I am thankful for...

I have been thinking a lot lately about all the blessings I have in my life and how much I take them for granted. So, I thought I would make a post about those things so that I can look back on days that I am not so thankful and remember everything that I have been blessed with...

I am thankful for my husband who works so hard for our family and the opportunity that I have to stay at home and be a mom. I complain a lot about being home, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else at this time. Adam works hard and does everything that he can to make sure we are taken care of. I am thankful that he found a job that is a steady, secure job with insurance (something that we needed when we didn't have it.) I am thankful for what a wonderful husband and father he is. After working all day he still has energy to give the kids rides on his shoulders and play video games with Cole and even fit in a game of Don't spill the beans with the kids.

I am thankful for Makenna and the wonderful big sister and example she is in our family. She is always willing to help out and clean up her room without being asked. She has a tender heart and always wants to be everyone's friend. I am thankful for her sweet spirit and the friendship that she has with Cole.

I am thankful for Cole for the kind-hearted boy he his. He is a sweet boy that never loses his temper or throws tantrums. He is always happy doing whatever we are doing. He loves his sisters and thinks the world of Makenna. I really struggled with having two kids so close together, but am so thankful now that they are older. They always have a friend to play with. Sometimes they are lost with what to do when the other one isn't here. Cole loves to "play" video games with his dad (even though he just watches...) and he loves going to preschool and learning new things.

I am thankful for Ella because she reminds me everyday that I need to be a better mom. She has been my child that will help me learn patience, something that I still struggle with. I look at her sweet smile and her happy laugh and it makes me want to be a better person. I love that she thinks she is one of the big kids and it always trying to keep up with them. I love that she sucks her thumb even though she knows we don't want her to. She just gives us that "I'll show you" look. I love that even though she doesn't talk, she thinks that her grunting and looking at us tells us what she wants. I love that she loves her little dolly and can't go to sleep without it. She is a sweetheart and a busy toddler and I love her.

I am thankful for my family.

Santa Pictures...

Okay, so I am playing catch up a bit with pictures, but at least I am updating my blog so I consider that a success in my book. We had the real Santa come to our family Christmas party. It was so much fun to see the kids get excited. Cole was definitely the most excited and would not stop talking the whole time, until of course he got on Santa's lap. Then he was silent.
The kids had a wonderful Christmas and really enjoyed everything they got. They of course got too many toys and hopefully will be satisfied for at least a month of two before wanting something new.

Cole and Santa

Ella was terrified of Santa, but really what 18 month old child isn't?

Makenna and Santa

Going private...

Okay, after worrying about things being seen on our blog by just anyone, I have decided to make our blog private. Hopefully, that will help me be more motivated to update more often. If you would like access to our blog, please leave your email address in the comments! Thanks!

Ice Skating with Daddy...

Adam's family had a ice skating party during the holidays. Cole was sick at the time with a double ear infection and pink eye, so I stayed home and took Cole to the doctor while Adam took Makenna ice skating for the first time. Makenna LOVED it!! She had so much fun. She did very well and was not happy when it was time to go home. She has since drawn several pictures of her ice skating and has informed me that Cole would not do well at it. She is now the expert and can't wait to go again. I feel bad that Cole missed out on such a fun activity, but I am glad that Adam got to have a little date with his daughter!!

Makenna's Dance Recital 2010

Makenna had her dance recital the first part of December. Unfortunately, she was sick at the time, but luckily she still pulled through and was able to go and do her dances. She did a very good job!! She has really enjoyed dance this year and is taking ballet and jazz. She really loved tap last year, but they don't have a time that she can go to, so maybe next year we will put her back in tap. She asks all the time when she can go to tap class. Notice all these poses, yep she did them all on their own. Where do they learn stuff like this?