Nanner's...

Nana Lass was so sweet to come and step in for me and watch the kids while I flew back to St. Louis to spend some quality time with my Mom and Dad.  Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the week of Christmas for the 2nd time in her life.  She was cancer free for 20 years and it came back and shocked us all.  I am so proud of how strong she is and always has been through all of the challenges she has gone through in her life.  I gain strength from her and want to be that for my children.  Mom had a double mastectomy and she is doing great!  I had such a great relaxing time with my parents, thanks to Nana Lass watching the kids.... another example of strong role model in my life!


Nana and I took the kids to the children museum as they had off of school for winter break.  I think Luke may be out growing it though.  I think their favorite part is visiting the pet store instead of actually going in the museum!

Mooni

Oh how much the Bean loves her "Mooni."  Who knew that a 2 year old could already have a BFF!  These two are so fiery and alike it is scary!

Sissy Lovin'

I love how much these sissy's love each other!  It reminds me of the closeness of my sister and I and I am so glad that all of my kids are so close in age and hopefully will be forever best friends, Lukey included.  The 3 of them all have their own unique and special bonds.  They have their little fights as well but all in all, they love each other!

A Muddy Sunny Day...

Today started out super foggy.  When the fog finally cleared it revealed a beautiful sunny day.  The kids and I headed outside in the mulch with the sand toys.  The kids were so dirty and muddy but had so much stomping around in their rain boots!  We are loving our new yard, to say the least and how usable it is compared to our last house!  Life is too short to not let your kids play in the mud!

Mohawk Luke

Luke's hair was so long that I decided to make him a mohawk when I was cutting it today.  He was not a big fan!  I can't get over how thick and how much hair he has.  It was only a few years ago that his hair was light blonde and very fine.  He has grown so much lately.  He is wearing size 7 jeans... which are a little big but 6's are too short.  His feet are huge!  Not too far from being the same size as mine.  Gone are the days of lifting him up easily, I have to use all of my strength to get him in and out of grocery carts. Where did my little boy go?

Sydney's First Year Making Valentines

Yesterday, Sydney and I had some rare alone time so we made some valentines for her to bring to school next week.  She had so much fun making them and took her time scribbling on them.  I tried to teach her how to make an "S" but she did not get it.  Later when Luke and Ava got home from school they we stayed up late making one for each friend!  Luke did a great job writing all of his friends names!

Superbowl Sunday 2013

We had our friends over for the superbowl and had a great time!  The kids helped me make football cookies!

cuddling

Caught the kiddos cuddling on the couch with their new cozy futon cover!

My budding artists...

Luke, Ava and Sydney have been painting and creating like crazy lately!  I love it.  Ava used to not like to color because she couldn't stand not being able to stay in the lines.  She was finally convinced by Mommy that she needs to practice in order to stay in the lines.  She can stick with art for hours a day now, it is really great!