Winter Wonderland

I must admit, I was hoping that the forecasts were wrong. We had big plans on Friday to go visit Carla and then a double date with Brandon and Amanda (and for a stay-at-home-mom who doesn't get out very much this is pretty huge). Well, the forecasts were right and we got ice and snow - and a lot of it! I got over my disappointment pretty fast, and we have had a great time playing outside. Ava just loves it. The first thing she did was lay on the ground and make snow angels. Sam was not so sure at first, but every time we go outside he likes it a little bit more.

Ava catching some snowflakes with her tongue

I said "smile" and this is what I got - hee hee!

James and Ava looking for deer (or reindeer as Ava says) tracks across the street!

We did try to build a snowman, but on my 3rd attempt that Sam destroyed I gave up :) Maybe next year!!

What We're Reading

We (and by we I mean Ava) are completely into the Fancy Nancy series right now. We have four of the books and I have read each of them about 4,089,763,721,085 times! She has even started calling Elle "Frenchy."


Ava really likes just about every Dr. Seuss book. Her favorites are There's a Wocket in My Pocket, Oh! The Thinks You Can Think, and Green Eggs and Ham. The last one was my favorite growing up, so I am really glad she likes it.

We both really like Olivia. Every time I read this particular book to her there is a line where Olivia's mom says, "You know, you really wear me out, but I love you anyway." Every time Ava says, "I love you anyway too, Mom."

I wish that I had a list of Sam's favorite books, but sadly he won't sit still long enough yet. Maybe one day!!

On a side note, the weather was really nice yesterday so we went outside for a little while. Sam has been sick all week, so this was a nice little break from going completely stir-crazy.

I let Ava pick out her clothes yesterday since we were not going anywhere. She initially picked out a hat with nothing else, then she spotted this in the closet and had to wear it. Naturally!

This poor little guy has just been miserable this week. It is hard to watch him not have an appetite and lay around because he is usually the opposite. And he is a terrible patient. When he doesn't feel good, nobody else in the house does either!

I hope everyone is having a happy week!

Long Time No Blog

I would like to introduce you to my new bff's--

School has started and life has gotten crazy again. There are a lot of late nights in my future. In addition to this, we are renovating a room in our house, and I have started working for James in his office two days a week. I have so many great blog ideas and so little time. I am confident that I can get it together soon and give this blog the attention it deserves!

My little artist

along with her assistant.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the great gift!!

Happy Birthday James

James celebrated his birthday on Monday (and yes I am a little behind with this post). The kids and I spent the day decorating the house, making a cake, and cooking a birthday worthy dinner. Ava was just so excited about it - she has asked every morning since if it is Daddy's birthday and/or her birthday.

The best part of making the cake!

Happy Birthday Daddy!! Check out the remnants of Sam's lasagna - that was really fun to clean up!

The morning of James' birthday we woke up to snow. It was really a pitiful amount, but it was still pretty coming down and the kids and I went outside and played for a little while.

Happy Birthday James - we love you!!

2010

This is how we spent our New Year's Eve - big party at 6:45. Then I was sound asleep at midnight! Ava had a blast as you can see - Sam was not too thrilled about the hat. I have been working on my list of resolutions for the new year.

1. Cook healthier. I am not bad - really. We rarely eat out and I really try to put out fruits and vegetables at every meal. But I really want to cook organic when I can and work on using more fresh fruits and vegetables. I also want to make something with fish at least twice a week!

2. Finish decorating the house. We moved in when I was 6 months pregnant with Ava and I have not slowed down since. Of course, there is stuff in every room, but I don't feel like it is completely decorated.

3. Plan date nights at least once a month. It really should be more often (like once a week), but with James' crazy schedule that is really impossible.

4. Be a better friend. Like most people, after I had kids I just became a crazy person. I need to send notes and cards more often and really make more time for my friends.

5. Take it easy on myself. Sometimes I can be really hard on myself - especially as a mother. I always think I am doing too much or not enough, and I worry about what other people are thinking. I really am going to try not to do that and just enjoy all of the blessings that I have in my life.

Happy New Year!