2010

The year 2010 was a really hard year (that may be the understatement of the year). But it's undeniable that 2010 was a really good year, too. This year was full of challenges - but also full of so many truly great things. 2010 was just...full.

It is clear to see how my family was shifted, molded, challenged and changed. How we've been blessed and guided - and rescued more than a few times. Looking back, it is impossible to see 2010 as anything less than miraculous for me and my family.

But for me, alone? On a personal level, 2010 has brought me to my knees. It has broken my heart. Contrited my spirit. Ground me a little beneath the heel. Pushed my head beneath the waves - and even though each time I've managed to resurface and gulp that sweet air of survival, at the end of things I do still feel a bit like a drowned mouse.

And now, here on the cusp of a defined new beginning - where I can look down at my calendar and see a very clear line where the last square of 2010 ends and the first square of the next year begins - I look back on my travels - personal and otherwise - of 2010 with a feeling of reverence.

2010 - you did not beat me. Each time you shoved me down and pressed your knee into my back, I grew a little stronger. So thank you for the fight, because I needed to find the fight again in me. I needed to push back my sleeves, wipe the blood from my cheek with the back of my hand, and get SCRAPPY.

So here's to you, 2010. Thanks for the fat lip and the black eye. I really needed it.

And here's to you, 2011. Because, friend, you are going to be a full year, too.

Some Smiles

Twice Blessed

On November 7, 2010 we blessed Avery and Kole. Keith did such a wonderful job and the spirit was so strong. We were also fortunate to have so many family members there. I don't know what we would have done the last few months without them.

Happy Halloween

Rachael as "Hermione Granger"

Dustin as "Harry Potter"

Hillary as "Snow White"

Claire as a Ballerina

More Baby Pictures (Get used to it)

Cascade Springs

Over Fall Break we took the whole clan up to Park City for a trip to Granny's and then up and over to Cascade Springs.

Six Weeks Old

Here are some updated pictures of Avery and Kole per the request of my little sister, Devin. My babes are getting so big. At their weight check today they amazed the head nurse with their progress. Kole now weighs 8 lbs 3 oz and Avery 7 lbs 8 oz. We feel so blessed that they are doing so well!

A New Look

Our First Week Home in Pictures

Glad it Wasn't Labor Day for Me

Today we got word from the hospital that Avery and Kole were being discharged...they were ready to come home. They only had to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks which surprised us a little because we were told not to expect them to come home until close to their due date. When we went to pick them up they already had their NG tubes removed. That made a huge impact on me knowing that they would be in our care full time. Then I got really nervous when the nurse turned off their monitors and they were truly on their own.

They were welcomed home by 4 anxious siblings who couldn't wait to be able to see them everyday, hold them everyday and have our whole family under the same roof for the first time in almost a month. Here's hoping all goes well.