Surprised?

Yes, it's me, Eldarwen. You know, the girl you've probably forgotten about, because she hasn't posted in nearly a month? lol

That's right, I've decided to come back. That doesn't mean I'm gonna post so much that I resemble a mad woman when she sees a "50% off" sign in the window of her favorite store...

{not my photo}

...but I figured it was time to let you all in on the happenings of the past few weeks. :)

Where to begin? Well, I guess I should start off with the subject that has basically taken over my life lately: babysitting. (Wow, bet you didn't see that one comin'.) Yes, I am still working three days a week, four hours a day. The last few times have been rough, because Munchkin has [apparently] hit the terrible twos... early. I wonder what he'll be like when he's actually two? *cringe* I have a few battle scars, as I call them. He has started biting and slapping me which, of course, I do not allow, but he isn't my kid so it's not like I can pull him aside and swat him. I usually firmly say, "NO!", but that doesn't really work. So, if you ever think about it, please keep Munchkin and me in your prayers. :)

Let's see, what other news do I have for you? Well, our Church did the yearly Christmas Drama we do in December. I played the [proud] roll of an apostle. Yes, to put it bluntly, I played a man, but my face was hardly ever seen, so I'm still able to walk into our Church with some dignity. :P

My friend Taylor @ Excelsior came to visit me last weekend! We had tons of fun and made some great memories! We went to see Tangled (review coming soon), which was the cutest Disney princess movie ever! Seriously, folks, this movie is the-little-puppy-you-saw-on-the-street-and-wanted-to-take-home cute! Probably cuter. (I have a crush on Flynn Rider. ^_^ ...But you didn't hear that from me.)

{not my photo}

Update on my dad: he's doing really well right now! He had his first treatment of Tysabri at the end of last month (November). He'll get an infusion every four weeks, so he's due for another one sometime soon. :) He's done good on it so far, though he's only had one treatment so it's not like we can really say this treatment is working for him, but we could definitely tell a difference in his speech and other functions as soon as he got the infusion. It makes him really tired for the first day or two, but after that he does pretty good. :) Praise God!

Christmas time is here! I can hardly believe it. Where did the time go? It didn't seem like I took a month long break. Hmm. I guess time flies when you're having fun. And I have had fun! I've enjoyed just sitting down and putting together a puzzle, or reading, or watching a movie. I've loved having more free time, even though I've been busier than I anticipated. :) This afternoon we had some friends from our former Church (which is about 2 hours away) come and visit. We had a great time! It's such a blessing to fellowship with some of our close friends, and Church family. I thank God for them all!

My sisters and I received some early Christmas money from some friends of ours and we decided to spend some of it on going to the movies to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (review coming soon), then spending the rest on a gift for one of our sisters (we drew names out of a bowl:). I didn't like this movie anywhere near as much as the first one of the series, or the second. The first is my favorite, and if you thought the second one was cheesy, wait 'til you see the third. lol :D

{not my photo}

Over all I have enjoyed my blogging break! Though I did miss you tons!! I missed reading your blogs, even though before my break I wasn't doing so well at commenting *guilty blush*, and I can't say that's going to be any different. I do read your posts, though, and I will try my best to work on my commenting skills. ;) 

Tomorrow is Caldirwen's 12th birthday, so since I will have yet another SUPER busy day tomorrow (Church, a friend's graduation, then Caldirwen's birthday party) I will do my birthday post for her now. :)

Dear Caldirwen,

Twelve?! Who gave you permission to grow up? Certainly not me. I cannot believe you are going to be 12 years old! Was it not yesterday that you were this knee high, chubby faced, 4 year old who used to ride on my back across parkinglots?

Caldirwen, you are such a sweetie. Yeah, you have your unsweet moments, but you can also be such a selfless, giving, percious little girl. But you're not a little girl anymore. You're going to be 12!! A tween (are you sure?!)! I just wanna keep you little forever!  

My little Caldirwen is growing up....

...but it doesn't matter how old you get. You'll always be my baby sister! :) Thank you God for Caldirwen! I love you, sissy!