2011

What a year.

I've looked back on this year multiple times over the last 30 days. The reflection that affected me the most was the year in photographs. There have been many ups and downs over the last 12 months. There have been many tears, near anxiety attacks, stress beyond what I've experienced before and yet so many smiles, laughs and wonderful memories made too.

Would I have been grateful to have had a year where we didn't have multiple car accidents, a tornado, multiple SC home repairs, two days of being unable to walk without (literally) falling over? Sure. But I'm also okay with them happening because I believe that it's made me a better person. A stronger person. Or at least that's my hope. It would have been easy to have been sucked into some "whoa is me..." but I didn't want that to happen. After each event that took place I had something to be grateful for. The most important thing being that my family was safe and unharmed.

We're so grateful for our friends and family that have provided us shoulders to lean on. Our Raleigh friends and family... I'm not sure how I would have made it through the year, without having a mental breakdown, without you.

We had some pretty awesome things take place this year too:

• We were able to visit every immediate family member at least twice over the course of year. While I know everyone would like the visits to be longer, being able to make the rounds twice was great for us and Katherine. 
• We had two visits this year from out of state family. Both were fantastic weekends. Thanks Jacki, Ro & Jay for making the trip up/down. 
• We had one of the most amazing vacations of my life when we visited Williamsburg in April. It's such a relaxing trip and yet so fun. 
• I gained a sister when my brother Jason married his wonderful fiancee, Amy. We're so glad you're a part of our family! We love you! xo
• My sister Jacki graduated with her bachelors degree in finance. We're so proud of you!! xo
• My sister Nicole continued her education for her Masters degree and was just accepted at NC State. She'll be moving to Raleigh in the next few months. We can't wait!! xo
• We had a wonderful family reunion with the Robinson/Cooper clan in Maryland this August. It's an honor to be able to help carry on the family tradition of getting everyone together. To be part of a family where more than 100 of my cousins, aunts and uncles make an effort to get together every year is a special gift in itself. We love seeing everyone. Thank you all!
• While the tornado was devastating it helped us grow closer as a neighborhood. I'm so grateful for that. 
• During the repair period for our house we worked with a restoration company that helped put our house back together so well that I think it's better than before the tornado. Thank you Carolina Restoration. Particularly Travis, Jason, Charlie and Ross.  You guys are awesome. 
• We started so many new traditions with Katherine this year. I look forward to continuing them as she grows up... Which seems to be happening faster than I'd like it to. 

There were many other events that took place this year that I could add to the list. It could go on forever.  Instead I'll leave you with my 2011 year in review... In pictures. It's long. I looked through 7,903 pictures that I took this year. If that doesn't say how incredible the year has been... Nothing does. =)

We wish you all much happiness, health and a year filled with blessings in 2012. 

Much love,

Darlene, Stephen & Katherine

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Our First Christmas

Daddy & Katherine
Family Craft Time

No, it wasn't our first Christmas in the traditional sense.  But this year was our very first Christmas, RC or OC, at home since Katherine was born. While we missed being the with the 'rents and my sisters, we were pretty excited to spend the weekend together - at home.

Going into the weekend Stephen was a little concerned about 3 days off and not really being able to "go" anywhere. I'm pleased to report we had a FANTASTIC weekend.  At least in my opinion... and that of a sweet little girl.

On Friday evening we started the weekend off with dinner at home and then prepared some goods to go out looking at Christmas lights.  This involved baking some cookies (I'll admit to needing assistance from the Nestle container!) and making hot chocolate "to-go". We made some snowmen out of marshmallows. They took a swim in our hot chocolate. =)

Stephen found a place to go to that had a light show display that was 30 minutes long.  It's the largest residential light display in the area. It was pretty cool.  Of course, it didn't come without a little drama.  Unfortunately before we got to see the lights, the new car found its way into a small ditch. Fortunately there were some very kind people that came to our rescue... QUICKLY. They helped K and I get out of the car and then helped push it out of the ditch. The cause of the mess: Leaves covering the fact that there was a drop off. *sigh*  No worries though... Soon after we were walking down the street to see the lights. Did I mention all of this occurred with the whole family being in our PJs? mmhhmm. I'm laughing thinking about it. Never a dull moment in the Aleksza house!

Katherine thought the lights were magical. Especially impressive was the talking snowman. Next year the event is moving downtown to help with easing parking concerns and the volume of visitors. I'm not sure it will be the same, but we enjoyed seeing it this year in it's original place.

Saturday we thought it would be fun to take Katherine to see her first movie. She's seen short shows in theaters at various theme parks but we've never taken her to an actual movie theatre.  Thomas & Friends was playing at the IMAX theatre at the children's museum that we have a membership to. The movie was an hour in duration and we thought this would be a good first attempt at going. On the way we stopped off for some donuts (big hit) and when we got to the parking lot told Katherine what we were there for.  This was her face when she heard...

I'd say she was excited. =)

We made it through the movie but learned an important lesson. 45 minutes appears to be the ideal attention span for a 3.5 year old... at least our 3.5 year old. She's also still not a big fan of villains. I'll tell ya, it's HARD to find a movie without a villain. Even Thomas & Friends had some... The Diesels. Stephen enjoyed his nap. SMH.

Movie complete we headed out for lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. Also known (by Katherine) as "the macaroni & cheese place". After lunch we went shopping at AC Moore to get some supplies for Arts & Crafts. Katherine picked out some projects for us to do together, as a family.

We came home and got to work! First up was making gingerbread people... Then reindeer ornaments... Followed by starting a Christmas tree project. I knew the final one would take some time and it was a good time to break for the afternoon.  We had so much fun making our projects. We also learned that Stephen is pretty crafty!! While Katherine's gingerbread person was super *I'm the mom and it's my job to think so* Stephen's was clearly top quality! His is the third one in the Ginger family. =)

The Aleksza "Ginger" Family & Our Reindeer

After all of our arts & crafts it was time to take a break and relax a bit... Before deciding what to do about dinner. With all of the excitement I didn't get anything ready for dinner... and by the time we realized that it was 5:30. So the calls began... "Are you open for dinner?" "What time do you close?" Stephen recalls this from his youth. Searching for someplace open for dinner on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve. Katherine declared "I want mexican!!" *sigh* Chinese... no problem. Mexican... Problem. We finally found a place and when we got there she picked "mexican grilled cheese" (AKA cheese quesadilla) for dinner - which she devoured. Which made the search and find even better.

At bedtime we shared that the next morning we were going to talk to Tootsie, Pop, Aunt Jacki & Aunt Nikki on the TV and open some Christmas presents. She was pretty excited by this and went to sleep quickly.

Sunday morning she woke up by around 7:30. We took her to our room so we could have some family cartoon time. A little Dora and some cuddles and then we headed downstairs at around 8:30. We were waiting for the FL family to wake up from their slumbers so K and I started to make some breakfast. She was QUITE the helper. =)

Ingredients set up on the counter... Ready to start dumping them in!

"I'm the mixer helper!!"

The FL family was ready once we finished making breakfast and put it in the oven we went to open some presents. She was sooooo patient waiting for present time to begin. A pile of gifts sitting by her chair and she didn't attempt to open anything.  I think Stephen had more trouble waiting than she did. (God gave him a triple dose of intelligence and single dose of patience.) ;)

She loved opening presents and got very excited at each thing she opened. Lots of books including one with a recording of one of Tootsie's favorite stories, a hand-made quilt from Tootsie & Pop, an Ariel barbie and a Rapunzel tower were among her presents. Each one was enjoyed throughout the day. A friend had given Katherine a Tinkerbell scooter that she had an absolute blast with. We were outside multiple times with it to ride it up and down the street.

While we were opening presents our doorbell rang... A new tradition of ding-dong ditch has now started. K and I did our ditching a little while later but were TOTALLY caught. It didn't stop us from running and squealing on our way home. =) We have awesome neighbors!!!

The three of us tried making a new kind of cookie (scotcharoos) after lunchtime. I won't put them on my list of favorite cookies, but they aren't bad. I've never really met a cookie that I disliked completely. =)

Sunday afternoon I went for a run to try to work off some of the food I've been eating... (no way did I even put a dent in it but I was out there!) After I ran a few miles I decided to drag the rest of the family out for a run. Stephen was a little more resistant than Katherine but we all headed out and did a couple more miles together. At the end of the run Katherine sprinted home.  I'm not sure if she'll be a distance runner, but our girl can run pretty fast! The whole way yelling "you can't catch me!!!" And if I started to run she'd stop and yell, "don't chase me!!" -> Babe, pretty sure that will guarantee I can't catch you!! =)

Dinner was some crockpot fare and while we were eating Katherine fell asleep in Stephen's lap. She was one played out girl! :)

Today we did our traditional day after Christmas clearance shopping.  Replacing things that are old, and finding the latest things on clearance. This year our desire was some candy sticks that light up. We saw them as we were out looking at lights on Friday night and they were really cool! They're lining the driveway of this house.

This afternoon we finished up our Christmas tree project and it will become a decoration in Katherine's year, we hope, for years to come.  I pray it survives storage!! I might need to save it in a closet inside the house to protect it!

I'm so grateful for a fantastic weekend with my family. Lots of fun. Lots of laughs and many memories made. As I went through the weekend I considered the many things I'm grateful for this year and thought of about 10 blogs to be able to write... Here's hoping I can remember a couple to post this week. =)

We hope you and your families had a fantastic Christmas together. Just a few more days till we welcome 2012!

Katherine is off from school this week so she's going to be home with me for the week. She's pretty excited about being able to "go to work with mommy". (I work from home!) She even told me tonight the rules about talking while Mommy's on conference calls. Eep! Funny... but Eep!!! Here's hoping this memory isn't one that scars her for life!

xo Merry Christmas (#1)!
The Alekszas

Pictures from our weekend...

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Layaway Angels are everywhere...

A couple of days ago I read a story about "layaway angels".  People who were going into Walmart and Kmart stores around the country and asking Layaway Clerks for the balances of people who had toys and clothing that weren't paid off. It evidently started a couple of weeks ago and has seemingly spread quickly.

It's inspirational on a number of levels. People, by nature, are giving and caring. We hear so much negativity on a daily basis that it's sometimes challenging to find the good. We know it's there. Believe in our hearts that it is... but we don't always see it. Maybe it requires us looking a little harder. Maybe it requires pausing for a moment and just taking things in...

Here is a story of one layaway angel... (An individual who only wants to share the story... not their identity)

She felt a need to help. Throughout her youth she knew that Christmas was difficult for her parents. As a child she recalls feeling this... As an adult she appreciates how challenging it really was. When she read about layaway angels she thought -> "I can do that!!" She felt fortunate for the many blessings in her life including good jobs for both her and her husband and a wonderfully happy child.

She went to Kmart, not knowing what to expect. Have they had so many folks come in wanting to pay balances that they've developed a system? Slightly intimidated and yet determined to help she sought the layaway desk. The clerk, Shirley, was finishing helping a woman who was picking up her own Christmas presents for her children. Shirley asked whether the woman was there to pick up a layaway... "Sort of. I'd like to pay on someone's balance." Shirley responded, "Another Secret Santa!!! I'll be right back girl! Hold down the counter! Don't let anyone in front of you!"

When Shirley returned they got to work looking for a layaway with childrens toys or clothes. Seemingly an easy task but it took some time. They filtered through TVs, furniture, tools, etc. It was pretty incredible what gets put on layaway. They'd finally found one. They called the phone number to ensure that the person could come get the layaway and knew that it was paid for. Shirley's idea. The first phone number was disconnected. The woman immediately conjured stories in her head about how they couldn't afford the phone so it was disconnected... surely they then couldn't pay for Christmas presents. Without a way to contact the person they had to move on.  They found another.

This time when the person on the other end answered the phone they said "who the hell is this?!" ... then hung up. While this may deter some it didn't deter Shirley or the woman. They called back. Shirley said, quickly, "I'm calling to tell you that a Secret Santa has come in and paid off your layaway balance. Now come get your babies Christmas presents!! And the next time you answer the phone, maybe have a little holiday cheer instead of that "who the hell is this" business, you hear?" The woman said she was on her way to the store... Very grateful for the gift. And promised not to answer the phone like that again. =)

They continued to look for people to help. Searching on random last names to see what would come up. As they were searching a man approached the two. Shirley looked up and said "give me a last name!" The man, confused, said what do you mean? "This woman is a secret santa and wants to pay off a layaway. We're searching names. We need another to search on." He said, "I don't know, maybe Jones?" Then he approached the woman and said, "We're in the same boat. I'm here to do the same thing." The woman suggested they work together. As they chatted a moment a couple approached the counter with a cart full of toys. They both looked back and had the same idea. He handed over the money he had and said to apply it to their cart, and said he had to leave. The woman told Shirley to ring them up. Between the man's cash and her they would buy the cart of toys.

Shirley called the couple up. In a manner that the woman had grown to know was "all shirley" she said, "miss!! Today is your lucky day! You've got two secret santas that want to make sure you go home with your babies presents TODAY! Not tomorrow... Today!!" The woman was confused, understandably. Shirley explained that two people were going to pay for all of her things. She was visibly shaken. Her hands were shaking as she unloaded her cart onto the counter. As the total was completed the woman went forward with the cash from the other man and paid that. She then paid the balance of the bill. Standing shoulder to shoulder the woman quietly stood at the counter. Neither really knew what to do at this point. The woman who had just paid for the toys gently touched her shoulder and whispered "Merry Christmas". The woman turned around and with a grin bigger than can be described in words, a few tears in her eyes, and whispered, "Thank you. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas."

"Shirley, do you need any thing else from me?" - Shirley demanded a hug and a wished the woman a wonderful Christmas and a very blessed new year.

As the woman left the store she too had tears in her eyes. Tears of gratitude and happiness.  It's easy to get caught up in the swirl of your own holiday drama. Lose sight of the reward of giving to others not for the sake of receiving, but just to give.

I realize that many have their own financial challenges right now. And perhaps you can't do it now. Maybe you can next month, 6 months from now... or even next year.  The gifts of kindness don't have to be large. Buying the car behind you in the drive-through their milkshake or coffee... paying for the car behind you at the toll booth... dropping off a tin of cookies at the home of someone having a rough time... Anonymously... Think of your own creative ideas.

Small acts of kindness can be done throughout the year and I guarantee you will make someone's day... Maybe even yours.

Love,
Darlene

Some links to stories about the Layaway Angels...
Layaway Angels Story

Another Great Story

Holiday Fun @ the Beach

This weekend we took a trip to Myrtle Beach. It's been one that we'd planned since the last time we were there in October... when the washer broke... and the dryer started clanging. =)

The day after Thanksgiving we caught a black friday sale and bought a set. Nothing like my beauties at home. They're functional. Not pretty. It'll do.

We were prepared for drama as we ordered them, via phone, from a store in Raleigh (the only store in the country evidently that had them on sale) to be delivered to Myrtle Beach SC by a delivery company that the Raleigh store had no contact information for. Seems perfectly ripe for trouble. And it wasn't. We were very pleasantly surprised.

While we were there we (okay, I) decided it would be a good time to get our family holiday pictures taken. Each year since Katherine has been born we've had pictures taken. Always in Raleigh... and always with 500 other people. When we had Katherine's 3 y/o pictures taken we did them at the same studio place that we use in Raleigh: Portrait Innovations - just at their MB location. We were the only people there. It was AWESOME!!! I figured winter at the beach probably wouldn't be very crowded.  I was right. :)

Pictures were fun. K takes instructions for photos very well. Posing and smiling. She even practiced in the car on the way over. Every time I would turn around she'd give me her "picture smile". She's so funny. Even Stephen got into the spirit. He says he was excited to go this year... I think it's suspicious but he didn't complain even for a second.

After pictures we had a yummy breakfast. It was most memorable because of the GIANT bowl of whipped cream the server brought Katherine and Stephen. It was a race for the spoons I tell you! They couldn't get to them fast enough to be the first one to dive into the bowl. Needless to say there was not a drop of whipped cream left.

Breakfast was followed by a trip to the beach. When we arrived we heard a siren coming down the road so we waited so Katherine could see the fire engine. We just didn't realize how close the scene the fire engine was headed to was to us! There was a brush fire just up the beach that the firemen went and took care of. They were very quick. The fire was put out quickly with no harm done to any of the (very) close beach homes.

While we were there Katherine wanted to run down the beach. This is seemingly fine, right? Except she was wearing jeans. And jeans fall down, scratch that: OFF, Katherine. She's 3.5, 28lbs and 37" tall... Pants length are a 3T. Waist... not so much. More like 12-18 months... so I try to compromise the size... 24mo. And still... they fall. She thinks it's hysterical. On the beach, with no one around, I'll admit - quite amusing. Other times... (i.e. in the jump house when I've forgotten that the jeans will fall down) Not so funny. #mommyfeelslikeafool

There were many...

Many times... Her pants had to be pulled up.

We did manage to get a few publicly acceptable pictures that did not involve behinds... (again, thankful we were the only ones on the beach!)

Then I tried to write something in the sand with her and take a picture. The water came up to meet us. Katherine was faster than I was.

Just a few letters washed away... oops. =) 

After the beach we went home and hit the pavement... running that is. Katherine joined in the last .25 mi or so and after two blocks looked at me and said "Mommy *gasp* you wear me OUT!" <- Phrase I say often to Katherine.

On our way home on Sunday we stopped off in the Fayetteville area to visit my sister and parents. They were up from FL to help my sister pack and do some repairs on her house. She's moving to Raleigh and attending NC State. We're pretty excited that she'll be so close... Although we're not sure we'll see her any more often than we do now. Girl is registered for a 17 credit semester. Eep!!!

Katherine had some fun with with the 'rents. Cuddles with Tootsie, general taunting of Aunt Nikki and lots o'tickles with Poppy. Poppy attempted to try on Katherine's coat. Evidently it didn't fit him. I know. We were all shocked.

Fun weekend... Another fun one approaching. A 3 day weekend with my <3 s!! = FUN (and maybe a few "you wear me OUTs")

We hope everyone celebrating Christmas on the 25th has a wonderful holiday weekend!!

xo
Darlene, Stephen & Katherine

Pictures from our photo shoot

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PS: This is from one night last week when Katherine said she was "running upstairs to put (her) PJs on"  Seriously. WTC.

Sock, pants, shirt, sock... At least she kept her panties on. *sigh* 

Holiday Festivities

Allscripts Kids Holiday Party

For the last several years we've hosted a holiday party. This year, we'll admit, we went back and forth on whether to have one or not. Most of our weekends have been pretty packed with events. It seems as if it's been that way since August. I looked back and that really is the case. We've had one, maybe two, weekends without something planned. At the end of the day we figured... What's one more? :)

We decided this year to scale the party back a little and switch it from a Saturday night to a Sunday afternoon. We invited people that have been our "rocks" through this year.  As I looked around the room this afternoon I smiled happily that our Raleigh family was here with us, as they have been all year. A few were missing, but were thought of: Marie, Tim & Jason, Michelle, BArry, The Miles, The Sigmons and The Highs.

We also had a few of our new family friends over to celebrate with us. Katherine had more friends over today than I think may have ever had over! :) It was great! They made some crafts, colored some pictures and had a good time playing with toys and games. At least I think so. :)

Our friends!
Missing a couple of friends who were playing elsewhere...  (K was trying to wink!) 

I'll leave you with some pictures of the day and again say how grateful I am that we have so many wonderful friends and my sister Nicole so close to us.

Merry Christmas!
D, S & K
xo

Striking a pose before heading to the kids holiday party at Allscripts.

Laying by the Christmas tree

Ready for the party to begin!

Some of the foods... 

More of the foods... 

Desserts!!!

The Cupcake Shoppe cupcakes... So yummy!!!!

K Keeping watch over the desserts... It was a tough job.

She'd sample some desserts... This was a piece of chocolate.... I didn't get the picture following chocolate fondue where she (literally) licked the plate. 

Devon & Corey... Tweeting one another.  About the cupcakes. (<3 these boys!!!)

The boys playing with Fluffy... (toy dog)
 

Some of our nearest & dearest 

Annnd the melt down... At least she does it lady-like.

St Nicholas Day

Each year Stephen mentions to me that growing up he used to celebrate St Nicholas Day with his family. It was the day that St Nick came to his house and filled a stocking for each member of the family. Each year we remember AFTER St Nicholas Day. This year I was determined to ensure that didn't happen again. I knew the day was in December, but when? Not sure. I know what you're thinking - Ask SA. For the first 8 years we were together he had to confirm my birthday before filling out a form. Non-starter.

What's a girl to do when they don't know the answer to a question? Right. Google it!!! I did. It said December 6th. Awesome. I had two days to get us ready to go. Only... I didn't google the right thing. (Which subsequently resulted in the husband indicating I need a lesson in google-fu. <- nice.)

I googled "when is St Nicholas Day". NOT "when is St Nicholas Day on the Julian Calendar". The answer to the former (Gregorian calendar) is 12/6. The Julian Calendar (which is the calendar we use to celebrate all holidays) says 12/19. Given the hype we'd already made about St Nicholas coming... He had to come on 12/6. I attempted to say that mommy had the dates wrong and the tears were immediate and plentiful. Just kidding sweetie. Forget I ever said that! *Yikes*

We'd made some cards for St Nick and Santa on Sunday afternoon. We're still working on the whole Christmas is more about love, family and sharing than presents, but at the tender age of 3.5... "present" is a pretty powerful word. We've now moved to we have presents to celebrate baby Jesus' birthday. She really digs that Jesus shares his presents with everyone through Santa. I'll be honest here folks, I'm sure there are better ways to explain things but we're doing the best we can. She knows that Jesus is God's son. She knows that Christmas is His birthday. And she knows the "queen" is Mary. (We're working on who Joseph is... It's a rather difficult concept.)

Last night we left out two cookies, one for St Nick and one for him to take to Santa - because they're BFFs you know, milk and our cards.

Our stockings were hung over the side of the railing above the foyer and off to sleep she went.

It was the first night in weeks that she hasn't gotten up multiple times to go potty before finally going to sleep so she was up at 6:45am. She had been told that she couldn't touch her stocking or go to it until Mommy and Daddy went with her. As soon as we heard her finishing in the bathroom I went to go check out the scene. St Nick had come during the night and left some pretty awesome treasures. K craned her neck as best as she could on her way back to her room to try to see what was stuffed in the stocking. When I went to get her she said she didn't know what St Nick had left for her.

As we walked out of her room I had her cover her eyes and follow me. She giggled all the way. When we arrived at the stockings she was pretty excited, to say the least. =)

Listen as she looks at a few things...

We took our stockings to the big bed to see what treasures St Nick had left for us. Here's a few minutes of our fun... Click here to watch the fun!

After we went through our stockings we went downstairs to see if St Nick had eaten the cookies and taken the cards we'd made. I'll say he did... And had some fun with Snowy and some marshmallows too!! He even left us a letter!!! We were all pretty excited! 

St Nick left us a letter and a few marshmallows on the plate. One even had a bite out of it!!! Whoa!!!

Evidently Snowy gave St Nick some marshmallows as a snack - Guess the cookies weren't enough?!

After all of our morning excitement we still had to get on with our day... Off to school and work. Tonight we had some extra fun reading our new books & eating a santa hat cupcake. =) Yumm!! *Thanks Tootsie for the idea!!*

I'll leave you with some pictures I had some fun with using an app on my phone. ;) 

Happy St Nicholas Day! xo

D, S & K