Amazon.com

So I am going to try an interesting adventure and see how it goes.
I have signed up to be an Amazon.com associate and promote them through
my blog. Amazon has been my major one stop shop for quite a few years so
it seems natural to promote them. I have always had prompt and accurate service through
them and they always are able to find what I am looking for.

Please let me know if you have any questions- but till then,
feel free to click on this link to support me in my adventure
with Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com?_encoding=UTF8&tag=wwwrippberger-20

Keira Storm

Change to Come

So I have been thinking alot about change these days. I am looking at a possible layoff in February and have been thinking alot of the next step in my life. Its amazing to me that a few years ago, I was so on a whim and now I am constantly thinking of my family and how they would be effected by what I want. I think for now, I am going to take some much needed time with my baby boy....2 years late...but better late than never right? I can finally find the enjoyment in my moments with Matthew and those moments are so special to me. I really hope this extra time I spend at home with him will be time that both of us will never forget.
None of this comes without tears....but I'm used to that- my post partum existance over the past 2 years has truly taken my life over. The sunshine is almost always there...and I am holding onto it for deal life.

My sister Sarah had her baby this week- Keira Storm born 1.7.10. She was four pounds 12 ounzes and 20 inches. She is so incredibly beautiful...a member of our family that we are all so excited about. Hope to attach a picture of her for you all.

1st Week of New Year....Change to come

We had a tough start to the New Year. Damian's Grampa Fountain- Lynn's Dad- passed on New Years Day. We really wanted to be down there in Georgia, but it didn't work out. Damian's Grandfather was a preacher for most of his life and a devote Christian. He and his wife were a constant in Damian and Jason's lives, spending summers with them in Georgia; they created many memories as a family together. Damian, Matthew and I spent the weekend reflecting on his life and celebrating him. It was a really nice weekend for us to spend as a family, although we were sad we could not be with Lynn and Dave.

We are going to visit Lynn and Dave in March and cannot wait to be there in the sunshine and have a bit of a vacation!

Matthew started his week back to daycare this week- he has transitioned so well and has so much fun there. Its so nice to see him interact with other kids. He has found some new words too- such as Go..go...go!!, Hat, Bubbles and has started with more sign language as well. He's a very happy boy!

Finally, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Little Peanut Dodd. She is expected to arrive on January 7th, Mom Lazdowsky's birthday and we are all very excited to meet her and have this new addition to our family!

"when God closes one door, he opens a window..." Sound of Music

Christmas 2009

Another year is coming to a close and I thought it was the best time to start a blog
to keep people informed on what is going on with our family. This Christmas has really
been a time to relax and take time with each other.

December brought lots of excitement for our family! Matthew started at Sunshine
Country Day School two days a week and is loving the time he is spending there.
Everyday there is something new he comes home with that he colored or what he did that day.
He is really having fun and learning to get along with others. On the days he isn't there,
he gets to go to Aunt Sally's house and play there- which he loves as well. He truly gets the best of both worlds!
He is running, walking, climbing and doing whatever he can to get into mischief. He is in constant motion! Although his speech is a bit behind, we have been working with him and he comes out with new words daily. He is always smiling and loves playing with his friends. We call him the mayor because he shakes everyones hand who he meets. His favorite shows are Thomas, Wonder Pets and Backyardigans- and boy- did Santa take care of him in that department!!!
Marybeth went to another New Kids on the Block concert on December 20th. Its an obsession that keeps on going through the years! She went to the concert with Paula, Kerri and Nikki at the House of Blues and ended up on the floor! Such a good time!
Damian continues to work diligently on his book on his ancestry and has made some amazing connections with his research within the family.

We will celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary this week and toast to a very challenging but happy three years with lots of hope that it has all made us stronger.

We are all really looking forward to 2010...all sorts of new things are coming....including Baby Girl Dodd to be born in January 2010! We are looking forward to a vacation to see the family in Florida in March as well as Matthew's 2 year birthday! Unreal! Time goes by so fast!