Ordinary Day

I really like this! Cherish the ordinary days! How simple to do and yet life is so busy we often forget about the ordinary! When I first started watching this and seeing all the pictures, I thought it was going to have a tragically sad ending - it doesn't, by the way. Just a simple reminder to cherish the time we have because it goes so fast and we aren't promised tomorrow! Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of my blog.

A fun snow day

Carter is ready to go out!
Campbell
Campbell just wanted to eat it!

What fun a snow day is! We watched it snow all afternoon yesterday and after the kids naps they got to play in it! Carter had the most fun throwing snow balls! And Campbell kept saying, "Ssssssnnnnnnooooowwww!" She loved it! We made delicious snow cream last night. This morning we played in the park and made a snowman there then came home and made another snowman. We have to make the most of these big snows because we may not see this much snow again for 5 more years! The snow is slowly melting and all will be back to normal soon. What fun adventures the snow can be!

I heart cookies!

I guess it is fair to say that I have been in a cookie mood lately! I made these cookies for Carter's Valentine's exchange for school tomorrow. We had a taste test with some leftovers and they were yummy!

First cookies

I have been wanting to make sugar cookies for a while now and finally had a reason to do them. I don't guess I really needed a reason but I didn't feel so bad eating them when I did have a reason to make them! Anyway, I made these football sugar cookies for a Super Bowl party. The big ones were for the adults and the little ones for the kids. They were a big hit! I have to say, for my first time ever making sugar cookies from scratch and the first time ever use a rolling pin; I think they turned out well! I am making heart sugar cookies for Carter's preschool class this week! Actually I already made them but accidentally left the uncooked ones sitting out all night; the heartbreak when I realized it and had to throw them away! Guess it was good practice!

Blog friend's Blogiversary

One of my blog friend's is celebrating her 1 year blog anniversary this week with GREAT giveaways! Go check it out and maybe you will win!

2 year stats

Last week Campbell had her 2 year appointment. She is slowly gaining weight but staying with her skinny and tall model stats! She was 24lbs. which was the 20th% and 35 inches which was the 80th%, her head is just perfect at 18.5 inches for the 50th%. Her hair is getting thicker but is still just as curly! She has a large vocabulary and is already speaking in sentences. She loves to sing and dance and really enjoys listening to music. I have to be careful with what kids CDs we listen to in the car because if the kids like them that is ALL they want to listen to - over and over and over again!

Filling Bailey's bowl and probably sneaking a snack too!

A snowy day

About 2 weeks ago we had a snow day, or really a snow/ice weekend! Brandon was out of town for the weekend hunting so me and the kids decided to stay home and stay in. I mean, after all, Carter did have pneumonia with no symptoms! And yes, I am well aware that Carter should not have been outside with pneumonia in 10 degree weather but after the 100th time of him asking, I decided to bundle him up and let him play for 5 minutes outside. Worked like a charm! I did have to drag him in but he never asked again to go back out! He got his wish, I got pictures and we were all happy!

I will throw this snowball at you since you are standing inside taking pictures Mom!

Campbell turns 2

On January 2nd, little Miss Campbell turned 2! My how 2 years have flown by. Seems like just yesterday we were introducing her to Carter and now they are fast learning their roles as siblings! To say that Campbell keeps us on our toes is an understatement. Campbell does everything that Carter did not, including things like eating dog food and taking diapers off at nap time! We love you Campbell and we look forward to all the many adventures that are in store for you . . . and us! We had a nice family day celebrating Campbell's 2 years. My parents, along with my brother's family came over for the day while also Brandon's mom was down here visiting for the week. Campbell is a pro at opening gifts but I think the highlight for her was eating cake! She kept saying, "cake" every time we would mention it or she saw it. What will 2010 hold from our little drama queen - we shall see!

Christmas 2009

Christmas recap

I am so behind on getting Christmas pictures on the blog. The last 2 weeks of December were a long one. Carter was sick for 2 days, followed by Campbell having a touch of sickness, followed by Brandon having a week of sickness and Christmas was in between. Thank you Lord for sparing me and giving me the energy to clean up after everyone! Then came New Year's, Campbell's 2nd birthday, and the grand finale of Carter turning blue on a Sunday morning and after visiting a doctor's office then a hospital for x-rays it was confirmed he has pneumonia! Odd thing is, the only symptom he had was turning blue. He was acting normal, no fever, no cough, no wheezing, no sniffle, no pain, no choking, absolutely nothing! Apparently we caught his double pneumonia very early and fortunately we didn't have to make a mad dash to the ER in the middle of the night. But wow, how am I ever going to know when the child is sick!

Trying to get a picture of the kids on Christmas Eve . . . impossible!

But by themselves is a little easier!

Carter - Christmas Eve 2009
Campbell - Christmas Eve 2009

Our teachers

Last Tuesday was the kids last day of school before the Christmas break. It was Campbell's last day of Kindermusik; she really enjoys it. It was also Carter's last day of Playball. He learned skills for various sports, such as tennis, hockey, basketball, baseball and soccer. Carter is a "natural," or so his coach says! Wonder where he gets it from ;o)

The places Elfie goes!

Santa

Well this was the 5th attempt to get a somewhat descent picture and it is descent! We tried the first time to see the Santa at Bass Pro and Campbell did not want to cooperate. This one she did a little better but the first 2 pictures were bad and finally on the 3rd picture, it's a keeper for next the 50 years to be displayed! Campbell has on an adorable outfit but Santa is covering up the top! But at least we have a picture!

It's Christmas Time

Carter and Campbell did really well for these Christmas pictures! Thankfully there wasn't much of a wait and it was pouring down rain out so they weren't busy. Or maybe it was because Santa was watching and they knew their wanted presents were pending! Whatever it was, I am glad it went well. I love Christmas - the sights, the sounds and the smells! I really wish my house could stay decorated for more than a few weeks; actually I guess it could all the stores start decorating early! Hmmm, maybe next year! I am already making my plans for day after Christmas shopping to get a BIG tree and more decorations, I just know (hope) we will be in a new house next year! Carter has a red tree in his room this year and Campbell has a pink one! We have had fun decorating! I love making new memories!

Turkey Day

I have no pictures to show for our Thanksgiving; I forgot my camera so I am trying to wait patiently for my brother-in-law to send them to me! We made the 13 hour trek up to Philadelphia to spend Thanksgiving with Brandon's family. His mom and brother drove over from New York. Brandon's uncle and grandfather live in Philly. We had a great time. The drive up was good but the kids were a little wired the whole time while being out of their routine. I know Uncle Gary was glad to get his peaceful house back! On Friday we went shopping without the kids which is always a treat! Saturday was the trek back to Atlanta and it was rough. An hour from leaving Carter got car sick and we were just all tired so we had to make lots of stops. It was nice to spend time with Brandon's family since we don't seem them much. Now we are gearing up for Christmas! Oh how I love this time of year! I just wish it were longer than a month!

All natural snack

Campbell: "Maybe Mom won't catch me this time with the dog food!"

Me: "Campbell, spit out that food!"

Campbell: "Okay Mom!"
Me:"Campbell take that food back to the kitchen!"
Campbell: "So sad, but okay!"
Campbell: "You want me to put this down nicely, right?"
Campbell: "Don't think so, I'll just drop it, but I will be sure to help pick it up for my next snack!"

I promise I feed Campbell! For some reason, if I forget to pick up Bailey's dog food, the second I turn my back she has her hands in it! I can not figure out why she likes to eat it. While I think it is disgusting at least it's "all natural" so hopefully it is not doing her much harm! Carter never once touched dog food! Although, Campbell does everything that Carter never did! She is keeping us on our toes!

Halloween

Last weekend we were in Birmingham to celebrate Halloween and Mimi's birthday along with my brother, his wife and Madi. The kids had fun trick or treating and my mom enjoyed showing off the kids. After the neighborhood deal we went to the church carnival for more fun. Carter couldn't seem to get enough candy! All Campbell wanted to do was hold hers and eat every single lollipop she got!

Here is Carter the Auburn football player.

Campbell the Auburn cheerleader . . . with a lollipop!

3's a crowd . . . in the wagon

Madi

A carnival isn't complete without a merry-go-round!

Campbell loved her balloon hat that was a "bumble bee!"

If you ever see a pink bumble bee, let me know!

Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard

Last weekend we planned a full adventure filled day with Mimi and PopPop! We started at the pumpkin patch with the BIGGEST pumpkins I have ever seen! The kids loved it; Carter especially enjoyed climbing on them! It was freezing out but fun was had by all!

Trying to pick up the pumpkin!

Looks like a nice resting spot!

After the pumpkin patch we headed just a little farther down the road for lunch followed by the apple orchard. We waited a little late in the year to go so there weren't as many apples to pick as last year but still fun! Campbell especially loved throwing the apples! I have been making lots of apple bread!

Campbell likes apples!