Blessings of 2008

As far as blogging goes, we've somewhat disappeared in the world! Between recent difficulties with our computer and my camera quitting, I've been unable to share photos, therefore, decreasing my excitement to post blogs. I am currently using a loaner camera, however, am unable to upload the photos to my computer. My Christmas present from Kasey, a new camera, should arrive in the mail soon. This will allow me to add photos to my blog and update everyone on our busy holiday season. In the meantime, I've been considering the things have been blessed with this 2008 year.....

THE TOP 10...I MEAN, 11 THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR

11. A WORKING CAMERA!
10. OUR HOME - After many hours of hard work remodeling, we've been in our home for just over a year now. We are reminded often of how blessed we are to have such a nice home.
9. FRIENDS - Each of us our blessed with a number of close friends here within our community. We are so fortunate to find people who share our same interests and who love us.
8. POPCORN, DARK CHOCOLATE, CEREAL and SALSA - Reason #6 might explain this one better!
7. FAMILY - All of our immediate family is within 2 hours from our home. We are so blessed to have family close by to spend time with regularly.
6. A NEW BABY - What an opportunity it has been to be the home of another little one for nine months. We can't wait to meet Baby #3 this spring!
5. SUPER GLUE and THE MAGIC ERASER - Two products that have become new permanents in our home this year.
4. LOLA - Our witty little firecracker never ceases to amaze us. She is a great little helper to mommy, a compassionate sister to Olivia and the new unborn baby, and she adores her daddy. For Thanksgiving this year, when asked what she was thankful for, Lola responded, "apple juice, milk, chairs and Jesus"! Lola is also grateful for playdough, tutus, lip gloss, baths, hotel visits, books, Sunday School, pickles, gum, our dog Wrigley, running, and writing.
3. OLIVIA - Little Miss Sunshine is always smiling. She says very little, but her joy is contagious. In 2008, Olivia has grown to adore shoes, babies, toothbrushes, talking on the phone, juice, cows, books and playing with Lola.
2. KASEY - We celebrated our 7th anniversary on December 22nd. I am so blessed to have a Godly husband as the leader of our home. Kasey is an amazing father, friend and husband. I have married my best friend and am proud of his ability to lead our family.
1. OUR SAVIOR - How useless all this would be without the love and forgiveness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am humbled by my list of blessings as it would not be possible without HIM.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

Whatever 2009 brings, our prayer is to follow in Your good and perfect will.....

A New Chore??

Lola and Olivia each have different "daily" chores to do around the house. Some of Lola's duties include: sorting and putting away clean silverware in the drawer, helping to fold and sort laundry - mostly socks and underwear :), setting the table for dinner, and putting away toys after playing. Olivia's duties include: helping put wet laundry into the dryer, putting away toys after playing and - her favorite - throwing away trash for us. She's the "Chief of Sanitation" around our house! She has also recently taken it upon herself to dust and reachable surface with any available cloth, blanket, kleenex or piece of clothing!

With these responsibilities comes the desire for MORE responsibilities! They both want to help mommy with everything. This can sometimes be overwhelming, yet can also be a blessing as they are excited to learn about these important skills for keeping a home. Therefore, I try to to include them whenever possible even if it's just a small part of the big job.

On this particular morning, Lola wanted to help with a small load of dishes I was working on. Since the load consisted of mostly cups and bowls, I thought this would be a good chance to show her what I do.


Washing.


Rinsing.


She was so proud of herself!

Meet Wrigley

Earlier this fall, our four year old dog, Hank, died suddenly. Hank went everywhere with Kasey and was wonderful with both girls. We miss him often.

For Kasey's birthday, I asked him what he might want. To my surprise, he said a new dog. We found a litter of yellow labs with an impressive hunting background a few hours away. Therefore,......meet Wrigley!



Wrigs is already Lola's best buddy!


This is not the last you will see of Wrigs, I'm sure!

20 Weeks

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel - the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.) He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians

At our November MOPS meeting, the children dressed as Pilgrims and Indians. Lola decided she and Olivia would be Indians!

They also made turkey place mats for Thanksgiving:

Mitch and Katie's Wedding

Last weekend, my cousin, Mitch got married. Ella and Lola were the flower girls. Of course, they were both very excited about this opportunity and were very impressed with their beautiful dresses. Since the wedding, Lola has been playing "Katie". She dresses up in a princess dress and dances around the room like Katie who now ranks right up there with Cinderella!

Congratulations Mitch and Katie!

Two Tinkerbells, a Tiger....and a Monkey!

Tinkerbell and a Tiger


Ella and Lola both wanted to be Tinkerbell!


Calvin the Monkey

My sister, Jes and I just began a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in our community. For our October Meeting, we had a Fall Festival/Costume Party at my home. For more pictures click on our MOPS link.