Spending time with the family

We've had lots of family time lately which has been great.  The kids have really enjoyed getting some more time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and of course mom and dad.  Brian and I are trying really hard this year to focus on making the most of our time with the kids - since they are getting so big so fast.  Here are some great random shots of family time - promise Jackson has been there too - he just sleep s more than she does..lol.

Aunt Jen is due in about 4 weeks - it has taken Addi a long time to do this - so we were so proud when she finally wanted to "touch" her cousin in Aunt Jen's belly.  We've been talking a lot about Lil John who will be here soon - Addi is starting to get pretty excited about another baby to take care of : )

Addi loves to make silly faces and now she has Daddy doing it too.  Aren't they silly??!!

She is my heart - I adore her!

My Little Valentines

Addison and Jackson had a really great Valentine's Day.  They got to have a party at daycare which included Valentines from all their friends and sugar and lots of it.  When Brian and I picked up Addison, I have never seen her so hyped up - but it was clear she had had an awesome day. Then we followed that up with a great family day on Sunday.  We took the kids to pick out a Valentines gift - Addison got some new Color Wonder markers and Coloring books and Jackson got a V-Tech learning turtle.  Then we picked up some Olive Garden came home and had a quiet evening at home - perfect Valentines with our perfect little people : )

Addison and Jackson are such great friends and yes Jackson's shirt say "Most Eligible Bachelor" - it is my favorite shirt - and so true.  he can stay that way for another 20 or 30 years as far as mommy is concerned.

An attempt at a brother and sister shot - Addi saying cheese while choking her brother - she was trying to "hug" him...lol.

How can anyone resist this face?  Now you know why she rarely hears the word no.

Decorating

We had so much fun last night we had to repeat tonight. Tonight was all about decorating. Although mommy is still not at the top of her game - she was far more able to help decorate and participate in some of the fun. Addison loved decorating and well eating the decorations... kinda like her mommy - the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. Jackson has a little bit of a cold so he steered clear for most of the activities - but we got one good shot of him tossing some sprinkles. The kids really enjoyed our second night of fun - what are mommy and daddy gonna come up with for tomorrow...lol. Oh and thanks again to daddy for being such a help and cleaning - I love you honey - oh and thanks for letting me take a half hour to blog about it while you unload dishes : )

The finished product - some day I will figure out this blog and ordering of pictures - but for now - I'll caption correctly.

The pastry chef herself - can't get much cuter than this!

This one is for me - this is a mom picture - she'll hate me later in life for it - but these are my Addi moments that I love the most - she's a cheeseball and I love it.

All Jackson can think - is when do I get to eat one - Friday big boy - Friday!

Kisses with mommy's girl

Thumbs up dude!

Just one taste please....

So focused - she even sticks out her little tongue - I love that!

Precious little fingers - cookies made with love.

Making my Heart Smile

As Valentine's approaches I am reminded about all the blessings I have but none more so than the night we had tonight. Tonight we made cookies, all four of us. It made my heart smile. I love my family - I love my children - I love that they love life and I get to watch them grow through it.

Addison and Jackson have daycare parties this week - so we decided to make homemade Valentine's this year. Mommy was struggling with a migraine - so my knight in shining armor stepped in and took over. Have I told you lately that I love this man? He'll even bake when needed : ) Tonight I fell in love with him all over again. What a beautiful thing to watch - the father of your children bake with your tiny people. Addison was in heaven - and Jackson well he just wanted to eat the cookie dough - he may be my son after all...lol.

Tiny hands - big hearts - this Valentines I remember how lucky I am to get to love this BIG : )

Anniversary # 3....Check

Three years ago today I married this man...

and I began to believe that fairytales do come true.  B, I love you big, deep and wide and more than all the stars in the sky.  Its been a crazy ride so far - but I'm not getting off anytime soon.  I love you!  Here's to finishing this contract and renegotiating in 47 years or so.  Nice to know that after so many frogs you do finally find your prince oh and two little munchkins too : )

Finding the Magic in Christmas

Well once again it has been far too long since I have posted anything.  This year I am having an incredibly difficult time finding the magic in Christmas.  This is my most favorite time of year. It is my favorite holiday - my favorite type of weather, I love what the season is celebrating - I love all the lights, the good time with family and the opportunity to just slow down and remember why we are all so lucky to have the things we do.  Anyway, this year I am being a bit of a scrooge.  We just finished the lights on our house.  I am not done shopping.  I don't have anything wrapped.  My anniversary is in four days and we don't have a plan so I am a little doom and gloom to say the least....until today well yesterday and today.  It started yesterday when my sweet friend Amanda surprised me with a very thoughtful gift that reminded me magic comes in the most unlikely places and then tonight over dinner my daughter out of the blue says the most wonderful thing completely unprompted - "mama - it's Baby Jesus' birfday (her word for birthday) in just five days.  Oh and Santa is bringing presents."  And you see there it was Christmas magic.  I no longer care about all the things that aren't done and so glad that my baby gets what this is all about and knew her mama needed a gentle reminder.  My princess is an angel I tell you.  So, shake off the scrooge - time to celebrate and back to blogging regularly - I promise - how could I not share this sweet angel with everyone : )

Pics of the kiddos

Mommy I love bath time....















Are you kidding me? She really is the most beautiful thing in the world.















I love her uh oh face - she's always getting caught in the act...















Mama's happy man...















Yes, mom I am working on my Cosmo cover...