One sick bunch

About a week ago Michael's sister Maria called and asked for help. She had been down all week with a stomach bug. It had gotten so bad that she wasn't able to take care of her son, Lincoln. (Her husband was in meetings that he couldn't get out of) I went, because it was the right thing to do.

Unfortunately, Michael woke up with the same symptoms and stomach bug that she had. I spent the week lysoling, cleaning, washing, and sanitizing things. Thankfully, I have yet to see any of the stomach symptoms, Hallelujah!

Yesterday was Michael's first day back on solid foods. We were going to head over to his sisters, until I started feeling dizzy. Yep, I had a fever and wasn't feeling well. I think I am on the mend now, but I am praying that no one else will have either of our sicknesses!

Date night!

In mid January Michael and I went to see his parents play a Louisville Orchestra concert! We heard Beethoven's 5th symphony live. (the one that goes dun dun dun daaaaa)

It was delightful to have a free event to go to. Thanks Debbie & Joe!!!!!!!

New Jersey!

Me in front of a pretty church.

The view from the back of Astrid & Roger's house, yup those are Turkies! :-)

We took at trip to Riverton, NJ with Michael's parents! We figured we ought to seize the opportunity since we don't know where Michael and I will be next year, nor do we know whether he will have the time off. We enjoyed lots of family dinners, collaborative solitaire, shopping, and even a special dinner in downtown Philly!

I really loved getting to see everyone, and I even found the purse that was sold out everywhere around here and online! All and all, a successful trip!

Christmas Day 2010

Michael and I woke up TOGETHER on Christmas morning! (If you think that sounds silly, remember that last Christmas Michael was on an internship in Louisiana.)

We had a beautiful morning opening gifts, having a big breakfast, and spending time with loved ones.

Michael surprised me with a Kindle wi-fi! I looooove it!

At 2PM we went to Aunt Becky's house for the Hammond family dinner. Don't take my word for it, as I eat next to nothing, but I hear it was delicious!

Me holding up a gift

Michael holding up a gift

Marlena, Me, and Marissa

Dad. Elizabeth, and Luke

Christmas Eve 2010

Sorry this has taken so long!

Michael's family has several Christmas Eve traditions.

Traditon 1- A seafood Christmas eve dinner. Including fish, crab imperial, and Shrimp. (I had Richo's pizza.)

Tradition 2- Christmas Eve church service at St. Francis of the Fields Church in Louisville. This service however was unique and will resonate in my mind for a long time I'm sure. Let me set it up for you:

If you recall it began to snow on Christmas Eve late in the evening. We arrived at 10:30PM with a light dusting of snow on the ground. The service ends at 12:00AM on Christmas morning. Naturally they ring the church bells on Christmas morning. So...try to envision what the scene looked like as we walked out of the church!

Michael and I walked hand in hand down the steps of a beautiful old church set in a field in the outskirts of town. Snow was cascading down from the sky like confetti at a birthday party. As we walked the church bells sounded, as if to tell the world "It's Christmas morning!" "Unto you a child is born!!!"

See, doesn't that sound magical?! It was a beautiful night, to celebrate a beautiful child!