Blessings

Life has been so crazy busy lately. I can't believe that this year is almost over. It has been a year of unexpected surprises and changes. This year has been full of blessings along with many trials. It has been a time of reflection and growth. I want to take a few moments to express my gratitude for all the amazing things that have happened this year. I'm thankful for a wonderful family who is so supportive, and who loves me more then I could imagine. I'm so grateful for my friends who have been more than willing to stand by me and offer support and guidance when I most needed it. I'm grateful for a wonderful heavenly father and savior who have given me strength in times of trial and growth. I'm thankful for the opportunity to live in this country that I love. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to obtain an education in a profession that I have such passion for. The one thing that I have learned this year is that everyday is a blessing that we shouldn't take for granted. I'm so optimistic about the future and am so excited to see where it takes me. I love you all and hope that you have a happy thanksgiving.

You look to old for your age!!

As part of my practicum I am working in the Day Treatment. I was facilitating group the other day, and during one of the breaks a client turned to me and said "Crystal, your about 40 right?". I was like "No"....and thinking how dare he think I was forty. He then said "Are you 35?" Again, I said no I'm 28. His EYES got really big and he said "REALLY!!! wow....you look old for your age." I was thinking..........what???......but said "I'm sorry." He then said....You really shouldn't look that old. I said i'll try not to look so old next time.

That day I went home and looked in the mirror and all I said for about an hour is 40 really!!! I think I might have a complex now....because I'm looking at pictures of my high school and even college friends and realizing how much they have aged. I guess we all age......I just didn't realize how fast it happened...........The other thing I realized is there is not much I can do about aging....so I guess I will have to cope.

Life has been pretty busy for me, but I love every minute of it. I'm so excited for the future and to see where my life takes me. Anyways, I love you all....and I'll talk with ya later !!

YEA for summer!!

This has been a crazy year!!! There have been so many changes in my life, and I have grown so very much. I started my first semester in graduate school this year. After eight weeks of hard work and no play it has finally paid off. My teacher just posted my grades on blackboard and I got an 97% in my stats class. My other teacher should enjoy reading my 117 pages of papers that she made me type. I don't feel sorry for her at all. Now for the next three weeks I will make up for lost time, and I am going to play....play .....play.

This summer I did not get to spend much time with my family, but the time that I did spend with them was wonderful. My family is the light of my life, and are the people that keep me going everyday. Whenever I am having a bad day I think of my nieces and nephews. I have Kristin, Gavin, and Mathew trained to tell me that I am their favorite. The thing that makes me laugh so hard is how Kristin always tells me "Crystal, You spoil me the most and I like it..... Your my favorite but don't tell my mom okay!!!" Gavin also cracks me up he is too smart for his own good, and always tells me that he loves me " Crystal, I love you all the way to outer space and back....Do you know that is a long way a way." When I went to Rexburg this summer Mathew and Gavin plastered my door with pictures and notes telling me how much they loved me. The notes now hang in my room. That was Mathew's idea. Then there is Quienton who has a heart of gold. I have never met a little boy who loves as much as he does. He always tells me, "Crystal, I missed you sooooo much." Then there are Caroline, Jonah, and Isabelle. Caroline has this quiet sense of humor, and has a loving personality. No matter what my mom says Caroline loves me more :D. Jonah is my little devil, and my favorite thing about him is his hugs and kisses. He is a true grandpa's boy, but every once in a while he just wants me. Then there is my Issy. I say mine cause literally she loves me so much. When I am around she does not want anyone else. My favorite thing this summer is when I went home for the first time after moving to Boise. I walked into her house and called her name. She looked up and saw me and started to jump up and down until she reached me. She jumped in my arms gave me 5 big hugs and kisses, and wouldn't let me put her down. Like I said I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked with my family this summer, but the time I did spend will last a whole lifetime.

I'm so excited for the future, and for gaining more education. I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all !!!

A tribute to the Dad's in my life

A tribute to the dad’s in my life. First I would like to take a few moments to honor my dad. My Dad is my hero and I love him very much. He has always been there for me, and can do anything. Ever since I was little I have trusted my dad to help me through the good times and the bad ones too. He has inspired me to shoot for the star’s, to work hard, and to never give up. As I have grown I have even come to appreciate him more. His quite example of being honest, having a strong work ethic, serving others, and love has been an inspiration to me in my life. I am so grateful for the woman I have become for being raised by such an amazing man. I am so lucky everyday to have a dad like him. Second, I would like to take a few moments to let my brother know how proud I am of him. He has grown into such a wonderful father, and it’s a beautiful thing to see him interacting with his children with such compassion. Although, the road for him has been rocky he has been able to overcome obstacles in his life. His love and devotion has touched my life, and I hope one day to have the love and courage. I am so lucky to have a brother like him. Third, I would like to honor my brother in law. He is such a caring individual and love’s his children so much. I’m so grateful to know him. Lastly, I want to honor my grandpa’s for raising such wonderful children. I was unable to get to know my grandpa’s, but what I have heard about them has brought pride to my heart. There influence has effected many generations. I also want to give a shout out to my uncle’s who have also touched my life. Although this is late….Happy Father’s Day. I love you all!!

I have also attached Pictures of my recent visit. We celebrated my mother’s birthday, Isabelle’s, Caroline’s, and Jonah’s 2nd birthday, and Father’s day. Kristin, Mathew, Gavin, and I had our annual sleep over. It was fun. Kristin kept saying “whoever thinks this is the best sleep over ever raise their hand.” And all the kids would yell "ME." Isabelle and Jonah were so excited to see me that they fought over me. Isabelle got so mad at one point because I was holding Jonah and not her. That she threw herself on the ground and started throwing a fit. She didn’t stop until I picked her up. Then on Sunday before I left Quentin said, “Crystal, I love you sooo much.” I said I love you too…he said “I love you first.” I happy to know that I am still the favorite aunt. It was so good to be with my family.

Pictures

Going Crazy or something like that !!!

Seriously!!!

For the past 6 years I have worked a forty plus hour work week, volunteered with special Olympics and big brother/big sister, and done other activities to keep me busy. For the past two weeks I have only worked 15-20 hours and it's killing me. I decided to hold off in volunteering somewhere as school starts in two weeks. I know that I should enjoy my time relaxing, but it's driving me crazy not having anything to do. I guess I could make a quilt or do scrap booking to pass the time. All this free time is making me go crazy.....I know I'll eat my words in a couple weeks.....as for now....I'm so bored.

To the Mom’s in my life.

So, I went home this weekend for Mother’s Day, and I have to say that I love moms. Especially mine. I have been thinking a lot lately about the Mom’s in my life and I just want to take a few moments to honor them. My mom always makes me laugh, and is the most amazing woman ever. If I could ever be like anyone in the world it would be her. My mom has always been there for me, and always knows what to say to make me feel better. She has taught me so much about life, and I am so grateful for having such an inspiring person as my mom. The next mom I want to honor is my grandma. I miss my grandma so much, and I have thought about her a lot lately. My grandma raised 10 beautiful daughters who all turned into wonderful moms, and 4 handsome sons. My grandma lost her husband when my mom was 16 and raised 8 by herself. If there was anyone I have gained strength from it is her. She had a way of opening hearts and stepping in….she was funny….loving….compassionate……….and was one of the most Christ-like people that I knew. I miss her every day, and only hope that one day I might gain her strength and compassion. The next mom I want to honor is my sister. My sister is such a great mom to her children, and has been the best sister a girl could ask for. She always has time to listen to my petty problems, and is stronger then she will ever know. She is beautiful and intelligent, and I hope she one day realizes the potential that she has. I love her and hope one day I can be half the woman she is. The last Mom I want to honor is my sister-in-law Tiff. She has such a big heart, and has helped my brother so much. Tiff is so smart and is such a wonderful mother and step mother. Tiff has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen, and she uses her love to influence people to be better. I know she will go far in life, and I hope one day to have half the heart that she does. Today I am so grateful for those women in my life who have made me better. I love you!!

Is it really worth it?

Today I find myself a wreck. Love wasn’t suppose to hurt this much. I trusted my heart, and in the end it failed me. Over the past 10 months I have tried to put myself back together again. I find myself wrapped up in these memories I am trying to forget. People ask Why it is hard for me to trust, and it comes back to hurt and heartbreak. When I think of loving someone again………….I am surrounded by question and caution. Is love possible? Is it worth it? I’m just not sure. The last 10 months have been a roller coaster of anger………hurt………regret…………..and then common sense. I was the stupid girl who put myself in a relationship that was ultimately draining…………….and emotionally unstable. I’m sorry for everyone that I have hurt recently(especially an amazing bachelor that will remain nameless) . Right now I’m just debating whether or not love is worth fighting for. No, I’m not giving up on love…… ….. it’s just one of those days. Talk to ya all later.

Best Aunt Ever

When I was little I always wanted to play in the dirt and the grown up’s around me always told me no. So the other day Gavin and I had a bright idea….to build a sandcastle ….so that’s what we did When Quention and Caroline came over they were told by mommy and daddy that they could not play. But wait until aunt crystal gets to babysit….I say, “play dirty all you want”. It was fun to play in the dirt, and the kids had a great time.

The wonder’s of life

So, I am getting ready for my big move to Boise. My last day of work is on Thursday and I start my new job on Monday the 20th of April. My mom’s helping move over on Friday……we will probably drop my stuff off and then come back on the same day. My dear friend Heather is coming from California on Saturday and so I will officially move into my apartment on Sunday. I visited with my professor for my graduate program today, and the odds are that I am going to be really busy come this next fall. The summer shouldn’t be difficult because my classes are at night. It’s the fall that will kill me. I will be taking 15 credits and doing a 20 hour practicum and working of course if possible a 40 hour work week. I’ve calculated the totals and I will have to work, go to school, and do my practicum for 13-14 hours a day Monday through Friday and work Saturday too. I know that I am crazy, but that’s my life……crazy busy. I did it once before and I’m sure that I can do it again. You know what’s even crazier is I’m not freaked out…..I’m waiting for my second guessing myself……..and a panic attack of some sort that hasn’t happened yet. I start classes on the week of June 22. I think the thing I am going to miss most is my family. I have been staying with my parents for the past 6 months and it has been a great opportunity for me to get to know them better. I have also grown overly attached to my nieces and nephews. I don’t know what Izzy will do without her mommy. My niece Izzy calls me mom or mommy(my sister finds it ultimately annoying……and I do too……..I mean is “Crystal” really too hard to say????). I have been trying to get her to understand that I am her favorite aunt Crystal…….and she’ll say my name……..but when she wants me she still calls me mom. Then I follow up by not mom…..Crystal. My mom tells me it’s because she trusts me so much. It will be so sad not to see her as much as I do now…..I just hope she doesn’t feel that I abandoned her. I’m excited for my move though and a great educational opportunity. Oh and update on Jonah’s eye. For those of you I didn’t tell Jonah had an accident a couple of weeks ago at my brother-in-laws brothers house and needed an emergency surgery on his eye. The doctors thought that he would be totally blind or if he could see it would be minimal he got 35 stitches in his right eye. The doctors were also speculating on a second surgery. He met with the doctor today and there is good news he doesn’t need a second surgery and he can see out of his right eye. The doctor doesn’t know how much he can see, and he will need to be put under anesthesia to determine his vision in his right eye(only because he will scream and move when the doctor tries to look at his eye). His right eye also has a bit of deformity to the Iris, but above all he is doing great. He is such a fighter, and has adapted exceptionally well through this crisis. I want to thank you all personally for your prayers for him. Well, I will let you go and keep ya all informed on what happens next.

Decisions Decisions Decisions

I just celebrated my 28 th birthday......and you would think that by the age of 28 you would be able to make decisions easily. Well........as you all well know I am never good at making decisions. I change my mind all the time......I over analyze things.............and unless I have a BIG SIGN.........I usually delay decisions until the last minute. Well I have finally decided on a school .......drum roll please.........I will be attending Boise State University starting this summer. That means yet again I will be moving to BOISE. I've received a lot of grief for my many moves over the years....but that is due to my indecisiveness and over analyzing. I feel complete peace for this decision and I look forward to this wonderful opportunity. I'm so excited to be rooming with my dear friend Mandy. I'm excited to visit with all my old friends and to make new ones to. The other bright side to this decision is I will be gaining even more opinions then I already have.......world watch out. I've received two job offers and have committed to both........I know...... don't judge me........it's just that I'm not sure what I want to do. So I have a decision that I need to make in the next few weeks. Sorry this is so short but I have to run. I hope all is well and I'll keep ya posted on what happens next.

Out with the Old in with the NEW!!!!

So, I got sick of my old grandma car and traded it in for a 2007 Pontiac Torrent(SILVER). I only laugh because I really didn't need a new car....this was a total selfish buy.....but I figure I'm stimulating the economy....right? I will also be attending grad school in June.....and Seriously a poor college students cannot afford non grandma cars......Which is great.....because I got a really good deal which is my second excuse for my buy.

I mean come on with this black interior who wouldn't want it.... not to mention .....

The great trunk space

And these gadgets on the steering wheel that I haven't figured out how to use yet. I only accept positive comments on this post....because I'm really excited......and no matter what anyone says I'm not a shopaholic. Hope all is well and I'll chat with ya later.

Playin in the snow

Ever since I was little one of our family traditions is sledding. My dad and I took Isabelle and Jonah sledding for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was so fun sledding with these little guys and they looked so cute bundled up in their 10 layers of clothes. I think they looked like little marshmallows. Jonah did not have fun going down his first time, but when they rode with me they were fine. Isabelle did not like the cold snow and felt better just walking around ignoring us when we asked if she wanted to go down the hill. I think she actually ran from us a couple of times. Gavin was the perfect big brother showing his brother and sister how to sled like a pro. He is such a great kid, and his love of being a big brother radiates to his brother and sister. The next weekend we took them sledding again and Isabelle couldn’t get enough. I have posted a few pictures of our adventure, and I truly think that the kids look adorable. Jonah is a little chunk and now weighs a whopping 33 pounds and Isabelle now weighs 24. I love being a part of their lives and feel so blessed to be their favorite aunt. When I am around my nieces and nephews it reminds me how special life truly is. All I can say is I cherish every moment I am with them.

COULD THERE BE AN END TO THIS NIGHTMARE?

These past couple of years have been a nightmare for me. I have been poked and prodded so much I feel like a lab rat. I was first diagnosis with Interstitial cystitis and I had to have a cystoscopic examination. With this examination the doctor used an instrument to see inside the bladder and urethra. When they did this test they found that I had a microscopic cysts in my bladder that I had to get removed. The cyst was biopsied and came back benign. The doctor put me on a series of medication that made me so sick and dropped my iron levels so he took me off. After about three months and more test later he determined that I didn’t have Interstitial cystitis. So it was back to the drawing board. After this procedure I began to have more problems along with severe discharge and more pain then I could ever imagine. They referred me to another doctor. After much more testing they determined that I had a bacteria infection, but to make things even more interesting it was an unidentifiable bacterium. That means that when they looked under the microscope an they couldn’t see any bacteria, but when it was tested for bacteria it came back positive. So, more medications for me and my body does not like medication. While at this doctor visit the doctor wanted to rule out some of symptoms I was experiencing. So, she put me in a study for Irritable bowel syndrome where again I was poked and prodded for 6 months. During this study I had to have a colonoscopy procedure done. Where they found a palup which was removed and biopsied and came back benign. The pain never went away, and only intensified during the study. Due to my pain the doctor had me go through the tests for my gallbladder function which meant an ultrasound and hyda scan needed to be done (did I mention I already had the ultrasound done prior and there was nothing wrong with my gallbladder). My doctor was bound and determined that the pain I was experiencing had to be my gallbladder and we were planning a surgery for January. After agreeing to the ultrasound and hyda scan they determined that there was nothing wrong with my gallbladder… go figure. Well, after all these procedures I was so frustrated and felt like giving up. A month ago I met with my doctor for a consultation, and told him that I would just live with the pain. He talked me in to doing two more tests a gluten test and a gastro test of my stool. Well, of course the gluten test came back negative. I have kept a diary of my food intake for the past month. The stool test has been done and the results have come in. For now I will continue to be treated for my IBS and my doctor says the pain I have been experiencing may come from my Lactose Intolerance. I have never linked milk products to my pain before, but the throwing up after eating some milk products explains a lot. I haven’t met with my doctor on what my next steps will be in treating my lactose intolerance, but finally I may have an answer..... but who know's I have kinda lost faith in the medical field. Test are still in the works for my bacteria infection, but I am definitely on my way to getting answers. Thanks to my family and friends for all your support through this whole process. I’ll keep ya posted on what happens next.

The Best Dad Ever!!!

For as long as I can remember Valentine’s Day has been one of my favorite holidays. This is due in part mostly because of my Dad. My Dad has always been my Valentine, and has set the bar high for anyone I plan to marry. My Dad is the most kind hearted person that I know. Every year for Valentine’s Day he buys my sister and I chocolates and flowers. My dad has even gone as far as buying all the ladies that my mom works for flowers on this special day. He has been a strong advocate to his peers in expressing their love on this special day. My dad is amazing and I am so lucky to have been raised by a man who respects the ladies in his life. This gives me hope that there are amazing men out there somewhere. Hope you all had a very Happy Valentines Day.

I don't believe in superstitions

I’ve heard the phrase that bad things happen in three’s, but I have never really liked that rule. I don't believe in superstitions and I do walk under ladders....I have broken mirrors.......I do not X when a black cat crosses the road........and I do not throw salt over my sholder. After my car accident last Tuesday…………..I slid off the road out in the middle of no where on Thursday. I am so thankful for my dad who came and found me with the absolutely horrific directions I gave him and pulled me out. What’s worse is I had one of my co-workers with me. We were both laughing over my wonderful luck over the week….again I wanted to cry…..but I didn’t. In the midst of me waiting 50 minutes for my dad to show up she looked at me and said “ I guess only one more thing has to happen.” I asked Why do you say that? She said , “Well, bad things happen in three’s.” Me being somewhat annoyed with my week said……….I guess I’ll have to break that rule……….because I don’t want anything else to happen. I’m not a superstitious person, but apparently many people are because about 4 other people told me the same thing. I’m happy to say that it’s almost a week later and nothing else has happened( I won’t knock on wood because I don’t believe in that either). What I do believe in is positive thinking. I truly believe that if I try the best that I can and have a good attitude that things will work out. It may not be in my timing, but I have faith that they will work out. I also think that when you believe bad things are going to happen they will……….so for those of you that say “bad things happen in three’s”………that’s why they do so change your thinking. This past week has got me thinking about how much I love my life….and how blessed that I am. I may not have found the love of my life or have all the money in the world, but I am still very blessed. I’m so excited about my future and the wonderful things that I am and will be a part of. Tomorrow I get on a plane and fly to Maryland to see my niece get baptized, and I’m so excited for her. I love Kristin so much, and I love the joy she has brought into our lives. She truly is a remarkable child, and I’m so excited to see the person she will grow to become. When I get back I will post some pictures of my trip. My only anxiety is getting on the plane(not because of the luck I have had)……….I hate to fly. Hope you all have a great week.

A stroke of bad luck

I am not a lucky person!!!! I'm the kind of person that if something has to go wrong it will most likely happen to me. Don't get me wrong I am definitely a very blessed person just not lucky. Today all except two of my co-workers called in or are on vacation. So, what that means is I get to pull triple duty. I knew when I arrived at work at 6:30 this morning I had a long day in store. I also had a doctor's appointment today at 11:45 that I didn't have time to go to, but I did. I went to the doctor's office and had to wait an hour because someone double booked that appointment time. The doctor gave me absolute great news........that he needed to run more tests (I really feel like a lab rat). After waiting an hour and having the doctor poke and prod at me.... he sent me to get my blood drawn which took another 30 minutes. No lunch and an hour and forty five minutes later I was back at work. My boss came to me an hour later and asked if I was busy I looked at my desk piled with files and paper work and jokingly said "No not at all". He said great cause you have just been pulled for a random drug test..........In my head I'm thinking okay I needed a break anyway.....That should take about 1/2 hour....right???? WRONG! I got in a car accident. I'm not a bad driver it's just that I didn't see the stop sign until it was a little too late. I hit this person's car and landed right on top of the snow bank. But why stop at just hitting one car......the car I hit also hit a parked car.......that's right that means I'm responsible for both. I called dispatch who informed me that there were 4 wrecks in the Idaho Falls area so it might take sometime for an officer to respond. 45 minutes later an officer arrived. Take in mind it was 20 below today and I'm standing outside making phone calls. I called my mom and she said sounds like you haven't had a very good day....I laughed...wanted to cry and said”that’s why I have insurance." On the bright side of things the officer didn't give me the $76.00 ticket, but warned me instead and told me he hopes I have a better week. Although it's been a stroke of bad luck for me today I am so very blessed. I'm blessed that I have insurance(both car and medical).........I'm blessed that I have a job(even though I'm over worked)...........I'm blessed with supportive friends..........and I'm so blessed for my family. My sister asked me to come over tonight and I did. My nieces and nephews are so amazing and I love them sooooo much...............it was good to be with them. After I visited them I came home and Queinton came over to visit but he was sleeping. It's so amazing how no matter how bad your week is children can make your day so much better. Next week I go to Maryland with James and Tiff to see my niece Kristin get baptized...I can't wait to see her. So despite the trials I face in this life I realize that I’m better off being blessed then I am being lucky. Hope you all have a great week. Love ya

Boise Fun!!!!

This weekend I got to spend time with some of my friends from Boise(the picture to the left is my good friends Mandy and Sharlee... I haven't seen Sharlee in forever and it was so nice to catch up.....I hope things continue to go well for you and your new guy). It was so fun to see some of my good friends and get caught up. Whenever I got to Boise I don't get to see everyone that I would like, but it is always so much fun. Annabeth.... I hope that you got the gift I left you on your doorstep...Sorry I missed you I was so sad. Happy Late Birthday. Maria sorry about McKall, but she is so gorgeous and so are you. I heard back from University of Utah for the advance standing program. They are very competitive and only accept I think 20-25 people. I am currently on the alternate list if anyone decides not to go. I should be hearing back from University of Las Vegas and Boise State soon. I'm also applying to NNU and Walla Walla, but their deadlines are not until March. So, I will have them in a week before the deadline. Things at work are going well and they just published a story in the Post Register this week about Elder Abuse. I'm so glad that the community is recognizing this horrific crime that occurs everyday in our communities and throughout the nation. Other then working and playin there is not much going on in this girl's life.....I'll continue to keep ya all posted on school. Anyway, I love you all and hope everything is going well for everyone. I'll talk to you later.

Make Over's

For Christmas we draw names in our family, and this year I got the opportunity to shop for my mom. I don't know about the rest of you, but I always find it hard in picking gifts for my parents. They always seem to have everything. For those of you who know my mom...you know she never does anything for herself. So this year I decided to give her a mini makeover. I bought her several outfits, and then bought her a gift certificate to get her hair done. I thought since my mom was getting her hair done I would do mine to. We decided to try out a virtual hairstyle website to determine the best hair cut. We downloaded our pictures on http://www.virtual-hairstyle.net/ and decided on a haircut. For those of you who know me....know I rarely...by rarely I mean never cut my hair short. BUT I decided to give it a try. I mean what did I have to lose. So you will all have to let me know what you think of my new haircut. This process was so much fun. We not only got hair cuts, but we also decided to do facial waxing using over the counter products. We both quickly learned that it was a bad idea........Note to Self....WAXING REALLY HURTS. My mom ended up chickening out on the facial wax, and got some wax stuck to her face. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. My mom is so funny. When she was getting her hair done she was getting so mad at me because I was laughing so hard and taking pictures of her. I couldn't help myself. She has let me know that she will get me back. I have posted pictures, but don't tell my mom or she will kill me.

MY New Hair Cut

My new haircut. My hair hasn't been this short since high school.

MoM's Make Over

Mom before, During, and after her make over. Throughout her hair cut she kept looking at me and mouthing the words.... she's still cutting.... I was laughing so hard.

Pictures of Kristin and Mathew who weren't able to be here for Green Bay Packer Picture

These are my beautiful nieces and nephew's. No I am not a packer fan, but I think they all look so cute in their packer uniforms. Of course Jonah is trying to escape.

New Year....New Changes

2009!!!!
Several of my friends have blogs, and I have decide to start one of my own. 2008 has been a year of trials, and I look forward to 2009. I'm so excited to see what my future beholds. I am so lucky to have the family that I do. They are amazing. Mathew who turned 9 in September was able to spend some of the Christmas break with us, and it was so good to see him. I love my nieces and nephews, and they have brought such peace and happiness to my life. My niece Kristin was not able to spend Christmas with us this year. I can't believe that she will be 8 in February. She is growing up so fast. Gavin is 6 and is so smart.....I think he takes after me. Quentin turned 3 in December, and he has so much love and energy. Caroline is 19 months old and is very quite with the cutest personality. Then there are the twins who are 18 months old Jonah and Isabelle. Jonah has turned into a holy terror and Isabelle is a little princess. This past year I have learned the importance of family.  I am so grateful for my family and the love they have given to me. I am currently in the process of apply for grad school, and should be finding out soon which school's have accepted me. This year I start my year out fresh with no complicated relationships that have taken up too much of my life, and in March I will help coach basketball for the special Olympics again. I look forward to this new start, and being able to focus on bettering myself. Thanks to everyone who has been here for me this past year. I love you all.......and I'll keep ya posted on the NEW details of my amazing life.