Alyvia has funny faces... she makes us smile all over!!












Russell's brother, Todd took firefighter pictures of Russell, Devon, and himself. Devon wanted me to have this one :-)

December... What an active month :-) The exciting part of the month: Family, friends, students, shopping, decorating, baking, homework, meetings, gatherings... and it is about to be over. I really don't mind being (reasonably) busy. The busier I am the more organized I am able to be! Looking back over my 2009 calendar I about cringe tho'!!

The not-so-exciting part of the month unfortunately occurred on Christmas day ... Russell was admitted to the hospital to be aggressively treated for cellulitis. Wednesday and Thursday, I thought he was fighting the flu; then he showed me his swollen, red, tender leg and stated, "I think I am sick from an infection in my leg!!!" on Christmas morning. UGGGH... we attempted to enjoy Christmas but became more and more worried. (my unofficial, yet accurate personal doctors) Tasha and Dev diagnosed cellulitis!!! SO we went to Mount Carmel ER and needless to say he was admitted. Lesson to be learned by my husband... take care of yourself ; Lesson to learn for myself, I am a teacher, not a nurse; but I am attempting to "teach" my husband how to take care of himself!!!









Fortunately, he was determined to get home for our family Christmas on Saturday afternoon. He convinced the doctors he would take care of himself, was discharged Saturday by noon, and arrived home to our wonderful family who had prepared dinner. We completely enjoyed them all :-)









Tasha created a family tree for Russell and I, now hanging on our kitchen wall!












Zoe helping her mommy read :-) She is a snuggler!!










Alyvia and Domino, nosey kisses!!

Devon and Megan read "wedding wishes" from Russell and I (June 2010). Overall, this holiday season we spent quality time with family, extended Christmas again this year by visiting before Christmas, on Christmas, and after Christmas. ;-)

Happy New Year!!! 2010 and the world is still spinning ;-) Remember the millenium predictions, the world will come to an end... whatever; live everyday as if it is your last and it doesn't matter anyway :-) Be safe and healthy AND happy...