5 month recap

So sorry I've been terrible at updating this blog. I'm a little better about the humor one, but those of you who read this are after some details on our life in general.

Byron - Turned 3 years old in October, and has finally started potty training. He was very resistant to it for a long time, and then one day after a trip to a friend's house (also potty training) he decided to give it a try. He does pretty good as long as he doesn't have pants on, which isn't convenient outside of the home. So it is going to take a few months! I'll take it over nothing. He's doing really well with his speech. He says the funniest things sometimes, and often things I wish he wouldn't repeat. Mommy has a potty mouth, and it's transferring.

Lillie - Will be 11 months on Thursday, and I cannot believe how fast it's gone. She's eating mostly solid foods now, and only nursing 3 times a day. It's a little sad for mommy. She will eat almost anything! She's a good little eater. She's mastered crawling and moved on to cruising, and is even trying to stand on her own more. She will walk if you hold her hands for her. She gives the best little hugs, and some very sloppy kisses. Such a joy of a child.

Ryan - Working as usual, but really interested in trying to get a cattle operation going. So we've been looking at property to have a ranch, and other details necessary for this adventure. The whole thing scares me a little, but I'm trying to trust him.

Me - I started back at Weight Watchers in November, and I've lost 2lbs. Which is sort of disappointing when you look at the fact it's been 2 months, but I didn't gain over Christmas and Thanksgiving so that is HUGE. To facilitate my weight loss and get back in shape I started going to Jazzercise 3 times a week. I love it so much! I've always liked dancing, and music. It's the perfect exercise for me. My goal this year is to get their Fit Club 2010 shirt, which means you attend 150 classes or more. It's going to be hard to make that happen with 2 kids, but I'll give it a shot.

Christmas - Was wonderful! The best Christmas I've had in my adult life. We didn't have to travel from place to place, and got to enjoy a nice relaxing day at home. Also, Byron was so excited this year that it really got me back in the spirit. I had so much fun preparing, and planning for his Christmas morning. I made German Meatballs for dinner, which I discovered the week before to be one of his favorite meals. Just a wonderful day.

New Year's - Very uneventful around here. I'm not much of a New Year's person. I was asleep before Midnight. But I'm hoping 2010 will be a great year for us, and all of our loved ones. There seems to have been a lot of tragedy, both personal and world-wide, this last year. It's my deepest wish that the dark clouds lift and the sun comes out for everyone this year. I've set my personal goals to reach a new level of happiness, and I really hope to achieve them. They are as follows: 1) lose 40-45lbs 2)make fit club 2010 at jazzercise 3) get out of debt (or at least closer!) 4) stop taking on other people's problems as my own. No more co-dependency! 5) Be more assertive when I feel upset.

So here's to a Happy New Year, and new goals (not resolutions)!

Christmas Letter 2008

So as some of you know, I planned to send out a Christmas letter this year. Well, Christmas Eve is in 2 days and I haven't done it yet. So I don't know if I will. LOL So I'm posting it here. Enjoy!

Dear Friends & Family,
I hope the 2008 version of the Unruh Christmas letter finds you all well, and happy. I have to say it has been a very interesting year in many ways, but quickly gone. Fast away the old year passes, as the song says, and it is so true. As I’m writing this there are only 30 days until Christmas, which used to seem like a long time, but now has me in a hurry to finish this and get it out.
Byron just turned 2 at the end of October, and has definitely taken on the role of “terror.” He was one already, but it seems to have more ferocity behind it now. (What was I saying about the year passing quickly? I hope this one does!) He’s very energetic, and animated. He does very well with his speech, and other developmental milestones, and for that we are very thankful. He loves anything with wheels, and a motor, but tractors especially. His newest interest is in helping mom cook. We’re expecting another child at the end of January, and it’s supposed to be a girl. Hopefully, the ultrasound is right, because one of each sounds perfect to me. I am curious to see how Byron will handle sharing Mommy, but I think he will be a good big brother. It may take some time though!
Ryan has been keeping busy with work as usual. Diesel prices and hay prices are very high this year, and that has had some effect on business this fall. We’re expecting that to clear up soon when there is no pasture left. He’s still enjoying his new truck that we purchased last fall. We sold the old one, finally, as the end of October. That couldn’t have come at a better time with economy as it is. He’s interested in getting into farming his own alfalfa in the near future, so he will be both growing and hauling.
I’m keeping myself busy also. Besides being pregnant and taking care of a toddler; I have a few activities of my own. I’m still running the Moms Group here in town. Many of the moms had their second child this year or are currently pregnant. So we’re about to double the number of children in the group! I also took on a position as Secretary of our Home Owner’s Association. At times it seems like a very thankless job, but someone has to do it. I renewed my passion for reading this year and it feels really good to have my nose in a book again. Although I don’t think Ryan and Byron are as excited that I found a way to distract myself. There have been several attempts to hide Mom’s books.
This has been a tough year for many people, but our greatest wish is that the holiday season brings joy to each of you. We are thinking of you all and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Happy Holidays 2008!
Love,
Anna, Ryan, Byron & (Coming soon!) Lillie