When it's too cold outside

Jan 23We enjoyed a very sweet Saturday indoors.

I unrolled a long piece of paper down the middle of the table and put out the paints and brushes. The artists could reach the paper from almost any angle and had loads of fun mixing colors and creating.

Winter thankfulness

Jan 8 -16When it's this cold for this long, and the days are more gray than sunny, I have to really look to find things to be thankful for. I am really thankful for this little gal with her sparkling blue eyes and dimpled smile.

I am thankful for the coat and snow pants she wears, passed down from a friend.

I am thankful for the good relationship my kids have with each other.

When I was pregnant with Noah, I hoped and prayed for a boy. I wanted a big brother for my future children. I am thankful that he is the big brother that I hoped for.

I am thankful for our new big yard that will big the backdrop for many hours of play and exploration.
I am thankful for the warm house I sit in so I can be thankful for the snow in which they play.

Big day

Jan 8This was Oliver's first time in the play center.

He feels really big and important here and keeps very busy.

He seems to know it's his special place to be when the kids are busy with their schooling.

Fun with static electricity

Dec. 31It's a little dry around here.

Of course the wonder of the micro-fiber couch is only limited to it's inability to stain.

For all else, it is a pain!

New Year's Eve Eve

Dec. 30

Jayme and Scott are home for Christmas and then some! What a happy reunion.

We enjoyed a sleep over celebration for New Year's.

Oliver getting to know Uncle Scott. Before this visit, Scott had not met Oliver outside the womb. I had traveled to Boston in the Spring when I was about 7 months pregnant.

Hmm, I don't think I ever finished the post of that trip.

Lots of wrestling
Lots of dancing
and dancing . . .
Oh, there was much more dancing too.

Fetch

Dec. 28Cooper brings his toy to Oliver . . . drops it near his hand . . . and waits, muscles twitching for Oliver to throw it for him.

It's going to be a long wait for ya, boy.

Christmas morning in our home

Dec. 25

Hope you had a beautiful Christmas filled with family and friends.

A dog and his boy

Dec. 16

They've been best friends since Oliver was born this summer.

Cooper adores him.

It's hard to believe that as soon as Oliver is mobile, Cooper will steer clear, run and hide and growl in protest of the same little fingers that he once allowed to poke and pull.

It's happened with each of the others, so that is what I'm expecting. But just look at that face.

Those faces.

It's hard to believe it could happen.

And so I hope that this time will be different.

Head to head

Dec. 14

Whilst practicing with the lighting and focus on my newish lens, it seems I interrupted a tete-a-tete between these three friends.

Oliver: "Hi Butterfly. Hi Piglet."

Piglet: "Hi Oliver! How are you?"

Oliver: "I really don't like tummy time. You're looking really pretty Butterfly."

Butterfly just smiles. She's a little shy.

Oliver: "Ugh. Mama . . . a little help please . . . can't . . . lift . . . my . . . head . . . anymore . . ."

"Piglet?"
Oliver: "Is she still there piglet? She has the camera doesn't she."

Piglet: " You're doing great Oliver. You can do it!"

Community Christmas Concert

Dec. 13

The music this year was very challenging, but he did it and really enjoyed it.

Especially Silent Night in German.

Three happy cousins. very musical. very special.

I love the sound of Christmas carols sung by children.

Lit

Dec. 11In the midst of so much change this year, there is just something calming and peaceful about the same old ornaments on our tree.

As smooth as a baby's . . .

Dec. 10
I found this helpful chart here and it may be subject to copyright.

After nearly thirteen years, my dearest shaved his Van Dyke. Then he lets just a little grow back (just enough to get my hopes up) and then shaves it again. It's really taking me awhile to get used to this new look!

How do you prefer your man's face?