An Update

I can't believe we're already almost done with January. Where is the time going, seriously? Things have been busy around here, so I wanted to blog about a few things so they would be written down somewhere and not forgotten.

Both kids have this horrible cough right now. Luke is feeling much better, just dealing with the cough after running or over-exerting himself. Ella got the bug about 5 days after Luke and still has the glassy eyes, the never ending runny nose, and a case of the crankies. Hopefully they will both be back to normal soon. Having sick kids is so isolating. I don't feel like I can really take them anywhere, which is hard since they are used to having an outing of some sort everyday.

Luke has started Awana this month, which is a program at our church that teaches the kids Bible stories and focuses on Scripture memorization. The program really starts in August, so he has quite a bit of catching up to do. So far, he has memorized 6 verses in 2 weeks. Pretty impressive! He is such a smartie pants, and is so proud of himself. His confidence has improved so much recently. I love seeing him start to interact with other kids, which has been a huge roadblock for him in the past. I can tell he will do great in preschool next year! Next up for Luke is starting t-ball. I think a new team is starting up through the city in February or March, so we'll get him signed up soon. I cannot wait to see him playing on a team. He's just as passionate about baseball than ever. We haven't played a whole lot lately, mostly because it is harder to play with him at the park and watch Ella at the same time. It's really a 2 person job now with little girl being so adventurous. Luke's new sayings at this point: "But moooommmm...", "squincher" (splinter), and he now says "Wuke" instead of "Nuke" for "Luke." Getting there!

Miss Ella is doing fantastic, besides the nasty cold she has right now. Her goal in life is to keep up with her big brother. The other day she counted to 11, and she sings about half of the alphabet now. Her attention span is minimal, so she usually gets distracted when singing the ABC's and moves on to the next thing. This child has such a sweet, active spirit! She is terribly shy when it comes to anyone other than Mama, Dada, or Luke (and Ali, she just loves Ali). Her shyness comes off very sassy, spoiled, and defiant...a constant source of "AHHHHH" for mama. I know that the Lord has a special plan for this girl and her strong will. My prayer is the I can help channel that stubborness and willfullness to be used for good, not evil! Whatever can be said about Ella's behavior right now, I just love this little girl so much! She is such a wonderful addition to our family. Life would be pretty boring without Ella here to shake things up for us. She is incredibly smart, she loves her brother to pieces, she is still our little carnivore, and she has a passion for fun. It is such a joy for me to watch her grow and develop every day.

Kevin is still working hard at Schuff. He's been putting in long hours, and I am so appreciative of him for providing for our family. I have started physical therapy for my stomach/pelvic pain and it's not been easy, but the Lord has been so good in showing me His love for me through this trial. I am hoping that this therapy works for me and we do not have to pursue surgery in March. But time will tell, and God is good. So I have peace.

Also, a little shout out to my biggest big brother, Doug. Happy 35th Birthday Brother!

Albuquerque Trip

After Christmas, we packed up the family and headed out to Albuquerque to visit Dave, Vanessa, Briggs, and baby Felicity. My littlest niece was born October 3rd and the only chance I've had to see her was Thanksgiving week, when Ella was struck down with stomach flu. So we didn't get much snuggle time in, and that is unacceptable to this auntie. We left early Monday morning, threw the kids in the car in their pj's and headed east!


Funny story #1: We left around 5:30 so we told the kids that it was still night-night time. They eventually fell back to sleep. Around 7:15 or so, Luke woke up and said, "Can I be awake now? I don't think I can sleep all the way to Briggs' house. It's a long way." Ha!

Funny story #2: We stopped for breakfast at McDonald's in Holbrook, AZ. The kids ate pancakes, still in their pj's and coats. Afterwards, I took Luke potty before heading out on the road. When I came back there was a pile of change on the table. I asked Kevin where that came from. "It's Ella's Christmas present," he replied. "What?" Here's the story. While Luke and I were in the bathroom, a trucker-looking guy approached the table and started staring at Ella real close.

Trucker: She looks like a keeper!

Kevin: Yup.

Trucker (to Ella): Christmas was yesterday, wasn't it?

Ella: *hands over her eyes, hiding*

Trucker (puts hand in pocket, staring at Ella for an uncomfortable amount of time, pulls out a fist full of change and slaps it on the table.): Merry Christmas! (walks off)
The change totaled up to $1.29. Now, I am not sure if she was approached because she's super cute or if she looked sort of homeless with her pajamas, diva-fur coat, and mullety hair. All I know is that's not an experience we'll soon forget!

Here are some pics from our trip:

At the Holbrook McDonalds

We went to the aquarium and the kids had a blast!

Kevin calls this picture: Billy Bob and Jackie-O's Construction Co.

Hot chocolate time

Getting wild at bath time

Sitting on the trackers at Vanessa's parents' property

Love this

My little round-headed cowboy!

Luke and Briggs had matching outfits on. Little Buddies!

Ella holding her little cousin

Luke and Felicity

We took a train downtown. Ella got a marshmallow, so she was all in!

Dave and Briggs on the train

After the train ride. Apparently trains are a big deal for 3 year old boys. Who knew?

Sweet Felicity at the aquarium. She clearly loves her Auntie Sarah. Or was it the fish?

Auntie Nessa and Luke checking out the crabs

Kevin holding Felicity for the first time

On the way back home. Traveling through the snowy roads from the big winter storm.

Note to self: Next time, bring snow gear for the kids!

Christmas Day Pictures

Oh, waking up to a 3 year old and 1 year old on Christmas morning is one of the sweetest moments of my life. Luke woke up crying that morning (I think he had a bad dream.) I went in to get him and while he was crying I said, "Do you want to hear something that will help you stop crying? It's Christmas morning!" *Immediately stops crying* Luke said, "Is Santa here with his sled?" Sweet boy. People telling him that Santa would come to his house for Christmas made him think that Santa would be spending Christmas morning with us! After opening presents at home, we headed to Kevin's parents' house for the day. We had a wonderful time with his family and were so glad to spend some time with his Grandpa!

Anxiously waiting for mama to get ready so he could open presents

Bed head

The first present Ella opened. She did not want to open anything else after that!

A new tee/soft toss/pitching machine. One happy kid!

Luke got a real metal bat. I love this picture because you can see my dad protecting Ella in the background!

Sweet Ella with her new backpack and pillow pet

This baseball piggy bank from my Aunt Nancy was meant for Luke's 1st birthday, but we lost it in a closet somewhere. When mom and dad were cleaning closets to make room for us, they found it! He loves it!

Now he'll learn how to run the bases so he won't run around like a maniac after he gets a hit!

She loves her "george"

Opening gifts at Nana and Grandpa's house!

Ella got these awesome silver balet flats

A new Lightning McQueen sweatshirt from Uncle Brian and Aunt Melissa

Luke loves his new cars!

Ella's perfect outfit! She's our girly girl!

Luke got a garage to play with all his Cars

The look on his face says it all!

Luke with Auntie Laura

After an awesome prime rib dinner. What a great day!

Christmas Eve Pictures

We had a wonderful Christmas, filled with family, friends, food, and love! Here are some pics from Christmas Eve. Christmas Day pictures to come next!

Christmas Eve: The pics are somewhat out of order! Sorry!
We started out the day at Kevin's parents' house. The kids played and got really muddy before getting in their fancy clothes for church.

Sweet.





Hello, Miss SassyPants!

Love.

Pre-fancy clothes. But I love that their being nice to each other!

Opening presents at Uncle Doug and Aunt Sarah's house

A miracle. :)




My little dude.

Nothing like pogo-sticking in a suit. :)



Joy.