Holly's First Haircut...

Well, today was the big day. I finally took Holly for her first haircut! After several years of barely having any hair, she finally has quite the mop of brunette curls, but they were getting quite fuzzy and tangle in the back. So, off to visit our friend and hairdresser Jody Scribner. Holly had been very excited all day about the "big event" but when we got there she wasn't so sure about the whole thing. She ended up doing great and got some "pretties" and a sucker out of it so I'm sure we'll have a hard time keeping her away now! :)

 Before "the Cut"

 Picking out "pretties" for when Jody was done cutting

 Warming up to the idea!

 All done!

The "after" picture, sucker and all. :)

Today!

Today, as many of you know, is my birthday. At 28, I don't really feel any different than I did at 18, except that people that are graduating from college are starting to look REALLY young! There was a new PA student working with one of the doctors today and I swear he didn't look a day over 16. Crazy. Anyway, I was reflecting on the year this morning as I was driving to work and thinking about how this birthday is definitely bittersweet. I'm still the wife of a wonderful husband, mother to a beautiful two and a half year old who I'm crazy about, and the daughter of the most wonderful parents anyone could EVER have. But there's a few things missing this year. This was the first time in my life where I haven't gotten a call on my birthday from my Grandma Marge singing me one of the worst renditions of "Happy Birthday" you've ever heard. At my last birthday, I was anticipating turning 28 and being the mother of two children. I know God had a different plan for my life, but it still breaks my heart to think of the baby I never got to meet. But today had it's highlights. Kieth and I got to see the new life growing inside me at my 12 week ultrasound appointment and everything looks completely normal. PRAISE GOD! I also go to hear a message from one of our great friends on our answering machine that really was THE WORST rendition of "Happy Birthday" that you've ever heard. AND, I can listen to it whenever I want because it's saved on our machine. :)

I really do have a beautiful life and can't wait to see what this year has in store for me. Thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes my way and I hope on your birthday you feel as special and as blessed as I do today!

Snow Day!

We got about 6 inches of new snow yesterday and Holly was ready to play! When I got home from work, Kieth, Holly, and Lucy were in the yard and Holly was in her snow clothes. We got the sled out and pulled her many times around the yard, and Paige, Holly's friend from across the street, and her mom came over to join in the fun! We topped off the afternoon with some hot chocolate and marshmallows. What a great way to spend an afternoon!

Christmas 2010

 We had a wonderful Christmas Season this year! We spent the weekend before Christmas at my parents' house in Coulee City, with my brother Kenneth, and his wife Adriane. Their dog Izzy and our dog Lucy also joined in the fun. Grandma Katie bought some sleds and she and Holly went sledding and Papa Rich also took Holly for a few four-wheeler rides. We had a get-together of the Evans Family on the Friday night that we were there also. Here are some of the pictures!

We also celebrate Christmas morning with Kieth's dad Ted, and my parents. In addition to these three guests, we had my aunt and uncle and a friend and her daughter over for Christmas dinner. It was a great time and we can't wait to do it all over again next year!

First Baby Appointment...

Yesterday was my first OB appointment for this pregnancy. I was pretty nervous, considering my history, but everything went really well. I wasn't sure exactly what Pam, the midwife, was going to want to do at this appointment, but after all of the normal checks that I expected, she suggested an ultrasound. She asked me if I would like to have the ultrasound done to check and make sure everything was going okay and I jumped at the chance! Kieth came in with me for the ultrasound and we got to see the baby and it's heartbeat, and the technician told us that it looked just like the text books and everything looked great! PHEW! What a weight off my shoulders. My next appointment is on my birthday, Jan. 17th, and I will be having another ultrasound also just to make sure things continue on the right path. So be praying for baby "Fink"!  My official due date is July 30th. Yay! Can't wait for summer. I'm 8 1/2 weeks along also, for those that are curious. :)

Putting up the Christmas tree...

Last weekend we were blessed by friends of ours, Scott and Joyce Daugherty, by them letting us cut a Christmas tree from their beautiful 20 acres of land near Rose Lake. They have several horses which Holly got to pet, and Scott even put Holly up to sit on top of one for a few minutes.

 This is the tree that we cut and brought home!

When we got home, Holly was ready for a nap. After re-energizing, she and I spent several hours decorating the tree and the rest of the house. She did a really good job! I was surprised at how gentle she was with the decorations. She really enjoyed the red balls for the tree; I think that was her favorite part!

Thanksgiving break...

We had a wonderful weekend with Kieth's sister Karla and her husband Fred, and two of their children, Michelle and Kurt, and Kurt's fiance Justina. This is the first Thanksgiving holiday we've spend with Kieth's family so it was a special time. We also had a friend of ours, Veronica Spotts, over to eat our Thanksgiving day meal with us. We had prime rib, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, spinach salad, and homemade rolls. For dessert, homemade cheesecake with blackberry sauce. Karla and I made the meal, and we all had a great time enjoying it!

We have about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground so we spend some of our time outside making snowmen and putting up the Christmas lights yesterday. It's definitely starting to feel like the holiday season! The last of our company, Michelle, is leaving today to head back to Meridian. We are sad to see everyone go but have had an INCREDIBLE time this Thanksgiving!