There's a Party Going On!

A POTTY party that is!!! Whoo hoo... this little guy is doing great... was a bit stubborn at first but is starting to come around... the best part of the day was while I was making dinner. I had just tried to get him to try & go to no avail, then I overheard Noelle talking to him and trying to get him to sit and try... I peek into the bathroom and see him sitting on the potty, underwear down with Noelle reading a book to him! She is the greatest big sister ever!

Ready for Spring

A couple of weeks ago we had a sunny and 45 degree day that we took advantage of by going for a walk with the new wagon the kids got from Santa and then played on the swing set in our backyard. The kids decided they wanted to have a picnic so they sat down at the table attached to the swing set and I gave them their snack to finish... Parker started crying and saying "lunch, lunch"! Yes, buddy I know, we would LOVE to be able to have lunch out here, but it's not quite warm enough yet... soon buddy soon... we are ALL ready and waiting for Spring!

Scrap Happy

Well, this last week I was able to get quite a bit of scrapping in! Yea! It seems I always feel a bit of a happier & kinder wife & mommy when I've been able to "escape" and do something I really enjoy doing! I thought I would share a few of my creations with you today!

This first layout is called "Double Trouble" the journaling reads "The two of you seem to be more mischevious when you're together. True siblings, true friends. 12/09".

This layout called "Carousel" highlights a few fun photos I took while the kids were on the carousel at Oak Park Mall over the Christmas season.

This layout is probably my favorite of the 5 I completed this week. Our sweet little boy is featured here in "Since You Came Along..." the journaling reads: "Life is laugh out loud wilder, messier, joy filled crazier, more full & fun just altogether happy! We adore you!" The journaling and even the layout design was inspired by this layout by Stephanie Howell.

Today We...

Today was rainy/snowy outside to we stayed inside and...

had a little photo shoot...

made (and ate) chocolate chip cookies...

played games...

(Noelle beat me at Candyland, The Ladybug Game, Hi Ho Cherry-O and Go Fish!)

And yes, we even broke a few rules!!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Happy 2nd Birthday Parker!

It's hard to believe this little guy is 2 today! He has brought such joy, such fun, such messes, such laughter and even such tender & affectionate moments. Life is definitely more full since he's been around! Happy Birthday little buddy! We love you!

A Few Favorite Photos from 2009

Noelle's much loved, well worn, "sparkly" shoes

Parker's happy smile

Noelle's happy smile

Me reading to the kids in Parker's bedroom rocker... story time is a much loved time by all in our home.

Noelle at the KC Zoo... love that look on her face... wonder where she got it from?

The kids playing in the water... they were so dirty when they got done, but they were having so much fun, I didn't dare interrupt.

Us at the MO Botanical Gardens... thankful for self timers & beautiful scenery!

Beauty of Father/Daughter time

A picnic in the backyard, lots of these this year... so much fun!

Parker helping Daddy plant in our garden!

We miss you Grandma Dolisi... photo taken at Parker's 1st birthday party. Grandma passed away about 3 months after this photo.

Parker at age 1... what a cutie!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We have had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! We have SO much to be thankful for! God has blessed us greatly this year... we are thankful for how he has provided for us this year, thankful that we have remained healthy and strong this year, we are thankful that our children are growing and learning every day! We are thankful that we got to spend time with most of our family over the Thanksgiving holiday and for those we were unable to see, we missed you & we love you! Here are a few photos from our weekend!

Parker and Noelle with their baby cousin, Jeorgia... they both LOVE holding her and loving on her!

On Saturday we ventured out to get our Christmas tree! It was a perfect day... the weather was near 60 degrees!!! This year was especially fun as last year Parker wasn't even walking yet!!! They both had a blast running through the trees looking for just the right one!

Here's Parker observing as Daddy saws "the perfect one" down.

Such excitement! The kids had fun helping Daddy push the cart up to the truck.

We decided to string some popcorn to put on the tree this year! Parker was eating it, while Daddy did the stringing!

And here is the (mostly) finished tree!!! It was a wonderful weekend! We were even able to enjoy a couple of fires in the fireplace, some hot cocoa and a bit of sitting and reminiscing about Christmases past... it's been a wonderful start to this wonderful season!