My complaining was justified...

We made a trip to the doc.

Not good.

PNEUMONIA.

EMMIE.

Awesome. :(

Nursery Times

It's official.

Her first 18 months flew by and this sweet little face started nursery last month.

Crazy. Exciting....

SO many plusses:

She is willing to go and seems to enjoy it. My 2 cute neighbors are her darling teachers. I can actually go to Sunday School and hear the lesson. I don't have to roam the hall with my disruptive toddler when I should be in class with the YW.

All great, right?

Just one problem. So far we've only been able to go every other week.

WHY?

You guessed it.

GeRmS.

It is almost inevitable that this smiling, cheerful face turns to this sad one:

(It breaks my heart)

several days later upon spending a few hours in nursery. I am so torn. Not to be negative, but a fever (102.7), cough, constant goop and a miserable little girl seem to outweigh the benefits of sending her. Especially when the following Sunday we have to skip church in order to avoid spreading the same germs that someone else so lovingly decided to bring with them the previous week and share with my Em.

Nursery may be the time in life that these little ones learn to share, but really, do we have to share EVERYTHING?

The good news is that spring is here, General Conference is next week and with stake conference soon after, we will have a little break and hopefully all this RSV and pneumonia floating around will have dissipated upon our return.

Meanwhile I am off to take care of my Em...

and to suggest to the bishopric that calling a

Lysol Nursery Specialist would be a good move. (Only kind of kidding)

Not to step on any toes or anything.

Seriously, a little disinfectant would make for a much healthier toddler rate post nursery visits.

Fact is fact.

How can it not be taken seriously when it affects church attendance??

Or are we the only ones that come home from church with sick kids?

I know, I know. What do ya do?

If you're me, apparently you whine. :)

Relief

*Big Sigh*......

Well.

I made it.

The troops are in bed.

(HAPPY DAY!!)

They're still alive.

I'm still alive.

Now why do I feel like I've just run a marathon?

Up hill the entire way??

Dang. This kid thing is exhausting.

To say the least.

Now excuse me while I go and get some much needed R&R and catch up on my American Idol....

Oh, and if anyone needs me, please tell them I am clocked out until morning.

(I wish... :))

Raise your hand if you're ready for summer

& both hands if you're really ready for summer! :)

Bring it on, sunshine, these two little munchkins can't wait!!!

Candid camera, are you there?

I have mentioned Parker's obsession with my hair before. Well. Just so you know, his strong (& strange) attachment to it continues....

...So much so, that sometimes I'm waiting for candid camera to pop out and tell me that the joke is on me and my 3 year old is in on it. It is all I can fathom to explain this bizarre behavior of his.

Really, all I can do is laugh about it... maybe you will too...

So my little guy is constantly kissing the ends of my hair...

Yes. I said kissing it.

Kinda cute, right? Oh wait.

He then caresses my crunchy split ends against his cheek (quite dramatically I might add - eyes closed and all!) while telling me how beautiful it is.

Over. And over. And over. I try not to laugh and respect this strange passion of his but seriously sometimes it is just a bit over the top.

I hear "I just love your hair, Mom" numerous times a day, followed once again by a declaration of it's beauty.

What? This is totally normal 3 year old boy behavior, right?

These compliments baffle me as I have battled with my self-acclaimed nightmare not-quite-curly enough, definitely-not-straight hair my entire life, so to have such a nemesis of mine placed on a pedestal is purely comical to me.

The only explanation is that through the innocent eyes of a child all flaws can be overlooked and pure, unconditional love can reign...

even for naturally-naughty, frizzy, uncooperative, time consuming hair ...!

Before Christmas I was all geared up to have my hair cut into a cute A-line stack. I mentioned to Parker that I was cutting my hair later that week, & he was devastated. He whined and lectured me for three days straight that I couldn't cut it. I couldn't believe how strongly he felt about it so I went ahead and kept it long. So yes, my long lockes these days can be accredited to none other than my 3 year old Little P.

I'm actually glad I didn't cut it all off...I mean seriously when would I grow it this long again? I may as well try it out for a while, right?...

Mental note: Ends up that maybe I should take my little guy's advice more often..

Just in case you weren't convinced of his obsession yet....

I am often instructed in the mornings as to how I should deal with my post-shower hair...

Well, yesterday I was helping P do something when he looked at me sideways and let out an exasperated,

"MO-OOOOOOOM! You did it WRONG! Your hair is supposed to be CURLY today, NOT STRAAAIIGHT! It's supposed to go straight, then back (in a pony), then curly. Today was supposed to be CURLY!" Letting out a big, disappointed sigh he continued, "You gotta remember next time, Mom!". He then repeated the directions,

"STRAIGHT, BACK, THEN CURLY! (wish you could have seen the hand actions!)

You gotta get it RIGHT, Mom!".

Wow. Well Little P, I'm sorry to disappoint. All I can say is that I don't feel "right" about going out in public with my curly hair. Unless I'm really in a bind for time. Explanation? None needed... just reference the picture in a previous but recent post....

So yesterday THIS wasn't good enough for my little hair obsessed man.

(Don't mind the hideous self portrait please...)

Seriously, who knew that pleasing a three year old would be so complicated and involve a flat iron versus a diffuser?

Oh wow. I love my Little Parker though.

Yeah. I'm still waiting, Candid Camera....! :)

Bronson & The Today Show

Remember sweet Little Bronson's miracle that I referenced several posts ago in February? I just randomly looked at their blog today and was so glad I did.... because they are being featured on the Today Show to tell their miraculous story - tomorrow - March 12th. They have declined NBC's offer to air their story several times since this event took place, but now feel a great responsibility to share & help others learn from the miracle that has changed their lives forever & made their faith even greater. You can check out the reasoning behind what has led them to NYC here. It of course is intriguing to read - just as their entire blog has been over the last 6 weeks.

I am a big Today Show fan (the little spurts of it I catch here and there), and just in case any of you have come to love the Staker family through their blog as I have, I just wanted to tell everyone to tune in tomorrow morning!

I know I will.

(or my DVR will at least be set to record...)

Hope you catch this in time! :)

BROS

Last Saturday we were able to meet up with the in-town "Bro's" and their (super cute) wives for a little reunion at the India house for lunch.

Who the heck are "The Bro's" you ask?

Well in case you hadn't heard, they are Chris' good high school buddies who have called themselves this for the last 12+ years. They are the nicest group of guys who all have amazing wives and I can genuinely say that I have loved getting together with them over the years. It's always so fun to see them!

We had a great time over yummy food (I love curry) and it was so great to catch up with everyone!

Thanks Lichelle for making it all happen!

We missed you Jimmy & Carly (in WA doing med school residency), Carl & Barb (Carl is a commercial pilot stationed in Atlanta) & Josh and Brooke (who live in VA and are about to have their first baby -yay!).

(Sorry if I forgot anyone!)

18 month Emmie

This little cutie turned 18 months on February 25th!

For the record books, her 18 month stats go as follows:

WEIGHT: 21.49 lbs = 12th %ile

HEIGHT: 31 inches = 31st %ile

HEAD: 18= 27th %ile

Emmie is such a sweet, happy, content & loving little girl. She is also spunky, knows what she wants & is pretty independent (um she gets that one from me). She does have a history of hitting and biting when things aren't going her way, which baffles me because her brother has never been one to display that type of behavior so I am not sure where she learned these little outbursts. I guess these lovely retaliations might just be an innate result of some of that 'girl blood' firing up in her?? All I can is YIKES! She will have to learn real quick that her 'Ma' (as she calls me) does not tolerate caddy girl drama AT ALL! Non-violent dramatic outburts on the other hand - yes. She certainly could have picked up her drama queen tendencies from her big brother.

WHO, by the way, demonstrated some real good ones on Sunday at church reminding me of why I usually try and sit as far back as I can to avoid the embarrassment of having the congregation view the fiasco that ensues with my lovely little ones during lovely 1:00 church that have been known to bring me to tears on husbandless Sundays like this last one.... but that is a whole other story.....

A FEW OF HER LOVES AT 18 months:

Goofing off with her brother!

She loooves this boy!

They chase each other, race each other, hide and seek each other, help each other, entertain each other, antagonize each other, scream at each other, laugh together, cry together, play together, dance and sing together, conspire together.....LOVE EACH OTHER, ADORE EACH OTHER!

What a blessing it is to have a sibling.

More loves:

Loooves to eat! Favorites? Waffles, string cheese, mandarin oranges, & mac and cheese -- but she'll eat almost anything.

Loooooves shoes! Always wants them on. Doesn't matter whose they are or what size.

LOOOVES jewelry! Always wants to wear my "brace" (bracelet watch).

Loooves her baby dolls. All of them. Such a little mommy.

And her two all time favorite things???

Her right thumb and purple blankie!

Never leave home without them.

We love this baby girl and I love this age.

As Emmie would say,

"Bye bye! MWWWWAH!"

Did I really just waste my time on a whole season of the Bachelor???

Sure did.

Which raises the question: I don't know who's stupider - me or Jake....:)

Okay so the truth is I enjoyed it - the nausea it caused & all...

JAKE & VIENNA -

CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS!

With all sincereity, you so deserve each other.

And I'm seriously so gagging.

Tenley, count your blessings it wasn't you. You can do way better. Trust me. :)

Out of the mouths of my babies....

P is a serious chatterbox. This is funny to me because neither Chris nor myself are the non-stop chatty type. At all. :) But this little guy always has something to say. To anyone and everyone. I rarely attempt talking on the phone unless he's sleeping (hence I hardly make phone calls!) and forget trying to listen to the news (which I love) while I'm cooking. I'm lucky to hear one out of every 20 words or so over this little guy's high pitched chatter. Come to think of it, I think the only thing that keeps this little blondie quiet for a few consecutive minutes is that darn I-Phone... :)

Here are just a few of the things this 3 1/2 year old has said recently that have made me smile:

• "Mom, I have something to tell you. I am soooo sorry about this. I couldn't get on the potty in your bathroom in time so I sprayed the wall all over. Daddy cleaned it up, but I am so, so sorry." Nice. At least he has remorse...
• "Mom, if you want to play a game with me then you better give me a TREAT!" REALLY?! Who's bribing WHO to do WHAT?!
• "Mom, someday I'll have my own exercise show. And I'll do THIS, and THIS" (as he proceeded to show me some interesting yoga like moves)...Hmmm... I might have to reevaluate my invitations for him to 'workout' with me in the mornings...I didn't know it would give him such - ahem - aspirations... :)
• "But Mom, I don't like the green parts of the broccoli".....
• "But Mom, how do grownups grow DOWN???"
• "Mom, how old is Roxy?" (our dog) -About 8- "Oh did she get baptized then?"
• After staring at my headband for a moment he said, "Thanks for wearing that, Mom! It's beeeeautiful!".
• "Mom, I drew with marker all over my arms because I am SUPER and I am STRONG!!". Ahh, now it makes perfect sense...
• "Emmie is such a princess, Mom. Girls are just princesses".
• Checking out some new elastics he asked, "What are those, Mom?" - Hair bands for Em - "Oh GREEEEAT! They're LOVE-A-LY!"
• I came downstairs and caught him with scissors in his hand and he exclaimed, "But Mom, I didn't cut any fingers off! SEEEE?!" oh phew..
• After I cleaned his ear with a Q-tip and showed it to him, he said matter-a-factly, "Sometimes I EAT that. (Earwax?!!!?) It doesn't taste very great". At least he has that straight...Ughhh!
• Upon asking him what his Daddy does for a job he exclaimed, "He's a Pharmasore!". Close.... Pharmasore, pharmacist...One is just from Jurassic times...?

• (I have more written down but I can't find my notebook... I will add them later...!)
  

THIS little 18 month old (18 months TODAY!) has some words of her own....

A bit of what she is saying these days (that I can think of real quick):

Ma & Mama but this girl prefers 'Ma'

Da

Dog

Eat

More

On

Off

Amen

Hot

Bath

'Wus dat'

'Wus in der?'

Shoes

Socks

Baby

Doll

Ball

Eyes

Ears (ers)

Hands (ands)

Teeth

Hair (air)

Nose

'Oh no!'

Out

Don't!

Down

Thank you (dake ew)

Please (peas)

Hi

Ouch

Ow!

Clean (keen)

Mess

Cheese

Water (wa-er)

And my favorite -- she'll stand at the top of the stairs when she hears Parker saying something downstairs and she'll shout, "Whut!? Whhuuuut?!" (what!?).

It seems like she's been a little slow to talk but she is saying more and more everyday... especially this last week it seems like she's been repeating everything!

I sure love these two & the interesting things that come out of their mouths -- even when it's so constant that I don't hear much else during my day!

Wouldn't have it any other way.... :)

Water baby

Emmie looooves the water.

She loves to play in it.

She loves to slurp it on a Sunday afternoon. Don't forget the extra large cup and straw please. Oh, & any day will do.

When she hears that tap water her tiny toes come a runnin'.

The anticipation is high.

And then the immersion...

Complete elation!

Squeals erupt, laughter ensues, dimples emerge. 100% smiles for everyone and PURE JOY.

This little guy is just thrilled to have such an enthusiastic sis.

He is happy for her happiness.

And at the end of the day, when the H20 play comes to a close, tears are often the sad, sad result.

But this happy face made it all worth it.

As the similar saying goes,

"Tis better to have had fun and have it come to an end, than to never have had fun at all!".

Valentines and doorbell ditching. What could be more fun???

Parker loves to play with other kids. If there are kids around, he is their instant friend. Therefore, he was so excited to put together Valentines for a bunch of his little buddies in our neighborhood on Saturday.

After explaining to him the "old school" way of how we were going to deliver them (leaving them on the step, ringing the doorbell and running), he joyously shot his fists up into the air with a drawn out, "YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!".

I love that kid. He makes me laugh. :)

When I was little it was tradition at our house on Valentines Day for my Dad to leave wrapped gifts on the doorstep and of course ring the doorbell and run. Me and my older brother loved this ritual and we would get all giddy running to the door to find fun surprises. We would then hear a knock at the back door and went running to find more fun things and so on. My Dad was so fast to get back in the house through the garage that he had us fooled for a few years as to how the presents were making it to our doorstep.

In my desire to carry out this tradition with my own kids, Sunday morning the doorbell rang and magically there were presents awaiting for Parker and Emmie which of course brought on shrieks of delight and excitement.

The second time it happened, Parker looked out the window onto the step and said,

"More presents, Mom! How do those presents know how to ring our doorbell?!".

Chris was pretty fast getting himself back into the house. (As P would say, "YEEEESSSS!")

I truly think Valentines Day is a great excuse for a date night, but really I think the holiday is for kids!!! I love it! :)

HaPpY VaLeNtInEs DaY

from our favorite little Valentines!

(Aren't they cute? They're even homemade...! :))

The Getaway

When was the last time myself and this guy had a night away with no kids???

That would be July 21, 2006 - the night before Parker was BORN!

Yep, 3 1/2 years and we've never spent the night away from our kids!

(besides leaving P the night Emmie was born and the night my brother passed away but those don't exactly count...)

Well that all changed this last Sunday night!

Chris surprised me with a 2-night 'staycation' in Salt Lake with NO KIDS! You heard right -NO KIDS for 2 nights!

Yep, I'll admit it - I have a hard time leaving my kiddos, & it was a little odd (in a good way!) having so much freedom and time to waste but we had a great time!

No hurry to get back for impending nap times, no rush to avoid inevitable tantrums, no stupid double stroller to navigate that I'm pretty sure weighs more than myself, no 5 lb diaper bag that took 25 minutes to pack, no 3 year old visitors in our room at 5 a.m. rearing to go for the day, no goldfish cracker trail left behind us as we walked, no taking 10 minutes to get in and out of the car, no WHINING (!), staying out past 6:00 with no consequence of messing up bedtime schedules.... the list goes on...& on...

YEP it was all pretty foreign to us! But pretty nice! I had forgotten that there ever was such a life!

Having said that, I LOVE my babies and I was thrilled to get back to them -- REFRESHED!!!

Thanks Chris for making it all happen! Loved it!

Oh, and BLINDSIDE -- LOVED that, too!

& thanks Lance & Becky for taking on the kiddos. LOVED that you had that 5 a.m. wake up call by the blonde hair, blue-eyed night visitor while we snoozed away! :)

Spread the word to pray for them!

My friend who underwent the unimaginable and heartbreaking loss of her precious baby boy a few years back, had a new blog post come up tonight.... 'Trials, why?" under my blog list there on the right. I clicked there to read her sweet post which was spurred on by a friend who is verging on that same horiffic grief of losing a child...she offered a link to their story. I just bawled my eyes out over it for the last hour...I don't know these people but I can promise you that they will be in my prayers! Click here: http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/ for a reminder of what's truly important in life. I promise you will be touched as I have as you read the heart wrenching nightmare that they are in the midst of with their youngest little boy (who is just a month younger than Emmie) and the tragedy that took place just one week ago that could happen to any of us.
Ironically, just this last week I've felt more confident in leaving Emmie and Parker in the bathtub for a few minutes while going to get pajamas and diapers, etc. and even straightening this or that along the way. I won't be doing that again after reading this. You should read it too!

Please pray for this family!!!

P.S. Once you get to their blog, read the post 'A week ago right now' near the top', then scroll down to February 1st to read from the start....

Favorite Things 2009 Party

*This is long -- I know -- but read on and you might just be inspired to check out some great things!... or scroll to the bottom to read a few of the things I was inspired to check out...

Last week I went to a Favorite Things of 2009 Party. Ever heard of one? Neither had I, but I thought it was such a good idea so I thought I'd share! It was put on by a cute girl (lady, whatev) in my neighborhood that I used to visit teach. I guess she puts on 2 of these per January per year, and making the 'guest list' as they called it is a coveted thing ( so I was told by the non-first timers). LOL

WHO KNEW???

The rules went like this:

Each guest was to bring a list of 3 of their favorite things from 2009... these could be favorite new hobbies, products, websites, books....you get the idea - printed out on 13 sheets of 8x10 paper. THEN everyone was to bring 13 'gifts' that corresponded to one of her listed favorite things. Also, everyone was instructed to bring one favorite new recipe made to share with everyone, and the recipe printed out (for 13 people).

GOT IT? Sounds fun, right? Well, it was! Great food and great shared ideas - what's not to love? I came home with a mini binder full of tested and tried products, activities, vacation spots, food - you name it, not to mention 13 fun things from everyone!

So here are a few of my favorite things from 2009 that I divulged at the party:

1) FABRIC STEAMER

Before you call me LAME --this has been a life saver! I refuse to put away un-ironed clothes but I hate ironing! It's so time consuming and some weeks I was spending a good five hours with the good old iron. (Am I crazy?! Maybe a little OCD -- I don't know.) UNTIL my mom bought me a fabric steamer! I. LOVE. IT!!! It seriously has cut my ironing time by at least 2/3rds. It is super fast and super easy and takes up less room than an ironing board (I keep it in my walk in closet). Mine is a Conair brand from Wal-Mart and I'm not kidding when I say that it is one of my FAVORITE THINGS from 2009!!! It is saving me TONS of time!

2) FAVORITE BLOGS...I cheated and did THREE favorite websites instead of one. Here they are:

*For the kitchen: http://www.ourbestbites.com/ I LOVE this food blog! There are lots of great food blogs out there and they all have made cooking more exciting for me, but this one is definitely one of my top faves!!! I highly recommend checking it out. I get really excited about cooking when I visit this site!

*For the kids: http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/ This is such a fun site to find great craft ideas for kids, holiday crafts, fun children's book reviews... I ran into this while researching some things for Joy School and I LOVE it!

*For YOU: http://www.tipjunkie.com/ This site has so much info that it can be a bit confusing. But go there seeking any question or idea for ANYTHING -- birthday party themes and decorations, shower ideas, crafting whatever, gift ideas, creative holiday decor or crafts, how to organize, how to clean, decorating ideas...YOU NAME IT and you'll find a plethora of ideas! Such a great resource! And you can share YOUR great ideas there, too!

So what did I bring to the party?

3) LITTLE GIRL HAIRBOWS!

Something fun that I learned to make this past year were little girl hair items.

I don't do as cute of a job as my friend Lichelle who has made lots of Emmie's hair accessories - let's clear that up! But I made some of Emmie's hair flowers to match her birthday tutu this last year, a bunch to coordinate with outfits for our Disneyland trip in September and her Halloween Tinkerbell bows (which weren't so hot) and more for just everyday...it's been fun just knowing how!

So, there you have it-- I brought little girl hair bows

to the party as my 'gift' for everyone. Exciting, I know, especially I am sure for those who don't have a little girl. But I figured we all have nieces or go to showers, right?? :)

Here they are:

I know I know, some aren't so cute but the craft store didn't have great materials when I went and hey I was on a budget so this was what I whipped up.

And here is the stash that I came home with:

A few of my faves: a homemade headband, a cute sewn kleenex holder there in the front, a CD FULL of free digital scrapbook stuff (so excited for that!), cute Forever 21 hair accessories, strawberry Whoppers (surprisingly these are way good!), one lady LOVED Weight Watchers so she brough some of those food items you can see. Apparently those chocolate Mini Wheats are super good and you can eat 52 and it's only 3 Weight Watcher points. Whatever that means but I guess it's really exciting! :) Anyways, you can see for yourselves what some of the other fun products were.

A few others that were listed but not given that I am convinced I want to get are:
*The Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD (I just picked this up at Costco for only $7.99 - I will let you know how it is!) The girl raved about this so I am excited to give it a try.

*The book: Christlike Parenting...recommended by the host who says she tries to read it once a year.

*Shark Steamer mop. The girl brought this to demo and it's amazing! I would love this for Mother's Day (wink wink). Am I crazy that I love good cleaning, household products? Hey, what can I say? Anything that makes my job more efficient makes me happy....!

*Pureology Essential Repair Restorative Hair Mask

*And for all you readers, the book Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins came highly recommended by several ladies, as well as (clean) romance books by Marcia Lynn McClure.

So there you have it. A FAVORITE THINGS PARTY! Maybe ya'll should throw one next year and invite me! :)

Does anyone have another fave from 2009 to add to the list???

Post-dinner ritual

Twice her size a problem?

Nah.

This girl's love for a challenge mixed with her toddler determination enables her to accomplish great things.

I wonder how she'd do with a mop....

LOVE my little helper!!!

Dear February

Dear February,

I have a few things to ask of you. Please be nice and SERENE to me and just let me relax (RELAX: chasing after & playing with my cute kids, endless & constant cleaning, cooking) a few days during your term. Above and beyond that ALL THE TIME overwhelms me. I am a homebody at heart you know. After the holidays I couldn't wait for January. I thought I'd be able to breathe again, get back to my 'normal', cozy life... but good old 'Jan' proved me wrong. Jan has been one crazy, hectic month! I am counting on YOU February, to be that calm month that I've been looking forward to since August. Please, I plead with you, to HELP me out! To share with you how bad it has gotten, I am behind SIX hours of my always-anticipated American Idol. SIX! Catching up at this point is hopeless. In favor of not coming off overly whiney, I won't share with my blogging friends the CRAZINESS of this last week, but I will share with them a few of the highlights amidst the chaos.....

I know there are sadder stories out there, but I thank you for taking my pleas into consideration! I have always liked you. :)

Sincerest regards,

Michelle

A few highlights from this last week that I needed to note:

*My Dad's birthday was last week so last Saturday night we had everyone over for dinner and cake and ice cream to celebrate. My kids just love their Grandpa Todd and I couldn't resist posting these two pics from the party.

*Parker was a lucky boy. I think he had a play date every day this week but one!

(L to R: Cami, Tammy, myself, Jill, Stephanie)

*Thursday I met up with some of my cute high school girlfriends. (We missed you Lacey and Amanda!) It's always fun to get together, even if it's at Chick Fil 'A! (Not that anything is wrong with the place but the backdrop of this pic just makes me laugh.) We coincidentally ran into two other BHS friends and grads having lunch at the same time! (Steph made the pic, Mandy Jean did not...) Next time girls we are ditching the kids and leaving them with the boys... these Hot Mamas need a serious Girls Night Out!

Mine and Cami's kiddos rolling in the germ-infested tube slide of the Chick Fil A playland. YUM.

*To top off the week's events I went to a Favorite Things Party on Thursday night! Stay tuned and I'll fill you in on lots of great things....!

Three Amigos

We were so sad last summer to have some of our good friends from the neighborhood move back to Virginia for MBA school. Parker loved playing with these cute brothers, one of which (Little Jakie in the green) shares P's exact same birthday.

Well their cute Mom is unfortunately on strict bedrest at 7 months into her pregnancy (we are familiar to that scenario!), so these little guys are back out here in Utah with Grandma and Grandpa until their new baby sis arrives (their mom was still in the hospital when they flew out here last week!). I know it's got to be hard on Karen and Ben to have 2 of their kids across the country from them for a few months, but we just wanted to tell you guys how much we are loving having cute Jake and Cameron around for some playdates again! Parker loooves playing with them and they are so good and we just love having them over.

Take care of yourself, Karen! I know it's hard but it will all be worth it when that sweet baby arrives healthy and you are healthy as well! We are happy to do anything to help out with your cute little guys! Take care and I hope seeing their sweet faces brings a smile to your face. Know that they are being taken care of!!! :) Hang in there! We love you. :)

Outtakes

We took advantage of the fact that all Hansens were in town the week after Christmas and met up at the Hansen headquarters for some family pictures. I don't have THEE final picture of everyone yet, but I thought I'd post a few of the outtakes.... COUSINS!

Parker and Emmie's only cousin thus far is adorable little Atticus. This little Texan is such a sweet little guy, and - like Parker - full of energy, so as you can imagine my kids had the best time playing with him in December.

Whenever I see Parker and Atticus together the theme song from the old Patty Duke show runs through my head...

"But they're cousins! I-dentical cousins...!"

Take a look at the top right picture and you can see why. :)

Parker & Emmie with some of their favorite people...
Cute Aunties: Sarah and Bethany (yes, these two are sisters), and cute (& single! let's set them up!) Uncles Dustin (27) & Zach (23). And somehow I missed photographing Uncle Eric and his cute wife Cindy!

Ems with Gma & Gpa Hansen

And of course, we had to get a family snapshot. It's not all that often that we are all dressed and have our hair combed at the same time so we have to take advantage of these photo ops when they arise! :)

Thank U Wiggle Cart

Dear Wiggle Cart,

We were very happy to get you for Christmas from Grandma & Grandpa Hansen, but we had no idea at the time how much excitement you would eventually provide for us. We just LOVE you! Let me explain...:

I take you for a spin numerous times throughout the day. You have given me and my sister endless amounts of entertainment! Yes, even though you were a gift for ME, there is just enough room for my 1-year-old little sis to jump on for a ride. DON'T WORRY. I come to a complete stop before she loads herself on - all by herself! Yeah, I know. She is such a big girl for just being one. Next, she holds onto my shirt for dear life as we zoooom from the front entry way, through the kitchen, around the island, around the table and back to the front door.

Over. & Over. & OVER!!!

You are soooo much fun and we are soooo glad you came to our family. We are so lucky to have you.

My Mom especially loves you too for several reasons...:

1) You have the ability to entertain us for 30 minutes straight (not even joking), so she is able to do some of her favorite hobbies like CLEAN, FOLD LAUNDRY, or COOK us some dinner;

& 2) You don't even make a MESS! In fact, when we are using you, you actually KEEP US from making messes. Can you believe it? Now that is a really, really, REALLY big deal as my Mom seems to think Emmie and I are REALLY good at tearing apart the house in about 2 minutes flat.

Entertainment + no messes means my Mom thinks you are pretty great!

Lastly, I am trying hard to not bash into the wall because Mom says you will be banished to the garage once that happens, but so far we have had no accidents. We will keep our fingers crossed and I am trying hard to be careful. Mom knows it is probably inevitable but she says we will just patch it up with some of the other accidental 'bumps' we've put into the walls when that time comes.

We've never had so much fun in the house, in the winter time.

Thank you for the good times, smiles, and laughter you induce in our home!

Love,

Your New Friend,

Parker