Thursday, December 30, 2010

just because he's beautiful.


A photo share of our beautiful son, Parker, whom I cannot imagine my life without. He's just so precious and sweet.

bits and pieces.




Well, we managed to make it through Christmas without any oversized toys (oh, well, except the dollhouse :) that would take up valuable real estate in our small house. But, we did come away with a bazillion little parts, and I think that might be worse! They're everywhere! It's like invasion of the little pieces! Ahhhh!!!

Kalli's Aunt Marie sent her a puzzle, but it was a little too advanced for a two year old (this kid can work a toddler puzzle like no other). Here are a few pics of her and daddy trying it out. As soon as he would get some of it put together she'd tear it apart! Haha. So, we're putting this one up for now. It will be fun sometime in the future.

Also, today, our good friends Cat and Mike drove down from Saint Charles, MO, to watch our munchkins while we went out on a date. We just ended up going to Tequilas here in town, but it was a nice break. The best part was when we got home and Kalli was squealing and laughing and riding Mikes back. She LOVES them! So, there's a little pic of her sitting with them - she wedged herself in there. If you counted the baby we had 5 people on our couch!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

presents from florida.





Well, today when we got home from a long day of shopping we found a BIG box on our front porch filled with goodies for our kiddos. Aunt Marie really outdid herself - Kalli now has all sorts of fun princess stuff to wear and play with. Thanks, Marie, we really appreciate it!

I've added some pics of Kalli trying on her new jewels :) She kept asking "where is the Christmas tree?" because she wanted to put her new ornament on it. She doesn't really understand that Christmas is a season. I think she's gonna be disappointed that this is the last of the presents!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Love.

I don't have a picture today, so I leave you with this...which I think is fantastic, and true.

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being 'in love' which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
~ taken from Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Saturday, December 25, 2010

White Christmas.












Today was a little bittersweet for us. Joe's mom, Libby (or Mamaw), is in the hospital in Florida with some health issues. It was very scary for a short time, but we think they've got it sorted out. Kalli kept asking throughout the day "Mamaw okay now?" - totally unprompted and very sweet. Bless her little caring heart :)

The day started with Kalli getting a dollhouse, which she loved so much that she didn't want to open her other presents. She kept handing them to me and saying "you open it, Mommy"....ha!

My mom and Jim prepared a delicious and beautiful meal - it was probably the best Christmas dinner I've ever eaten. The table settings looked magical, Christmas music performed and recorded by my Grandma Betty played in the background.

Kalli got a butterfly game she's been wanting for a long time - so we had a little fun with that. Overall it was a good Christmas, even if all of our loved ones couldn't be with us.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve at Grandma Betty's.







My grandmother is 83 years old and one of the most amazing people I've ever met. We had super fun night at her house opening presents. Kalli didn't know what to do - she got so much stuff. Lots more coming tomorrow, too :) She got lots of princess stuff, so she was happy. Probably most happy about the "princess shoes" and the butterfly stickers she got from Grandma Sue.

I've added a pic of Grandma Betty looking at the framed pic of the kids that I made for her. There's a sweet little Great Grandma poem in there too.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

What Christmas means to me.


I know this might shock some people, others it won't. I'm not a very religious person. Not at all actually. I view Christmas as more of a cultural holiday than a religious one. It is a time for people to come together and share food, gifts, laughter. For me, it feels better giving gifts than receiving them. There's nothing quite as good as knowing you've gotten someone the perfect gift and then seeing them really appreciate it.

Christmas really means family to me. I'm so excited this year because Kalli really understands what's going on. I look forward to making many Christmas traditions with my children - the stuff they'll remember when they grow up, and maybe carry on with their own families.

At my house, growing up, we were always allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. It would just be the three of us and I always looked forward to it.

Joe and I always go out after Christmas and buy Hallmark ornaments half off, haha. I guess that's our first tradition. This year we let Kalli pick one out (before Christmas) for the tree.

I think about all the people that can't be with their families this year - whether they be serving our country overseas, can't afford to travel or are just stuck because of weather. It makes me so thankful that the people I love the most will be with me this holiday season. We still miss our Florida family, but luckily we were able to spend some time recently with Mamaw and Papaw when Parker was born. They brought all their Christmas gifts with them then!

So, to all my friends and family reading this blog - I love you. Merry Christmas and may you have a happy new year as well :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Presents from Aunt Sara.







Anyone who knows me, knows that one of my best friends in the entire world is Sara. We have known each other for 20 years and have literally talked or spent time together every day since we met on the playground at Lincoln School. It's no surprise to me that Kalli loves her as much as I do. When Sara comes over she always reads books with her, draws with her, plays dolls with her. She gets so excited to hear that "Sawr" is coming to our house.

Unfortunately, Aunt Sara lives in Germany and will only be here a short time longer. Tonight, she gave the most thoughtful gift to my beautiful little girl - a recordable book - entitled "My Little Princess". It's just perfect. Here's a few shots of them listening to it together tonight.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

the sweetest gift.




Today we got a gift from Aunt Cyndi. I always get excited when I see her name in the return address section on a package! She sends us the most thoughtful things and this year was no exception. There was a beautifully handmade book entitled "Christmas ABC" which Kalli will absolutely LOVE. And, inside, these perfect hand made ornaments - the Nativity Scene. I just love them. Thank you, Cyndi!

three months.


Well, three months have passed since we welcomed our beautiful baby boy into our family. I can hardly believe how much he's grown in such a short amount of time. Just like when Kalli was born, I barely remember a time when he wasn't here. He just fits right in. He's beautiful, bright, happy and just about the best baby a momma could ask for. Oh, and his big sister LOVES him to death. That in itself is a blessing :)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Miss Princess Butterfly Fairy.




Princess crown: check. Butterfly wings: check. Tink outfit: check. Ahh, now I can finally relax and read some books.

Just for fun.


make me pretty.



Kalli always tells me "Mommy, I want to be pretty! I want lipstick! Paint my nails! Make me a ponytail!" I pretty much hear one or all of these things on a daily basis. I know some of you are surprised that I would have a daughter that was into make-up and pretty things :) So, I took the time to paint her nails yesterday, which she was very happy about.

And, this weekend Parker discovered his feet...or the little animals on his feet rather. It's pretty cute, he was glued to his toes and could not stop smiling and talking to them. I just love this age.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Pretty things.


I just love this wrapping paper. It's so pretty. And I'm hoping it fulfills the requirement that Kalli has this year for "pink presents"...haha. You ask her what she wants for Christmas and that's her answer.

I couldn't resist.


We didn't visit Santa this year. Mainly because I just can't bear the thought of the long line. But, Jessica just sent me their Santa pic (her daughter was not too happy) and it inspired me to post this. It's from last year. Poor kid...or poor Santa...not sure who had it worse. Is it bad that I still think it's funny?

Remembering.







It has been over five years since cancer took my dad. Somedays it hurts like it was yesterday, others I smile when I think of him. This time of year is especially hard because I wish nothing more than to have my dad here so he could watch my precious Kalli opening her gifts. I often wonder what type of Grandpa he would be....I can imagine he would be the FUN type :) He would take them fishing, riding four wheelers, teach them about animals, tell them stories, make their stuffed animals talk to them in funny voices. He would do the most adventurous things with them, because that's who he was.

My dad was the most interesting person most people would ever meet. He traveled the world, read lots of books, wrote some amazing stories and articles. He was the best conversationalist and SO, SO funny. I am not sure I have laughed like that since he died. The type of laughter where you spit your food across the table, someone is laughing tears, you are suffocating in your happiness trying to catch your breath. I miss that the most.

I often wonder why the people that are the most filled up with life lose it so soon. As I sit here and type I struggle with words...I really think there is none. Losing my father has been and continues to be the hardest thing I've ever been through. I grieve for his loss, but I also grieve for my children, because I don't know if my memories and stories can ever do him justice. My greatest sorrow in life is that they will never know him. I'm so lucky he wrote so much because I'll always have that to look at and read when I want him close to me. I will have to type up some of the things he wrote and put them here, so I can share them with you. I hope to read his stories to my kids someday.

My dad had a special love for animals. I think you can tell a lot about people by how they treat animals. He always said that puppies were pure joy - if you picked one up you could not help but be happy. That's true. I still think of him telling me that every time I see a puppy.

I miss you dad. My heart aches when I think of you, and how lucky I am that I got to spend 25 years with you. It was not enough, but then, it never really is. I would think that no matter how old you are when you lose a parent that you would always feel a bit cheated, like they were taken too soon. No one ever wants to live without their parents, but sadly I have to.






Saturday, December 18, 2010

The funniest kid I know.

There is never a dull moment in our house. Mainly because we have a two year old and a baby. But pretty much at any given time you can hear squeals of delight and laughter and the pitter patter of little feet "running in circles" - which is something Kalli does in our tiny house. She makes a lap through the living room, around to the kitchen and back again - usually singing and laughing along the way. Her face lights up when she smiles and it's impossible to be in a bad mood (when she is in a good one). She has a rotating list of people she wants to go visit - and today it's her friend Katie. I cannot believe that my toddler has a social agenda, but she does. I can't imagine the teen years! She already tells us to get out of her room (which of course is not tolerated) and is always wanting to go here or there. She's got more friends than I do! ha. I hope she never changes - she's just full of happiness.

I see me.





I'm not sure, but I think I see me in these little faces. Sometimes we joke that Kalli is an orphan because she doesn't really look like anyone in our family. Parker seems to take after Joe...at least we think. Either way, I thought the comparison was neat to see. I def see Kalli and Parker having some resemblance. All these pictures are taken between the age of 2-3 months :) Oh how I miss Kalli's baby face.