Pa-core!

One night Grace wanted to watch a movie and eat popcorn. Since she didn't have school the next day I told her yes, but she would have to wait for Avery to go to bed. It was getting close to her bedtime and I didn't want her to try and stay up late with her big sister. As you can see from the picture, my plan worked perfectly...

I put Avery in bed and listened for signs of slumber. When all was quiet, I got out the popcorn and put it in the microwave. It only took one minute of popping before I heard yelling and screaming from the girls room. It sounded like something was really wrong, so I ran in there and scooped her out of the crib. As I was checking her out to see what could be the problem she stopped crying, pointed to the door and said "pa-core?"

I don't know if she heard it popping or smelled the popcorn, but either way she knew we were eating one of her favorite snacks without her. I couldn't resist her cute face or sweet little voice. So she got to curl up with Sissy and eat some popcorn. She was a happy camper and went right back to bed after her late night snack. It was another one of those "I love having kids" moment. They really do bring a lot of joy to your life.

Easter 2010

It was that time of year again; time to dye eggs. Grace was completely obsessed with the project, and asked several times a day, for several days, if we could color the eggs. It was driving me crazy! But we finally got around to doing it and she was very happy.

(by the way: does anyone know of a good photography class? I would love to learn how to take better pictures. I hate it when their faces look pale from the flash.)



Avery had to get in on the action too.

On Easter morning we did something new. I bought a pack of resurrection eggs, and we hid them for the girls. It's a neat way to share the Easter story. There are twelve eggs, and you open them in order. Each egg contains something that symbolizes part of the story. Like the first egg had a small donkey in it and then there was scripture that talked about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. Of course as you get closer to the end there are things like the nails, and crown of thorns, etc... I had a hard time reading through it without crying, and told Scottie he could be in charge of the reading next year.

The last egg was empty and represented the empty tomb and Christ's victory over death! I think Grace really enjoyed the eggs. It will be a great tool for every Easter.

Avery had a blast trying to find the eggs. I was sad that we didn't find any Easter egg hunts this year. I kept looking in the paper, but it looked like we had missed them during spring break. Grace was really disappointed. I am going to try really hard next year to find one for the girls.

This was the only shot I could get of them with their baskets. Avery was too excited and wouldn't sit still.

I think she got a sour jelly bean.

Very excited for candy!!!

After church we went over to our friends Nate and Debbie's for lunch. I was a little sad knowing that this will be the last time we get to do this with them. We went to their house last year too.

When I look at this picture I can't help but wonder if I will have to search for a third Easter dress, or a pair of pants and matching shirt next year??? We'll find out May 20th!

I'm Back....

Avery always has to "help" when I am loading or unloading the dishwasher. Apparently baby was dirty and needed a shower. I snuck it out when she wasn't looking. These are the times that you sit back and say "I love being a parent." It's so fun to watch them and try and figure out what they are thinking, like why would you put a baby in the dishwasher??

There's my other baby staring me down. This is one of the last pictures I got of him here at the house. My in-laws graciously said yes when we asked them to take Kingsley for a while. That's a entire post in itself, but it's been a good thing for us and him. He has lost some much needed weight since he's been with them. I'll talk about it later. I miss him a lot, but it really has been a good thing.

An exciting event: Avery's first Krispie Kreme. Yep, she liked it.

This was taken back in the beginning of March on the first warm day. Even though it was only in the low 50's, it felt great at the time. Grace was practicing her tennis swing. She loves to use the balls on a string. It was the best $10 we ever spent. She is able to practice tennis without taking out someone's window.

My baby's first time playing outside. She loved it! She just walked up and down the sidewalk and thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Pulling her baby stroller.

A couple of weeks later it was warm enough to head to the park. I think Avery liked the slide. What do you think?

Sliding sisters.

Daddy and Avery spending some time on the swings.

Nana came to visit and watch Avery while I had my first doctors appointment.

My beautiful girls.

Gracie always amazes me with her creativity. She took a few boxes from the garage, opened them up and made tunnels for her and Avery to crawl through. She is such a neat kid.

Avery taking a turn through the tunnel.

No, this is not a horse walking down the sidewalk. It's an Irish Setter, just like my Uncle Mike had years ago. I love these dogs, but they have a lot of energy.

Avery wanted to hug this dog so badly. Luckily it was a sweet dog and was patient with her hugging.

Jeff and Penny brought Gracie's old car over for Avery. They had been storing it for us since we moved to Kirksville. It's so fun to get out old toys and remember when your child was smaller.

First push-up. Yep, she liked it.

All dressed up to go out for Mommy's birthday.

I can't believe how much older she looks this year. Where did my baby go?

Nana came over on my birthday to help me out. I had a bladder infection that was causing contraction like pains. The doctor put me on medicine and everything turned out ok, but it was a little scary when it started.

Eating dessert at Biaggis.

Celebrating number 32! I didn't feel very good, but I didn't want to miss the chance to go out on my birthday. I think I look awful, but it ended up being a good day. We went to Target after dinner and I got a new purse and wallet. But I was spent after all of that and went home to lay down. Hopefully 33 will be a little less painful.


It's been a while since I've posted anything, so if you are reading this you are a devoted friend or family member. This pregnancy has been the hardest one so far. I have been exhausted and SICK! I am so thankful to be in the second trimester. I feel a lot better and have finally gotten some things done around the house. Hopefully I can keep the blog updated since I have quite a few pictures to share and we have a lot of exciting things coming up!!!!

February Moments

Grace had a fun surprise in February when Jill, Stuart, and Wyatt came over to visit with Dad and Carol. She had been wanting to go to Chuck-e-Cheese for a long time and this was the perfect time to go.

This was Avery's reaction when Chucke came out. She was pretty excited.

I have no idea what's going on here.

I was totally shocked to turn around and find Scottie at the basketball game... yeah right!

Avery and Wyatt had a lot of fun on the little car ride. We spent several tokens on this one.

I told you that Avery would climb on you if you sit in her chair. She was all over Dad that day.

Grace was showing off her super reading skills. How many people can you fit on a poofy chair? Apparently five!

We made a trip to Indy for Gabby's birthday party. Avery went nuts when they brought out the cake. This girl has a SERIOUS sweet tooth.

I was a little nervous about going to the party since the girls only get to see each other about two times a year. I wasn't sure if Gabby would have her own set of friends there and Grace would feel out of place. But all the worries were gone as soon as I rang the doorbell and heard Gabby yell "Grace is here!!!!!" They are the sweetest friends.

One of my favorite people in the world! My friend Kim.

This is the bag that I made for Gabby. I forgot to take a picture of it when I finished it, so Gabby was gracious enough the model it for me. It was pretty easy and I have enough fabric to make one for Grace too. I just need to find the energy to do it.

Love these girls!! (Can someone please tell me why Grace doesn't smile with her teeth?)

Sweet Avery taking a "ride" on Kingsley.

Avery having a not so sweet moment. Hey, we all have them!

This is exactly what I wanted and fought for when trying to have a second baby. I really wanted Grace to have someone to play with everyday. She made a "car" for the two of them. Avery is sitting on Gracie's booster seat and Grace turned the shopping cart upside down so she could be the driver. It made me smile to walk in the room and see this picture.

We decided to have our friends over for the Superbowl. Scottie and I aren't big football fans, but the Colts were playing and it gave me a good reason to have people come over. Our friends Nate and Debbie brought their three kids to the house. We have known them since our first year of med. school. It's hard to believe that when we started Grace was three, Addison was almost two, and Kayden was a tiny baby. Avery and Julianna were added two years later. It's been nice to have people to talk to throughout this experience and we will be sad to see them go to Texas as we head to Ohio. :(

I have a picture of Grace surrounded by Q-tips when she was a baby. Maybe I should learn to put them in a baby proof spot before the next one comes.

Gracie's school Valentine party. She requested to wear a dress, and a ponytail with a red headband.

We finally got Avery's first haircut. She had this funky top layer that was stringy and hanging over the rest of her hair. I'm glad her Donald Trump hair is gone!!

She didn't enjoy getting her hair cut. As soon as the put the cape on she started crying. I need to get the picture off of Scottie's phone. She looks so sad, but it was worth it to get her hair blended into a decent hairstyle.

Goodbye February!!! I will not miss you. I have my eyes set on Spring, and I can't wait for some sunshine!