6 Years Ago

Not having a new photo to post today, I thought it would be fun to look back at some old pictures taken this month 6 years ago. I can't believe how much these 3 have grown. We took a weekend trip to Chicago and invited Bethany to come along. We had a great time and she fell in love with the city. Pictures bring memories to life. Blogging is a way of reliving and sharing them.

*Glad the older two embraced their true hair color.

Playtime With Mimi and Popi

Okay, so my pictures are backwards, but I think you get the point.

Today, Allen and I went to play with Jack and Caleb while

Mommy and Daddy went to appointments. By the time Mommy came home, Caleb was sooooo sleepy. (and sooo cute)

Jack is doing this hilarious (and cute) face everytime you try to take his picture.

He scrunches up his little nose and does this little sideways grin.

Popi is quite the juggler.

Little ham.

Precious, fun, adorable baby boys. (notice Jack's nose)

The Naked Chef

A picture says a thousand words.

American Girl Club Christmas Party

This afternoon the American Girl Club celebrated Christmas with a craft party. After making "Melting Snowman Cookies", we had yummy refreshments which included scones, cookies, fresh fruit, and various goodies. Jessica gave us a lesson on how to make fingerless gloves from sweaters. We shared Christmas memories from the past and encouraged each other to find ways to *"Upcycle". We had a great time being together and everyone went home with a bag of goodies including mugs of Snowman Soup. Can't wait for our next meeting.

*Upcycle - the process of converting one product into a product of higher quality or value

Thanks, Emily!

As many of you know, I don't embrace change very well. Last night, as I read Emily's final blog post for 2010, I was overwhelmed with a sadness that seems so silly to most. Saying goodbye to a ritual or constant means turning the page and closing yet another chapter in one's life. Memories are made and new challenges are always before us, but as the song goes, "We shall never pass this way again". I don't think we should publish, for everyone to see, every thought in our heads. I think sometimes keeping things to oneself is the best policy, but this daily sharing of the highlights in your life, in my opinion, is a way to stop and answer the question, "Where did the year go?". I especially encourage the "Baby Book Blog". What a beautiful way to share the life of your child with grandparents and family near and far. Keep it up, girls! Don't let the busyness of life keep you from documenting the busyness of life.

Okay, so I guess in a way, I have embraced change. I was totally against the "BBB". Now, I can't wait for the periodic post. Any way I can persuade you to make it a "365"?

Kudos Emily!

THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting my friends, Katy and Caleb Anderson. I received the royal treatment as they catered to my every need. They live an exciting life in the big city of Chicago, right by Wrigley Field. We ate at little, out of the way restaurants where I experienced food I had never had before. I traveled via the "train" by myself (with the help of Caleb's expert directions) to Mich. Ave. where I went to my favorite store, The American Girl Store, in it's new location. Saturday Morning we went to the "Loop" district where we shopped at Nordstroms, Macy's and saw the wonderful sites of Christmas in a big city. Sunday afternoon we walked to a Sports Bar where we had lunch in view of Wrigley Field and then Katy and I had Mani/Pedi's. We went to a two story Target (three if you count the parking garage underneath), and then came home and put up the Christmas tree.

I have to say though that my favorite part of the trip was just sitting with Katy and Caleb in their living room and talking. Uninterrupted conversation with old and new friends is the best. Thanks, Katy and Caleb, for a wonderful weekend filled with surprises.

Quilts from Nani G

Nani G. and Gumpy G. had us over for dinner last night and presented the twins with their quilts. This is a much anticipated event in our family as you only get one when you get married or have a baby. Lucky Molly had two babies, thus two quilts. They are absolutely beautiful. The design is a Scattered Nine-Patch, I Spy quilt. Molly, Nani and I went right after the babies were born to choose the fabrics. Each square has a picture in the fabric of something that is special to their family. As the boys grow, they can play the I Spy game as they lay on them.

*Nani G. and Gumpy G. stand for Nani the Great Grandmother and

Gumpy the Great Grandfather.