2009

Wow, as I look back at 2009, it's amazing that the year is already gone. Of course, the highlight of the year was the birth of our sweet baby girl. It doesn't take long to realize that you can no longer imagine life without her in it. The kids are all such buddies and I look forward to watching their relationships grow in the new year. Sis will no doubt learn how to get her brothers attention even more and they will no doubt learn how to keep her laughing and entertained. I have enjoyed seeing how much older D seems now that he is in school everyday. I am going to try and enjoy all the time I have with him, because come next fall, he will be in 1st grade and away from me all day during the week. O continues to challenge my patience and then give me the sweetest smile, hug and kiss. He is a very sweet 4-year-old and his independence has been nice with all the changes that have occurred this year. We have been blessed as a family of five and look forward to the growth of our children and all that that has to offer. Happy New Year!

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

I could hardly stand it today when I woke up from my nap with my sweetpea and saw it snowing. The minute the boys got home, we rushed out to play in it. We built a snowman and had a snowball fight. And of course, when we came in, we had hot chocolate. The snow is suppose to melt by tomorrow, which is the more typical snow here. That is why usually (last year excluded), you play in the snow the minute it comes. Baby girl seemed to enjoy her first taste of snow.

Christmas

This was such a great Christmas. Our first Christmas as a family of five! The boys were at the perfect age to enjoy the excitement and anticipation. They were very excited about Santa coming and we left out enough food for an army-cookies, gingerbread house, frosted xmas tree, milk, and carrots for the reindeer! Opening presents was a blast! They were out on their bikes, scooters and skateboard by 8 am in 28 degree weather. They were totally worn out by the evening and fell asleep almost as quickly as their heads hit the pillow. This may be my favorite Christmas ever!

SANTA

Christmas Programs

We had 3 Christmas programs to attend this year for our family. Both boys were in the church Christmas program and then they each had one for their schools. They both did a great job. O was very funny as he jumped up and down waving until D saw him during his program. He then came running back to me exclaiming "He saw me, he saw me." As did everyone else attending the show I'm sure.

A Quarter...Really?

So, Friday night, D comes sprinting out of his room to tell us that O swallowed some money. O is crying and holding his throat. After some prompting, we realize that it's not a penny (it's the other color) and that it was probably a quarter. No wonder O's throat hurts. That's a big piece of money. He seemed fine after a while, so we finally got him back to bed about 10:30. The really fun part is that we are still "looking for it". Eventually we will find out for sure if it was a quarter, but until then, we get to enjoy the process!

Santa and Mrs. Claus

We went to a great Mrs. Claus and Santa show on Sunday night at our golf course. The boys were just laughing as Mrs. Claus did her magic tricks. D kept thinking he was catching her doing them wrong and shouted out in his happy glee. It was wonderful to see them enjoying themselves so much. At the end of the show, Santa showed up for photo op and "wish lists". The boys brought homemade pictures for Santa and told him what they wanted. For D, it was all about Star Wars and legos. O didn't really know what to ask for, so since they had a bunny in the show, he asked for a bunny. When we got home, D sweetly told me that it was okay if Santa didn't bring him anything he asked for, he would like anything he got. What a sweet boy!

The Christmas Tree Hunt

So, without too many problems (mainly with Billy), we got our Xmas tree today. It was a beautiful day, just a bit on the chilly side. Of course, we ended up choosing the tree the farthest from the truck, but it looks great in the house. The decorating is all done, with help from the boys, and I am now exhausted! We are ready to bring on the Christmas season.

D is a little devious

We were talking about Xmas presents tonight and Billy told D, after being asked the question, that he hid them in his closet. Immediately after dinner, D started to sneak away. I asked him where he was going and he said to look for Pooh Bear in his room. I snuck back and followed him and caught him red-handed looking for Xmas presents. He thought he was so sneaky! Not 2 minutes later, he disappeared again. This time I caught him with his red desk chair stacked with pillows on top trying to see up in his closet. I scared him so bad, that he fell off the chair. What a little "Billy" I have on my hands!

Sweetie!

My sweet little K is growing up so fast. She already weighs over 12 pounds and is now rolling from her front to her back. It won't be long until she is moving all over the place. Her smile and laugh are the most wonderful things!

O's Artwork

These are O's recent drawings of the family. The second one has baby K in my belly and also out in the world (plus a couple neighbor friends). I love when the drawings start to represent real things.