December and January

I am quite possibly the.worst.blogger.in.the.world. First of all, I don't finish what I start (see NDaD) Can I say that I'll get back to that in the Spring when I can actually wear it? No? Oh, well. Chalk it up to another remnant piece of fabric in my ever-growing collection.

Secondly, I only write about twice a year. Ha! I guess I truly have nothing to say on a regular basis. Consider this my semi-annual posting...

December was quite the whirl-wind over here. Why does motherhood suddenly transport you into a freakish time warp, where days turn to months and all of a sudden you turn around and your baby is having a fairly lengthy conversation with you, while pretending to apply your mascara and wearing your flowered flats? I digress.

My twin sister (well, not really, but it makes me happy when people tease us about that- mostly, because she's 10 years younger than I, but also because she's gorgeous) came for a long visit after Christmas. Actually, she came on my 30th birthday. ugh. That may be a whole other post, people. She stayed for a fun-filled 2 weeks. She slept on a less-than-comfortable air mattress on our playroom floor, got hit in the head with flying vegetables at 8 am (hint: Z got a kitchen for Christmas), rocked P90 with me, made a new friend and had a generally wonderful visit. Sisters are priceless. I definitely want to have at least one boy, but Z needs a sister, too. Here are a couple of highlights from her stay:

The ZOO!

P90- this photo is too amazing for words...

P90 VICTORY!

Skating at the zoo. If you have not done that- DO IT! The zoo is one of the greatest things about this city, and the skating rink has added even more fun this winter. It ends at the end of January, so get going! Can you handle these teeny, tiny skates?! Me neither! She loved it, and went around the circle 5 or 6 times. My back will never be the same, but it was worth it.

Another fun thing in the winter months was our first snow! Z helped us build a snowman last year, but this year was completely different. She wanted to use "coal" for his eyes and mouth and a "carrot nose" and a "scarf. He needs a scarf, Mommy." Apparently he needed a duck on each shoulder, too. Here are the proud architects of Frosty:

Things are not all fun, laughs and snowmen, of course. We are going through another family tragedy. We are at the beginning of a difficult battle with cancer. My father-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma a couple of days before Christmas. He started chemo today, and will be staying with us during the several day recovery from the treatment.

He is up and down, as anyone would be, but he is mainly focused on the Lord. He is an extremely faithful, devoted man, and through his highs and lows, he is depending on God to see him through this time of trial. Oh Lord, please have mercy upon him. I really appreciate your prayers!