Winter & V-Day

That's V-day for Valentines, and of course Victory (for surviving most of this cold/snowy Ohio winter). We've been busy: family, kids, church, work, school,the job hunt, home improvements, etc. But, we have made some time for fun too.

Talie is about all things princess. She got this crown from a happy meal, and along with her "purple skirt", she felt like quiet a beauty.

We are rarely out playing in the snow. I"m not much of a fan of being in the cold wet whiteness, and the kids don't enjoy it enough to make it worth the effort of getting them ready and cleaning up the mess when we come in. But, I can't deprive them of the chance to play outdoors for the entire winter.

If Cara looks like she is going to bust out of this little (boy's) winter suit, it's because she is :) Seconds after this picture was taken she lost her balance and because of being all bundled up, couldn't catch herself with her hands. She face planted in the concrete. Her nose was bleeding and all scraped up. Poor thing.

Kirk took the kids for 4-wheeler rides in the snow. He wanted to hook up the sled and pull them, but they wouldn't have it. I guess they're a little young for that. If we'd had a bigger sled, I would've been game.

Dominic was super excited to make valentines.

The final work of art. After he pulled off the sticker letters for "Valentine".

I was actually really impressed with the Cat in the Hat he added to his valentine. Isn't that impressive for a three year old? My un-biased self sure thinks so!

Cara couldn't make any valentines, so she is one :)

And, the real reason why we've been so busy, and this blog hasn't been updated regularly is because this little princess is walking, and literally running circles around us. She started walking at about 9.5 months. Now she's a pro. She's adorable, looking a little small to be walking so well, and she's into EVERYTHING.

Natalie's goofy smile :) She's holding up the first version of her "valemtime". But when she saw this picture, she didn't see the heart and said "Uh-oh. Natalie colored on her shirt. We only color on paper". Can you tell this girl has been scolded a few times?

Talie's finished "valemtime"

A Little Over Due

Merry Christmas! (only a month late :) Anyway, I'd promised myself that I would get this Christmas post up before February so since there's still a week left of January I figure I'm ahead of the game. We had a great Christmas - there was snow, but not too cold. And, we got to see most of our families, which was great!

Christmas Eve we spent with the Talleys. Lots of Talleys! We had a dinner at my parents. All but one of my siblings was able to make it home (we sure missed the Stiggins clan!) and many of my aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids were able to make it too. And of course, it was great to see my Grandparents. After dinner we continued with a tradition that we did when I was a kid. The kids acted out the nativity while we sang a primary song and my Uncle John played the guitar. I was helping Cara be the star, Kirk was supposed to be taking pictures, but aparently he thought the acting happened after the song and was afraid he was going to have to sing and left he room...

Natalie the shepherd

Mom and Cara on Christmas Eve

Behind this picture of a lamp, is my family gathered to sing Christmas Carols.

The kids opening their Christmas Eve PJs.

The loot Santa brought us this year - Christmas morning. Hurray!

Talie happy with her umbrella (I don't know what has been going on with our camera - I need to figure out how to set it so that all of our pictures and videos don't turn out yellow :(

Dominic got the football helmet he'd been sure Santa would bring, and he was thrilled! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Pavkov for putting in a word with Santa :)

Dominic also got a "cat in the hat hat" he'd been wanting, and with his new umbrella, was happy to really feel like the Cat in the Hat.

Cara woke up late on Christmas morning and due to sleeping in, apparently didn't make it into any of the pictures. That, or being the youngest she is cursed to miss out on the documentation of her childhood ;)

Opening presents at the Pavkovs for more family and yummy food on Christmas evening.

Looking for Something to Read?

I received this book, among others, for Christmas. But, since this book was written by my awesome mother I read it first. I suspected it was good; nobody expects their parents to turn out poor work. (Well that's probably not true, but I wouldn't expect my parents to turn out poor work). I also had the recommendations from siblings who had read it prior to publishing that it was a good read. Since I have now read it, and LOVED it, I can officially endorse it my-self.

It was one of those books which I have to finish (ie: you don't want to put it down) even when it means I ignore my household responsibilities (sometimes including children - opps). The premise of the book is a married woman with children dealing with marital difficulties. She goes on a trip with some old college friends, remembers a defining semester in college where she fell in love with another guy, and then runs into this other guy on her trip and has to deal with her past and present troubles. I loved that the book dealt with real emotions and real relationships. Of course there were some good romantic moments. But true to life, they weren't all consuming to the point where not only are they totally unbelievable, but may also make you want to vomit. (Or is that just me who can't stomach the continual eewy-gooey-kissy face stuff "you're schmoopy, no you're schmoopy" - sorry for the Seinfeld reference - that I associate with my 13 year old self that wrote I [heart] KP on everything I own :) Anyway, the point is that I loved the book and am excited that there's more to this story! I also think it's really awesome that I get to talk to the author about what she is thinking, alternative endings she has considered, etc.

So, if you want to read it, which I highly recommend, you can borrow my copy or get it for your-self at http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000422661&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d0bbec64f3fd64a,0. It is also listed on Amazon's UK website and should be on the US site within the next month.

A Real Toodles would be Awesome!

First, bundling up the kids and packing them into the car then driving to the library through Christmas Eve traffic, only to find out the library is closed for Christmas Eve, is lame.

Second, your kids thinking they can call "ooooh toodles!" (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) to bring us a key to unlock the library door is funny, cute and a little worrisome that your kids (who obviously aren't experts at knowing the difference between fact/fiction) watch too much TV.

If only there was a floating/flying Mickey Mouse shaped magic toolbox that was accessible to fix all your problems whenever you called for it. "Ooooh Toodles! One of my kids used my couch as a toilet again." Of course, Toodles doesn't fix the problem, only provides you with the needed tools. Usually, I already have the tools. I just need motivation - or three of me. One for each of the adorable lunatics running this asylum.

Bon Anniversaire de Mariage

Kirk and I have always had a little disagreement about saying happy anniversary in French. He'd always say "bon anniversaire" which I know, from my days as a high school French student, means happy birthday. But, according to google translator, he's almost right. We just needed to add "de mariage" to the end. Of course, anyone who knows French, feel free to correct the google translator :)

Today my husband and I have been married seven years! And, since I didn't have this blog way back when in 2003 I thought I'd revisit some wedding pictures that I love. Since this blog pretty much is our family history these days, I wanted these pictures included. December 20th may not have been the most picturesque day in Washington D.C., and it was really cold, but I love looking at these photos.

Wasn't I a cute bride :)

The groom wasn't too bad either!

The best part of our wedding was the location, and not just because it was GORGEOUS, but because we were sealed in the Lord's temple for time and all eternity. Our family will be together forever and I couldn't ask for a greater blessing.

And, I love this picture because it reminds me that our journey is just beginning. We get to walk through life together, and so far it has been amazing!

Pictures

A month ago I had the kids pictures taken. A friend of mine Jennifer Jenison came over and took pics of the kids for me. I think they turned out adorable and was glad to see my kids personalities captured on film. Our days are so crazy I'm sure I'll need help remembering our 3 when they were 3 and under :)

Grateful...

...that I have three adorable little hands to trace and color into turkeys.