Merry Christmas!!!

And an outtake:

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Play Area

We have an area in the dining room that I'd like to make into a play/art area for Zane and Rachel.  I found an easel at a garage sale that he can use and have a bookshelf and foam floor.  I also am going to restick his name up on the wall because it keeps falling down.

Right now he plays playdough in there and colors with markers and crayons. 

In the future, I'd like to:

*screw some clips into the easel so it will hold paper better
*find a child's table and chair set at a garage sale
*hang some frames with clips so he can put his artwork up
*find some tubs/plastic drawers so he can be organized with his supplies

Any other ideas?

I'll try to update with pictures as we add things.

My Helpers

Suppers are sometimes interesting at our house because one little girl has decided that it is better to be with someone around than be in the other room by herself.  That is fine, but it makes things a little more interesting.  So, I made her a little spot in the kitchen so she could be around people, but I could do my business.  And of course, here came the other little person.

Little sister, Big brother

Zane learned about what an apron was yesterday.  Not to sure about it...

It's okay!

House Update

What seems like many weeks ago, Jeff started working on the garage bathroom.  We were scheduled to have guests for Thanksgiving and he thought it would be a great idea to have a second working bathroom.  He did a super job and it is almost complete!  He just has the light switch to change and a light fixture to put up.  

First, a BEFORE picture:

AFTER:

Ta-da!

New counter, sink, and mirror

Table with shelves for the counter that he built.

Pipe work is awesome. And since it's right by the hot water heater, it gets hot fast!

He even textured and painted the walls and ceiling.

Cleanest toilet around, and he painted the baseboards.

He did an awesome job!  The flooring is the same because it was in pretty good shape.  Plus, we just wear our shoes in there.

I'm proud of you, Jeff!

Lawn Care Day

Today daddy is mowing the front and back lawn. Most of the leaves have fallen from the sycamore trees so he is making sure they get cut up so they don't go to the neighbors lawn. Zane is entertained! He is riding his own lawnmower around his room while he watches his dad.

Extra Special

Can you spot the extra special something in the laundry basket?

I tried to get Zane reading his Bible story-he was doing a really good job until I took the camera out.  So we read it together.

Mouse Bones!!!

Zane and Daddy have a new game.  It's called, "Let's Pretend We're Snakes and Look for a Mouse."  Yes, lovely.  :)  Zane likes to run up to me and say, "crunch, crunch, crunch...mouse bones!!!"  And I in turn say, YUCK!

Enjoy!

Family Saturday

My two boys and Rachel were good sports this morning and accompanied me to the library so that Zane could make a free gingerbread house.  It was so packed.  The whole community was invited and I had overheard during toddler time that they had 400 ready to go.  Well, the word was out and lots of people showed up. 

Jeff helped Zane make his house while I held Rachel.  He was very timid and didn't want to do anything-I think because there were so many people-but by the end, he was helping a little.  I think the highlight of the time was him getting to see Miss Yvonne.  :)  She used to teach his toddler time and she was very glad to see him too!  

All Done!

This afternoon, I got the pump and aired up the tires of my bike and rode around the neighborhood for a few minutes.  After Zane got up, he and Daddy went outside and stayed out all afternoon.  Rachel and I joined them for a little while while Jeff sorted through the barn.  We decided to cook han-ga-burs (Zane's pronunciation) outside!  It was so fun!  I realized that we can have campouts and be outdoors and have a very happy 2 1/2 year old and not have to drive three hours to do it.  I love traveling, but I forget how hard it is with kids.  So, I think our new house, yard, and neighborhood will be a wonderful playground for our family for a few years.  And think of how much we will save in state park fees!  :)

The BEST husband in the world!!!!

Sweet little warm bundle!

Yummy!

Playing with Dada!

Cutie Pa-tootie!!!

Pretty Pretty Day

Thursday we had a pretty pretty day outside!  It started off by going to the library for toddler time with Miss Joy.  We had such a fun time.  Then, when we got home, we went for a walk around the school and then played some more outside!  Zane was such a smiley boy!

Enjoying Outside

The weather has been so nice lately that we've had to go out and make sure we enjoy it! Both kids seem to like the stroller.  Zane likes seeing everything-trailers, a person raking, all are interesting. I'm glad they keep his attention.  I'm trying to figure out the streets that I feel comfortable walking/jogging on.  Lots and lots of yards have dogs in them and at least one, maybe two have been out.  But so far, no close encounters with them, so I'm always happy about that. 

He was so funny!  He wanted to stretch too!

We have a pretty rose out front that is blooming right now.  I'm glad it's blooming on it's own because it's not getting any tlc from me!

Bible Class!

Last night, Rachel had her second Bible class and just was a great little student!  She lasted longer in her chair than last time, maybe over halfway!  She has lots of little friends in her class-all boys.  She will be able to hold her own though.  :)  Three little boys are over one and the other little boy is just a few weeks older than her.

 I had to find two of Zane in Bible class.  The first picture is during his second class and the one with the rain is maybe a few classes in.  Zane has come a long way since then!

After Zane was tucked into bed last night, Daddy and Rachel got to have so good cooing time together.  :)

She is the most smiley baby I've ever seen.  :)