I really have to get out of the "posting twice a year" mindset. How do I constantly forget about our blog? Ok... to update.

Jordyn finished her first year of preschool in June. She made amazing strides in her learning, and we are beyond proud. She wanted to start Kindergarten the very next day, so it was hard explaining what summer vacation meant. She will be starting school on September 7th and I just can't believe it. Last night she laid in bed with us for a bit asking about getting married, and why girls change their last names. As she began asking about who she'll marry someday and then promising she'd never get married, I found myself looking away with tears in my eyes. My baby will not be my baby forever and that is so heartbreaking to a mother. "Being a mother is deciding to forever have your heart go around walking outside of your body."

Today Derrick and I are celebrating 2 years of marriage. We have seen some ups and downs, but I feel like we are in a really great place right now and I am so thankful for that. I had recently lost my way, and didn't know where I was going. I took a step back at life and realized that the only place I ever want to be is with my husband and daughter... together. They are my heart, and my life. This man that I married has been one of the only men in my life to truly love me for everything I am, and everything I am not. He takes care of me, and has given me a life I never thought I would (or could) have. He has given me the most beautiful daughter, a gift that no one else could. I would be lost without him...

Our puppy Miley is also doing very well. She is almost a year and a half, but still as big of a baby as the day we brought her home. Just like Jordyn, she follows her Daddy around wherever he goes. She loves to be cuddled and played with, and treated just like Jordyn. If the three of us are laying on the couch together, Miley will whine until we let her come up and then she crawls right over the top of us and lays down right on Derrick's lap. It's hilarious but sweet all at the same time. She's amazingly smart, and we are very lucky for that. She has made being a dog owner very easy.

Life in St. Joe is nothing short of fabulous. We have a beautiful family, a great house, jobs we love and are surrounded so many of our family and friends. What more could we ask for? We truly are blessed...

Happy 2010!

Well here we are, one week into 2010. Over the past few weeks I have done much reflecting on the past decade, and all that has come and gone in my life. 10 years ago I was a senior in high school, unsure of what my life was going to look like in 10 years. I remember thinking about what I would look like, and if I would be married and how many children I would have.

Today I feel very blessed with my life and all that I have. I met and married the man of my dreams. I had a beautiful daughter. My husband was hired for his dream job, and we moved away from home. Even though I lost my Grandpa in 2005, I am comforted knowing that he is never out of my heart and thoughts, and still visits me in my dreams once in a while. I just have to remember that there is still so much to do and so much life to live, and I cannot wait to see what the next 10 years hold for us.

This Christmas was the first in 3 years that we were able to go "home" for Christmas Eve. Luckily we made it before the 24 inches of snow fell in Duluth. We made it to Grandma Tawney's house on the 24th, and had such a great time with Derrick's side of the family. The kids ran around and played together while the adults feasted on appetizers and Asti. Perfect night I'd say!

We spent Christmas morning with my parents, and watched Jordyn get spoiled (as usual). Then it was back to Derrick's moms where we opened gifts and had prime rib. Yum! It was such a nice few days and even though it was good to head home, I had really missed our families. Now, we can finally unwind and relax from the holidays.

Well, it's about time to wrap up this post. See you next time!!

Nicole