Snow Storm Re-Cap

Sam has been looking forward to seeing snow when we go to IA this week, but it's looking like there won't be any there for him.  So, I decided I needed to write about the snow storm and fun we had here in WA.  Thankfully the storm part only lasted a few days, but we wouldn't have minded the snow sticking around a little longer.  We had fun while it was here though and the inches of snow that fell created a peaceful scene out our front window.  Sam was able to build his long awaited Frosty, although he was a little sad to watch him melt.  The joy of sledding was something we weren't able to share with Sam yet, so maybe next winter.  Luckily, we only went without power for 24 hours, but for me that was long enough...it got quite chilly in our house with only a wood burning fire place!  And one night of "camping out" in the living room under a pile of blankets was fun enough.  Sam and I jumped for joy when the lights flickered back on and did a "happy dance".  We just don't realize how much we have to be thankful for, like the fact that a light turns on with the flip of a switch or a nice hot meal. 

Loving the feel of the snow on his face.  Loving the taste of it even more!

Now that's more like the snow we are use to back home in Iowa!

Sam and his Frosty. 

Zeke 4 Months and Going on 5

These bath time pictures are a little old, but this is how much he's changed from days old to about 4 months....wow!

Way behind!  Zeekers will be 5 months in less than a week and, yes, I'm just getting to this.  He has changed so much in the last month.  He is a giggly, squealing, happy little guy.  Zeke is reaching and grabbing things like a pro these days, he especially loves to pull his momma's hair!  Sometimes we have screaming matches just to see who can get louder and Zeke is pretty close to beating us all.  He's got a lot to say these days.  Big brother, Sam, adores him and always needs to see Zeke first thing in the morning.  I love watching these two interact, it is priceless.  5 months to come soon and hopefully sooner than this post arrived :)

X's and O's For You

We've been decorated for Valentine's day for weeks now as Sam was very disappointed when we put away all of our Christmas decor.  The holiday distractions has helped pass the time to our countdown to Iowa, as we are taking a much anticipated trip this coming week to introduce Zeke to all our family back home.  Sending all our family and friends special love and hugs for Valentine's day.

Here's to 2012

I'm not quite sure where the last year went, but I do know that it flew by.  So one of my resolutions for the new year is to live in the moment more and to embrace contentment.  This world is so focused on what is the next best thing we can have, or getting the newest version of a gadget.  It's fast paced, competitive, and completely overwhelming out there at times.  The fact is, I can't control what goes on in the world, but we can somewhat control what happens in our own homes; at least how we choose to live day to day.  For me, the new year is about slowing down a bit and enjoying the little moments, because my boys are growing way too fast.  I don't want to look back this time next year and wish I would have paused for life more.  So I'm challenging myself to forget the laundry, dishes, and disorganization once in a while, and to get down on the floor and role play, read a book, and just listen to my kids every single day.  God gives us each day as a new slate and as an opportunity.  My days may not go as I have planned, I may not accomplish everything on my "to do" list, and I may not have huge successes to boast about.  I have my health, my family, and my faith and that is really enough.  The following verse is on our fridge, "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Whenever I'm in doubt I read that and remember that God is in control and to focus on what's really important.  Moving into a new year I look forward to seeing what is in store for me and give thanks for two beautiful little boys that I am privileged to watch grow each day and for a husband who provides for us and puts his family first.  We are truly blessed.

Pausing for one of those little moments to watch the boys sleep.

My pajama boys and sometimes we just have pajama days.

It's An Emergency!

No real emergency, but that's what it said on Sam's birthday party invites.  He wanted fireman birthday invitations, so I got crafty and made some.  He wore his fireman costume for most of his party, and when he wasn't he was sporting his favorite fireman shirt (which is getting a little small....I think this is one of those shirts I'm going to have to let him give up on his own).  We made a pinata for his birthday and he and his friends had fun taking some hits at it....but the candy inside was much more appealing.  I've hidden away most of left overs for treats and bribes when needed.  When the party was over Sam wanted to know when his birthday is, so we had to list out all the birthdays that will be celebrated before his comes around again.  His momma hopes that doesn't happen too fast because I'm not ready for him to be 4 already, I'm just getting use to 3.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Sam!

In our house we have two very special birthdays on Christmas, Jesus' birthday of course, and Sam.  Sam knows he shares his day with someone very special.  Because of this, Sam always ends up with extra cake, extra candles to blow out, and of course way, way too many presents.  He was thrilled to come out and see a pile of presents and exclaimed "Santa came!"  We remind him that we get presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday and we give presents to remind one another of Jesus' love for us all.  Sam asked Santa to bring his little brother a belt buckle just like him, so now Zeke will be sporting a belt buckle soon too (he needs to grow just a bit first).  Looks like Sam got what he asked for between his birthday and Christmas gifts.  We are all very much spoiled by family who sent us lots of gifts, too.  It's not the same as being home for the holidays, but we sure feel their love from a far.  We spent Christmas evening with some friends and they were gracious enough to let us also celebrate Sam's birthday, too.  Sam's favorite color is orange, so the orange m&m's on top of the cake were the best part for him.

Both cowboys in the house got some new attire.  Sam sporting his new boots and spurs and Hans in his new chinks (Sam thought his dad looked "so cool" in those)

Excited to open their first gift!

Not a Creature Was Stiring....Not Even a Zeke

Christmas eve was a lot of excitement at our house with baking cookies for Santa, celebrating at Mass, and opening our stocking gifts to each other.  Sam's enthusiasm was magical and Zeke must have thought it to be exhausting.  He fell asleep on the floor while waiting for us to put him to bed (I think this was one of the first nights he discovered how soothing his own thumb is).  I gave the boys hats, my first products of crochet (thanks to a good friend I have been able to check "learning to crochet" off my bucket list).  Kids make the holiday season so much fun.

All tuckered out!