If Cleanliness is next to Godliness...

Sutton's hands are sure to perform a miracle some day soon. Handwashing is his new obsession. It's so hard to deny him when he asks, so his hands get washed, a lot.

Oh, and that's a new haircut too. In case you were wondering why he looked overly handsome in this photo!

One of the Guys

Sutton brought a little seat over to sit right by Daddy while he interviewed another potential mover for our family. So cute how he tries to be so big.

No chocolates, No roses, No problem.

I've never been very big on Valentine's Day, but after this one, I'm already looking forward to next year. First of all, I woke up to Nate still at home and not at work...for the whole day! I showered in an empty bathroom (no little spectators trying to get in with me), then followed my nose downstairs to the smell of bacon and pancakes! Not just any pancakes, heart-shaped pancakes. We had breakfast, playtime, lunch, playtime and dinner out together as a family. Me and my 3 valentines.

Oh, and I DID get a gift. It was after the kids were tucked in tight, but before we put in the movie that the great reveal happened! I was scrounging in the pantry for dessert, finding nothing. That's when I turned around to find the most beautiful white styrofoam takeout box I'd ever seen. The marker message written on top in my Hubby's handwriting told me it was a gift, just for me. I opened the box to find a HUGE slice of Cascone's Lemon cake! (my favorite) From beginning to end, hands down, the best Valentine's Day I can remember.

Snow Days

Even though it seems like we've been trapped inside forever, some people (the smaller ones) seem to hardly even notice. Natalie has always been a book lover, but now I'm happy to report that Sutton Paul has followed her lead. We moved the playroom to the basement so we can have our house in better "showing" condition, and the kids have hardly even noticed. Since we left a big basket full of books near the kitchen (where Mom spends most of her time), they are A-okay. It's warm, it's near Mommy and there are so many words and pictures to look at over and over again.

These two together is seriously cute, and it's like this nearly all day, everyday these days. I LOVE it. The way they sit right on top of each other, like there's just not enough room...

I guess she does miss the playroom a little. She's taken to "reading" chapter books and will proudly report to anyone interested (or not) that she now reads "chapter books like big kids." She will read aloud for nearly an hour sometimes. I don't remember ever being this into books. All new for me and I love it. The stuff she comes up with is priceless.

Other snow day activities: Watching Daddy shovel. Who knew it could be so much fun?

I did this job ONCE a few weeks ago. Done for a lifetime. That is seriously hard work, but lucky for me, I had 2 helpers. One more interested in making snow angels than shoveling and the other just sitting on his bum watching, overseeing, I suppose.

I don't have the photos to prove it, but we did actually go out in the snow quite a bit. Nate and Natalie had a sledding date one day that she still talks about in detail and the snow cream is worth getting out in the cold. However, I do still prefer warmth and coziness and it appears my daughter does too. Her newest thing...naps in just her undies. Who cares if there's a foot of snow outside...

I walked by her room on this day and couldn't help but grin from ear to ear and almost cry a little too (no, I am not pregnant and hormonal). She still looks so small in there and so innocent...and she is. But, she's also growing up "speedy fast" (as she would say when "reading" Junie B. Jones). It's truly a wonder I haven't eaten those sweet lips right off her face sometime in the last 3.5 years.

3o two

I have no complaints about having another birthday. Lunch out with a friend sans kiddos. Delicious dinner prepared by my amazing hubby. Two healthy, loving children by my side, excited to help me celebrate. Life just keeps getting better and better. Thank You, Lord.

Two Are Better Than One

We spent a weekend with our friends in Springfield. They have an adorable little girl, Caroline, that's just a few months younger than Sutton. Natalie loved having two babies to play with and be bigger than. Sutton loved all the new toys to play with. And Mommy and Daddy loved a little warm weather and spending time with great friends.

Helping one of the "babies."

She's just SO huge. :)