The Durbin's Night Out!

Durbin and I decided to go OUT (for just 3-4 hours) to see some of our great friends! Amazingly, the picture taking was at a minimum since we were chit-chatting the whole night:) However, here are a few pictures from out "night out!" It was great to see you all and missed those of you who couldn't make it. It was a Tuesday though so we understand:) haha

Grandpa Inkley's Birthday!

For my Dad's 60-something birthday we all went to Bellerive to celebrate! He had a wonderful time with the grandkids there. It was a little hard to get them to both sit on his lap at the same time, but we got it done....and it lasted for about 7 seconds:) It sure was great to see my Dad with his little girl and now his other "little" girl:) Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

Catching up!

So, today I am going to try and "catch up" with what's been going on in our lives! It truly is amazing how having a baby adds 100 to-do things on your daily list:) I'm hoping to have things posted later today so keep your fingers crossed! Hope everyone is well!

The Name Game!

One of my best friends, Darryl, & I were talking about the naming of our children the other day & ironically I received a "babycenter" email about the top 100 names of 2010! It caused me to think....the naming of your children seems to been such a difficult decision. I'll never forget when the topic came up between me & Durbin. It was before I was even pregnant, maybe before we were even married. We mentioned the name Evelyn & it was set. There weren't name books, disagreements, etc. We agreed immediately & without reservation. Easy as pie...that is if we ever had a girl, right?:) We're SOOO happy we didn't pick a name within the top 50 or some popular/trendy name that will phase out! I never wanted my child to have a common name, moreorless be the 10th child in class with the same name! I wanted a classic, traditional, elegant name & apparently from what I hear & read...we got it! Yippy! (Now don't steal it Darryl...hahaha) And the best part is the name Evelyn means "LIFE!" I couldn't have asked for a better meaning!

I never would have thought I would've picked Evelyn, but I'm sure happy we did!!! I just love the name! Who would've thought it would be that easy.... surely not me:)

So, now a couple of my friends are going through the name game & I'm starting to realize just how hard it truly is to name a child. A name....something they will have for the rest of their life! It's such a special, yet difficult decision! If we have more kids.....I hope the second one will be as easy as the first. To all my friends out there going through this process.....I'd suggest drawing a name from a hat:) LOL

check out www.babycenter.com/top-baby-names-2010 to see all the names, their meanings & the trend of their popularity! It's pretty interesting.

Good luck ladies and gents:)

Evy's Breakfast with Santa at Bellerive!

For Evy's first Christmas, we went to Bellerive to have a late breakfast with Santa. It was such a great time seeing all the kids, who were so excited to see Santa & tell him what they wanted for Christmas! I just love how Bellerive always makes these events so meaningful to the kids. (It sure beats going to the mall) They get each and every kid a gift specifically for them. I can't imagine who did all that shopping, but it had to be one of best shopping excursions ever:)

Here are a few pictures of Evy and her special day....better late than never, right?!

Our Family

Daddy & Evy


Grandpa Jack & Grandma Cathy

Hmmmm....I'm exhausted:)

Evy's 1st Amazing Christmas!

It's hard to even put into words just how special this Christmas has been. Being surrounded by loved ones, family and friends, has been a true blessing. The first Christmas with your little one is one that truly takes your breath away. We are so happy that Evy seemed enjoyed every minute of the past two days. It's nice that she's old enough to be inqusitive and cognisant of her surroundings so she can laugh and giggle and enjoy all of the gifts Santa brought her:) That's makes it even more fun! She sure was spoiled this year:) Shocker, right?

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve day with Grandma and Grandpa Inkley followed by Grandma and Grandpa Durbin. Today we celebrated again with Grandma and Grandpa Inkley along with John, Melissa and little Jack....the future guitar hero:)...Thanks for coming over guys! Daddy had to go into work so Mommy and Evy surprised him later in the day! He was so excited to see us:) We just love daddy!

It was wonderful to see Jack and Evy together. Jack seemed to think Evy was his little student and Evy sure thought it was nice to have another little one around here....at least someone around her size:)

I'm sure I'm the typical first time parent, taking millions of pictures, but I couldn't stand to miss a beat! There's just something about watching a little girl open up, with assistance of course, her first Christmas gifts from Santa. Those little girls sure find a way to take your breath away...I guess that's why there's so many songs about "little girls!" :)

Celebrating as a family has been wonderful. It's so nice to have all of our parents still be together...married for years.... and to be such great role models for our children. Celebrating all these memorable holidays together is what life is about. They all seem to have a blast with Evy and Jack! We are all so lucky to have such wonderful, blessed, and joy filled lives. I thank GOD every day for all of my blessings....especially my whole family! I can't believe I lucked out with such an amazing husband and beautiful daughter....Santa must love me:) LOL

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Evy's tree and all of her gifts

Our family....

Evy's first chair

Grandma Inkley, Myself with Jack,
Grandpa Inkley, John w/ Evy

We surprise Daddy at work:)

Jack, Myself and Evy

Evy with her new Piggy bath toys:)

Our family after we mastered all of Evy's gifts:)

Grandpa Inkley and Evy....just like Daddy's girl...

now it's Grandpa's girl!

I love my new Chair......now where

are all my other presents:)

Grandpa & Grandma Inkley w/ Evy

Soooo....where do I even start??? Hmmmmm

Santa must've really thought I was good this year:)

Evy dancing on Grandpa Jack

Grandpa Durbin & Evy

Evy and Jack

Need I say more....they're having a blast together

Jack, Evy, John and Melissa....adorable

What a day...I'm exhausted:) Thanks Santa

Look at my big blue eyes:)

May I have some more COOL WHIP please??

A Day of Losses:(

Today was a sad day, to say the least. Tonight I found out some very sad news. A dear friend of mine died from plastic surgery she had a couple years ago...implants. She had a top surgeon and the "new FDA approved silicone" implants, which clearly aren't that safe!!! She kept saying she just wanted to feel better about herself. We talked day in and day out before her surgery and not even a week after, she told me she regretted doing it. She wished people could just be happy with what GOD gave them. It's not about what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside. Her whole persona changed. I can't believe what our world has come to. Wear this, wear that. Look this way, look that way! She left me a note, which I can't stop rereading. She said to spread the word that plastic surgery is not the way to go...it's too risky. She said she wishes she would've been smarter & not so superficial. To think about what a beautiful person she was before the surgery and now she isn't here to celebrate all the monumental moments that will come in life. She wishes/hopes that people will hear this story. Be proud of who you are....why are people so insecure and focused on their bodies? Where is there self-esteem? There are not words to describe how much she will be missed. How many people will miss out on knowing her as well. Part of me is angry and the other part is soooo sad. I tried to talk her out of it....I wish I would've tried harder. She had such high spirits even in her final days...she even tried to make jokes with her PSP slogan....plastic surgery is pathetic! She was a smart one, wasn't she? I guess I can say she lost her battle, but not her sense of humor.

So, just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse, it did. I received a call from my friend who lost her baby. Words can't even begin to describe her pain! Healing is the hardest part, and it takes an unknown amount of time. Make sure to tend to your needs first sweetie. The emptiness is such a hard void to even begin to fill. You and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers. Be good to yourselves, especially this holiday season. You will be blessed with your little one before you know it. We love you:)

And sure enough, the day wasn't over yet. I found out a friends father passed away of a staph infection. He was in his 50's...too young! He was a friend from high school and even a prom date. His father was a fun, entertaining and kind man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well. He seems to be in good spirits and I hope he can find peace, especially through this holiday season.

Jumparoo Evy

Evy is enjoying every second in her jumparoo! It's so nice that she's finally able to use it.....she's actually abusing it:) Occassionally she jumps for what seems hours on end and next thing you know she's passed out! Yes, she exerts all her energy and falls asleep in mid-bounce! It's actually pretty hilarious! I'm sure we'll have more videos to come since she has more toys behind the scenes that she just can't use yet! Thankfully they put the ages on these things since I'd have no clue when it's appropriate for my sweet pea to climb on in:)

Evy's Waiting For SANTA:)

Well, Evy told me today that she is super duper excited for Santa to come down our chimmney:) So, we threw on her Santa hat and she jumped and jumped until she fell asleep! I'm sure we'll do it all again tomorrow:)

Annual 126 Guard Christmas Party!

Last night Durbin, Evy & I attended the annual Air Force Guard Christmas Party!!! Although we only anticipated staying an hour, Evy was on her best behavior, which was no surprise! Not a peep from our little Angel and we were having a great time so that hour turned into four! We love taking Evy everywhere with us. That's why we had a child...to spend time with her. She's our little tag-a-long:) We wouldn't have it any other way!

Now, onto the pics from the evening. It seems that the gift exchange is getting better each year. Maybe "better" isn't the most appropriate word....maybe I should say "interesting!" I don't even need to add captions. These pictures speak for themselves! If only I would've video taped the night....maybe next year:) LOL

The Durbins and the little Durbinator:)

Daddy & Evy

Grandma and Evy

Brandy & Jason....wait til you see Brandy later

Col. Cornelius

Here's Brandy...later....LOL

Ray likes Justin Beiber!

I'm not sure what to say!

Heather & Tim....I remember them on their

wedding day and now this..

Cameron & I...I miss that little man:)

Els and Evy...he's a natural