Winter Round-Up

What better way to spend a chilly afternoon than cuddled up with my boys, looking through pictures from the past couple months.

Create 'n' Bake Cookies

Fun for the kids, but definitely didn't come out as advertised. 

You know you're a tired mommy when you do things like this.

What could be better?

The kids and I had a bit of fun with Joe last month after he drove off the driveway.  We assured him that Mater would take care of it.

I'm sad that my baby is growing out of this adorable hat.

Another sign that you're a tired mommy - it's hours before you realize you're covered in spit up.  At least it matched my shirt!

A play date with a couple classmates.

The boys

With a bit more mobility, George is happy to explore his home.

An afternoon of ice skating.

Henry DID NOT appreciate the experience.  It was much too "slippery" for him.

His expression says it all: Exit Please! 

Claire, on the other hand, loved it. 

Brian and Aunt Melissa pushed George around the rink for awhile.

George's Post-Bath Hairdo 

Wish I could freeze time and capture my kids in this moment forever.

Claire didn't want to hand out traditional valentines.  Instead, she opted for pencils for each of her little friends.  Such a practical girl!

36 Hours in Paradise

This past weekend I had the opportunity to fly to California to watch a dear friend marry the man she loves.  I love my life, but my world is usually very small - changing diapers, making dinner, paying bills.  So the idea of jumping on a plane and flying across the country was a bit unnerving.  Yet, I couldn't imagine not being there for Kelsey's wedding.  And truth be told, it was a great chance to break out of my small world to enjoy just 36 hours in paradise.

The first book I've read in a long time that doesn't have 

talking animals or brightly colored cartoons.  

A surprise sighting of an uninvited wedding guest, 

a beautiful whale playing just off the coast.

A beautiful bride with a look of love in her eyes.

The sun setting over Zuma Beach.

Spent the night in LAX, waiting for my early morning flight.

My ticket home!

It was a wonderful 36 hours, but I was ready to see my family again.

Meanwhile, back in Michigan...

Joe and the kids also had a fun weekend.

They made forts in the living room.

Spent some time at the library.

Made life-size portraits of themselves.

And visited with friends, 

even playing some video games with the big kids.

I think Joe was surprised at our son's voracious appetite.

He even managed to give baths to all three kids. 

 Not an easy task. What a great guy!

For me, it really was 36 hours in paradise, but the truth is, there's no place I'd rather be than with my family.  I'm so grateful to come home to them!

Birthday Girl

Claire's 6th birthday

After a fun morning at the television studio and a great afternoon at school, we spent a quiet evening at home celebrating Claire's birthday.  Claire requested chicken and rice casserole for dinner, and of course, chocolate cake for dessert.

A homemade card from Daddy.  

I really like how he drew himself such large muscles.

This past month, Claire has been really interested in gardening.  For her birthday, she asked for the tools and supplies needed to grow her own garden.  We're both looking forward to getting started this spring.

Over the weekend, we had a special party with Joe's side of the family. It was exciting to have everyone over to celebrate Claire's big day.

A craft and stamping kit from Grandpa and Grandma Rosen

Easy-Bake Oven mixes from Grandpa and Grandma Puplis

And a surprise from Aunt Melissa who said to 

"check the mailbox in a few days".  That will be fun!

It was such a special evening with a lot of laughter and fun.  And even some beautiful music thanks to Melissa.  We're so grateful to have had everyone together to celebrate Claire's birthday.

And we also had a wonderful time celebrating with my side of the family the following weekend.  

We had food to fit Claire's garden themed birthday.

And Claire was certainly happy to accept more great gifts.

Paper, markers, scissors, tape and more paper from the Sternbergs.

Hours of entertainment for our little artist.

Also, Grandpa's incredible craftsmanship allows Claire 

to be creative in a new and special way.

"Dirt Dessert" to inspire our gardening endeavors

Our dear Claire, we hope you had a great birthday, Sweetie.  We know that you will absolutely love being six years old.  Just don't let it go by too quickly.  It is such joy to watch you grow each and every day.  We love you!