2007 Summary

What a year! If we could summarize this year we'd say it was a year of hard work and challenges, and not enough time to play. We had a great start to the year with vacations and time together as a family. We were thrilled of news of twins in July, but then life changed quickly. I've spent the past 6 months in my own little cave of sickness with far too many hospital visits. Meanwhile, Nick has been overwhelmingly busy with businesses and home projects.

However, in the end, we are very proud of ourselves for making it through the challenges this year has brought to us, as it turns out we've had a successful year afterall. Our College Property buisness is blooming, as we purchased 5 more houses this year for a total of 20 rentals. After a year of negotiations Nick is now the owner of Reuter Walton Construction and moved the office to a new, priceless location on Lake Calhoun. As for my job, I'm still sad about leaving the Humane Society but I'm looking forward to staying home with Ethan and the twins. Maybe I'll have more time next year to get back into helping with the college properties.

In summary, we are really looking foward to a fun-filled 2008!!!!

Here is a look back at 2007....

December 07-

We love you Solomon

November 07-

Thanksgiving in Iowa

October 07-

Thomas the Train!

September 07-

Still sick, but made it to the cabin

August 07-

Ethan & Nick at Annual Winn campout

July07-

Ethan's 3rd Birthday

June07-

House packed with foster animals

May07-

Ethan and BFF Murphy at park bike parade

April 07-

Bre visits Lorna in Seattle

March 07-

"Paint a Plate" with Grandma

February07-
Rooney and Walton families vacation in Cozumel

January 07-

Hunkered down in the house while snowing

Farewell 2007! We look forward to a wonderful 2008!!!

Goodbye Vegetarian Diet

As you all know, I've been a Vegetarian for about 8 years now. An old roommate in Boulder gave me the life-changing book Old McDonald's Factory Farm. Within 24 hours I had read the entire book and stopped eating meat immediately. The book opened my eyes not just to the horrible factory farm's treatment of animals but to the poor quality of meat produced and the horrendous damage these farms have on our environment. The environmental impact is HUGE...

OK, I don't want this blog to be a lesson for you, but you know how strongly I feel about environmental issues.

With that said, I'm forced to do something I really don't want to do....EAT MEAT! On Thursday my doctor told me I have Iron-Deficiency Anemia, which explains my fatigue and dizziness over the past couple weeks. However, my body will not allow me to take any vitamins. Even a children's chewable vitamin will make me vomit. Therefore, there is only one solution. I'm supposed to eat red meat at least 3 times a week. The babies' growth will be affected by my anemia and they're growth and weight gain will slow down unless I boost my levels. I guess I'll be having steak for Christmas (from our local co-op).

Don't worry, I'll be back to my veggie-eating, "granola", "tree-hugging" self after the babes are born. The things I do for my children!

Christmas Traditions

Here are a couple fun pictures from this morning's cookie decorating party. My mom, Shalene (my little sister:) and I have a tradition of splashing each other with frosting every December, which some people may call "decorating Christmas cookies." This year was a mellow year and more frosting made it to the cookies rather than Shalene's face.

Long time no blog!
Life has been pretty busy these days and I've been spending my spare time on the couch as directed by my doctor. We are now in the 27th week of pregnancy. The twins weigh about 2lbs, 5oz. each and are 15in. long. We have doctor appointments and/or ultrasounds every 2 weeks to check measurements and growth of me and the twins. My belly is HUGE, as I'm measuring at 35 weeks along, which is right on track. I will continue to measure 6-8 weeks ahead of a "normal" singleton pregnancy. These days I'm often asked "when are you due, any day now?" and they are shocked when I tell them I still have a couple more months. My goal is to rest as much as possible to avoid official bed rest. So far, so good.