Days with the Dorans

Confession time... At the time of my writing this it is actually March (early March at least). I have been so behind in my family blogging- because of life primarily but let's face it- I've been better at keeping up before. I blame my lax on THIS post. The end-of-year-review is tough... I asked everyone and this is what we came up with. I then had to go back and grab the the pictures. I decided to make things easier and not provide links this year- let's face it- I'll know how to find everything. Mama needs her book though so here we go... (in no particular order) 1. The Year of Running- Though Z did run XC too this was certainly Joey's year for running. He really turned it up in the end of the season and went out with a bang which earned him his Varsity letter- And YAY!!! He's going to keep running. Let's not forget ME! I ran my first (and maybe only) half marathon and lived to blog about it! That was super huge but I am equally proud of the fact t...

The last post of the year before I order my blog book (which is currently 39% off so I need to kick this out) is the Year in Review. It takes a bit because I link each post with more information so if you want to read more, click on the bold type and it will take you to the original post. I love looking back and much is the same with us Dorans- soccer, dance, running, music~ Here are the highlights (and a low-light) that we'll remember in 2017. 1. Sean loses his first tooth - I was actually surprised this happened in 2017 because by Christmas this kid was asking for his TWO front teeth! Lots of tooth fairy visits for this kid! I've linked both of those awesome events! 2. Z Enters Double Digits and Ali is a Teen - It was a year of big birthdays! I can't believe how fast our kids are growing but these milestone birthdays are always something to celebrate!! 3. The Year of Jeff- It was a great year for Jeff! I'd say his head is in a good place mostly due...

So what a year we had! There was much sadness in 2016... A lot of famous people I grew up with passed away~ George Michael, Prince, David Bowie and Carrie Fisher to name just a few! We also had that election which brought out a lot of ugliness. So I am very happy to see 2016 go but with it we got a lot of great things including new friends and new grades (for me too). It was hard to choose just 10 (and I actually chose 11). Honorable mentions go to: fun concerts, games, WMU Rowing the Boat, having a teenager, hair donations from me and Al, Jeff playing for Money at the Glengary Inn and all the great sports seasons the kids had. But I did pick the following top 10 (in no particular order except that last one...). To read in more detail, just click on the the number/ heading. 1. Singing to my Nana. I can't put into words what this moment meant to me. I think it may have been the highlight of the year. I have missed my Nana who has been stolen by dementia. We got a glimpse ...

How we really look... It's that time of year again!!  I've spent almost all day playing catch-up on my blog because after THIS post I get to order my blog book for 2015.  So here they are... Our Top Ten Memorable Moments of 2015 according to Jeff and me... (and you can read more about each event because I've included links... just put your mouse over linked words and click for more!) The Doran Kids meeting Cousin Jack 1. JACK PAUL IS BORN! Words cannot express how happy I was when Jodi delivered Jack Paul. We also got to see him be baptized up north.  What a joy he is and I'm also excited because I know in 2016 one our our "Top Tens" will include his little brother! Practicing at the Eye Doctor 2. ALI JANE GETS CONTACTS! It was not an easy process but Ali now wears contacts most of the time.  They were great for rainy/snowy soccer games and tumbling. Now both Mom and Daughter wear contacts! Gosh I Miss Him  3. SAYING GOODBYE T...

This is by far my favorite post of the year!  It's time to look back at our year and try to pick our "Top Ten."  I'm getting ready to turn 2014 into a book so Jeff and I sat down to reflect and both agreed 100% with our top ten!  There's a reason we've been happily married for 13 years!  Here they are~ In no particular order except for #1. 10. It was the year of TEETH!  Joey had his expander (back in January which feels forever ago) and got his braces (now on his top AND bottom teeth).  His teeth look so much straighter right now.  It's amazing how fast his braces worked! 10. Sean had his first "successful" trip to the dentist!  He did a great job and also is really good at brushing his own teeth.  My baby may be growing up! 10. And Goosie LOST his first tooth !  He actually lost quite a few teeth this year and by Christmas was able to sing the " All I want for Christmas" song ! 9. Ali can see !  She got her ...