Ice Skating + Toddler devoid of afternoon nap = No Ice Skating

Funny how that equation pans out in the end.

After having made the rounds of purchasing and sharpening skates yesterday, I promised that we would skate this afternoon. (Our neighborhood has a pond that we can fish on in the summer and skate on in the winter. It is quite the gathering place year round so it was about time we got out there.) Anyway, Grades didn't have a nap this afternoon but he was determined to use his new skates. We all got suited up, threw the skates in a big bag, and walked down to the pond. I'm pretty sure Grady was on the ice for 12.5 seconds before he hit meltdown and didn't stop until we got back home and he was in his bed. Needless to say, Conner was pretty upset but I said we'd head out again tomorrow morning before school. I'll also tote the camera since Conner will have a friend with him, freeing me up to snap a few pictures that are sure to be memorable.

On a different note, my new position is going well. Managing a staff of 20+ women from the ages of 16-60+ is quite the juggling challenge. I guess I don't really know what I expected but I'm enjoying utilizing my brain a bit more. My responsibilities range from scheduling, to ordering all necessary supplies, payroll, marketing our programs and creating brochures, and the list goes on and on. (Everyday I find one more thing I am responsible for.) The position has been open since late September, so there are a number of things that need to be caught up on which is creating more hours for me over the next couple of weeks. I'm ok with the extra work seeing as how the boys love being in the room with their friends. Also, Shawn is studying for his CFP - he'll take it again in March - so we have an excuse to be occupied at least until then.

The new house and all that entails is great as well. Our neighborhood has a book club and a ladies game night which have both been nice to be involved in. I've met some great women and I'm feeling more at home in New Hampshire than I have during the 5 years prior to moving into this house.

I'll be sure to get some shots up for you diehards just as soon as I can. Take care.

Fun Times!

Conner in his Superman muscle shirt from Aunt Sayward and Uncle Matt.
















Sorry this picture is so blurry...it's a photo of a photo...but it's Conner and Grace 6 years ago.

















And here they are about 6 days ago.


















I attempted to get all of the kids before the Hormells got on the road. This was what I got.

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

So, the January birthdays have come to an end. Conner's party was yesterday - fun was had by all of the crazy kiddos - and Shawn and I made the trip into Boston to have dinner at Morton's. I was pleasantly surprised how easy the party was and how quickly we were able to pick up all of the debris. A couple of the moms, and of course Shawn, were huge helps.

Ben Hormell came out with Gracie and Gavin last weekend to help tile the half bath/laundry/entry area. It looks fantastic. We were so happy to have the weekend to catch up as we don't get the opportunity that often. Shawn and I are going to tackle the kitchen in the next couple of weeks since February doesn't bring much excitement.

Nana is coming at the end of February for two weeks for our annual get out of town week! We'll head to South Beach, our favorite spot to visit, for a couple of days then down to sunny Cancun for five days of fun. The group going this year is a bit larger than last year so we're looking forward to lots of good times with some great people.

Oh yeah...as of today, I am the new Child Care Coordinator at the Executive. I'm very excited to move into this new position and anxious to get started. Take care and have a good week.

Happy Birthday, Conner!

My baby boy turned six today. (In fact, I see the time is 4:19 p.m. as I type...he was born around 4:25 p.m.) I cannot believe how time has flown these last six years. Conner has lived in four different homes during his six short years (and has done quite a bit more traveling than either Shawn or I ever did). We are truly blessed. Happy Birthday, Conman!!! We love you!

Grady does not look that happy in this picture but I wanted to post a recent picture of the Grades for those of you chomping at the bit for me to get some pictures up.

Oh yeah, most of you know that I work in the child care room at our gym. I have really enjoyed my time there over the last year and a half but have recently been feeling like I might want to move into something more in the way of managment. Last Friday, my manager spoke to me about taking her position so that she could transition into another area within the gym. I'm really excited about the opportunity and have a meeting/interview with the GM of The Executive this Friday afternoon. We'll see what comes of the meeting but everyone seems very positive about the whole transition. I'll be sure to keep you posted on what happens!