Christmas Day

We had a great time opening presents this year on Christmas Day! This was the first year that Bently and Keira really knew what they were doing and were really excited about what was going on! I had a great time making Bently's present comprised of a bunch of dress-up costumes. I also snuck a pink cape into the mix since I knew that if Bently was interested - Keira would be too! Keira got a shopping cart, which she loves to push her baby in. Dakota recieved two new suits and a bunch of other clothes. And, of course, I got Molly - who I love having around! But then Dakota spoiled me with a new weather station with lots of cool features. I secretly really love watching and tracking the weather - so this gift was really perfect! However, all this does not even compare to the abundant blessing of family that we have. Keira and Bently bring us more joy everyday than I can even begin to describe. I am so thankful for them in every way. Dakota, you are immeasurably special to me. I love all the little things you do to let me know that you are always there and that you always care. Our extended family is scattered far but please know that when we are not with you, you are on our minds always. We love you all very much and are so blessed to be part of your lives.

Christmas Eve

As tradition goes, we always act out the dear Nativity story on Christmas Eve. This year Bently and Keira played the part of "angel". Dakota and I were Mary and Joseph (which we hadn't been since Bently was born) and baby Jesus (our brnad new cousin Eli) was too mad to be part of the scene. Our nativity scene looks a little rowdy and scraggly but hey, we try! I love being with these people - you all make me smile just to look at these photos! This is a really cute shot of my Grandpa Randall (Bently and Keira's great grandpa) who is now in his 80's. He is playing with one of the kids' toys and I love the very childlike expression on his face! He is great! Spending some time with him was probably one of my favorite parts of Christmas this year.

Long Drive

On the Friday before Christmas we started our journey for the Holidays to Michigan! I always look forward to going to Michigan but I do get sick of the car very easily. Really, I am no better than our dear children. At one point in Illinois we stopped for gas and I whined about wanting a slusshy because I had heard too much whining in the backseat. Dakota got us the yummy treat but I don't know what I was dreaming about thinking that we wouldn't have to share it with our backseat passengers. The whining quickly turned to screaming and to appease the jealous cries I handed over the slushy. As you can see moods quickly changed - as did the state of cleanliness! But hey, for a good hour of happiness it was well worth it!

Welcome Home Molly!

She's back! Luckily a dear lady found our little dog in the street a few days after she ran away. She said that Molly was sitting in the street shivering in the cold so she took her home. I got a call from the police the next day asking me if we'd found our dog and when I said no the gentleman connected me to this sweet lady who had found Molly! I am so grateful that even though Molly didn't have any tags on - such a nice person would take the time to find it's owner. We are so glad to have her back!

All I Want for Christmas . . .

I have wanted a pet since - well forever. As a little girl we always had cats. There was Apple Cider, then Zorro, and none of us will forget Sally - good old Sally who brought us litter after litter of kittens. From the day Dakota and I got married I thought it would be just great to get a pet - preferably a dog. But we decided to wait until we were out of the apartment phase. And what a gerat suprise and blessing it was when we were able to buy our own home this year. And you guessed it . . . the whole wanting a dog thing came into full force. Then on Wednesday Dakota spotted an ad for a cockapoo (my drem dog) in the paper. We went to go look at it that very night and were sold instantly when we realized Keira (who usually isn't that fond of animals) LOVED little Molly. We brought her home as an early Christmas present for me and cuddled her and played with her and made her a little bed. The next day we were even more excited to walk her, and play with her, and feed her. Then somehow she got out and ran away. What a short lived fairytale. We spent all day yesterday combing through the neighborhood looking for her and calling for her. Now our neighborhood is plasterd with Lost Dog signs. We love you Molly and hope you come home ~ soon.

P.S. As I was going out to hang more "Lost Dog" signs today, I got a flat tire as I was about to stop and hang the very first of 30 more signs. YIKES!!! I finally felt like smiling again when I watched how excited Keira and Bently were to help Dakota change the tire. They love and emmulate everything he does. My heart just melts to watch them learn and grow - and especially when they admire the wonderful things their dad does.

Circus Fun

A few weeks ago we took the kids to a small circus that came into town and had a great time! As you can see they were totally transfixed with the elephants!! And what trip to the circus would be complete with out peanuts and popcorn? Keira and Bently really didn't talk much or point to anything - they were completely in awe at everything that was going on around them. They just stared at the center stage with big wide eyes. With the trapeze, dog tricks, elephants, jugglers, and motorcycle cages it may have even beeb a bit too much for them! But hey, we had a great time and we all slept great thet night!

7 Random Thoughts for Annie

Annie, this is for you and anyone else who may be interested. 1. I really love rap music. However, I really don't want my children to listen to it. So when we moved to North Carolina, and I was so sad to be leaving one of our dearest friends - Ben Pike, I decided that in honor of him I was going to start listening to country. He once told me that he started to like country music while living in North Carolina. So as we drove across the country to our new home in January 2005 . . . I began the transition. Now I too like country - and think of Ben every time the radio is on. Although, I also listen to many other types of music as well. Thanks Ben! 2. I have a passion for furniture. While most little girls spent their childhood dreaming about what their wedding would be like - I was pouring over my mother's Ethan Allen catalog. Dreaming about what baby furniture to pick out, which buffet looks best with which table, which bedroom set looks most elegant and what color comforter should I have someday? Anyway, I also love to refinish old pieces of quality furniture. A few years ago Dakota helped me turn a headboard and footboard into a really beautiful bench. It was so fun and every time we work on projects together I realize that he is truly my soulmate in every way. I love the balance his personality offers to mine. 3. I want to compete in a golf tournament someday . . . maybe in my forties. 4. I begin to miss my little babies about 30 minutes after they fall asleep. In the morning while I have my "Charlotte" time, my heart aches for them to wake up so that we can play again. 5. I would love to turn our garage into a photo studio and zillions of photos of people. I probably need to follow Jen's advice and take a photography class first. 6. I could eat chocolate chip cookies 24 hours a day. I could also swim 24 hours a day (but only if the temperature is right). I long to go camping and hiking again with my most loved boy and our friend Ben and anyone else who would like to join us. I love to play little tricks on Dakota and tickle him until he falls out of bed. I always have to watch a movie at least twice - once to sleep through it and again to actually watch it. 7. I feel like I need a vacation about every six weeks. I have no endurance to just go on with life. I love to take little brakes and forget that there are things that need to get done, places to be, and other people around watching me and my silly family. On the other hand, I thive off of a routine and schedule. I need structure and a clean house. Don't forget that chocolate chip cookie that I need either!

My Favorite Girls

Here is one more of my favorite pictures, of my two favorite women in the world (sorry it's slightly blurry). But who can't keep from being filled with cheer and smiles when looking at these two beautiful girls. I love them both very much. I am very lucky!

Tribute to Charlotte

There have been many observations that there are not enough pictures of Charlotte on this website. I absolutely agree, and I take full responsibility for such a gross let down. I personally think I need to document more what an amazing companion and mother Charlotte is in our home. She is the crowning jewel in our family. Our lives are happy and blessed because of our fortune to be under the wings of such a deeply caring and devoted woman. There is none better in my eyes. Sadly, Charlotte is the primary photographer from 8:00 - 6:00 each day and there aren't many great shots with her in it. I am resolved to pick up the camera more and focus more on the center piece of our family. Until then, here are a few shots I could rumage up. Even Chorlotte took half of these. See how amazing she is!!

My Sweet Little Boy

Happy Birthday Bently!!

My sweet little Bently, I can't tell you what a pleasure it has been for me to watch you grow. I can't believe it has been 3 years! You are getting so big!

You have grown into a boy who loves all things truck, train, boat, and plane. You also love balls, especially basketballs. There are some boys in our neighborhood who play basketball and when we walk by you want out of the wagon so that you can join the fun. You are getting very good at throwing . . . everything!

You love your dad and he loves you too! He is a great person for you to look up to and I am very thankful for that.

. Bently we love you! These have been the best three years of my life and I thank you and Keira for every moment that we've had together! I look forward to our wonderful journey together! Happy Birthday!!

Hot Summer

This summer was hot. And when I say hot I really mean HOT - and I enjoy hot. But we are talking hot as in every single day during the month of July and August were over 100 degrees! That is simply too much for samity. And so sometimes we had to take little breaks . . . and this is what we chose to do! Absolutely Delicious!

What the Rain Brought In

Earlier this spring we had a day of really hard rain all day long. While I was cooking dinner I looked out the window and saw this turtle walking across our deck - so I grabbed him and stuck him in the bathtub so we could have a little adventure after dinner . . . and boy did we ever have an adventure! It looks like Bently has found a new friend - sort of. This is after about 45 minutes of talking about the turtle and having me hold the turtle. Bently finally decided he was brave enough to touch. Keira on the other hand, gave the turtle a swift salp across the back and decided that she was definately done. There was no getting her even into the same room as the turtle. Our poor little friend was terrified I am sure! He decided to take refuge in one of Bently's toys. Shortly after this we took the turtle back outside and let him go - all parties were very grateful the event was over! This video is after about 15 minutes of seeing the turtle. Still very unsure!