Walkin’ in a winter wonderland

It snowed the weekend before New Year’s, and being an abnormal Midwesterner–I was thrilled! (I adore snow storms. I don’t even mind driving in them……as long as I don’t have 3 children yelling in the back….) It was so BEAUTIFUL! Huge flakes, peaceful hush around the neighborhood, and the best part–not too cold!

I bundled up the toddlers and we played out in it for awhile. Even Little E loved it! He does not have a good snowsuit or snowboots, so we could not stay out long; but he was pointing at all of the trees, and grinning when flakes hit him in the face. It was fun to watch. I even took him for a sled ride on my lap–not sure if that was a hit or not–I couldn’t see his facial expression.

Of course, the girls loved it too. Daddy made a huge snow “mountain” for them in the front yard, complete with a sledding chute and steps to climb up the other side. Big E tried it right away, Middle E was apprehensive (she is scared of everything under the sun right now). But being the loving and nurturing mother that I am, I forced her onto the sled and shoved her down the hill. Of course as soon as she landed at the bottom, she informed me that it “wasn’t really that scary after all”. Hmmm, imagine that……

Daddy also went out and bought the girls their own little shovels. He has fond memories of shoveling his heart out in the front yard as a child, and he wanted them to have the same experience. It was a good buy though–they love them and it keeps them out of my hair….I mean, happily occupied….for quite awhile in the back. Which every mother knows is necessary from time to time!

A little breather….

Today was a nice day for a tired momma……I was able to meet a good friend for a playdate (and thankfully our children hit it off, so we were able to chat!) Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera and get a picture. Next time, OK Tans?

Also, I spent the rest of the day at my dear in-laws’ house and they allowed me and my sister-in-law to go shopping together—without our collection of 5 kids! It was so nice to be able to think while we were shopping, and spend some time together as well. I am very blessed to have married into such a great family. They are wonderful, and help me not to be so homesick for my family far away!!!

Michigan vacation

Happy Independence Day!!

The blushing bride-to-be

My sister-in-law Jill got married yesterday. I will post pictures of that soon (my girls were flower girls, so I have to show them off!)
But first, we had a shower for Jill. Here are a few pictures, and you can read more about it here. It is hard to believe that she is married and off to Boston. At least now I will have an excuse to visit the East Coast!!

Vote for who????

If you live in Massachusetts, you may want to cast your vote for a new “rising star“. I think he would be an excellent congressional leader (plus, I will be related to him in a few weeks–see here– and would love to say that I am related to a congressman.) Not to be shallow or anything…….Go Kevin!!!

Time goes by…..

I realize it has been awhile since I have posted. Josh claims that I am going to lose all of my faithful readers. Are you still out there, faithful readers?

We have packed alot into the past month. Besides adjusting to a newborn in the house, my family came to visit me, my church (and especially my friend, Tiffany) held a shower for me, Middle E turned 3, I turned 30 (gasp!), we attended the local children’s fair, and Josh’s brother returned from Iraq and got married. Needless to say, it has been an exhausting maternity leave. Isn’t the point of a maternity leave to rest up after having a baby?? I am not sure anymore….

Anyway, here are a few pictures of the past month. I will post some slideshows soon!