I miss Thursday

Thursday was so ridiculously beautiful and now today it is COLD, COLD, COLD! I miss Thursday! We went to the park in the afternoon with 2 of my nephews and my niece. My nephew and I climbed a tree, which I have to admit was more difficult than it used to be... gravity seems to pull much harder now! Then we played soccer in the field for a bit. Actually my older nephew, Ty, and I played keep away from Garrett, Lily and Emilia... but the little girls called it soccer. Ty was so sweet with Emilia and followed her around the playground, helping her down slides. He's such an awesome big cousin!

Ty and Emilia

Garrett

Emilia teaching Lily how to wink!

Soccer

Missed but not Forgotten

As many already know, Kim Malone passed away this week after a tough battle with cancer. She was truly an amazing woman, mother, and friend to many. I will always remember her contagious smile and feel blessed to have known her. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers... she leaves behind her husband and three children.

Is it a cold or allergies?

Emilia had a runny nose all weekend, and a cough when she layed down, but then Sunday evening she broke out in hives, and did it again twice on Monday. I took her to urgent care Monday morning with the 1st set of hives because they were so bad... head to toe. I gave her benedryl before we went, and by the time they we saw the pediatrician, they were almost gone. She broke out again after nap time. Our pediatrician says it is one of two things... an allergy to honey (this was the 1st weekend she had uncooked honey) or the other option is an allergy to the cold virus. I had never heard of this before, but leave it to my child to do this! :) She is feeling much better now, though. In the spirit of upcoming Valentine's Day, we baked and decorated cookies with red and pink sprinkles.

Emilia has also been dressing herself lately, and we have left the house with some quite interesting outfits.. such as this "movie star" look! The funny part was, she said, " I mommy!" I assure everybody that although I do wear my boring gray scarf and black sunglasses often, I don't look quite so sassy!

We miss you Uncle Danny!

It was so great having my Uncle Danny up for the holidays, and from what a "little birdie" told me, he might be making the move back to Kansas City. He lives in a small town, Paris, TN, and is retired from the Navy. He likes the lake, fishing, and the quietness of a smaller town, but because almost our entire family lives here, we worry about him being down there by himself... plus we would all enjoy getting to see him more! He came up to visit when I had Emilia, and was here until after we brought her home. Because Chris had used up his vacation time while Emilia was sick in the hospital, he had to return to work the day after we brought her home. It was so nice to have my Uncle here, because he came over many days to hang out! He usually comes for the holidays, but this year he stayed past the New Year, and we were able to celebrate his birthday. We went to Bravo's... yummy!

My niece, Hannah, is 7 and was my "first child." When she was born, my sister was still in college, and I was lucky to watch her often. I have been lucky to be the "fun aunt" since until 2 years ago, I had no one to spoil but my niece and nephews... and I only had 1 niece and 2 nephews... now I have 4 nephews and 3 nieces! I painted her nails at 6 months, took her to get her ears pierced at 11 months (with her mom's permission), bought her 1st diamond earrings for her 2nd birthday, and her first car at 3... a Barbie jeep. She is such a sweet little girl, and Heather and JB have been a great example of how to raise a sweet and confident child, which is harder to do than one might think! I love it when she says, " Aunt Beth, remember when it was just you and me?"... I think she's referring to before Emilia :) She loves Emilia, though, and plays little mommy with Emilia, and Emilia thinks the sun rises and sets with Hannah. I love watching them together!

lunch date

Today Emilia and I were itching to get out of the house so we wondered around Target drinking hot chocolate for over an hour then went to have lunch with Chris. It was rediculiously cold out and WINDY. I cannot wait until the weather gets a bit warmer!

Making bread

Emilia decided she wanted to help me make our home made bread today. I was a little hesitant at first but then figured... why not? It wasn't until she had dipped her hands in the flour and licked them several times, and then dumped oatmeal on the counter top that I realized... oh thats why NOT! :) At least she seamed to have fun and she really likes to eat plain wheat flour... weird!

Girls Day

I knew today was going to be a good day... how can you not have a good day when it starts off with a homemade by Emilia "banana birthday cake." (That's what she calls this creation.)We had plans to run a few errands with my sister, Melissa, who was kid free today... this doesn't happen often with three kids! For our "fun" day we had planned a Costco run, lunch, and then back home for Emilia's nap. As it turned out we went to Costco and then Emilia fell asleep on the way to lunch, so we grabbed food to go and headed back to my house so Emilia could finish her nap. By the time we got back to the house, Emilia had been asleep for almost an hour and did not seem like she wanted to lay back down, so we headed to the park instead. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside and today made me long for spring (minus the tornado season)... not summer... not winter... spring and fall are my favs. One of Emilia's new obsessions has been geese so it was her lucky day at the park because the geese were EVERYWHERE! The geese kept flying right over us, and Emilia, of course, was standing there staring at them... mouth wide open... so aunt Mimi (Melissa) taught her how to watch them with her mouth shut...

The geese "party"

Geese flying overhead!

Mouth shut!

Silly girl

Aunt Mimi and Emilia

Melissa, Markus and the kids came over tonight for manacotti... it was yummy! Garrett and Lily had not seen Emilia's new playroom yet, so they were quite happy to play with all the new toys. We had stripped the girls down for dinner since red sauce is not clothing friendly... and they were both too busy to put their clothes back on... hence these pics!

Emilia thought the gardening gloves matched her apron!

Lily vacuuming!

Grocery shopping.. fun?

How weird does it sound that grocery shopping has been one of the highlights of my week? This morning Emilia slept in... which is VERY unusual, so I went in to check on her at 0830, and tripped over her gate and accidentally woke her up... oops! She was happy to see me none the less, though. We left to go to the grocery store around 0900, and I decided to go by Starbucks on the way to the store and get my new favorite drink, the espresso truffle... yummy! (and thank you to my mom and Chris for the Starbucks gift cards for Christmas!) Emilia, of course, wanted to take her baby to the store along with her purse and keys. I did not think it fair to say no since I, too, had brought my baby, purse, and keys! She was quite the social bird, and wanted to talk to every elderly person she saw... which if you have ever been to Hy-Vee during the breakfast hour, than you would know there are many elderly there! There was one "grandpa duck" as she called him, that kept talking to her in his best Donald Duck voice... thus the title grandpa duck. Her amusement seemed to make his day, too! Everybody we walked by that happened to glance her way got quite the ear full of whatever she was thinking at that point. What was even cuter was the fact they all had time to listen and seemed to enjoy my noisy toddler. When we got to the produce section, she informed me that she would be picking the fruits and veggies that we would buy... apparently my grocery list was worthless to her! Each time she decided on a fruit or veggie, she would tell me how many to get and then count them out for me! We ended up buying 1 zucchini, 2 squash, 2 avocado, 1 green apple, 5 red apples, 5 handfuls of green beans, and 1 package of green grapes. She originally wanted to count each green bean, but kept getting frustrated around 20, so she decided hand fulls were a better idea, and so did I! She also spent 10 minutes looking for orange grapes, although I had already told her they only came in green or purple. After 10 minutes of wandering the isles, and asking 2 other adults (since mommies know nothing!), she settled on the green grapes. We spent close to 2 hours at the store, and came home with only 4 bags of groceries, but it was actually the most fun I have had at the grocery store! I am constantly amazed at the little girl she is becoming and love having the time to just slow down the pace and enjoy the day to day things with her... like grocery shopping!

Crown Center

Chris took nearly 2 weeks off work for the holidays, so we have been quite busy doing fun things with Emilia since we do not usually have many days off together. Today we decided to take her down to crown center to see the ice skaters, crayola cafe, and to take her to Kaleidoscope for the first time. She was a little overwhelmed at Kaleidoscope, but seemed to enjoy running around the chaotic crowd as much as she enjoyed the art projects. She was quite fascinated with the ice skaters... hopefully she'll be big enough to actually skate next year... and not so clumsy! There were so many cute shops to see at Crown Center, she loved the Crayola store. There were pictures flashing on the floor and she kept trying to run away from them which was quite humorous. When we left, she was asleep before we even got to the highway. She was so sleepy that she even stayed asleep once we got home, so we put her in bed for the rest of nap time. After she got up, we dropped her off at Aunt Pam's house to play for a bit because Chris and I had dinner reservations at Marina Grog & Galley. The restaurant is right on the lake and they have the BEST food... definitely my favorite place to eat.

Merry Christmas

Goodness, the last week went so quickly I didn't even realize I hadn't posted holiday photos! So here is our holiday summary... Christmas Eve we carried out the annual tradition of going to my sister, Melissa's house. My entire family was there as well as a few people who are "adopted" family members. The food was tasty and abundant... as it always is at our family get togethers! We had planned on only staying a bit and heading home early, but didn't leave until after 10pm... and unfortunately still had things to do for Christmas morning. Many know how I feel about the whole "Santa" aspect of Christmas... call me a pessimist, but I never believed in him and have a hard time teaching my daughter to. Because Emilia is not the only 2 year old in my family, though, (there are 3) I don't want her to spoil it for everybody, because both my sisters still teach their kids about Santa. I figured what could some "reindeer" food and decorated cookies hurt? We do have real deer in our back yard, so putting out reindeer food did not seem too far fetched to her, because she thinks the deer are reindeer. She still has never gone to see Santa... and that's just fine with me! Chris and I were up until about 2:30 am Christmas morning trying to get all her new furniture put together, but finally got it done! My parent's and Uncle Danny came over for breakfast Christmas morning, and we let Emilia sleep in while we ate cinnamon rolls (which she doesn't like)and drank coffee... which was much needed! After Emilia woke up, we made our way down to the Christmas tree, and she was quite excited to find her new baby sitting out for her. When I was growing up, my dad always read the Christmas story from Luke 2 before we opened our gifts, so it was really nice to have him here to read it for us. We all opened our gifts, but because the roads were still slick the day before Christmas, and I refuse to drive on them, Chris's biggest gift was still at Sears since I had ordered it online. He wasn't planning on working on a car that day, though, so he didn't mind! With the help of his dad letting me know what to look for, Emilia and I had gotten him a big jack, jack stands, and reclinable creeper. Kind of a weird Christmas gift, but he asked for it... he likes to change his own oil!! I got my bread slicer and slicer guide, so I was anxious to make bread! I had been making our own bread, but every time I went to slice it, I squished it, so this will definitely come in handy! Emilia was SO excited to see her playroom... although she was a little overwhelmed and did not know what to play with first. Emilia played in her playroom most the morning, and we went to my parents for dinner after nap time. Everybody was at my parents... my sisters, my aunt and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and my in laws. The food was great and we all ate way too much! Christmas evening, we went to Chris's sister's house. Chris's niece and her new husband came in town for Christmas, so we were excited to see them. Needless to say, Emilia was a bit over indulged this Christmas, but it will be the last Christmas we can do it and have her not remember it and expect it every year! I hope everybody had a wonderful and safe holiday!

Drum roll.....

So I began Emilia's playroom mural yesterday at about 2pm and 24 hours later.... finished! I had originally bought wall decals to put on the walls, but then decided I wanted a tree, so bought a 4 foot wall decal tree, but then went to Pottery Barn Kids yesterday to pick up a gift, and I found this butterfly chandelier that I had to get and then saw a bedspread with the cutest trees on it, and got a crazy idea to paint a tree and use different papers, material and tapestry for the leaves for textures.... then off to the craft store and the rest is history. (and yes I know that was a run on sentence :) ) My husband likes to, as he calls it, be realistic, but I call it raining on my parade... so I did not tell him of the new idea until some of the damage was already done! I can't wait until she sees it Christmas morning. Now all we have left to do is put the furniture together, hang the curtains and the butterfly chandelier... here are some pics of the walls.

Nathan Campbell

My day was totally made when I checked out my friend, Caryn's, website about her son, Nathan. The news was so awesome that I copied and pasted it...

"Merry Christmas!We have terrific news! Nathan is now officially CANCER FREE! As expected the doctors informed us today that his cancer is now in remission thanks to his aggresive treatment this last month. On friday his bone marrow test and spinal test showed no signs of Leukemia. Because of this Nathan will not need to undergo any radiation! Now this does not mean his treatment is over. He will still need to stay the plan which involves three years of treatment, however we now can say that the cancer is no longer winning and that we now have the upper hand! Caryn said that Nathan was excited to hear the news! He has been a real trooper these last few days. The other kids have been fighting "the beast" which is a nasty stomach virus that does not spread holiday cheer. Nathan has been isolated in his room away from the other lepers.With this good news Caryn and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and Merry Christmas! We shall never forget your support and prayers! The Campbells"

What an amazing Christmas gift!

Almost Christmas

So my over-the-top intentions mixed with chronic procrastination has led to my downfall this holiday. I think it is one of my personality flaws that I cannot just do something... its all or nothing. If I am going to by Emilia a new kitchen set for Christmas, then I need to redecorate the entire playroom.... paint it... all new furniture... oh, and how about a mural on the wall? All because I am so bored and have NOTHING to do in my free time! One day I will learn, but in the meantime her new furniture is now hiding in our basement bathroom waiting to be put together. I have painted the background color on the playroom walls... which by the way... Valspar lied. They claim only one coat is needed. I am painting pale yellow over white and will be doing the 3rd coat tonight... ridiculous! In the meantime, we have displaced the playroom toys to other areas of our house because we do not want her in the playroom until Christmas morning. Emilia has preschool Monday, and my friend, Samantha, is coming over to help me finish things up. I am hoping to sketch the walls tomorrow night after I get home from work and then paint them Sunday night after work, and finish them on Monday...after my dentist appointment! Tuesday's weather really messed up my plans, because Emilia was supposed to go to school and I was going to a friends house to help paint, but instead Emilia and I stayed home until the late afternoon. When my dad got off work, he came over and we ran up to Target then met Chris, my mom, and my Uncle Danny for dinner at Atlanta Bread. My Uncle Danny lives in Tennessee and came up for the holidays. Wednesday evening, my Aunt Tammy and I went shopping, and ended up not getting home until almost 1 am, but we got all our shopping done, which was more important than sleep at this point! Thursday I kept Emilia home due to the potential ice storm that we never got. I was glad we didn't get it, but really needed her to be in school so I could finish a few things up for Christmas. My sister, Heather, ended up dropping my nephew, Hudson, off after lunch to nap and play for a bit. He and Emilia both took 2 hour naps, then were quite helpful with fixing dinner. Even though they are so close in age, Emilia feels the need to "boss" Hudson, and much to her pleasure... he doesn't mind. When he does, though, he just shoves her and runs off... then she tattles! It is actually quite humorous. When she tells on him I ask her if she was being nice. She says, "NO, I bossy." At least she is honest! This week was busy but fun, and thanks to online shopping during nap time, I think I have everything bought and even got it all wrapped today with the help of Emilia. She does the taping quite well... and picks out the ribbon color. It was a busy week, but still a nice break being out of school! Finally got my grades back... my huge paper I got a 99%. I ended up with A's in both classes.

Happy Birthday Ty!

My nephew Ty turned 13 last Friday and we had his family party last night.... because at 13 its not cool to invite the fam to you party with your friends! Emilia was suppose to have school today, but I decided not to venture out on this snowy mess, although I do still have a bit more Christmas shopping to do!

Tod Fox

Indroducing the newest addition to our family... Tod fox fish. Emilia named him... obviously. My sister, Heather, took her shopping this afternoon and called to let me know Emilia picked out a fish and wanted it to come home with her. So instead of telling her no, she let her pick out an aquarium. Thanks Heather! Due to her recent obsession with the movie, The Fox and the Hound... she came up with the name Tod Fox fish. His home is on my kitchen counter right now, because I don't know where else to put him!

Friday

Our family of 3 will soon be 4... I will post pics later!

Snow

I was hoping to get to take Emilia outside to play in the snow today, but it was SOOO cold out! She was staring longingly out the back patio door... it was very sad. So what do you do when you want to go outside to play in the snow, but it it too cold to actually BE outside? You bring the snow inside! I am not even kidding! We grabbed one of my mixing bowls, opened the back door and from the warmth of my kitchen she used my measuring cups and scooped snow until her bowel was full. We then took the bowl up to the counter and she sat there and played with it until most of it had melted or she had eaten it... gross I know, but by the time I saw what she was doing... damage was done! She had a blast, but when she was done her hands were blue, so we had hot chocolate and marshmallows to warm them up.

Winter Wonderland

It is official, I have to put my flip flops away... as soon as they thaw! It's snowing! I was glad I decided to keep Emilia home today so we weren't out driving in this, but it is beautiful to watch from the window with a warm cup of coffee! I worked all weekend and yesterday, so Emilia and I have been just hanging out today... relaxing! It has been nice. I still have one final paper to complete, but the biggest one is finished and turned in, so that is a huge relief. I should get the other one completed tomorrow, hopefully. One of my girlfriends, Samantha, is coming over for dinner tonight and to hang out for a bit. I put a brisket in the oven earlier and now its making me quite hungry since my whole house is filling with the aroma! Emilia and I played with play do this morning, and she wanted to make a whole Christmas scene. We made a tree, a snowman, a reindeer... Santa didn't turn out so well though. I finally gave in and mixed colors, though. I know it sounds crazy, but one of my pet peeves is colors of play do mixed. I throw it away. Emilia usually only plays with one color at a time, but how can you make a snowman without coal eyes?What kind of mom does not let her daughter mix play do? I have vowed it will no longer be me, so mix away, Emilia. I might still throw it away, though! Here's a pic of her masterpiece, Frosty. And in case you were wondering, Emilia informed me that Frosty does, infact, have a tail!

Christmas tree Petition

I am petitioning to keep our Christmas tree up year round... not sure if the husband will go for it, but maybe if I present it from the angle that he will not have to take it down... or put it up next year......

Christmas lights

Chris had to work late tonight, so my brother in law, Markus, picked me and Emilia up to go see Christmas in the Park. I have not been in years, but Emilia and Lily loved it. Garrett thought it was great for about 2 minutes, but then was over it! Boys!