Family Living: Abbott Style

This is Drake.  He is the newest member of our family.  Merry Christmas to me! The decision to get another dog was not one that I took lightly.  I was heart sick for at least a month when we had to release Winston to someone else's care because of his behavior issues.  I was reluctant to get a new dog, but there was a constant hole in my heart that ached for companionship.   Right now, it is like having another baby.  He cries at night and I constantly have to take him out to potty, but it has been great.  I am stunned at how well he has doing.  No potties inside!  I know accidents are going to happen but that is more than I could have asked out of a 7 week pup.  He potties outside like a champ.  He does his business then runs over to my feet and stands on my shoes until I pick him up.  The ground is a bit cold for him.   Him and Haley are getting along great.  I have to watch them both because he is ve...

Well first....a reminder to what my baby was like a year ago: Haley heading to my parents for Thanksgiving 2011 After Thanksgiving Dinner, at our apartment 2011 Shopping like a big girl Fall 2011 Coozy warm 2011 I couldn't have been more grateful this year.  Ian was able to take off for Thanksgiving.  Well actually Wednesday and Thursday.  So we were able to spend the Holiday together.  Thanksgiving morning we woke up and I headed to my run.  When I got back, Haley was napping and Ian was starting to cook our dish for Thanksgiving.  I enjoy cooking, but he does as well.  So he wanted to take over this dish this year which gave me plenty of time to shower and stuff. I actually had to wake up Haley to head to dinner.  Big mistake.  She was whiny and grumpy the.entire.day.  It was almost too much for me.  I was disappointed she wouldn't play with the other kids and she was super clingy to both...

It brings tears to my eyes every time I think about time.  It passes so quickly.  While she is only 18 months, and I find myself scratching my head wondering where the time went--I will soon be scratching my head wondering were 18 years went.  And that is the scariest thing in the world to me. And when I think forward to that time, I wonder what I will want to remember 18 years from now (or 16 1/2 years from now I should say). First, I want to remind myself--I am doing the best I can possible be.  As mothers, we are hard on ourselves.  And I don't exactly have a cheer-leading squad patting me on the back congratulating me on my hard work telling me I am a rock-star mother.  Who does?  But I am doing my very best.  I take in the moment.  And I give her every ounce of love and patience I have.  Too often we focus on mistakes made and what we could improve on.  I want to tell future self, that I am doing the...

Several years ago, I would daydream about what I wanted my life to look like.  We all do it.  Picture us at our "happy" our "ideal" 5--10---15 years from now. Last night, it hit me.  I have arrived .  So often we get caught up on what is ahead that we forget the moment.  My husband lay fast asleep as I listened to his beating heart.  With my head on his chest I lay... still.  Listening.  The heart he has given to me.  The heart that beats every day to provide for his wife and child.  The heart that bears scars from the past.  The heart that has hopes for the future.  It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude  My very best friend in this world.  The man who stands next to me.  Wipes my tears when I have had enough.  Enjoys my smiles.  Laughs at me and with me.  This man, is mine.    You see, life is a funny thing.  Nothi...