The world through my little girls eyes

Okay, I know Im not alone here. Have you ever had one of those days where you just dont enjoy being a mom? I hate even asking that. I love being a mom and most nights I go to bed asking myself how, of all the kids in the world, I got the three very best ones. But this day was different- I was so irritated with being the drink getter, potty trainer, chicken nugget and tater tot maker (hush!) that I told my kids I seriously needed some quiet time. I let the boys color in the office and I gave Bella her camera. I told her that she could walk around the house and take pictures of things that were special to her. Well, she brought the camera back to me about an hour later and I let everyone know that it was (finally) time for their nap. Once everyone was napping, I plugged the camera in to import the pics for her and I started crying. I dont even know why. Then I just started laughing! It was just so touching to look at pictures of what is special in Bella's 5 year old world. I thought I would post them- you might look at these and think I am so weird for getting so emotional over these pictures but really, how stinkin cute is it that she tried so hard to set up all of her Barbies perfectly in front of the castle? and that she took a picture of...a picture? a picture that is so special to her. and that she put her Bitty Baby and Kit doll in the Bitty Baby bed with little books?

How sweet is it that her brothers made it in the pictures? It threw me off to see pictures of Bella cutting her cake and posing-but as it turns out, she figured out how to hold the button down so the timer would work (by herself!)

There are alot more pictures (she actually filled up the memory card) but I just wanted to share a few of them. So of course, after I pulled myself together, I went to Bella's room to see if she had fallen asleep (of course not) and just held her, told her how much I loved the pictures and what a great job she did and that she could get up and hang out with me. I cant remember what we did after that- probably water colors or something small but even though it wasnt a big deal to me, Im sure it was very important in her world.

What I do remember is, when I was leaving her room that night after her goodnight kiss (and the sign language for "I love you", and about 20 thumb-kisses), I paused outside her door and felt that feeling of overwhelming love inside- just welling up. Im feeling that right now. I love being a mom and feel so thankful that God trusted me with the three best kids in all the world.

Snowy day!

Well, this is funny. I just realized that I did not post the pictures of our amazing snow day! How is this? We never really get anything but light flurries here and that is usually in February. Back in December, we were getting ready for Bella's Chistmas program when I got a call from the room-mother letting us know that it was canceled because of the snow. What?! We looked outside and could not beLIEVE it! Big beautiful snowflakes just coming down. I am pretty sure I have never seen snowflakes like these. We raced outside and played until none of us could feel our hands or feet, then came inside for the boys first hot cocoa. We went right back out to play in it the next morning too. Here are some great pictures of the kids enjoying the snow!

So this is Christmas...

Hello family and dear friends! I hope that you are doing well and survived the holidays. Our December was definitely different but we made it through and we are looking forward to this new year!

Amy and I celebrated our birthdays together at Maggiano's this year. It was mom and dad's treat.We ordered everything "Family style" and it was amazing. The server just keeps bringing more and more food until you leave! and I loved the atmosphere-very nice!

Amy and I always read our cards out loud to make sure we get fair treatment from mom and dad. Then we exchanged gifts...

Lots of family pics of course.

Amy started feeling really tired and achy and just not well. We thought she had a bad flu but then we found out it was Mono. We decided we would let Amy heal so she could enjoy Christmas.

We went ahead with our usual plans and celebrated with the Pevelers on Christmas Eve. They always have the best food and we really just love being with them and hanging out most of the day. We played Scrabble and opened presents and just had a great time!

When we got home, Jason read the Christmas Story to the kids and they made peanut butter cookies for Santa. They were very proud of their cookies and walked very carefully to put them in front of the fireplace...


On Christmas morning, the kids ran out to see what Santa left for them. Bella was so excited that she ran right past the tree! so funny. and Garrett screamed everytime he opened a gift...







Jason and I were worn out from removing all the toy packaging and twisty ties. Each kid wanted to play with their new game or toy right when they opened it. We had a wonderful day and just loved watching the kids play with each other and their new toys.


Well, the day after Christmas the boys turned 3...



and my sister was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital with an enlarged spleen and liver. She was placed in the ICU and monitored. I have never been so worried in my entire life! We decided to let the boys open a couple of gifts from us and eat some cake of course! Then I went and spent the night at the hospital with my mom.

Amy was in the hospital for a few days. Definitely scary. Then she chose to go home and heal. Who wants to lay in the hospital on their Winter break? We celebrated New Years Eve at home...

...played Twister, had a dance party with our kids, and made Smores (you know-what all the cool people do on New Years Eve!)

Then we spent New Years Day at my parents and finally had our Christmas with them!

So, we survived the Holidays! I know I am blessed. I felt like all I wanted for Christmas this year was for my little sister to be okay. We go way back...

Well, I have about 20 loads of laundry that I need to do, and 3 very adorable little ones to play Hungry Hungry Hippos with! Looking forward to a happy, healthy 2009!