Hello

I am officially the worst blogger in history. So much has happened since Christmas......I guess Christmas is where I should start.

Christmas was magical. Thomas and Elizabeth didn't know what to think when they got downstairs that morning. Santa Clause was generous but not over the top. David and I loved watching their faces as they played with toys and learned how to open presents. We look forward to each Christmas getting better and better as the twins grow. I made a late Christmas lunch for David's mom and stepfather, and that turned out well. I made duck dressing for the first time, and it was delicious....shouldn't brag, but can't help it:)

Since Christmas life has just happened with the death of Alexis and then more recently the death of Daryla. Daryla was my dad's secretary and office manager and had worked for him for 25 years. I really can't remember his clinic without Daryla being present. She died of a heart attack at the young age of 46. Darlya was hysterically funny, in your face honest, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She was one, if not the only one, who could give my dad a good cussing when needed and get away with it. I love her and can't believe she is gone. I have no doubts that she is in a much better place than the rest of us right now.

With the ringing of the New Year David accepted a new job with a poultry company in Seattle. He was not looking for a job, but this one found him and made him "an offer he couln't refuse." No, we won't be moving to Seattle. David will be working from home and will spend one week per month in Seattle. Since he took the job things have been wild at our house with one week in Seattle, one week at home, a week in Atlanta and now back in Seattle. I took the twins to Atlanta as well and spent some time with the Wright crew and then went to visit Gramps and Grandmother Jane. David will be in Seattle for the next two weeks so I am taking T and E to Arkansas....two weeks is too long to go solo besides the fact that I just want/need to get home. I have a brand new niece to meet, hugs for Amanda upon losing Alexis, and hugs for my family and friends upon losing Daryla. Jo is flying over Wednesday and we will drive together the 12 + hours to the Delta.

Needless to say, things have been crazy here, and we (adults) are worn out. I don't know if it is the twins' age or my age or the season, but I am exhausted all the time. Just walking up the stairs makes me short of breath, and I always have to make that climb twice. I know.... I am out of shape and need to exercise. It would be great for my body and my mind. Just need to make myself do it. My health is more important than a clean house, right? My weight has dropped as well. I never get on the scale, but my clothes don't fit. Eating has just become such a HASSLE! I don't have the energy to make much (when making for myself) and rarely have the time to sit and eat (not unlike any other mother out there) so it is not enjoyable. I eat when I get the shakes.....not good I know.

I'm not whining....really. Do the rest of you with toddlers feel the same way? How do I get my energy back?

Thomas and Elizabeth are great, by the way. Elizabeth has a couple of new words she learned at Brett and Amy's house. She says "kitty" and will imitate me when I am calling for Thomas. It is really cute. Thomas says "yuck" when pointing to the trash can or the recycle bins, and he really enunciates the word. They are growing so fast and challenging me at every turn.

Motherhood......so exhausing but so rewarding at the same time.