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. :)

Winter Wonder

Maybe, just maybe, the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm serious this time. ;)

Tandem Sibling Sledding

With Grandad as the motor.

For the Love of Snow

We usually come to NC to escape the winter weather. Not this year. At least the kids are getting big enough to enjoy playing in the snow this year.

It actually was quite fun and not nearly as cold as playing in the snow in Kansas City.

Giving Uncle Rusty cold kisses.

Our little angel....

...until she's wailing a snowball at her brother!

Watching Grandad use his homemade Southern snowplow.

Aunt Christy Comes to Town!

The kids and I extended our stay in Wilmington for a week since Daddy was going to be in El Salvador. One of the best parts of our extended stay was getting to see Aunt Christy who was visiting Granny and Grandaddy all the way from Idaho! She was ready to roughhouse, and the kids couldn't have been happier!

Jolly Little Elves

Oklahoma to KC to NC and back. After hours strapped in carseats and smashed into plane seats these sweet babies still kept a smile on their faces. Travel during the holidays is always exciting for all of us!

Christmas Morning 2010

There's no better day than Christmas to count your blessings. This one was no exception. I was overwhelmed this year again by the blessings we've been given, especially in our children. The familiar verses read during the Christmas Eve service reminded me once again that everything I've been given are all a result of the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ. The hope and joy that come from knowing Him are what make Christmas Day so special for our family. As I look through these photos, I can't help but thank the Lord for entrusting these sweet children and the husband I've been given to me. I can think of no better gifts.

Sutton's 2nd Christmas

Just a couple photos of Sutton I thought were too cute to omit.

His stocking really is big as it looks. Santa spoils this baby boy at Mimi and Pops.

His new vacuum cleaner. Hours of entertainment. And lucky for Mom, it really cleans! :)

Watching Daddy close to make sure all those cars don't get too far out of his sight.

Christmas Just Ain't Christmas

Without the Ones You Love

We spent Christmas Eve/Day in Oklahoma this year. All the separate celebrations that spread the holiday out over a few days makes it even more fun.

Lunch at Nonnie's.

Games with Nonnie. This year she had Bingo ready to go, complete with great prizes.

Christmas morning with Pops and Mini.

Opening gifts on Christmas Eve with Cousin Jaycee, Uncle Chris and Aunt Dana.

I wish I could have taken photos of the candlelight service. It was such a special Christmas Eve spent with the Cooks. Only wish it could've lasted a little longer.

Brotherly Love