Finally after 4 1/2 years!!!!

Finally after 4 and a half years, between Alex and Isabella, I don't have to worry about buying, changing, remembering to take with me, and disposing of ..... DIAPERS!!! Isabella is now officially potty-trained. She wears panties in the daytime and at nighttime. Last week I didn't think that she was quite ready, but over the past few days she did a complete 180. Erik and I are very glad, but I must admit (and I know many will think that I am crazy) it feels a little bittersweet. That is just one more milestone that shows me she is growing further away from being my little baby. I was a little sad when we rearranged their room yesterday without a changing table. Sick, I know!!! I have to admit it is so VERY NICE not having to worry about diapers anymore, but I may not be so pushy with taking her "nap" (pacifier) away! :)

Prayers

I am doing this short update just to ask those of you who read our blogspot to keep some very close family and friends in your prayers for me:

My grandfather: He is still fighting cancer and struggling with his treatments. He did just celebrate his 83rd birthday in February. So that is a blessing in itself. Hopefully with the coming of Spring his spirits will lift and he will be more lively.

My friend, Abby: She was just diagnosed with lupus and is struggling with this life changing illness.

Lastly, but definitely not the least, my Aunt Patty Lynn, my Mom's oldest sister, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few days ago. The doctors do not give a positive outlook, but she is willing to fight the cancer and has started her chemo. Please pray for her to have strength, positivity, and all of the support she needs. (I don't think the support should be a problem with the McIntyre clan, though! :))

So much has happened since my last visit home (well, technically, my home is in Sweden now, but you know what I mean!) and I feel so hopeless and unhelpful being so far away. The kids and I are going to the States in April after Easter for two weeks and it will definitely be a much needed visit for myself and family and friends there.

Oh, one other thing. Luke and Jennifer will be having their ultrasound on Wednesday so please pray that they receive good reports!

The snow has arrived!

I am not sure why I try to kid myself every year by thinking the "BIG ONE" has missed us this year. I should know by now that there will be a big snow around the end of February, first of March every year if it hasn't already arrived. Needless to say, we awoke to more than just a dusting of snow that we have seen over the past weeks.

We promised the kids that we would take them to the small, local ski slope so we all piled on the winter clothes and braved the small blizzard. We didn't stay too long, but we did manage to grill a few hot dogs, drink a little hot chocolate, and do a little sledding.

Friends :)

Miss Priss!

She has a little trouble walking in her "princess" heels, but loves them. I freaked out a little though when I saw her headed up the stairs!

Sushi Night

For some odd reason my children absolutely LOVE sushi. It's even to the point that Alex has chosen sushi over a McDonald's Happy Meal! Anyway, Alex calls Erik often and asks if he is in Stockholm so that he can pick up sushi for us on his way home. Well, needless to say, Alex was lucky on THIS night and we all had our favorite meal!

Random

Here are a couple pictures of the kids while they were home with their Pappa one weekend while I was working.