Hello everyone,

It has been a long time since I have taken any time to say hello and that I miss you guys.

Things are moving along here and there are so many things going on with Hanna and the boys some days it feels like I am going to fall part from being pulled into so many directions. My work is interesting in that I play so many roles to this boys sometimes it is hard to meet all the demand for time. I play the mother, the sister, the friend, and sometimes as one of the older staff pointed out the girlfriend...I don't see that aspect since, first that is just nasty and wrong, and second I think I am more of the older sister role in that I would be more likely to beat 'em up then go out with them. But as it is, whatever role I play is crazy and demanding and I am so glad I was lucky in finding this job.

I really have more respect for my mom and the caring and guiding she did in my life. I have learned that 5 hours of sleep is a blessing, picking up random shoes and backpacks at the end of my night is part of the job, planning a menu, and living at Safeway is part of the job. I know most of the people at the Safeway now that when I go in by myself they ask where all my boys are at and then open up a checkout lane just for me. CRAZY! I know the unconditional love of those who have nothing, it is amazing how angry and defensive they get when they see someone try to tell me what to do or when I tell a boy to stop doing something that I don't like and they don't stop when I ask them too. It is like have 12 Michael and Henry's around who are doing smack down in the bedrooms and beating you up too just for fun. I really do love my job. It is demanding and carefree and I am lucky that my house has a family feel to it. Babies and husband's are not in the near future for me but 110 boys who consume me and depend on me to be there are enough for now.

My boy’s basketball team is rocking it and their season is under way, the rainy season is pretending to start but the cold weather is controlling right now. Most mornings it hangs around 25 to 31 degrees. It is so funny to watch them and talk about how COLD it is. HA! I would love to take some of them home right after a snowstorm and see how they do if they had to stand and wait for the bus! Now THAT was cold!

Anyways, I just wanted to say I thinking about you guys and I hope things are going well in your world. Becky, keep me posted on how Emma is doing. Andy, have fun in FL and thanks for telling me. Heidi, I suck and we will meet up soon. I PROMISE! Missy, Lindsey is picking her colors this week I think! Everyone else, know that you rock my world and it would not be the same without you! MUAH!

Cali Love!
Liz

Come and visit if you get the chance. If you want warm weather wait until June or later, then it is nice and HOT!

Change of plans for the ol' birthday! We are going to do it up in San Fran and I have a friend that has some major connections in the city and is going to put us on the VIP list for some of the top clubs in the city! Should be a good time if you can make it out! Feb 17th we are looking to do it up since my birthday on Sunday and not a good night to go out. Fly into San Fran and I will pick you up!

Sorry it has been sometime since i posted...

Some ups and downs have come my way over the last mont but things are moving along. Some more sad news from home this week, Karla's brother Kirke passed away this week from a heart attack. He was 38 years old. I just don't understand it. When will all the bad things happen?

On the good side, Lindsey is on her way to planning her wedding and getting all the aspects of the big day in order. Michael and Adrienne are doing well and Jonathan is growing like a WEED!!! I will post some holiday pictures soon so everyone can see the FAM in action!

Change in birthday plans...Vegas is out due to planning so we are looking to do it up in the City (San Fran) if anyone is interested in heading out this way. Let me know! I miss seeing you guys and you are ALWAYS welcome out here! Just let me know in advanced so I can try and get you some place to stay instead of wasting money on hotel rooms.

Hope all is well with all of you and life is treating you well. I am trying to keep in touch with everyone but have been terrible at it lately so I hope you don't forget me and drop me an email and let me know how things are going in your world.

Much love and respect!
liz