Ramblings

a little lady update

RAH RAH

Has the best smile in the world.

Loves eating bread.

Could pretty much eat all day.

Says No to everything, even when she means yes.

Continues to show aggression towards her Big Sister.

Tries having conversations in babble.

Hears music, and can't help but move.

Still loves her sleep; two naps a day at 18 months.

She's 18 months old...crazy!

Sits in chairs and reads to herself.

Hates car rides...should be an interesting trip to WI.

Attempts to do hand stands with Big Sister.

Will come up to people and say Tickle Tickle.

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Emma

Creates the most colorful, patterned outfits.

Goes to ballet once a week, and is getting better.

Has her first recital in June.

Has grown some in the past few months.

Loves to help mommy around the house.

love hate relationship with little sister.

Loves to cuddle.

Loves movies.

Loves candy.

Misses school.

Doesn't mind car rides.

Wakes up every morning ready to go.

Gets bored very easily.

Decorating

We did in fact decorate a while ago for Christmas! It was tons of fun! Emma enjoyed every minute. I wish I did the same. It was really late when we started, and she had school the next morning. I find it hard to just let those thoughts go away, and enjoy the moment.

Of course, she survived the next day of school. Maybe a little sugar high, but that's what this time of year brings with it.

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No homemade cookies yet, so we tried these...

As well as some Hot Choco (that's what we call it in our house)

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These are the moments I'm challenged to enjoy more of...

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Norah didn't stay up for the tree decorating part,

but she did enjoy some cookies before bed.

Thanksgiving 2011

The Lord is so good! We are blessed beyond measure with our two little ladies! Our marriage is stronger than it's been in awhile. We are learning to appreciate time we have together and making memories that last. Our work schedules, although busy at times, help a ton. Ben isn't working nights anymore, so we can sit down and eat as a family. God is restoring relationships that seemed all but lost. Just so many things. Of course, there are days we lose sight of where God is working and all the blessings we've been given. So that's why it's nice to have days of reflection, and Thanksgiving is one of those for us. Not the only, but definitely one of those days to sit back and breath in life's goodness.

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We meant to come home earlier on Sunday than we did. We decided to let the leisure lifestyle we were experiencing last a few more hours. Emma was able to help Nana decorate a bit. It was freezing out, but she was a trooper. Plus she got hot chocolate when she came in.

Little sister wants to help

We've been invaded...

All the sick germs of IL (yes, I'm exaggerating) seemed to enter our home this weekend and the last. Reinforcements had to be called upon to help with the girls. Those reinforcements then got sick as well. You just feel awful when that happens. We did have fun amidst the runny noses, upset stomachs, and chills.

The weather was even nice enough to get out. Emma saw some leaves on the ground. It might seem silly to say that when it's Fall. Of course there are leaves on the ground...hello. One word...The Association(okay, so that's two). Apparently it's not okay to have leaves chillin on the ground, so they come around with leaf blowers and blow the fun away for little children. I'm a little envious of people who have huge old trees that produce gigantic leaf piles. Either way, Emma, being so sweet and creative, looked past the lack of leaves and gathered what she could find to make one. What more can a mom ask for?!

TA DA...Here it is!

Let the Jumping commence

Oh yea, some times in life, usually when you're not feeling great as a mom. Feverish, if you will, you let your child go outside without shoes or socks. Coats are a MUST. Come on, I'm not that irresponsible.

It's Friday.

Oh, how we need the weekend. Not all of the week was bad, just the ending. Norah was sick...fighting a stomach bug. Wow, was that hard watching her be sick. It's hard when any kid is sick, but especially a baby. Little by little, I've been giving her more food. She was doing great, until the bug decided to move to another location. Sad! She just keeps food shoveled in her mouth and won't swallow. She knows what the end result will be.

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Despite all of that, she did giggle on the swings today. Big breakthrough! She usually cries on the swings at the park. I'm hoping for more giggles this weekend!

Bring on the Pumpkin Guts

(Norah loved every minute)

The end result

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Great job

Daddy and Emma

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We are putting out Christmas card together

(have to order early this year)

Here's a few from our little photo shoot

We are keeping the ones we are using a secret!

(I'm a little obsessed with distressed wood in backgrounds right now)

Oh the Difference 1 Year can make

Pumpkin Day 2010

Norah

sat

and

wondered

what these

orange things were

that we wanted to take her

picture by

there was enjoyment

But

nothing

like

this

year!

She

was

ALL

IN!

no

restrictions

she

took

everything

in

LOVING

every

minute

oh these times are hard

Flowers needed this Monday morning.

A dear friend's dad passed away this weekend.

Aching inside for their loss.

We rejoice because he is in Heaven with the Lord.

We still mourn though for the loss of his presence here.

Praying for comfort and peace.

Wordless Wednesday