Where to begin? I read through my old posts. I remember making an effort to write about Claire's actions thinking that some day maybe she'll read it. Well, poor Elliot won't have anything to read about his life between age 1 and 2! I plan to write to him in a journal like I've been doing for Claire since her 2nd birthday.

Both my children have entered new phases lately! Claire at almost 3 1/2 has entered the "why?" phase and Elliot now readily uses "i don't want to" and "no"! Yikes! My days are long if we don't have enough activities to distract :-)

I am going to Chicago for the Jewels by Park Lane convention this Thursday through Sunday. It's my first trip away from my kids and I think I'm ready. At first I had a little guilt about leaving, but as the day approaches, I'm now planning on using this time to refresh, relax and reflect! I'm thankful for my husband who encouraged me to go and is so good with our kids!

Two kids have been challenging.... Oh, how different my life was with only one child... However, more things have complicated our life than a second child... I know we are so blessed to have two healthy children who make us smile and exhaust us and enrich our lives in more ways than we're aware! Unfortunately, at this point in our life it's easy to focus on the hardships... I know "this too shall pass" and many of the situations I will list have definite ending dates, though some do not. We are transitioning and need patience...something I know I always need more of!

Since Elliot was born, our town house development started suing the original builders, we bought a second car before we knew about the law suit or knew that our hoa fees would increase from $90/month to $200/month!!! Money we don't have! I started a new job with Jewels by Park Lane that has been more fun than Shaklee and also more profitable....However, any new business has its own set of expenses that it's hard to account for so how much of a profit is hard to know... Brian's job has become more challenging, but in a good way, but can take more energy and time too. My mom-in-law moved to the westside last week so that's a big change for us and we're still figuring out what that will mean........

Okay, before I say any more, it's time to quit this entry and rest my fingers and mind. Hope to write more later and report on my convention trip! I love planes and flying and I know it'll bring back memories of my many trips to France! Good night.  ¶ 10:41 PM