Alpha(bits) of Berta

There are several times per year (and per day some times) that I remember Grandma Berta. Her birthday would have been January 27 so it is a day that the memories come flooding back. On a trip to clean out grandma and grandpa's house this summer, my sister brought back some of her recipe cards and jewelry for me - I love looking at her handwriting. I can recall watching her fill out recipe cards or just writing down notes on her notepad, addressing envelopes, etc. In celebration of grandma's birthday my sister, a great writer (she should start her own blog :) sent an email with the "Alpha(bits) of Berta". I will share a few with you in hopes that you can imagine her wonderful spirit: E - How she frequently enjoyed evenings on her front porch, F - A friend to many, both old and young, U - Upbeat...always, no matter what curveball was thrown her direction, Z- Zest for life. She ended the note by saying " Love her. Miss her. Want to be more like her." Well said Megan and thank you for sharing. Happy Birthday Grandma Berta!

Confessions of a Diva

PJ

Hard to believe it's already been 100 days since Payton started preschool. She has had a difficult time adjusting to the early morning drop offs, but we'll survive. I've learned to time it just right so the friends that she looks forward to seeing are there - a great distractor to "missing mommy all day." She loved helping put up some Valentine's Day decor this weekend with me - always a good helper (ok, not always but.... :)

1st haircut!

He was a trooper! First of many, many more haircuts by daddy to come!

Introducing the sippy cup

Can you tell I don't feel good?

(as it flies off the edge - we'll try again later:)

Where'd all my friends go?

Where the dollhouse SHOULD be!

As Payton gets older and wiser she likes to test our limits. She has quickly learned that mommy is a bit easier to play in these circumstances. Well, last night while she was supposed to be going to bed (after a fun day of a birthday party and NO nap) she decided it was playtime instead! So, as you can see most of her toys and "friends" (stuffed animals) ended up in the hallway - even Teddy, her favorite friend of all. This type of discipline appears to have expired as her only response when taking away Teddy (which I thought for sure would get through to her) was, "I can get him back tomorrow though mommy." Looks like we'll have to search for new tactics in this area of discipline! She's too smart and too stubborn (wonder who she gets that from)!

Happy Cooking

I am not a cook by any means, but here is a blog that my mom shared with me over the weekend that appears to have some good recipes (and being that I am at home with a sick little guy today you'd think I would have time to try some of them out....not the case my friends)! Enjoy!

http://envymycooking.blogspot.com/

Happy cooking! Also, if you have some recipes that are simple and easy I'd love to have them (my new year's resolution is to figure out how to cook)!! It's amazing to me that my mother, sister (and brother for that matter) are all good cooks....must have lost that gene somewhere.

No title necessary

Picasso

Playdate and pulling up

Getting ready to head out for a playdate at Ady and baby Lilly's (or baby "Willy" as Payton calls her) house :)
Happy boy!!

What if?

I'm not one to write a lot, but a lot has been on my mind and I feel the need. Where I used to only have to worry about what outfit to wear or what accessories go best with that outfit (go ahead and say it, "VAIN!"), I now have an extended list of worries - that I place upon myself (some might say too much, right honey?) So as to allow myself a sense of freedom from these daily anxieties I'm writing them out. Maybe if I read them aloud I'll realize how silly some truly are. (Feel free to leave me comments...whether you think I'm crazy or not!)

WHAT IF:
*he doesn't sleep through the night?
*I'm never a good cook?
*people only saw abilities, not disabilities?
*she were to be cured?
*hearts could be mended over night?
*she watches too much tv?
*everyone believed?
*they were able to?
*I forget to say I love you?
*she cries again this morning when I drop her off at school?
*he wets through tonight?
*I prayed more?
*I'm being too much?
*they don't know how much I love them?
*I show up with baby spit on me?
*I were a size 4 again? :)
*I had to face their challenge?
*I should have fed him vegetables not fruits?
*I don't get the ironing done?
*I'm late for work?

I could go on, but won't burden you. As I review my blessings I feel selfish that I should question anything. But I am human; thanks for listening!

Standing tall

Did I hear a "niner" in there?

Happy 9 months baby Kale!

As documented in these pictures and video, Kale is working on standing on his own. Next, walking....we are in for it with this little guy. He has already tried to climb the steps while I let him roam freely around the basement!! Luckily I was nearby as he turned and fell face first into the carpet...poor kid! Payton just loves getting in his face and loving on him; can't wait to see their relationship grow over the years:) Teeth are hopefully in his near future....we hope so because he chews on everything and acts as though the pureed foods just aren't doing it for him:) We're also debating a first haircut as his hair can get quite out of hand some days....needless to say we are enjoying watching him grow and learning the many differences between little boys and little girls!

While Payton's away....(or not looking)

Kale will play! Caught in the act!

Snow day #2 and #3

Due to cold temperatures we are out of school for the third day in a row. We invited little Olivia over to play with Payton for the day; I'm posting this while they are sleeping (although I can still hear my little angel still talking up there:) I'm pretty sure I could get used to this stay-at-home stuff! :)

Snow day #1

Although this looks like Russ fell from exhaustion of shoveling, he really is just showing Payton how to make a snow angel!! :)

It is supposed to continue snowing all day - we are enjoying the snow and each other! Payton would have stayed out there all day if we let her! Daddy: "Payton, you ready to go back in?" Payton: "In a couple whiles daddy." :) :) :)

Go Chiefs!

Looks like we'll have to start rooting for the Packers! Go Pack! :)

A little pampering

Don't let her face fool you - she was excited!
and a little scared to move, I think!

Russ and Kale had given Payton and I a gift certificate to get our fingers and toes done - so we cashed in today! Payton did an awesome job of sitting still (have to admit I thought about just letting her go today to see if she could actually do it - and save mine for later) and we both enjoyed some pampering! Of course, the ladies know what snacks to keep on hand for good little girls - suckers and cookies! I look forward to many more adventures with this little lady :)

Winter Break

Watching the birds - although you can't see them with this picture!
Big man sitting up :)

Eating the recipes....at least they're getting some use!

We have enjoyed being home together over break - sad to see it's end coming soon. Minus Payton having a fever and her first ear infection and Kale having a continuous runny nose and congestion, we have had a wonderful time! Happy New Year!

Late arrival

A late gift came this past week for Payton from Santa. He wanted her to have a canopy (tent, as Payton calls it) to sleep under! She loves it!

McDaniels' Christmas

I had left our camera at school so we were using our old one, which didn't have very many shots left on it.....so this is what I got from that day :( I don't think the kids would have sat still long enough for a photograph anyway...we got it all on film - at least they don't have to sit still for that!