Yet another woman linked to Tiger Woods

Just to clarify, they share a birthday … that's all. That said, I think it's safe to say that Carrie has had the better year of the two (although a big part of that does have to do with a new man in her life.)

The past 12 months have signified a year of change for Carrie.

First, there were the physical changes (most notably feet that swelled to the size of small eastern-European sedans).

Next, came the emotional changes as Carrie experienced a love stronger than anything she had ever known.

Lastly, there was the professional change as Carrie went from career woman to stay-at-home mom and never once looked back.

Add them all up and it's been an amazing year for Carrie and as a result it's been an amazing year for all of us who love her.

Happy birthday.

Two reasons to adopt … not shop.

As some of you might know, I recently began volunteering at the Kansas Humane Society. It's something I'd been wanting to do for years, but my overly sensitive heart had kept my involvement strictly to yearly donations. So now that I've taken the next step, is it as hard as I thought? Yes and no. Sure, every time I go, something tugs at my soul and I almost always leave wishing I could take a couple of the temporary residents home. However, it's those same feelings and the encounters I've had that make me want to go back and do it again.

So far, my work has just consisted on walking dogs and the occasional clean up duty, but the thing I'm amazed with the most is the amount of training most of these dogs have. It's heartbreaking to see the relief on these dogs' faces when they finally get a chance to relieve themselves outside and the way many of them will sit on command. They truly are pets, just waiting for a place to call home.

Both Zoe and Luka are adopted (Luka from the Kansas Humane Society, Zoe from Texas by way of Curt and Cheryl) and I can't imagine our lives, or the world for that matter, without them. So please, the next time you're in need of a little companionship please consider adoption. Even if you are looking for a specific breed, check out your local humane society (you'd be surprised how many of their dogs are purebreds) or look into a breed-specific rescue.

Craig

Crib Notes: Month 7

Just as Thanksgiving came and went, so did Park's seventh month.
And just like all the months of his life so far, the seventh month continued to give us so much to be thankful for ...

- Two lower front teeth that popped through the gums and explained the need for a little extra cuddle time
- That little extra cuddle time that we won't always have
- Two little hands that love to touch everything they get close to: cell phone, jewelry, piano keys, computer keyboard, books, Luka, Zoe, turkey ...
- Thinking dad is the coolest despite his crazy songs, funny dance moves and silly bath time rituals
- The strength and the desire (finally!) to flip over from back to stomach -- especially when he should be napping
- A new little cousin to complain about mom and dad to when he gets older
- The amazing calming power of headphones and how they can make a Shocker basketball game more enjoyable with a seven month old
- Sitting up with just a little assistance
- Sleeping 12 hours at night (with one or two brief interruptions to eat) and becoming a better napper
- Family and friends that love Park as much as we do







To see more from Park's seventh month, visit Craig's online gallery (Password: "Frisco")

The Amazing Maisy

Brace yourself for some serious cuteness. Introducing little Maisy Lou Rawson.




Maisy with big sister Kailey.


Maisy and mom.


Maisy and dad.


Maisy with two proud grandparents.