Blessing Counted

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We certainly got to spend some quality time with our families and enjoyed every second of it. Of course, there is never enough time to see every one while we are home, but did get to visit with a few friends as well.

Luke, I and the kids hopped in the car at 5 am the Saturday before Thanksgiving to head up to Mom's for dinner with Chrissy and Ken. We decided to celebrate when we knew Chrissy did not have to drive to work the next day! Too much wine to be had, as well as the ever wonderful "food coma". On Sunday, we took off to Denver to meet Sydney Canales for the first time. She sure is adorable and boy! does she look like her daddy. We had a great time catching up and letting the boys run wild. Emmett and Jack played like long lost buddies and were sad to part at the end. Glad we get to see them for New Years!!!! We stopped and met Sara Bomar and her boyfriend Eric for lunch before we went back to Mom's. It has been way too long since we've seen them and had a good time reacquainting. We left for Mark and Deb's on Tuesday and met up with Matt, Becky, Max and Liz for dinner that night. Always a great dinner with family and Italian food! Good to see the cousins as well. (Emmett has still been talking about them since we've been home.) We stopped over at Matt's on Wednesday morning before meeting Mark and Deb for lunch at the Golden Bee, our traditional holiday lunch. If it wasn't for lack of naptimes, we would've stayed and walked around the Broadmor like we usually do. I took the kids home for naps and Luke got to spend a little time with his folks. The big day arrived and Deb ran the Turkey Trot(second place in her age group! Way to go Grandma!) and Luke and Emmett went to cheer her on. Mark and I set up for the grand dinner and took short cat naps while Jolene snoozed and the parade on the tube in the background. What a way to start the day!!! Family started to arrive and food was abundant and way delicious! We even got to see Tim and his family after dinner was over and cleaned up. What an awesome holiday. and then came Friday.... Jolene has an ear infection- again. Deb and I had to run her to the urgent care that morning and wait around for prescriptions and morons that must have left their minds in the leftover gravy. She is now feeling better and life for all is better. No black Friday shopping for us this year. Not that we needed anything so I don't feel bad about letting the rest of America stock up on crock pots and mini choppers. On our way back up to Mom's, we stopped in to visit with the Christensen's. The weather was so nice, that we got to sit outside on their patio and enjoy their new rock-scaping and a cold beer(or two!). Lily and Anna were so kind as to entertain Emmett for us, that we literally didn't see him for 30 mins at a time.

We had an uneventful drive home and are glad to be back. We spent some time hanging Christmas lights this weekend. In Wyoming, you have to take advantage when there is no wind blowing to hang the lights. Emmett sees them and exclaims "It's Christmas, Mommy!" and I have to explain that just because the lights are twinkling does not mean Santa is coming tonight. Tis the Season.....

when it rains....

it dumps! Literally. Emmett has a bad case of the "stomach bug" and Jolene has a raging ear infection, which she's now on an antibiotic that's causing "stomach bug" -like symptoms! How can I be so lucky to be changing diapers for two kids all day long!? Although, I do feel bad for their red little bottoms. I told Luke that I would be calling in sick to work today aka sitting in my room behind a locked door with a bottle of wine. He was not amused. I'll try again tomorrow.

Jolene seems to be feeling better, but still not up to her normal. You couldn't tell by the pictures though. She still gives in to the huge smiley grin. She also has this one huge curl on the top of her head. Jolene looks like Cindy-Lou Who from Whoville. I really hope it sticks around for Christmas pictures! Emmett is on a naked kick right now. He doesn't want to put his clothes on once his pj's come off. Whatever. Makes for funny pictures. His new saying of the week is " Is that a good idea, Momma?" Cute at first, but now...not so much. Dangling a heavy car above Jolene's head is NOT a good idea. I could go on for ever in this post about his "good ideas" but I won't waste anyone's time, cause they are typically not good ideas which I'm sure you understand. It has come to be pretty cold most days, which means I got to dress Jolene in her Baby Legs. They are basically leg warmers for babies. It allows me to keep her legs warm, but not have to constantly undress her to change her diaper. I love them! She's has two pairs and I think I am going to have to get some for our newest friend Sydney! They are just too darn adorable.

Grandma Debbie gave the kids books and matching stuffed animals. The pig matches "If you throw a pig a party" and Emmett has "If you give a moose a muffin". Emmett loves Jolene's pig and has named it E.O. Piggy. We have absolutely no idea where this name came from but he sticks to it so that's what we call it. Jolene has started to grab on and hold things. So every now a then, Emmett asks Joey if she would like to play with her pig and then lays it beside her. Darn cute if you ask me. Then he grabs it back ans says "Joey said I can play with it." When she gets older and starts realizing that toys are being taken from her......I foresee a future of arguments between these siblings.

Luke's newest ad

Playing pretend

Emmett has been pretty imaginative lately. He is always asking if we would like dinner and pretend to serve us pizza or hot dogs or some crazy made up dish. The other day, he calls me into the hallway. He has my bamboo steamer and a bib waiting for me. He tells me and Jolene(in my arms) to sit down. and Surprise! It's my birthday and he's made me this cake(steamer). He puts the bib on me and asks me to blow out the candles while he takes a picture. (think I take too many pictures?!) I pretend to blow out my candles and take a bite. Then I said "Wow Emmett! This is really great cake. Is it chocolate cake?" You'd have thought I asked the dumbest question in the world. "Nooooo, Mom! It's BIRTHDAY cake, not chocolate!" Ohhhhh. duh mom. Anyway he's quite the pretend chef.

Jolene has approached the 16th week. Her smiles keep getting bigger and bigger. I got stopped three times in Albertsons today. She must have a grandma magnet in her diaper cause she can really draw them in!

Happy Birthday!

Today would have been Dad's 65th birthday. Happy birthday Dad! I miss you tons and don't worry....you 're still 2 months younger than Aunt Jude! (Sorry Aunt Jude! Someone had to keep up tradition!)