Hello all! I haven't been around much for a while now. I haven't stopped thinking about you all, just been super busy, including playing hostess to a couple sets of guests.

First my mom and younger sisters came up here - rather not talk about it, then my lovely sister-in-law and niece stayed with us for 2 weeks. We just said goodbye yesterday and the atmosphere around here is quite subdued - the dog included. We had a really great time, except for when the two older cousins were trying their best to argue and annoy. Things seem so quite and empty around here now. It's going to take an adjustment to get back to the way things were.

It was awesome to get to know my SIL, or exquisite flower, as some of you know her, better. This is the most time we have been able to spend together in one consistent time and it left me knowing that I am indeed blessed to have the family I have. This was also the first time she was able to meet my youngest - outside my belly - and I believe they both left a lasting, good impression on each other. It is my hearts desire that it just won't be another handful of years before we see each other face-to-face again. 

Cheers to all!

Signing off.

-Philosopher13

 Hello Mintiland! I had a doctors appointment yesterday and it seems to be official, there is yet another bundle of love on it's way.  And get this, they are due September 29th. My oldest b-day is Sept. 22nd, our wedding anniversary is Oct. 4th, my birthday is Oct. 9th and my soon-not-to-be-the-youngest-anymore's b-day is Oct. 10th. LOL!

 We did have a little bit of a scare today.... I got a really bad migraine and was throwing up and retching for a while, along with the head splitting and fatigue. I layed down while the boys napped, but when I went to the bathroom later and wiped there was a bit of bloody stuff. I was really freaked out, but when I called the doctor she told me to just keep an eye on it and as long as it was only when I wiped and not gushing or cramping I should be ok. She called and checked on me a couple hours later which did make me feel good about her (new doctor), and she assured me that this happened sometimes. I tried to take it as easy as I could until my husband got home and when we checked later it was almost all gone. 

 Mike and I are so thrilled about this new addition! Although, we are pretty sure this is the last and finally child - unless we adopt. After my recent surgery and some other problems since my first pregnancy, I just don't think my body would be able to handle anymore without leaving me in nasty shape. So... the next order of business around here, after the baby, is first a vasectomy, then a breast reduction/lift. LOL!

Signing Off.

-Chelle

We took Solomon to his first karate class today. Of course, we come on the day that nooo other kids show up. We ended up spending 40 minutes of a 45 minute class getting him more comfortable with the teacher and stuff. Good thing this month is free! LOL!

Samuel also had his "first" full day of potty training today and did excellent. He did poop on the potty TWICE! We tried a few months back, but he wasn't ready yet. He certainly appears ready now. 

It seems hard to believe but Mike didn't really get a chance to put the wonderful Tike that the boys beautiful auntie got them until Monday. Solomon loves it, (Sam is still too small), and calls it his "motorcycle". Hopefully the link I added will work and you can see a picture of him on it.

As for me, well I have officially applied for a volunteer job with an organization called Play Rugby USA. They are primarily focused on spreading the sport of rugby across America to help the country become more competitive on an international scale. They mostly specifically focus on bringing rugby to schools. It's a great cause, and they have done a lot of good in some New York inner city schools. Kids lives have been changed with the introduction of the sport and the principles it teaches. For those interested you can find out more at playrugbyusa.com.

Because a lot of the work takes place in schools, background checks are required. The guy I spoke with also asked me for a resume - CV to some of you, so I very anxiously typed one up and passed it on. I felt silly trying so hard for a volunteer job, but it's been 3 years since I had a "proper" job, and longer then that since I've had to write a resume. I want to do well and present myself well no matter what the job.

Well that does it for now.

Signing Off.

-Chelle

 ...been busy with the holidays and getting settled in around here. Don't worry though. All my Minti friends have not left my heart or my mind.

 As this time of year does, but more so this year then usual, being back home and all, my mind has been plagued with tough questions and answers. Where am I? Where am I going? Where have I been? How did I get where I am? And that always fun - "What if?" But enough of that for now. I am not ready to really put it all out on the table yet.

 Now on to more pleasant matters.... Christmas was delightful - both of them. LOL! The first Christmas was at my aunt house in Brooklyn. (There are 5 sisters on my mom's side, 4 in New York, so every year they rotate Christmas.) The whole presents thing was a bit chaotic and overwhelming. The boys made out like bandits! Mike got to be Santa's helper for the first time - yet another duty, along with Santa, that gets passed through the family. The boys got along great with their cousins, and of course, I with mine. It was a fun time of food and fellowship and with bouts of all out goofiness. We even sang the 12 days of Christmas, with each of us pairing off and singing our parts in order. Everything I missed about past Christmases from my childhood - before we left New York.

 The second Christmas was in Long Island at my other aunts house, two days after Christmas. One of my cousins is going through a separation/divorce and his kids weren't able to have Christmas with us originally, so we had another Christmas for them. Keep in mind that I have a BIG family and for each Christmas, everyone showed up. Well, I take that back. My grandmother who has pneumonia right now, was too tired to make it, so one of my aunts stayed with her. Saturday I think was even more enjoyable without all the chaos of gift exchange. For the first time I was able to really get to know one of my uncles and just really relax and spend time with everyone. I know there will probably be times where I will be on Minti complaining about the same family, but in general, I look at what they have here and I can't comprehend how my life was so different from this. My family here is far from perfect, but they are so full of love. And everyone of us, sincerely loves to be around each other. We have so much fun together. Even the in-laws. And extended family? My aunts ex-husband and his family regularly attend functions at her place. Her roommate and old family friend, brought a big truck with for the sole purpose of driving my cousins around, to and fro, university and home. I cannot say enough about how wonderful they are...

 Well, that's it for now. Time for me to start folding laundry. Funny, putting it off never seems to get it done. LOL.

 Signing off.

 -Chelle