A hint of the future?

Today we had a nice family day. We spent the morning cleaning and playing inside. Sarah enjoyed wearing a beanie from Abigail's Larry the cucumber costume. She also was half dressed and going around the house with a shopping cart and hoarding toys. I am concerned and hope this is not a sign of things to come. It did make for a good laugh though. We then enjoyed the unexpected pleasant weather and went to the park where we had the whole park to ourselves the girls had so much fun and Josh and I had fun watching them laugh so much. Hopefully we wore them out enough and now they will take a long nap.

An Angelic Performance

Abigail had her school program today and she was so excited about it. At breakfast she told me t0 make sure I sat in a seat where she could see me. She was overjoyed to know that her dad, aunts, and grandma would be there to watch her sing. I had tears in my eyes when she walked down the aisle dressed as an angel. She felt comfortable performing and kept giving us big smiles. I am so proud of her and admire how outgoing she can be. She still can light up a room with her smile.
Here is a little video of the performance, unfortunately this is all we videoed because our video camera ran out of batteries!!! I wonder if this is what the heavenly choirs sound like?

Breakfast with Santa

This weekend we had breakfast with Santa at our church. Abigail was so excited all week. She couldn't wait to talk to Santa and receive a candy cane. They enjoyed making ornaments and listening to the Christmas story. Abigail was a little disappointed because she couldn't find Santa's sleigh or Rudolph.

Arrggghhh

We had a busy day today. First we went to a fire fighter chili cook off in Coweta where we got to see horses and Santa again...unfortunately our camera ran out of batteries. The girls once again were so excited to see Santa and receive another candy cane. Then it was off to our neighbor Landon's birthday party. It was a pirate themed party and Abigail was so excited to go. She has talked about it for a long time now. Thanks Landon for the fun adventures!

Santa

Last night we went to Bass Pro and as we were pulling in the parking lot Abigail asked if we could see Santa. At first this surprised me because I didn't think she would want to sit on Santa's lap, but then she said "I want a candy cane"... then it began to make more sense. Abigail has such a good memory. She remembered that Santa was at Bass Pro last year and that he gave her a candy cane. Sometimes her memory scares me. We didn't think Sarah would go near Santa let alone sit in his lap, but both girls sat in his lap and Abigail even told Santa she wanted slippers.

Daddy needs to change more diapers

Here is a story to make you laugh. Abigail was playing with a baby doll who was wearing a diaper. She told me "ewe this baby needs a diaper change Mommy will you change her diaper?" "I said that is your baby you need to change her diaper." She then proceeded to tell me that she was the daddy and I was the mommy and daddy's don't change diapers. Life from a three year old's perspective.

Banana Bread

Abigail loves making banana bread...so we made some tonight. She held up the mixer for the whole ten minutes, and while she did that she said "I am so happy, I love making banana bread with you". Needless to say that melted my heart. I am sure we will be making many more loaves of bread now that winter is upon us.

Sarah enjoying her sucker.

So much excitement

Abigail helping daddy.

Sarah couldn't keep her hands off the tree.

Abigail loves her rudolph ornament.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving at Grandma's house yesterday where Abigail was so excited. She asked all day Wednesday if it was Thanksgiving. When going around the table and asking everyone what they were thankful for, Abigail said she was thankful for playdough, and Benny (Aunt Emily's dog). I think Sarah was thankful for turkey and rice dressing because she hasn't been eating very well but she ate and ate and ate yesterday. Afterwards, we went and had dessert at a family friends house. Abigail was so excited that Paw Paw was going to bring fudge that she kept reminding him and telling him not to forget it. On the way home she was mezmerized by all the new christmas lights so she kept asking Josh if he would put up lights on our house. This morning we decorated for Christmas... once again Abigail couldn't contain herself. I told her we would decorate the tree once I had taken a shower and about every two minutes she asked me to go take a shower. It is so much fun to see the girls excited and to see holidays through their precious eyes.

Daddy's Home

Josh finally made it home and the we couldn't be happier. Abigail talked about all day and the day before. She told me that she missed daddy the most. The girls were full of excitement as we drove to the airport. When they saw Josh walk through the door they I had to hold them back so that they would not cross the security line and get arrested. They both yelled for him and ran up to hug him. Josh treasured every moment. During the car ride home Sarah kept saying Dada!, Dada?, Dada., Dada! When we got home Abigail said I am so excited your home, I missed you and I love you so much. Needless to say Daddy is the love of our lives.

Poor Sarah

Yesterday I found out that Sarah has an ear infection. What is pretty amazing about it is that Sarah told me that her ear hurt. She kept coming up to me and saying bonk and holding her ear with little tears in her eyes. I couldn't decide if I take her to the doctor based on that but I decided to just to be sure, and sure enough she had one. Now there is an explanation to all the tears. She woke up this morning in much better spirits.

Funny Story

Yesterday the girls and I were playing outside when we noticed a grasshopper on our driveway. The girls were enjoying watching it hop around, in fact they had the giggles. Everytime the grasshopper hopped they would laugh and eventually both had the hiccups. I was enjoying the moment with them, isn't funny that the little unexpected things bring such joy to toddlers. Then the grasshopper stopped and Sarah decided this was her chance, she stepped on it and smushed it. She killed the grasshopper and the moment. Luckily Abigail hadn't claimed it as a pet so there were no hurt feelings.

Football Game

On Friday night Abigail went to the high school football game with Grandma and Paw Paw and she had a lot of fun. It was exciting to her that she went alone. She told me that she is glad that Sarah is not going because people scream and Sarah would be very scared. Abigail was most excited about watching the band performe and getting some ice cream. She also made sure that I remembered to put her in her Seattle cheerleading outfit and that she brought her pom poms. Sarah and I went to Target and had fun together.

Bye-Bye Daddy

Well we have come off of our sugar high from this weekend and with that came the realization that the girls and I will be solo for a while, Josh left for China yesterday for 2 1/2 weeks. Abigail now realizes that Daddy will be gone for a long time and she won't get to eat breakfast every morning with him, she really doesn't like that. It is hard knowing that Abigail understands more and can vocalize how she misses him. We will stay busy though with school and getting together with friends and family.

Happy Halloween

The girls had so much fun trick or treating last night, and the weather was perfect. I thought Sarah might get scared but I forgot the fact that candy trumps fear. She was so cute because she wouldn't let anyone touch her pumpkin even when it got heavy. She was guarding her candy with her life! Abigail tried to keep up with our neighbor Landon and she did for awhile until a house with a strobe light scared her. She became tired at the end from all of her running and allowed others to hold her pumpkin for her...she is definetly not as possessive as Sarah.

Not So Scary Halloween Program

Abigail had her halloween program today and she was adorable! Although she was a little off key and sung at a different tempo than her classmates, she had a big grin on her face while she sung her little heart out. I love Abigail for having no inhabitions, for which I envy her. I never worry that she is going to see me and start crying or become extremely shy. Instead, as soon as she finds her family she smiles and is comfortable performing for all.

We also carved pumpkins tonight. Both the girls enjoyed it and they are looking forward to eating the baked seeds tomorrow.

Fall Festivies

Today was a great day to be outside and enjoy the much needed sunshine -and that's just what we did. We went to a church family fun day and had fun carving pumpkins, eating hot dogs, and running in an open field with other children. Sarah loved eating cheetoes and Abigail loved painting a carving pumpkin. They both also enjoyed meeting new friends and playing in the dirt. To top off the afternoon and to keep the girls awake we treated them to an ice cream sundae. What a fun afternoon!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. Abigail was so excited she couldn't sleep at naptime...she fell asleep as soon as we left the neighborhood. We got there and the sun finally popped out and the girls were awake and excited and then we realized we forgot the CAMERA! I was so disappointed but I had some consolation in the fact that Sarah wouldn't have taken a good picture...she didn't like all the people and didn't want to get in the pile of pumpkins. Both the girls seemed overwhelmed by the crowds but fully enjoyed riding the ponies, in fact Abigail has added a pony to her christmas list. I think that is a grandparent gift right? Sarah loved the pony she would wave and softly say "hi dada" with a big smile on her face as we went around and around. Well I guess we will be going back to the pumpkin patch next weekend so we can get some pictures.

Modern Babies

Today was another cold and wet day. The girls spent almost everyday outside this summer especially in the evenings. However for the last week and a half or longer we've been inside due to illness and rain. They are having to re-learn how to play with one another indoors all day. Tonight they chased Josh around the house, painted, danced and talked on skype to Aunt Emily, yet the activity that consumed their time the most was talking and playing on our cellphones.

Indoor Family Fun

This week we spent a lot of family time together, trying to all become 100% healthy. We have been able to play games, do puzzles, dance to Christmas music, and we even were able to get Abigail's hair in a pony tail! Sarah has also found her number one book, Hop on Pop. This was Abigail's favorite as well so needless to say we can read that book with our eyes shut. Even Abigail can almost read the entire book. Maybe that is where Dr. Suess came up with the title of his book I Can Read With My Eyes Shut. Sarah will not let me read the last page of the book; she will turn the book back to the beginning therefore it is the book that never ends.

Fighting a virus

Abgail started to run a fever yesterday. Thankfully she only complains of being cold and that her mouth hurts. She keeps telling me that it is cold in this house. I know she is sick because she normally can't keep still and she will not take naps. But today while I was sorting through Pampered Chef boxes she voluntarily layed on the couch and fell asleep... poor Abigail! I don't like seeing her like this but at the same time she is so sweet and cuddly. She really can't stand that she is sick because she wants to go outside and play with her friends, she also keeps asking "where are we going?" We might have to go get some ice cream so the poor child can go some where. We were going to go to a preschool fundraiser tonight that I know she would of loved but thankfully I don't think she remembers it. While Abigail was sleeping Josh took Sarah outside to play. She loves having one on one time with us. Josh is such a great husband and father, always trying to help out and creating happy memories with his children. He truly blesses our lives. Here are some pictures he took of her while they were out there.

Pearly Whites

Abigail went to the dentist for the first time today. She was a little apprehensive about it, but she was brave. The office was designed for children and she was very impressed by the many balls, games. and the television that she watched while her teeth were being cleaned. She allowed the hygentist to take her x-rays and to clean her teeth. She wanted me to hold her hand the whole time which surprised me because she is usually so independent. Abigail got to choose a toothbrush while she was there. Her first choice was SPIDERMAN!! She thought for a minute and decided that spiderman was scary so she choose a toothbrush that lights up. Thank goodness. Sarah went over to our neighbors and played while I took Abigail to the dentist and Sarah enjoyed playing over there. On the way to the dentist Abigail told me that she didn't like leaving Sarah and she wished Sarah would of come with us. As we got home Abigail told me that she knows that our neighbor will say that Sarah did great and was a good girl. What a great big sister. The dentist told me he would like to see Sarah soon...something tells me it will not be as easy and that there might be some tears shed. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Wow is she getting big or what?

This weekend was Josh's birthday and we had a busy time celebrating it. On Friday Aunt Kim and Uncle Mark came over for a fish fry and pie. Abigail had a lot of fun playing scrabble with Uncle Mark. On Saturday Daddy went fishing while the girls and I along with Grandma went to visit Aunt Lindsey and Aunt Melissa at OSU. They were so happy to see their aunts because they really missed them. While visiting, we went on a walk where the girls fed the ducks at the pond. Saturday night we went to hideaway pizza and Basspro. I don't know who had more fun... daddy or Abigail and Sarah. Abigail loves birthdays, so much that she even prayed on Saturday night that Grandma would remember to make daddy a present. She was also excited to help Grandma make the frosting for daddy's cake. As we were putting Abigail to bed tonight she asked Josh, "Daddy are you old?" We hope you had a wonderful birthday Daddy. We love you so much. You are such a dedicated and loving father. Thanks for being so wonderful you help make our world sunny.

A+ student

Abigail was a star student today. Her teachers told me that Abigail got to pick something out of the treasure chest because she received 15 stickers by being a good student in class. Abigail was the first student in her class to achieve this award. Way to go Abigail. Rewards always spoke volumes for her.

Another milestone

Sarah has made another milestone. She has allowed me to put barretts in her hair for three days now. When I put the barrett in her hair she points up and says "pretty." I only wish she would of let me put the barrett in her hair for her 18 month pictures. Oh well, I am just glad we made this milestone and I can now hold off on giving her a haircut.

Football Game

Abigail has been wanting to go to the high school football game to see the band for a while now. Everytime we pass the stadium we have to roll down the window to listen to the band, then proceeds to talk about how we need to go one day and listen to the band. So it was a beautiful night last night and my dear sister Emily watched Sarah for us and we went to the game. Abigail was so excited and she was also amazed that we were up past dark. Before we walked into the stadium she could smell the popcorn and wanted some immediately. But when it was time to really choose what she wanted from the concession stand she took after her mommy and got ice cream. She had so much fun watching the band and dancers, she even did a kick or two. She also wanted to know if mommy, pawpaw, and daddy could kick like the tigettes... I think you know the answer to that question. When the game got started Abigail and I went up and down the stadium stairs quite a few times for food, drink and bathroom. But then halftime kept her attention again. She also enjoyed stomping her feet on the bleachers. We really enjoyed spending one on one time with her.

Meeting Daddy for lunch

We met Josh for lunch yesterday and boy do the girls love going to see dad at work. They love to test out all of the reels to make sure they are durable. There are also many critters that can be found around the office, as we saw caterpillars, spiders, and a tiny lizard that Abigail called "cute". Abigail was asking about a locked closet at Daddy's work and one of his co-workers told her there lived a boogey monster in there. On the way home Abigail talked all about the boogey monster that lives at daddy's work and how he's mean but that he can't hurt anyone now because he's locked in that "guest room" (closet). When we got home the girls took a long nap without complaint, and that made mommy very happy.

Smiley Pictures

Sarah had her 18 month pictures yesterday. I wasn't expecting much because she usually just cries through the session. I did have a little hope though because she has been so happy recently. Well the photographer actually worked really well with her and played ball and let her hold stuffed animals and the he made sure to cut those things out of the pictures. She smiled a lot and I actually had pictures to chose from!! Don't get me wrong there were still tears involved but not as many. I am very hopeful to get a family picture and a picture of the girls in November. Grandma I will be sending you a picture as soon as I get to the post office.

Ice cream man

It was a Seattle-like rainy day today. It has been raining for a few days now, but Abigail and our neighbor Landon still always wait for the ice cream man everyday. Today the ice cream man actually came in the rain, and needless to say, the girls enjoyed their ice cream. They even passed up an opportunity to go to Braums! Sarah finished her ice cream in record time and then wanted bites of Abigail's ice cream. Of course, Abigail is a great big sister and allowed Sarah to have some bites. They really enjoyed each other today as they spent the rainy day playing, dancing and reading with one another. It is so much fun watching them grow up together. It allows me to recognize God's abundant blessings in my life.

Dinner Time

Today Sarah moved up from her highchair to a booster chair at dinner time. She thinks she is pretty big stuff. She has even eaten vegetables in her new seat!! I can't believe how fast she is growing. It feels like she has been a baby forever but all of a sudden she is becoming very old. She is climbing up everything and I am just wondering when will she climb out of her crib. I am not ready for that.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is Abigail and Sarah's Grandma's birthday! They sure wish they could be there with her, in fact, Abigail asked this morning if she could go to her party.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Abigail's First Day of School

The picture on your left is Abigail inside her new classroom on her first day of school! School began on August 25th and it couldn't come soon enough for mom. Her class is the "Bees" class and she attends 3 days a week, Tuesday-Thursday. Although some children have a hard time leaving mom and dad after the long summer, Abigail just said "Bye Mom!" She asks every day of the week if today is a school day and she talks constantly about all her new friends. It seems as though every day she comes home with a new song, then proceeds to sing it over and over and over and over.....

Sarah makes new friends too!

While helping Mom drop Abigail off at school, Sarah enjoys meeting new friends of her own. This is a picture of Sarah and Eli, happy as can be now that they have Mom all to themselves after dropping off their siblings.

When it's time to pick up Abigail, Mom lets Sarah out of the stroller and she proceeds to guide Abigail out of her classroom and routinely dismisses them both as though she's in charge. She enjoyed her time alone with Mom but is sure happy to have big Sis back!