2009 has been a tough year for my family.  We've felt a large hurt from our declining economy, we've moved out of our house back to an apartment, I was laid off from my job, Grasen and I decided to part ways (as a couple, though he's still my best friend), Christmas theives decided to destroy my truck...all in all we were prepared for a pretty crappy Christmas.

This year, I felt the Christmas spirit like no other.  My friends and family all banned together to ensure that the kids didn't feel the same hurt as we were feeling.  The love and thoughtfulness that the Downfall community showed us will never be forgotten.  Words can never express how grateful I am to those of you who found it in your hearts to lend a hand.

The kids had a fantastic day, thanks to the love of others.  I've put together some pictures from our Christmas that DF helped make happen.

To each of you who sent money, or went shopping for the kids, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I hope your Christmas was full of as much joy and love as you filled ours with.

With much love,
Christine

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First a  BIG THANK YOU to all the downfall members who helped make this christmas one of..... NO THE BEST christmas ever lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!! With all the money yall sent helped give me new school and out of school clothes ! I love all the clothes
and all the stuff i have.!!!Again thank you for all your support at a
time we needed it!!!!

love to you all,

Maliah

Opening Day MSA (Soccer)

2009 Art Park Ribbon Cutting

Pictures!

Click for Full Picture Set

Cutz & Dyez - Click!

I finally caved and put chemicals on the hair of an 11yr old.  Not to shabby for a home job.  And I will NOT be cutting my son's hair again anytime soon...I don't care how many people ask how old "she" is...he and I are NOT happy about the cut.

This yuletide season started off a little hairy for us...money was tight bills were due.  We managed to some how pull it off and the kids had a great day.  I don't think the joy in their eyes on Dec. 25th could even compare to the joy that I received yesterday.

For those of you who have talked to me at length may know that I have a 16 year old daughter that I gave up for adoption at birth.  If you weren't aware, it's just because it's something that hasn't come up in conversations, as it's not something I've ever hide.  I had contact with the family that I chose to raise my baby for almost 10 years.  Due to some staffing changes in the South Carolina office, we lost touch about 6 years ago.  While this broke my heart...I moved on and kept reminding myself her 18th birthday is coming soon...and I had all the hope in the world that she will want to find me when she is able.

I was a complete slacker and didn't touch my email much over the holiday and the following weekend.  On Sunday I noticed I had a new friend request and an message.  I just looked over as I do most myspace things at first.  I figured I'd check it later.  I walk into work yesterday morning, open my Outlook (work email) and then open Yahoo Messenger....which reminds me I have mail...so I open that bad boy up and see the myspace reminder...ok let's see who this is....

If you haven't already guessed...yes the add and message were from my daughter!!!!!!!!  I spent most of my day yesterday chatting with her on instant messanger then a good 3-4 hours last night on the phone with her.  I can't even begin to tell you how much joy this has brought me...Xmas 2008 will go down in the history books for me.

Here are a few pictures of my first born I'd like to share with my second family...

https://www.n1gallery.com/g2/v/cpatterson/taryn/

She has grown into such a wonderful young lady.  She's smart, she's beautiful..and a bit of proof heredity can sometimes outweigh environment she has the EXACT same personality as Mia, and I.  The connection between us and the connection with her little sister were instant.

So that my friends was my xmas miracle, no it wasn't a chain saw...nor a fishing pole...but the gift of a complete heart, having all 3 of my children in my life.

Edit by Grasen: You spelt amazing wrong.

Edit by Aidin : This from the king of spelling himself? gahhh...

I'm a glutton for punishment...I max out a profession and realize something else would have been smarter...or lvl an alt and rearrange and start all over...lol

I realized that I have to buy herbs way to much. Aidin was an herbalist...but there's only so many herbs between the Summoning Stong/Flight Path and the instances....she never really goes anywhere but 5, 10, and 25 mans. So there sits a 375 profession that is absolutely useless.....

Then there's Friks...Who flys around on her epic flyer, kills horde, skins clefthoof leather for phat bank while waiting on arenas to pop. I can't count the times where I go "ooooh Dreaming Glory!...fuck can't pick it"

So off to unlearn some professions...Friks is now an herbalist (322 atm) and Aidin and Alchemist (315 atm)

My plan is to have them both maxed by Saturday...I will be pot spec'ed. So if you have pots you need made...pls pls pls let me make them for points, or discoveries!

Now for my nonsense - I'm gonna track my goals and progress in this blog so I don't lose the tiny piece of paper it would be on otherwise..lol

If you have any mats or CDs you'd be willing to help out with I'll owe you big times!

DONE - Get to 325 or 350 stupid sites all say something different. Start the specialization quest. Trained by Lauranna Thar'well in Cenarion Refuge, Zangarmarsh [80, 64]. This quest requires:

• Botanist's Field Guide from High Botanist Freywinn in The Botanica, Tempest Keep
• Super Healing Potion ×5
• Super Mana Potion ×5
• Major Dreamless Sleep Potion ×5

**Get [item]Tool: Philosopher's Stone[/item] from Alchemist Pestlezugg in Tanaris.

• 4x [Iron Bar]
• 1x [Black Vitriol]
• 4x [Purple Lotus] - on Aidin
• 4x [Firebloom] - on bank alt