fun moments...

a first smile...

a creative way to bring the groceries in...(totally O's idea!)

brotherly love...

daddy time...

party time...

We've had so many fun moments this holiday season, I will be doing some catch up posts of our fun Christmas and visitors soon...

this is how Jon puts Ian down for a nap...

(who needs a blanket when you can be covered up with your dad's sweatpants?)

not to be left out...

Molly doesn't really enjoy the snow, because she can't wear her leotard or ballerina dress outside. Here she is doing Pilates with her mom (I edited out myself because Jon took a very unflattering picture of my big bottom).

snow days...

Sunday brought four inches of snow to town, a very rare event, and church was cancelled.  The kids (and their dad) had LOTS of fun playing in the snow and sledding down a nearby hill.  

Our snow angel

Then, school was cancelled Monday, and then Tuesday, followed by Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  I feel like I am living the movie "Groundhog's day."  Each morning when I wake up, it feels exactly like the day before...luckily, Jon wasn't able to get out of the driveway Monday or Tuesday, and had to cancel his business trip Wednesday through Friday.  The snow was a blessing in more ways than one...and there is more to come tomorrow! We just hope it waits until our visitors arrive safe and sound, after that, let it snow!

Zoo lights

Our first adventure to zoo lights!  The local zoo was decked out with holiday lights with fun animal themes.  So fun and festive, we think we'll make it a tradition!  And, thanks to Jonny, we all stayed toasty warm!  The entire ROOM in the basement full of outdoor gear easily outfitted our family of SIX, with coats to spare.  The cold weather gets my husband WAY too excited!

(note:  Olivia refused to smile because I denied her cotton candy request!)

believe

"Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly BELIEVE."

I would stay in bed...

If I had WHITE flannel sheets:  particularly the super softies at Crate and Barrel.

another wish...

I need a good chef's knife.  I love this one by Wustof, and I also love Cutco.  

I believe in miracles...

(shhhh....he is actually asleep!)

I can smell them already...

Mmmmm...on sale at Crate and Barrel!

I want these jeans...

But not in the size that I currently am...maybe I could lose 15 lbs and then win the lottery.  I have seen these jeans on a number of girls and they are quite flattering.  You can pick up a pair at Nordstrom.

the wish list plunge...

I am taking a cue from some of my cute blogging buddies and creating a fun little holiday wish list (in hopes that my sweet husband might at some point actually look at my blog and surprise me!).   I am a girl who always wants a lot of things, so watch out, this could be long...

Bamboo Salad Hands:  I love this darling way to serve salad and I think I would get much less of it on the table if I had something more manageable than tongs to toss it with!  I found some I love at Crate and Barrel.  

These next two items are from Anthropologie.  I would like to disclaim that anyone could buy me ANYTHING from Anthropologie and I would do a back flip, but I especially love the following:

Bird Calendar (I am nuts about birds!)

These darling throws are awesome.  This is not the exact one that I want, I can't find a picture of that one online, but they are on sale right now.......only $99!

many thanks...

The arrival of baby Ian has left me little time to blog, however, with late nights, early mornings, and more time at home than I have ever cared to have; my mind and heart have been full of gratitude for the service that our family has received during this transitional time.  We have had many, many wonderful meals brought to us, treats dropped by, and kind visitors who came to welcome our sweet new boy.  We've had flowers, fruit and cards sent, as well as gifts and kind phone and email messages.  We have been overwhelmed by how many people care about our little family.  Hopefully we remember to thank you each individually, but know that each act of kindness has lifted a burden and brought many smiles.  My other children have LOVED the attention that so many have shown to them, as well.  

We also have had some far away visitors come to help, and they REALLY saved my bacon! Erin, your visit meant the world!  You never stopped!  Please come back again soon when I can treat you like a guest!  And, WHY oh WHY did I not take any pictures while you were here?  Any hoo, the pictures in my mind of you loving my kids, holding my baby, and cooking your yummiest lasagna are clear and crisp.  Thank you!

And then came our AWESOME Grandma Bonnie.  She stayed for a week and worked her little tail off.  From cleaning up spilled hot chocolate powder (M and M tried to make their own while we were both otherwise engaged) and cooking dinner, to letting me sleep in and take naps EVERY SINGLE DAY and getting Olivia ready for school; there are no words to express how grateful I am that I have such a great mom.  I have missed her every single day since she left.  Especially the days where I have been alone!  I think having four kids is too much for me, but I am pretty sure it's too late now.

Here are some pictures of why we love Grandma Bonnie:

I can't do this alone, Mom, PLEASE COME BACK!