Recent Events and The Big Question

 
It's been a couple of days since my last post. Work has been busy and on my off-hours, I've been working on planning two fundraisers to raise money for Walk Now for Autism. My family and I participate every year in support of our nephews, Xavier and Alexander. (I interrupt this post with a short and painless ask: I'm looking for generous people to sponsor me and/or donate in-kind items for our silent auction. If you are interested, please email me at missyah1@sbcglobal.net) 

I'm happy to report that I've been pretty consistent about eating a healthy breakfast every morning and taking my multi-vitamin and fish oil pill but the eliminating caffeine goal is sort of touch and go. I'm definitely drinking more water than before and when I do slip, it's usually for a can of coke instead of my usual starbucks caramel frappaccino - those of you who live by Starbucks fraps on a daily basis know what I mean. (Anyone? Anyone?) It's a very difficult vice to give-up. 

Last weekend LH and I finally went to the sporting goods store to buy our running shoes. $130 later and we were ready to begin training! We had our first session on Monday night - let's just say I have never felt more out of shape in my entire life. However, I was proud that I stuck it out for nearly 45-minutes and I wasn't nearly as sore as I thought I would be the next day. Unfortunately, LH came down with a bad cold so we've put it off for the past few days. (Yes, I know I am perfectly capable to go by myself but well, someone has to stay home to take care of him...was that convincing enough?)

This past Monday I met with the Director for our Adult Program at the University to register for my very first class at La Verne. You may very well be looking at (so to speak) the newest member of the Class of 2014. And as strange as it may sound, I'm really looking forward to getting back into the classroom. I'm sure the excitement will wear off after a few weeks but I'm enjoying the "honeymoon and I'm registered!" phase for now.

Which brings me to my next topic of conversation: over the past couple of weeks I have had several loved ones ask me what our next move is and whether we are planning on trying another round of IUI. (Thank you for asking!) I know this is going to sound crazy to some of you but we have decided against it. First, let me explain - I haven't given up. I'm just letting go - a bit. Truthfully it would be impossible for me to ever really let go of my dream of having a baby.  

However, I do have a plan and I know what I am going to do. I'm going to keep staying positive, keep taking better care of myself and use my Twelve by 2012 as my map to keep living in the moment. Set my sight on things that are within my grasp because I need to stop letting this issue run my life, my emotions, my confidence and my outlook. I'm done with the doctor appointments, the procedures and the too-many-to-count negative pregnancy tests. It's been nearly six years of planning, researching, obsessing, speculating and yes, even more researching.

Interestingly enough, over the past week I've been reading the book, The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis. It's written by a doctor who after experiencing infertility and miscarriages, studied and received a Masters in Ancient Chinese Medicine. It started off really interesting but after the first two chapters, it started to feel more like a chore. Then last night, I forced myself to open it up and after flipping through most of the book, I stumbled over this little nugget of information that I thought I would share with those of you who like me, are grappling with the possibility of letting go and moving on:

The chapter starts with this poem, written by Tao Te Chung:

If you want to become whole, 

let yourself be partial. 

If you want to become straight, 

let yourself be crooked. 

If you want to become full, 

let yourself be empty. 

If you want to be reborn, 

let yourself die. 

If you want to be given everything, 

Give everything up.  

Deep, right? And here is a excerpt from the same chapter: 

Over and over I have seen the ending of the pursuit of fertility become an opening to a fuller idea of who we are. There will be grief and mourning, of course. We must move through the stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance - before we can take a look at what we would like the rest of our life to be. 

But in my experience, like the child who lets go of the table leg to take his or her first step, women who consciously choose to let go when they know the time is right find it much easier to step into life after infertility. Sometimes the point where we find our soul is the point where we finally let go. Shedding the identity of being a biological mother or of being an "infertile" woman can mean loss, or it can mean discovering the deepest truths about ourselves. Our ability to have children and our role as mother is only part of who we are.

I can't say that I'm there yet and and it's difficult for me to see a point in my life where I will be ready to truly let go and move on but I do have the power to make the best of my life today, in the now. I'm already loving life without being concerned about cycles and looming doctors appointments. I can leap in the air, just from knowing that my long nights of sometimes obsessive reading and researching are finally over.

I'm finally (big exhale) on the right path. It's been a long road to get here. The best part of this road is knowing that instead of feeling like a door is closed, I know that the door is actually wide open.

It's Time to Listen

 I walk for good reason. Two very good reasons, that is. 

Every year, I walk in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Los Angeles in support of my nephews, Xavier, age 16 and Alexander, age14. I wish things were different. I wish I could make this disorder go away but based on the current statistics, not only is Autism here to stay, it continues to grow every year and at alarming rates.

"Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase."  Autism Speaks website

The best way I know how to explain this frustrating and heartbreaking disorder is that it greatly affects how a child perceives the world and it makes communication and social interaction extremely difficult. Autism impacts every inch of their lives, from being able to learn and grow as a person to developing relationships and making friends. Autism has the potential to impact their lives from childhood to adulthood and beyond.

A few years back, I saw this special on autism where to shed some light into the autistic child's perception, they took someone without autism and put them in a quiet room. First, they explained that an autistic child hears everything that we hear but ten times louder. Then they proceeded to turn on several televisions, a couple of radios - they even had several people talking loudly throughout the room. Lastly, they swiveled the chair so that the person was now spinning. They continued to do this for several minutes until they finally stopped all of the noise and the spinning to explain that this scenario was similar to what an autistic child goes through on a daily bases. Can you imagine? This explanation hit me hard. It still does. 

Despite these descriptions and scenarios that seem overwhelming and difficult to deal with, Alex is happy. He loves to dance and watch movies. Currently, he watches Despicable Me over and over, jumping up to dance along with the main character, smiling the whole time. He sometimes "stems" to keep calm but unlike most autistic children, he is sweet and affectionate.

Xavier is on the opposite spectrum. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He is smart, witty and articulates better than most adults I know but like his little brother, he struggles with social skills. He has difficulty with balance and as a result, he has always gravitated to video games instead of sports. He is great with Alex and he loves to read. 

Regardless of the hurdles Xavier and Alex face every day, they are amazing individuals. They each have their own special way of showing their love and gratitude. I watch, as I always have, as they continue to grow and learn - not as quickly as their peers but still at their own pace. I walk to support them in their day-to-day efforts and struggles, I walk to show them both just how much they are loved, I walk to increase awareness because early diagnosis can make a world of difference and most importantly, I walk to raise money so that one day, a cure can be found. Not for me and not for you but for my nephews, Xavier and Alexander. For them, I'd walk to the ends of the world and back.

There are several ways you can help:

• Sponsor me by clicking here 
• Join our team, "Team X to the A", on Saturday, April 23 at the Rose Bowl
• Donate a silent auction item for our Facebook auction: Gift Baskets, Gift Cards, Jewelry, Autographed Memorabilia, Hand-Made Items, etc. 

If you are interested in walking, donating a silent auction item, or attending our online silent auction event (or all 3!) please email me at missyah1@sbcglobal.net.

Thank you for your support!
(And thank you for listening!)
 Missy 

Just Play

Photo by Duncan

The theme of this post is simple:  Sometimes we just need time to play. I know, I know, it's a crazy idea but sometimes it's important for us to step away from work and the to-do-list and bring on the fun. Watch a movie. Go rollerblading. Bust out some brightly colored crayons and make a point to color outside the lines. Write a letter to a friend you haven't seen in months or schedule lunch with a relative you haven't seen in years. Sing along to your favorite song out loud or dance the night away in the comfort of your own bedroom.

This past weekend, that's exactly what I did and the crazy thing about it is, by allowing some much needed "play time," I was also able to get down to business and cross a few more "To Do's" off my list. On Friday evening, I enjoyed a flight of sweet champagnes, wild mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta and an array of absolutely delectable desserts (obviously, my diet went right out the window, the minute I walked in) at POP Champagne & Dessert Bar in Pasadena, CA. Of course, the most important part was enjoying it with loved ones. Laughing and taking pictures of each and every beautiful platter that was presented to our table. 

Saturday, I threw my beautiful cousin a small impromptu baby shower at Mimi's Cafe in Chino, Ca. I literally turned our initial lunch plans into a baby shower in days and thankfully, it turned out great. (I'm learning that being spontaneous can be fun) We had a great time catching up and I'm really looking forward to meeting our little Duncan in just a few weeks!

In the afternoon, I went to a birthday party where instead of a traditional birthday cake, we noshed on a chocolate dipping smorgasbord of fruit, cookies and marshmallows off of the cutest party plates you've ever seen. (Go Team Jacob) And yes, it was an adult's birthday party. So much fun! 

On Sunday, I spent the day shopping (Definitely my kind of fun) with a friend I hadn't seen in months. We always have the best time at our favorite store - Ross. We both love to find the best deals and we always manage to make every aisle an adventure trying on scarves, shoes and accessories. It makes me giddy just thinking about it. And on Monday, I finally took a couple of bags and boxes to Goodwill - a "To Do" item on my list for over a year. (Yay!) I also made a point to read a few chapters of my current read for good measure before cozy-ing up on the couch to watch the movie, Twilight for the umpteenth time. (It was a very good weekend)   

On a recent shopping trip with my Mom, I caught myself saying, "I'm too old to wear that" and she quickly reminded me that I had just encouraged her only moments earlier to purchase something she thought was too "juvenile." We do that often, don't we? - encourage others while at the same time, putting the very same limitations on ourselves. When you really think about it, our age should never determine what we do or what we wear. We need to stop worrying about what others may think or say. Instead, do what feels right and enjoy every day - your way. And most importantly, remember to make time to play!

Enjoy the day!
Missy

Resolved: Firm in Purpose or Intent; Determined

(source)

I have to admit. Up until just a few minutes ago, I thought the word resolved had a completely different meaning. Per Dictionary.com, the word means: Firm in purpose or intent; determined. I thought it essentially meant giving up. Boy, was I wrong but I'm glad I discovered its true meaning because wow - what a great word! It perfectly fits my current state of mind. I love it when things like this happen - they make you feel as though you are on the right path and your sights are set on the all the right things.

For the past week and a half, I've really made an effort to be more spontaneous, which if you know me, you know it goes against everything I'm about. In all honesty, it feels foreign, uncomfortable and well, unnerving at times but I think it's exactly what I need to come to grips with the idea that I can't and shouldn't control every aspect of my life.

I've also been busy making better choices in my diet, drinking more water and taking a multi-vitamin and fish oil tablet every morning. It's funny because none of these things are on my Twelve by 2012 so why am I finally making changes that I've been trying to make for what seems like forever? The only answer that makes any sense to me is that I'm (finally) resolved to do what's right for me. (enter cheesy Toyota commercial-like jump in the air)

The best news is that within just a few days of making these seemingly small changes, I've really noticed some definite changes. I feel SO much better; my energy level is back where it should be and even my hair seems healthier...(ok, that last one may just be wishful thinking) My state of mind has been consistently positive - probably because I don't feel helpless or frustrated anymore. (BIG step) And I'm feeling hopeful and optimistic.

I'm excited about two new books that I ordered online - the first one is called The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Program for Getting Pregnant & Having a Baby by Randine Lewis and Freedom from PCOS by Katie Humphrey - I already read a couple chapters of Katie's book last night - it's so great to finally read a book written by someone who actually has PCOS - in it, she shares what she did to cure herself of the symptoms caused by PCOS without medication or birth control pills - I predict I'll finish reading it by the end of the weekend.  

LH and I will hopefully begin training next week for our very first 5k, The Coaster Run through Knott's Berry Farm in March. (Any takers?) We actually do a 5k every year in April to raise money for Autism but we've always walked it. At this stage in the game, I'd probably last just a few blocks before cramping up and gasping for air so I've definitely got my work cut out for me. We also plan to go shopping for running shoes this weekend because you've got to have the proper running gear, right?

So...What are you up to?
(I'd love to hear all about it!)


Enjoy the day!
Missy

A Few of My Favorite Things

I decided to submit my "Friday Favorites" in hopes to be featured in one of my favorite blogs, A Few of My Favorite Things - Beautifully written by, Molly Elmer.

Through the process of coming up with my own list of things I favor, I came to the realization that this is a really great writing exercise to get the creative juices flowing. Of course, as soon as I sent the email, I made some carefully thought out changes and added a few more for good measure. So...what's on your list?

 My Favorite Things

Thrift-ing

Vintage Looking Picture Frames
  The Scent of Vanilla 
Sunny & Quincy Cuddling at My Feet
My Label Maker
Rainy Days Spent at Home...Under the Covers...Watching a Good Chick-Flick
Inspirational Quotes
Musicals
See's Chocolate - Nuts & Chews
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Organics Sheer Lip Tint in Barely There
Shopping By Myself
  Writing a Letter the Old Fashioned Way
Valentine's Day
Anything Hello Kitty (because your never too old for HK, right?)
The Word - Serendipity

Twilight Series/Edward Cullen
Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer Herbal Tea
My Pillow

Enjoy the Day!
Missy

Going Solo and the Art of Doing Something

This past Sunday, I managed to complete one of my Twelve by 2012 items. (Yay!) I went to the movies solo for the very first time. It wasn't planned - I had left the house fully committed to going to Barnes & Noble but then I remembered the gift card I had spotted in my wallet the night before and thought, "Why not?"

I ended up seeing, How Do You Know with Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. (I give it a B-) I wish I could say it was fun to go it alone but several times I found myself feeling restless and wishing LH was there with me but at least I can say I did it, right? One item on the list down, only eleven more to go!

For the past couple of days, I had been feeling some pain in my right ear and then on Sunday night I didn't sleep a wink. Every time I got settled in, the pain would set in. I haven't had an ear ache like this in years - the kind that doesn't allow you to sleep and prevents you from watching television or listening to music.

The house was quiet. Sunny and Quincy were napping, as usual and I managed to lay in bed for a few hours after calling in sick but then I got restless - as I usually do when I'm attempting to do nothing. So I got up and out of bed, determined to do something.

So crazy me spent the better part of yesterday tackling a project I had been wanting to finish forever: cleaning out and spiffing up my home office. Better known as my spot to sometimes write, wrap, create and work from home.

I went through every drawer, shelf and nook filing things away and eliminating one potential piece of clutter at a time. The best part was after finishing a drawer and determining it's permanent contents, I got to use my brand-new, handy-dandy label maker to identify its contents. (Thanks AA!)  It came out rather nice, I must say but I'm sure the real trick will be to keep it that way. 

So far I'm feeling pretty confident about finishing my Twelve by 2012. To get the ball rolling on completing my second item, I emailed the contact person at Habitat for Humanity and I'm looking forward to planning a possible trip for LH and I to San Francisco. Cleaning up my home office wasn't even on my official list but it really feels great to finally check this task off my day to day to do list. I guess all I needed was an ear ache.

Check out My Own Kind of Beautiful's Twelve by 2012!

Enjoy the day!

Missy

(Caffeine-free for 2 whole days!)

My Twelve by 2012

 

 1. Double number of blog posts from 2010

2. Learn how to make a quilt

3. Explore San Francisco (Golden State Bridge, Alcatraz, etc.)

4. Train for and Finish a 5k

5. Go to the movies solo (1/08)

6. Find a writing mentor

7. Participate in the Pay it Forward Project

8. Help Build a Habitat for Humanity Home

9. Plan and execute a fund raising event to benefit Autism Speaks

10. Submit articles to at least 6 fave magazines

11. Eliminate caffeine (coke, pepsi and coffee)

12. Finish My Dream Board

 

The Pay It Forward Project
is the brainchild of a fellow blogger, Miss Conception

Official Rules: 
I promise to send something

handmade to the first 3 people who leave a comment.

To be eligible, you must also post this in your blog,

offering the same thing to 3 other people.

Items must be handmade by you and

they must be sent to your 3 people sometime in 2011

Enjoy the Day! 

Missy

Won't you join me?

I'm ready. Ready for new beginnings.

I'm giddy with anticipation. Like a child, I'm unable to think of anything else. I've opened myself up to the newness of 2011 and all of the possibilities it holds for me and my marriage...and for you.

I'm determined to keep my sights on looking ahead instead of looking back. And looking forward to the new experiences I am committing myself (publicly) to try - the new foods I will savor (or maybe not), the places I will see for the first time and fall in love with (as I usually do!) and the new people I will inevitably meet and get to know. (What fun!) With this new awakening, I am armed with a true sense of confidence that fills my soul right up to the brim. And with my quirky and not-always-reliable camera in my hip pocket, I will capture every moment.

With all of you by my side, I will accomplish everything on my list: Twelve by 2012 and I will document every step. No more doubting myself or my abilities - and no more excuses. I am just like you. I'm hopeful, yet insecure. Forward-thinking, yet always afraid to make the first step. I pray for things to happen but also prepare myself for them not to. Starting now, I will continue to pray but I am also determined to finally take the driver's seat in my own life, instead of feeling like a polite passenger in someone else's vehicle.

I have the power to make good things happen. And so do you. Won't you join me?  

Enjoy the day!
Missy

January Blissful Finds

 Bliss by Kosebose

While I sat in the comfort of my living room, Ipod blaring Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes, happily surfing the net - I stumbled across some really blissful things to inspire us in January. (okay, maybe just me!)

You've got to check out the O Dream Board 
I'm loving these blingy hair accessories
15 Places to see the real California - I've only been to 2!
Visit Forever 21 for beautiful beads & baubles at unbelievable prices
Loreal's Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner - smells like a spa treatment!
It's a beautiful cocktail ring with perfume tucked inside - by Victoria's Secret
Find a Yoga Class in your area
If you prefer basic black, here is one by Kat Von D
Have you ever attended a Women's Conference? This one looks amazing
The Ultimate Women's Expo in L.A. this October - a perfect girl's day out
Or a Scrapbooking Expo in Ontario on August 12-13 - Who's in?
7 Ways to Wear a Scarf - a Must Watch!
I'm dreaming of the perfect brownie - No kidding!
One day I'll visit Serendipity in New York City 
Time to brush up on/improve on our mad culinary skills 
Why not try a new lipstick color, like MAC's Amped up Fuchsia - ooh-la-la!
Host a Dream Board Party for you and your friends - you deserve it!
You must to try these products by Bliss
Operation Beautiful - spread the word! 

Enjoy the day!

Missy

Twelve by 2012

With the New Year here, I've been thinking a lot about what I'm learning and what I want this year to hold, and not just for me but for my marriage, for my family and for my friends. If I could wave a magic wand to instantly make everyone's life perfect in every way, I would but that is just not possible.

We all have hurdles we have to jump, disasters to clean-up after, mistakes to fix and painful experiences to overcome but even in the midst of our pain and sadness, there is always that glimmer of hope - shining in the background, just waiting to come to the forefront - when we are ready.

Until then, there are friends to talk to, to cut loose with and to feel comforted by. There are beautiful sunsets and sunrises to watch in awe, movies to produce laughter, books to promote growth and family members to love, support and guide us every step of the way. And most importantly, there is God's unwavering love and commitment to us - individually and uniquely - for us. And last but certainly not least - there's hope. Hope is something we all need to learn to grasp tightly to. Hope is necessary when you are in the middle of a crisis because it's what allows us to continue on, move forward and step out of the darkness that sometimes floods our thoughts, our outlook, our world.

In many ways, the struggles and the triumphs we face - these are the moments that bind us together. They are like little tests of our love for each other. They teach us all about pain and suffering but also they teach us valuable lessons. Lessons that we probably wouldn't learn otherwise. Like humility, grace, patience and most importantly, the know-how to help and support others, even strangers, through their own tragedy, pain and grief. And they help us to really truly feel joy when the opportunity presents itself. 

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost and even broken but I'm learning that God puts specific people in your life for a reason. And once you allow the love and encouragement of those people in, it is most definitely possible to break through all of the negative feelings and find true peace of mind. Through others. That's the key - at least for me. Through all of you - my husband, my family and friends. You are the reason I am able to love, laugh, sing, dance, explore and live life. You are my god-send, my peace of mind and my biggest source of inspiration.

With all of this said, I wanted to inspire myself and hopefully some of you to make this year the best ever! So...I have an idea:

Let's invest some time to really figure out what we want out of life, determine what we want and need out of our relationships. Figure out how we can make changes in ourselves in order to be better wives, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends. And while we are at it, identify the bad habits we've been kicking around for years and break them for good. Best of all, let's make it our mission to try new things, explore new places, taste new foods, capture more moments and encourage everyone around us to join in on all of the fun we are bound to have.

I am going to use the next couple of days to come up with a list of things 12 things that I want to accomplish by 2012 and they will include experiences, tastes, places, books, movies and anything else I can think of. I'm going to keep them very specific and I'll try to accomplish one per month. Don't be afraid to be inventive and creative - really think outside the box. Here are a few cool sites and tools to help us get started!

How to make a Dream Board
How to Get Inspired
Find out What You Want To Do With Your Life

If you do decide to join me, I'd love to see and hear all about your Twelve by 2012! Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas and especially your progress with me/us!

I'll be sure to post my official list on Monday!
Have a great day!

Enjoy the Day!
Missy

Good (Holiday) Times

Today marks my first day back to work after a little over two glorious weeks off from work.

And I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it. 

A few days before Christmas we went to Disneyland with Leo's family and despite the rain and the cold, had a really great time. The lines were manageable and the Christmas decorations were beautiful, of course.
I loved seeing the happy faces of Leo's nephews as they climbed in and out of the rides and I've never seen so many brightly colored umbrellas and rain boots - I wished I had taken a picture - it was definitely a sight to be seen.

At the end of the evening, after the rest of the family opted to head home, Maria, Leo and I spent some time walking around all of the shops on Main Street before heading over to Downtown Disney for Dinner, despite our messy hat hair, wet clothes and sloshy shoes. (Another sight to be seen) We noshed on salad, shared a pizza and enjoyed a tall glass of wine. So nice! 

On the Thursday before Christmas, for the first time in years, my sisters and I got together to make tamales - pork and chicken, just like Dad used to make. We ended up with far too many green beans and peas and we had to go back for more masa at one point but we managed to produce about 15 dozen, they turned out great and we had a good time making them. We're definitely hoping to make this an annual tradition, for our family, once again.

New Year's Eve was spent at our house this year. I baked a ham, made mashed potatoes and freshly steamed tamales for dinner. Christmas music played in the background as we talked and sipped on sangria - laughing and taking pictures. We rang in the new year by first toasting with a glass of almond champagne (Yum!) and then we each ate 12 grapes (while making a wish for each grape eaten) before making our rounds around the table to give and receive hugs. (A family tradition)

Then on New Year's Day everyone came together at our house to celebrate Leo's Dad's birthday, this time with extended family. Leo's parents brought the main courses - I just peppered in some appetizers and mini sandwiches made with the leftover ham, assorted sliced cheese and freshly baked rolls. Leo's sister made Dad's favorite - carrot cake plus several different pies and I made chocolate cup cakes so dessert was definitely covered. Everyone seemed to have a good time, again, despite the cold. At the end of the night we took a photo of each family in front of our Christmas tree before we said our good-bye's. 

On Sunday, we didn't do much and Monday we spent most of the day taking down the Christmas decorations, including the tree. Our house almost seems bare now, without the color and bling of Christmas. Tuesday we took a drive to Long Beach. The weather was chilly but the sun was out and sky was clear. If you haven't had the famous shrimp tray at the Long Beach Market, you must try it! I highly recommend it.

After you pay for a pound or so of their fresh shrimp, you take it over to a different counter to have it sauted in butter and spices along with onion, bell pepper and tomatoes. Then they top it off with two large pieces of freshly grilled garlic bread. After our scrumptious lunch, we headed to Shoreline Village.

Shoreline Village is one of the first places Leo ever took me to and the location where he asked me to marry him. I hadn't been there in years - so much development has gone up and around the village but the village itself, is exactly the same. It's still peaceful and so beautiful.

We walked up and down the boardwalk, holding hands - the sun was about to set so we sat down and watched as it fell beneath the horizon.

 
We stopped for some hot chocolate and shared a cinnamon roll before heading home. It was nice - just the two of us - talking and reminiscing. 

On Wednesday, we both relished in the last few hours of our vacation. I treated myself to a spa pedicure while Leo enjoyed my Christmas gift to him - a hot stone therapy massage. For dinner, I made chicken and pasta with Garlic Bread and then the the rest of the afternoon was spent on the couch watching movies. He mostly slept, as he usually does with Quincy on his lap and Sunny on mine.

Relaxing. Quiet. Comfortable. The perfect ending to our perfect Christmas/New Year's vacation.