One stitch at a time

I received a package via UPS today holding these two pillows inside. Opening them made me smile and cry together. Mary, mother of a long-time friend of mine, created these for us. Other pillows from past are on display in our living room and now we have two more to enjoy. "Triangle Trees from Grandma Roberta" is especially appreciated as it has quilt squares from Grandma Berta's collection. Thank you, Mary and Laura! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Ugly, nasty, no good case of the....

Can you see his sleep marks? :)

CHEST COLD! Kale (and Payton) stayed home with mommy today due to a nasty chest cold that is going around. Kale has the worst of it and just can't seem to clear up that nasty junk in his chest. We've been doing the infant chest/vapor rub, humidifier, sitting in the bathroom with steam from the shower, etc, but no luck yet. Glad it's just a cold - he is still his happy, playful self so we have that to be thankful for! And, I must admit, sick or not, it was nice to have a day at home with my two little munchkins (after all, we should be out for Christmas break anyway, right?) :)

Christmas cousins

Do you think she got enough sprinkles on that cookie?:)

Miss O

Both girls working hard - for the 10 minutes that we could sustain their attention

Payton loved to sneak a bite or two of the dough...and of the flour! She didn't seem to mind though! Thanks grandma for hosting - we'll have to try again next year!

And if this doesn't make you laugh....

Should I submit to America's Funniest Santa pictures? :) I should feel bad that he got so scared, but I know that he too will look back on this and laugh some day! Happy Holidays!

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Payton loves to be our little helper around the house, but she also loves her independent time! She is quite the cook (along with her daddy - making a batch of chex mix) and enjoys a good craft or two! She is learning so much at school; I see it in her conversation and abilities everyday :) She's also definately displaying the "terrible three's" at times; good thing we have the "Santa is watching" phrase to get us through for a little bit!

Happy 8 months little buddy!

Kale is now crawling EVERYWHERE, is into EVERYTHING and loves to chew on ANYTHING! Payton loves showing him new things, but lets him know when he's in her way :) Today is the first time I saw him sit by himself (as seen in the picture above); he loves to eat and can't get enough time watching his sister run around! Can't believe it's been 8 months already!

2010 Christmas Card

Six years strong

"I will be here when you feel like being quiet, when you need to speak your mind, I will listen and I will be here. When the laughter turns to cryin', through the winning, losing and trying, we'll be together; I will be here."

I'm so proud of what we have accomplished in six years! I love you Russell Curt! Happy Anniversary!

Oldie, but a goodie!

We're mobile!

Sibling Communication

We have a......

CRAWLER!

Pictures coming soon!! (If only I knew how to upload video....can anyone help? Rudens? PLEASE?) !!!

John Deere girl

Payton helping Uncle Brian drive the combine. She doesn't adore him at all...........:) She had a great time helping out - maybe next time she stays at their house she can help sell Christmas trees (just kidding Fulks)!

Happy Birthday Grandma Dianna!

Action picture of Grandma blowing out her candles!

Some of the grandkids singing :Happy Birthday!"

Dinner time!

Aunt Tracy and Kale!

"Payton, please put the toys away."

Bless her little heart for thinking she had done a good job cleaning up her and Kale's toys :) I did give her credit for her creativity at least!

Halloween night

Fighting Irish

Russ' lifelong dream of attending a Notre Dame football game came true this past weekend! Thanks to all those responsible for making it happen for him - he had a great time!

Big sister

As we gathered all the necessary items to get ready to head to Grandma and Grandpa McDaniels house for Payton's weekly Tuesday night sleepover (which she gets excited for each and every time):) Payton quickly ran to the bathroom. I said, "Do you need help?" and she matter-of-fact replied, "No mom, don't worry about me you just take care of Kale." While this statement may seem simple and something that I shouldn't read into, I am because that's what I do (right Russ):) She has grown so much in the past two months since starting preschool - the change is indescribable and yet so amazing to witness. From being able to spell her own name, recognize letters while we're driving in the car to the person-like figures she can now draw on paper (which used to be just scribbles) I think I am watching her grow before my very eyes and I am a bit sad at how quickly it is all happening. Obviously we are proud of both of our kids and with every new stage of their lives we reflect on our own and realize how blessed we truly are - even if she says she doesn't need me - I know she does and will for a while to come!

Here's to a month of Thanksgiving.....:)

Family photos by Sarah D :)

Happy Birthday Grandpa Marvin!

Halloween here we come!

Happy 6 month birthday little man!

My little monkey!