Saturday, January 30, 2010

Saturday Snow!











One of the best things about Saturday snow...is that I don't have to get out in it. I will, if I have to, for the happiness of my children, but I am just as happy to close the door on them and their father and snuggle back in with a cup of coffee and a good book. Or, clean the whole house and bake pumpkin bread, which is REALLY what I did :)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Patrick


It seems crazy that Patrick will be celebrating his fourth birthday in four months. Where does the time go?? He has grown up so much this year, going to preschool has been a big part of that. He really enjoys his time there and has made several friends and become attached to his teachers. I have heard them say "we love our Patrick hugs!" He is very affectionate and loving, telling me daily that he loves me and I am the best Mommy in the world. Always nice to hear :)


He loves to "read" and enjoys talking about the pictures in books as he turns the pages. To either himself or his little sister. He now realizes that words have meanings and has begun to ask us "what does this say?". He is very creative with his Legos and playdoh and also has started drawing pictures. We have learned to say "tell me about this one" and not "what is that?' He can write most of the letters in his name, though certainly not in order :) We have also started playing Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders...which is interesting. I think he might have inherited some of his mother's competitiveness.


I believe the days of Patrick napping are coming to a close, as we have been expecting. But he does a very good job of observing "quiet time" so Mommy can have some time to rest and relax. And he knows that if he stays in bed til his 'sun' comes up, he doesn't have to take a nap that day. He loves his movies and has found a new appreciation for the classic cartoons, including "Tom and Jerry". And when he feels like it, he can get himself dressed -- which is a huge help. He continues to be a very active, curious child. It is almost painful to watch a movie with him because of the constant stream of questions! He loves his sister and for the most part they play pretty well together. They are a good combination...each thinks that the other is just hilarious!!

Lucy


Lucy just celebrated her 2nd birthday, and she is doing so many things we can hardly keep up with her. I just had quite a bit of her hair trimmed up, and her new mass of curls is fitting with her personality. She is very adult-like in her demeanor, complete with the heavy *sighs* and exasperated "Fine!" when you ask her to do something. Last night we asked her if she wanted to play kitchen and she said "How bout let's not?". She knows all her colors, counts to 10, and recites her ABC's with grand finale of "...next time don't sing with me". She has gotten so tall, but her weight remains fairly consistent at under 30 lbs. Daddy calls her "Stringbean"...to which she says "That is NOT my name".
Lucy loves to color, paint, play playdoh...you name it. She says she will wear big girl panties when she is "this tall", indicating high above her head. She keeps us laughing all day long! Lucy is at a big advantage with Patrick, she is often learning right along beside him and struggling to keep up. And we treat her like she is older as well, I have often caught myself having conversations with her that are well beyond her years!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

First snow of 2010!




Well, Patrick had his first official snow day in his very new school career -- Resurrection along with the rest of the city and county were closed for the day. After a quick breakfast, the kids and I were outside for the first time to enjoy the snow. This is probably the only time during the year we are actually grateful and not cursing our hill -- it's perfect for sledding. Since then, we have been out three more times...and even though the preparation is about as long as the actual experience, it is well worth it! Everyone was anxious for Daddy to get home and get out the four wheeler...and I was able to get dinner ready in peace and warmth! :)

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!!




We rung in the New Year up in Indianapolis this year and had a great time. Brian was off the entire week, which is a luxury in itself, and we headed north on Wedneday morning. That evening we hit up one of our favorite local pizza places, Jockamo's, a busy family run restaurant in Irvington. New Years Eve we took the kids to the Indiana State Museum where Morgan got her face painted and Patrick left with a balloon airplane...and all five kids and Aunt Carissa rode the Christmas train for the last time. At 8 pm they had a huge balloon drop over a live band, which the kids thought was pretty cool. Morgan spent the night, and after the kids were put to bed we enjoyed take out Chinese from another local favorite and margaritas. I don't think any of us made it to midnight....but it was still a great time! New Years morning we had a big breakfast and celebrated our family Christmas. The kids were happy to get beach towels and toys in preparation for our family vacation to St. George Island in June. Everyone came back over for dinner that night and Brian and I were able to sneak away for a late movie and popcorn. Happy New Year to all! May 2010 be as good to us as last year!