

It's usually a bigger crowd but it was kind of nice just the two families this year.

THE DNC!! YEAH!

2008-08-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you would have to be close to dead to not be moved by Barak Obama's speech last night!! WOW!

He is exactly who we need in the White House! I know scare tactics are more of a Republican thing, but it's so scary to think of things staying the same for the next 4 years.

Make history with me and elect the first ever black president. Not because he's black, but because he cares and will do more for us than you know who who's sitting on his you know what! :)

Quote of the day!

2008-08-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Live your life with a purpose beyond yourself, and you'll find that the world is as bold and broad as the interests that brought you here today. - Bryant Gumble

Baby Ward!

2008-08-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to hear about another sweet baby on it's way!!
Geri and Jason are due Feb. 11th 2009 ( 3 days after Mya's first b-day!)

Congrats you two! Can't wait to meet baby Ward.

ps I have a strong feeling it's a boy... we will find out in September. :)

08/08/08 Mya's half b-day!

2008-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a big birthday person so I think it's so neat that Mya's 6 month b-day fell on this "lucky" day.
It's amazing that time has gone by so fast and my little newborn is a 6 month old now! Another quick 6 months and we'll be celebrating her 1st birthday!

MILESTONES!
She has started cereal with fruit which is messy and funny all at the same time. She rolls over from stomach to back and back to stomach. She is reaching out to try to pet the cats ( even though they run from her) ummm.... let's see what else... she is doing lots to get our attention like fake coughing which is so cute :) She loves music and remote controls and my cell phone. I've had to say "no" if you can believe it?
I guess besides all this, she is just moving right along with typical baby stuff. We are just in ahh of her every day, and feel blessed to be her parents.

So far so good!

2008-08-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Work is going great! It's very humbling to work with people everyday who can't walk or do independent things for themselves but smile everyday with a positive attitude.
It's work that makes you appreciate every healthy day you have. I love the company too. They have been voted Omaha's best place to work for past 3 years and I'm starting to see why.

Mya likes daycare and is being spoiled with attention from Kathy ( her sitter) and the 3 other kids there ( all boys). She greets me with a smile when I pick her up at night and continues to play. She is having lots of fun!

I'm Employed!!

2008-07-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share the good news!
I will be a workin' gal again starting August 4th!

The company is called QLI ( Quality Living Inc.) They are a rehabilitation center housing people with traumatic brain injuries, strokes and disabled military personel coming home from the war. I will be working with the on site psychologist counseling the residents and their families.

If you are curious about the company... take a look at their web-site @
www.qliomaha.com. It's a pretty cool website!

I'm excited to work again, but I have to say it's a little bitter sweet leaving Mya for the first time. Although you know us... we shall adjust. :)

TIps for new moms

2008-07-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've been reading Jenny McCarhty's "baby Laughs" and in the end she has a few tips for new moms that I found so helpful... and halarious!

This is for my preggo friends, soon to be preggo friends and other new mommies:

#1. "Don't be discouraged by the size of your ass and don't buy new clothes till you've reached your pre baby goal wait. Just have patience."

It's so true! I can't tell you how many times I've been tempted to buy jeans that are 2 sizes larger than I've ever been just to say " hey, at least I'm in jeans again" but I've refrained. I'll stick with my snazzy drawstring pants for now. I really wished someone would have told me that donuts during pregnancy don't disappear into the placenta somewhere. They do show their ugly face right after your uterus has shrunk from the size of a watermelon. Yikes.

#2. " Don't forget to be a wife. Even though baby puke is your new perfume, your husband still needs some TLC."

I would add they need MORE TLC than ever. Something about having a baby makes them remember the days of mom rubbing their back while cooking dinner on the stove and pouring them a nice glass of milk... ALL AT THE SAME TIME. While this sounds nice, you should inform them it's just not realistic.

#3. "Take an extra outfit for your baby EVERYWHERE you go. Shitting up the back can happen anywhere"

HA HA, I say bring two or three extra outfits.

There's more tips in her book, but the last tip she writes is:
" When you think you are truly about to crack and can't take it anymore, keep reminding yourself that it will get easier,I PROMISE"

While I don't know if it really gets easier, I think it just gets better and better! :) Lean on others to help. Not sure what I would do w/o mom, mom in law, sister n laws, friends etc. It makes all the difference in the world. SO THANKS!

p.s. BTW, I have 5 pounds to go till my goal weight!! YEAH!

Quote for the day!

2008-07-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

"Faith is not simply a patience which passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit which bears things...with blazing serene hope." -- Corazon Aquino

Happy 4th!

2008-07-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th!
We had a great day topped off by a very good firework show in downtown Omaha!
Mya enjoyed her first 4th of July although she slept through most of the fireworks.

A very happy father's day!

2008-07-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Baby Heilman!

2008-07-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for baby Heilman to join the world.
Looking forward to meeting her/or him!
Congrats Chrissy and Dan!

Wacky Weather!

2008-06-30T15:09:00.001-07:00

Some have called wondering if we are under water, but we are ok on this side of the state. Iowa City ( East Iowa) and Missouri have been dealing with crazy flooding. However, we've had strong winds and tornado warnings every other week it seems.

We have no trees in our yard so no damage. Just two scaredy cats ( and one scared 30 year old woman).

Thanks for the concern. Love you!

Dorothy aka Erin

Food for Thought!

2008-06-23T12:10:00.001-07:00

I'm slowly getting into the ORGANIC way of eating.
Read an article that said best fruits/Veggies to buy organic are:
Strawberries, Apples, Peppers, Cucumbers and Grapes. Tried organic bananas and... Yuck!

Also, I've been reading about how our food is made and the strong connection between it and diseases like AD/HD, Diabetes and Cancer. Ummmm, it's enough to get me to change my eating habits and Mya's too. ( when she can eat solids)

It says things to watch out for: High Fructose Corn Syrup, certain Preservatives, Hydrogenated Oils and Aspertame. OH, don't get me started on Aspertame. Never trusted the stuff.

Maybe my paranoia comes from the work I've been doing for that past couple years w/ kids. I can say with certainty that there seems to be an increase of kids with behavior problems. It's got to be something in our environment and my guess is the food they are eating could be a major factor???

First Posting!

2008-06-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Thought I'd create this blog to communicate with all family and friends living in other states.
I will be sure to keep updated pictures of Mya here as well as "mommy topics" to disuss.

Please be sure to check in periodically!!

Love,
Erin