Old friends...

Most of you know Michelle. She and I met the summer before our 2nd grade year in school. We lived about 3 houses down from each other. I would like to say we became instant best friends - but I'm not sure that's accurate (can you really be best friends with someone your mom hates? Her mom hated me). However, we did become friends, I did win her mom over, and we became inseparable. I was the good one of course, and she was the bad influence (this statement changes depending on who you are talking to). Anyway, best friends. When we moved to Texas when I was 13 I was so afraid of losing my best friend. We did discover - that distance just can't change some things. Beating the odds (horribly expensive long distance prices in the 80's - and parents who wouldn't let us call each other) our friendship remained. Luckily for us, our parents helped that out by allowing us a little phone time, and visits with each other in the summers. Unfortunately, internet and email did not exist back then - so we were strapped with writing letters and snail mail. And here it is, some *cough27cough* years later - and I still have my best friend. She may be in another state, and we may only talk every few months - but she is there. Bryan thinks it's amazing, we can go several months without talking, and when we do talk, it's like it was only yesterday. That my friends is the sign of a strong friendship. And, you know Michelle must be a saint - she has put up with me for...we'll just say several years. Who else could stand me for that long? :)

And in true best friend fashion, she had 2 boys to go with my 2 girls. We have high hopes of marrying them off to each other - so that Michelle and I can have our lifelong dream of actually being related to each other (the plan to marry her mom to my dad failed miserably...luckily for me and my mom).

Anyway, Michelle finally got herself a digital camera - so I can see pictures of her family again! You know she's sick of seeing mine, it's time she shares!! She sent me pictures this week, probably not knowing they would end up here for all the world to see. But then again, she knows me well enough to know they would. Below is my best friend and her family...

Cameron - who is just about 4 months younger than Tayler - he's almost 14

Tyler - who is 1 month older than Kati - he's 12

Opa

We received our first pictures this morning of Dad/Opa in Iraq. Hopefully we'll get more soon and we will post them. He is looking good!! Words can't express how much he is loved and missed in our home.

Opa

Our Opa is in Iraq right now - and we miss him. We are hoping he will check in so he can see our messages to him....

We miss you Opa (and Dad) - stay safe and we love you!!!!

Kati's new room

On the 27th, we decided to remodel Kati's room. She had gotten new (to her) bedroom furniture from a friend of ours. We decided before we moved it in, we should finally paint one of her walls. Below is the result.....

Taking over...

Harley is such a part of our family - he has now taken his place at the table...

Hmm...those wings and pizza sure look good. Too bad they forgot to set my plate....

Mommmm....Tayler isn't sharing.....

Ok...I'm coming over to get my own.

And now it's time to play....

On the 27th, we took the girls (and Harley) down to the park to try out their new RC toys. Kaylin had fun trying to keep her truck out of the water. Tayler had fun chasing Harley with hers. Kati and Bryan concentrated on the boat and the water - it was by far the most fun to watch. Here are some random shots....

Christmas with the Kleins....

On the 26th, we went to Rockwall to have Christmas with Bryan's mom, brother Chris and his family. Chris and his wife Liz had their first baby on the 19th. She was 7 lbs. 13 ozs. and 20 inches long.

Introducing...Loralye Elizabeth Klein....

I made it just in time for Christmas - a girl can't pass up gifts.

Ok Aunt Phyllis, do you want to know what they are doing to me? Can't a girl just sleep?

That's more like it.

Meanwhile....Christmas went on....

Yes, you are seeing correctly, that is the wing of an airplane. Chris remembered that Bryan has always wanted one - to make into a coffee table - so he was kind enough to oblige his brother. I was kind enough to remind Chris that paybacks are a bitch.

Here is Tayler's new toy from Uncle Chris and Aunt Liz

And Kaylin's.... (Kati got an RC Boat...somehow we didn't get a picture of it that day)


Loralye was overjoyed by all the gift giving....

What a proud uncle Bryan!! He even dressed to match Loralye.

And then we can paint our nails, and I'll show you how to brush your hair...

What do you mean I'm not the baby anymore??

Nana and Opa's 4 girls...those Klein boys sure are in trouble!!

Here is Loralye's proud mom Liz (I'm so jealous that she can look this radiant and beautiful 1 week after giving birth...it's just not fair).

Merry Christmas!

Are all these for me??

Nope, they're for us!!!

Merry Christmas from Tayler, Kaylin, Kati, and Harley!

Christmas with the family

We had Christmas at my parents house on Saturday the 23rd. It was a lot of fun, and very crowded!! Below are some memories....

Harley got a new bed

Check out how much he enjoys it....

Oops - looks like Marmalade has taken it over

Maybe if I lay my bone by the bed - she will realize it's mine and get up and leave. I'm sure she just doesn't know it's mine....

Ok, I tried the bone - and my favorite frisbee. Maybe when she wakes up she will see them and move off of my new bed....

Would someone please tell that annoying gray bouncy thing that this bed belongs to me. He can put all of the bones and toys he wants around me - and they'll just become mine too. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to go back to my nap now.

But mom....you said it was my bed

Sisters

Here is my latest project. This is something I've wanted to create for awhile now, but just now have had the cooperation to do so.