Bedtime part 2

More cute pics I took last night and couldn't pass up sharing!:)

Bedtime

We have a tradition of playing on our bed right after bath, right before bedtime. This is our "down time". We love it, it's one of my favorite times of the day! 

Celebrators

Most people celebrate major holidays, birthdays and the occasional anniversary, but then there are those of us who celebrate everything. I'd like to call them "celebrators". Ever met one? They go all out for Easter, 4th of July, Fall, Spring, Birthdays, and maybe they look for something just to celebrate. I grew up with Valentine's Day, well every holiday, being a big deal. This meant my brother and I received a stuffed animal, candy, nice breakfast, and who knows what else throughout they day. There was always something to look forward to on any holiday. Birthdays were awesome; I think I averaged 2 parties for the same birthday. There was always cake, presents and lots of fun to be had. I bring this up because here it is Valentine's Day and I'm trying to explain why I need to buy my 2 year and 6 month old stuffed animals and candy. It really has nothing to do with the "stuff" for me, but in making memories. In celebrating. I want desperately for my children to love to celebrate. I believe God is a celebrator and is full of never ending joy. Holidays bring so much joy to me; probably because of the memories associated with it. If only every day did that. So, here is to making every day a celebration. Of love, life, joy, redemption, contentment and hope! 

*10 Cents for a lollipop, picture of a child's joy PRICELESS!*

Outside

There is nothing better than a beautiful day right in the middle of our winter! I think God gives these days to me to renew my soul. I can't seem to stand being couped up inside and neither can the kids...we love the outdoors! Thank you God! We took advantage of it by going to our local park and then out for a stroll earlier today. Can you believe Evelyn is old enough to sit up in the stroller?! 

Little Chef

Johnathon likes to cook!:) I found this out by trying to prevent a discipline issue (him wanting to throw a fit b/c his breakfast wasn't ready and he was hungry), so I asked him to help. Little did I know that he has great stirring abilities! Here are some adorable pics of our little cook!

Random Pictures

These are pictures I have taken in the past couple days. Our kids are growing up so fast; I pray we have the wisdom to guide them and the patience to teach the lessons needed and that we will listen earnestly to their words. 

Our Home

We have been working on a constant remodel since we have moved into our beloved home. It was built in 1909 and has been clearly loved by all the owners: but definitely needed a little updating! So, my husband labored for many days and nights so that we can now can walk across beautiful tile, lavish wood floors and most importantly- I can put our dishes in the dishwasher in the comfort of our kitchen (the dishwasher used to be in our laundry room of all places!) We tiled until our knees were sore and the shower was full of grout: but it has been so worth it! Here are some pics from our work in progress - and one picture from the snow this weekend! 

Family Pictures by Aja (Fantastic!)

A good friend of ours happens to be a very gifted photographer and she blessed us by offering to take pics of our new family of four...they turned out incredible!! Thank you Aja!!! Your amazing!

Past Pictures : Some of My Favorite Fall Memories

Here are a few of my favorite pics of the kids from the fall! Despite the conflicts I have with the idea of celebrating witches, goblins and all things grotesque, I loved dressing up as a child and always thought of it as a fall celebration. But to be totally honest I like the idea of turning something evil into something good - it's like my little way of rebelling against the evil forces of marketing and darkness!. Whoever said Christians can't have fun has not experienced what this life can be! I almost think I have too much fun dressing them up:)! I think I spent a few too many hours looking for costumes..but I look back at these pics and think it was totally worth it and that I will most likely do the same thing next year!  

Welcome back!!

In case you have not heard; our hard drive crashed on us! Yes, it's been tough not being able to stay in touch and it has made me so incredibly thankful for technology (even with it's frustrations)...which one of those is that when your hard drive crashes, you lose your pics...so for all of you risk takers learn from me back up back up and back up your stuff!!  

So, on with life!! So much has happened since September!! Evelyn is 5 1/2 months and gorgeous!  She has 6 teeth and is well on her way to crawling! Johnathon turned two..yes..TWO!! He is going to do amazing things in this world with his incredibly fun and strong personality. He is still loving his sister and we are truly blessed.  Robert will be in this year's Easter play at our church...it is such an awesome and humbling experience. From now until mid April he will not be shaving or getting a hair cut, so I'll make sure to post plenty of pics! I'm  busy...what other word is there for a mother of two?:)But ENJOYING the moments, they sure do pass quickly! Ok, so now for the pics..I know that's what everyone is waiting for! Here are the most recent, and as I get time  I'll pull some great ones from the past months! We are so glad to be back!