Ten on Tuesday--Surviving the Winter Woes

1. Friends--today we had Max, Zoe, and Grant over to play. It is always so much for to have someone else to play with other than mom.
2. Walking--or rather, watching Lydia learn to walk. She is loving it even though she has a nasty cold and can't eat a thing...it doesn't slow her down much.

3. Hot cocoa--I am actually the only one in the family who likes it but at least it is bringing someone Joy!

4. Organizing--with the second trimester of a pregnancy comes more energy and a little urge called "Nesting." You could say I am there. I am trying to figure out how to put three girls into one tiny bedroom with all their clothes in the same closet. It has been exciting!

5. Facebook--another thing that the girls don't really enjoy...but provides a needed out for mom.

6. Princess Dresses--so the princess dresses from Christmas continue to be a huge hit. I have repaired them all at least once and have one waiting for it's third visit to the sewing machine. Not high quality but boy have they been used!

7. Kites--The weather has been perfect for flying kites...that is except the day we flew them...it was below freezing and ended up snowing later that afternoon. But our bones have nearly thawed and we'll be back out again soon.

8. Games--from Hide-n-seek to Chutes and Ladders...we love any sort of game. Lydia's new favorite is Ring Around the Rosie...I wish I could have captured her face on film when she realized what was going on...let's just say she LOVED it!

9. Strawberries--they were on sale at King Soopers this week and Daniel brought home 4 containers...we had angel food cake with them and it was Divine. Daniel and I even had a fondue night together with fresh strawberries...it was Fabulous!

10. The Ultrasound--that is right...I am 20 weeks as of yesterday and here is a picture of baby #4! No news on the gender...we will let you know in June!
So what are you doing to Survive the Winter Woes?

Ten on Tuesday

1.We celebrated Lydia's 1st birthday with a pizza party and bowling. Lydia didn't care for the pizza but ate half the strawberries and pounded her cupcake. She loved the birthday card and book she got from Miss Nancy.

2. I finally finished my goals for the New Year. They include; potty train Liesel (I failed at that last year), organize and record our food storage, read 12 books, make a book of milestones and thoughts for each of my girls.

3. On Sunday Eliza and Liesel got to talk to their cousins, Raygen, Amelia, & Becca on the phone. Eliza was so excited to talk to Becca that all she did was laugh. I loved to see her joy in remembering how fun cousins are.

4. Today we went to the doctor for Lydia's one year check-up. She weighed in at 21 lbs 11 oz and the doctor says she looks great.

5. Have you heard of Shannon Hale? She is one of my new favorite authors. She is the Newbery Honor winning author of Princess Academy. I love that book. My latest read by her is Book of a Thousand Days. I was nervous at parts but loved it by the end.

6. Speaking of books...one of our families new activities for the year is a weekly Library night. The girls loved our first visit and we love having new books to read.

7. Congratulations to my brother Layne and his wife Nicole on the birth of Tyson. Isn't he a cute thing? 8. We got a package in the mail last week from my sister Jessica. She sent Daniel and BYU shirt to congratulate him on his graduation. Jessica, I can't thank you enough for your thoughtfulness. It meant so much to us!

9. Sunday we started working with Lydia to take her first steps. I was trying to be really excited for her and that got her laughing and laughing. Now it is kind of a game...to let go of the couch and fall into my hands. But I have seen her at other times let got of the couch or toy and just stand there. Hooray!

10. So the word is out and the questions are growing. So here is our official announcement...I'm expecting! I am 17 weeks along and due June 22 (the same day as my good friend Jenete). You may be wondering what took me so long to actually say anything. Well the truth is; we seasoned moms get a little bit weary of the questions like "How are you feeling?", "Are you hoping for that boy?", and "Another one?!"

Yes. Another one and we're thrilled!

Dear Lydia

Happy Birthday my little angel. I can hardly believe how quickly your first year has gone.

As I have watched you grow this year, I can't help but love your sweet personality and your pure excitement for everything new. As you were learning to crawl I could see your anxiety as you watched your sisters play. I thought it was a longing to be part of the action. Now I know that you just want to do things...with your sisters and on your own.

I love your smile as you discover something new. Your excitement is captivating and we all love to be with you.

Thank you for bringing so much joy into our home. We can't imagine our family without you!

Love,

Mom

Happy New Year

Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!

What do you think of Eliza & Liesel's new hair cuts? It was so painful for me to see 3 1/2 inches being cut from Liesels beautiful white blond hair, but Daniel convinced me that they might look more presentable this way--alas, he is right and the girls could care less that their hair is short.

Today was a momentous day--Eliza is a Sunbeam! (That means she is now with the 'big' kids for Sunday meetings) She is thrilled but was a little traumatized that she couldn't sit by her friend Hailey. Baby steps!

We worked on our New Year Resolutions Today...I haven't finished mine yet but here is a taste of the girls...

Eliza--Learn letters, enroll in a physical activity, .....

Liesel--Learn to go Potty, put laundry away neatly, ...

Lydia--Learn to walk, get into car seat without help (of course we will buckle her in), ...

So what are some of your goals for 2009? I hope to post mine soon!

Our Disneyland Adventures

So I feel like such a slacker just barely posting about our trip to Disneyland. We caught a stomach bug on our way home and are still in recovery. So here is a brief glimpse at all the fun.

One of the highlights was our back stage pass to meet the princesses. And who do you suppose was there? Cinderella and Snow White. I could have kissed them both. Liesel had been talking about seeing Snow White for weeks. Luckily that dream came true.

Liesel was a little shy but not as shy as Eliza. This is about as close to them as she got. Kind of funny since that is all she could talk about before we left...seeing the Princesses.

The best part of the trip was being with cousins...swimming, waiting in line, riding the carousel (over and over), the parade with Grandpa, matching shirts, pretty dresses...the memories will last forever.

The wedding was also fantastic. Congratulations again Andrew and Tara...we are so thrilled for you!

The girls loved their new pretty dresses from Grandma Nan.Here is our attempt at a nice family photo...can you see the cheese stick in Liesel's hands...good times!
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. I hope to be asleep before it is midnight here...is that weak?

Ten on Tuesday

1. We celebrated Daniel's birthday on Friday. It was a bit of a busy day with Seminary, changes at work, and school that night. But he made it home in time for cake with the girls. Happy Birthday Daniel...we love you!

2. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful but uneventful...no pictures and very little accomplished but Daniel did let me go shopping on Black Friday...loved it!

3. QOTD: I was finishing up Lydia's stocking when I said; "Girls did you know that Santa is going to come on Christmas and fill your stockings with toys and presents?"
Liesel: "Oooooooh, that's so nice!"

4. I have been up to my neck in projects...making pajamas for the girls and their babies, working frantically on our gift for the lucky member(s) of my family who's name we drew, finishing stockings, shopping, finishing my Christmas cards (sorry for the delay...our printer broke), and it seems like more are added everyday. I think I over book myself at Christmas.

5. Daniel's job title changed again on Friday. He is now a Sales Associate at the Bluffs. Anyone you know looking for a town home in Colorado Springs? We are really grateful to still be employed and are so grateful for the Lord's kindness to us.

6. We got our Christmas tree on Saturday and the girls are thrilled. Our candy canes only made it two days and only the top half of the tree is decorated (Lydia can't keep away) but we love the sent it brings and the girls love to plug in the lights.

7. Daniel now only has a week and a half of school and we are thrilled. He has worked so hard and has been so consistent through the past year and a half. He deserves a great vacation.

8. Vacation you say...coming right up. We head for Andrew's wedding and a visit to Disney Land as soon as class is over on the 17ht! Any Disneyland survival tips?

9. We were so grateful to watch the Christmas Devotional on Sunday. You can watch it here.

10. Neglected to lock up my craft closet today and now have embossing powder and stamp pad ink dotting my bedroom carpet. Does anyone have any bright ideas of removing that?