A Blogworthy storm

Wow, has it really been that long since I’ve blogged?  Sorry about that, maybe it’ll be my New Year Resolution. 

ANYWAY, we’ve had a huge storm and I wanted to send photos to all my family/friends that I’m sure miss living here in Nebraska and missing out on these storms.

 

 

Shall we have lunch at the picnic table today?

  The slide is even better with snow!!

They cancelled school the evening before about 7pm in anticipation of the big storm, Matt headed out for work (no early morning seminary—Yeah!), but State Farm sent everyone home at lunch—after they unloaded all the cafeteria food for free!!

Here’s some more photos from this morning, we haven’t had a storm like this for a long time, it started snowing Monday night about 8pm and literally snowed ALL day, finally today the bright sun is out. . .no school again today, no work for me, and Matt doesn’t have to go in until noon!  Happy snow day!

 

Umm. . .I don’t think I’ll go anywhere today.

Whoops, forgot to put the cozy coupe away, it looks like a rabbit is maybe hiding out in there?

Higher! Higher like a flyer!

He really is smiling under there.  Speaking of “he”. . . Simon is all big boy now.  When did that happen?  He is a toddling, babbling, bundle of big boy-ness.  Non-stop eating.  (I swear I really do feed him although he contests otherwise at all times.)  He bursts into laughter after someone else does, just so he’s sure to be in on the joke.  He constantly opens and shuts things loudly and tosses his toys around with joy.  He is one beautiful boy. . .so beautiful and fun that we’ve decided. . .

 

 

 

 

 

we’re done.  Really, as I discussed with my bestest the other day. . .I’ve been having babies for 10 years.  I know that some women have babies for much longer but I’m spent.  I also feel very done.  I had initially thought, well, I’ll give it until Simon’s a year old (I can make NO good decisions when I’m so sleep deprived and crazy. . ).  As Simon reached that one year mark I was so excited.  Ready to “move-on” in life.  I’m ready for all of us to go places, not to have to pack snacks, diapers, sippys, worry about naps and babysitters.  Most of all we just know it.   I really had been wondering, but the moment I knew was when I was holding someone’s little tiny babe (I LOVE babies. . .), and she started to fuss.  It used to be like a challenge to me when I was holding a baby and they fussed, like I was saying, OK, watch me in action, I can get this baby to be happy, go to sleep, let a little gas go . . .whatever.  But this time the first thought in my head was. . .yep, I’m done. 

I have 4 beautiful children and a wonderful hubby right along my side.  Those children are growing and growing literally before my eyes.  Madison can look me right in the eyes now and shares my shoes. . . I’m coming to realize  that in only 8 short years, Madison will graduate. 

I’m excited for “life” for my kids.  I’m ready to be that big momma bird that preps and talks and practices with them then sends them off flying.  Of course, I’m not ready for that but I’m excited for it.  They’re ready, and because they’re ready I have to be. 

Did you hear that?

Did you hear that noise?  I think it was jingle-bells. 

When the weather cools off a little I always start thinking of the Holidays.  I blame (praise?) my mother, Queen of shopping ahead of time.  In fact, I already have her gifts to my children for Christmas (wrapped, with bows, with a card) upstairs in  my storage closet.  I have a handful of things already, but I’m in the mode of finding things they will really love, not just play with for a bit, then toss into the never-ending pit that is “the playroom”.  Here’s a couple of things I’ve bookmarked from blogs that I’ve seen that I love.  I need to get in gear to make these. . .

http://www.sayyestohoboken.com/2009/08/henrys-book.html  

How much do you love this?  Finding the things that Simon loves, pictured with the cute block letters?  Love this idea Liz!! 

http://youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/Personalized-Name-Pillows.htm

Really cute/designed name pillows for your kiddos to claim their turf (well, at least where they lay their sweet heads.)  I know that Design Mom posted about these as well, but I can’t find the original post.  Here’s a picture from a recent post where you can get a glimpse of Oscar’s pillow.  These would be super cute to make ahead for your kids bestest buds birthday gifts too!

Well?  Get to work!  Just hear those sleigh-bells jing-a-ling. . .

Cake time!

We had our family party for Simon the Sunday after his birthday. . .presents, yummy food, and of course, the cake!  (oh, and don’t worry Duff, I obviously won’t be taking over Charm City Cakes anytime soon. . .)

Hmm, just a taste. . . 

  Oh yeah, shovel it in!! Who’s birthday is it??

  So big!

   MMM, cake in the ears.

All cleaned up and playing after a much needed bath! 

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!

Simon’s 1st birthday!!

**editor’s note:  Simon is not one today (actually it was on 7/11 which is when I originally attempted to post this. . .I’ve changed to using Windows Live Writer and was having some trouble with the pictures. . .but now it’s all good. . .let the blogging resume!)

 

My BABY is ONE today!  Wow, that was fast (click for a peek at his very first post).  He was a really awful baby (of which I will remind him often. . ), but now he makes up for it big time.  I am completely in love with this little boy!  Happy Birthday Si-si!

I totally stole the idea for his shirt from Tesia, a friend from High School.  Super easy and it turned out so cute!

Simon is. . . So big (his latest trick)

I kept trying to get a picture of the back of his shirt and he kept turning around to find me!!

 

We headed out to the zoo. .  .

 

Molly went up to the dog show in Omaha with Grandma Mary so we missed her!!

See ya dudes!  More pictures of tomorrows big party with cake of course coming up soon!!