Look Mom, no wheels!

No training wheels!  Kayla is the proud new rider of a bike with only two wheels!  When she found out that cousin Cade had learned to ride without them, she decided she wanted a try.  Kate was hungry so I left Kayla on her own to get in some practice.  When I came up 10 minutes later, she had it all figured out.  Neeley showed her the ropes and she took right to it.  It is funny how the second child learns everything a little earlier than the first.  Neeley was 6 before we attempted this and now here Kayla is doing it at 4.  It is so fun to see them master a new skill, especially when I wasn't the teacher!

Good Neighbors!

Thank heavens for good neighbors and friends.  I was telling my friend Melissa that Neeley was have digestion problems.  She told me that home made bread always helped her daughter when she had this issue.  Later that night the doorbell rang with some piping hot home made bread.  The next day, I was really sick with step throat.  Again, Melissa came to the rescue and had Neeley come over to play for several hours while the two little ones were sleeping and Kayla was at school.  I was able to get some good rest in!  I am so thankful for people in my life who are so giving and caring.  Thanks neighbor!

Kater Tot

Kater Tot had her 4 month check up yesterday.  She weighs 12 pounds 4 ounces which puts her in the 12% for weight and at 69% for height.  I guess she doesn't have my genes when it comes to being short and pudgy!  What a joy she is now.  Kate is full of smiles and loves to play.  She can sit in her bumbo seat now but is still trying to master the art of rolling over.  She will now sleep 12 hours without a feeding which makes life really good for all of us!  We just love her little button nose and cute little personality.  

A Whale of a Tale!

Kayla has been known to embellish a story or two or three.  I would usually call her on them, but one day I decided to have a talk with her about it.  We talked about the difference between fact and story telling.  I told her it was ok to tell stories, as long as we knew it was one.  So now, she will be going along telling us something and she will stop in the middle and say, "Mom, I am telling a story" and then go right back to it as if it were something that really happened.  I love her imagination, but I love her honesty more!

Pictures are compliments of Neeley. The first one of course is a whale. The second is a picture of us on a cruise ship. Not sure why I am a giant compared to everyone else, but I like to think it is because I am so important rather than just big!

Be Mine!

Valentine's day was a great time for me to reflect on those people I love the most. The girls and I decided we wanted to do something special for Daddy this year so we became cupid for a day. Everyone colored him a fun picture, we got him some of his favorite snacks and snatched an extra key to his car. The girls were convinced that he would never figure out who did it.  So convinced, that none of them would sign their pictures.  

Neeley so cleverly wrote "Dad, Cupid did it!"  Now how could he ever figure out who that came from?? I was just so proud of her for spelling it all on her own.  

While he was at work, we snuck down to his office and decorated his car. Complete with valentines covering the window, conversation hearts and kisses on the dash and a seat full of his favorite snacks, his car was well loved. Too bad he escaped the whole ordeal before all the guys at the office saw! At least he knows we love him!





And what Valentines Day would be complete with out some gourmet treats. Grandma helped us make some chocolates.  As you can see, Lilah really got into it, literally! I made Jer's favorite, sugar cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. Coupled with some sparkling cider, they made a pretty romantic treat!

Ten Cent Hero!

When it is lunch time and there is a pack of kids here to play, I love my little ten cent hero. No matter the kid, I always get a cheer when I say we are having curly noodles for lunch. I come out looking like a hero but only have to spend ten cents. Funny thing, I know I am not the only mom with this little secret because when ever my girls eat at a friends, more often then not they tell me they ate curly noodles. So even though it may not be the most nutritious thing around, it can come in handy once in a while!

Sucker!

Thumb sucker that is!  You take after your mamma.  Yep, I too was a thumb sucker.  The"thumb sucker" part of me thinks it is incredibly adorable but the "what my mom went through" side of me wants to scream!!!  I didn't want to give up thumb sucking.  I had this giant feather pillow that had to be cold and could never have a pillow case on it.  I would hold the corner of the pillow in my fist and sucked my thumb.  I remember getting lots of comfort from that silly thumb.  When it was time to kick the habit, Mom tried everything to help me get rid of it.  Finally (not sure how old I was but old enough to remember it) our family friend Judy bought me TL.  TL was an embroidered pillow that had a teddy or a lion, we never could decide which it was.  Hence the name TL.  If I gave up thumb sucking I could have TL and a cute little puppy stuffed animal that looked just like Strawberry Shortcakes puppy, Pupcake.  So, TL and Pupcake finally worked their magic and I kicked the habit.  

Let's hope we don't have to go through that later.  Until then, suck away little one, as long as you keep sleeping 9 hours in a row!!!!! Yipppeeeeee!