Happy Birthday, JD!

My little boy is two today! He is so much fun and I enjoy him much more than I thought I could ever enjoy a boy! He's still sweet and cuddles often and says the funniest things-- "Licious" (while rubbing his tummy) or "grave, Mommy!" (wanting to sing Low in the Grave before bed).

For his birthday we got him a scooter so he doesn't have to commandeer his sister's anymore. We had a fun lunch with friends, where plenty of boys taught JD how to play in the snow. Then we went to the mall where he did everything he always asks to do, but the answer is always no...candy, ice cream, riding the electric rides, and getting a ball from the toy machine...what else could a boy ask for? Dinner? Pizza and french fries, followed by, what will most likely be, a Mickey Mouse movie and a bath. It's fun being two!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

I know, most people say, "what's the big deal?" But when we get snow here, we all jump outside with cameras and take pics before it all disappears. I even woke Shelby up early so she would be sure not to miss it. Of course, that was before I realized it would snow for more than 12 hours nonstop and we'd get just over a foot of snow! So the initial pictures really aren't worth much.

The kids mostly lasted about five to ten minutes at a time before appendages were too cold and the whining began. I don't know how often people let their kids play out in the snow, but it sure is a lot of work!

Snow Angels from my Snow Angel was a highlight.

Snow makes any place beautiful! What a great picture of God covering our sin and making us pure and clean. It sure was quiet and beautiful!

Having to shovel the driveway and help neighbors with cars that were stuck was the other side to our snow experience, not to mention sliding around the roadways. I'm not sure I'm ready to live in it yet(sorry, Jess), but we sure had a blast! And I hear more may be coming!

Christmas Festivities!

This is how Shelby helps Daddy put lights on the house. (No, I do not condone this one bit)

I know it's blurry, but this is how JD helps me do my Christmas baking.

We took the train ride in Filmore known as the Polar Express. Shelby was relieved that we didn't go across ice or up and down mountains. It was a fun time with Nema and Poppi. And hearing Jason call, "All Aboard!!" like 20 times was priceless too.

Christmas tree hunting was quite the chore this year. After 10 tree lots we settled for a tree that we didn't particularly love, but it was all worth it, not having to tell Shelby she would not be able to get her tree that day (the tears were starting to well up). Now I like our tree and hopefully next year we won't be as picky.

We went to an LAPD family Christmas party with Aunt Amy. It was fun with the cousins and Shelby was excited to wear her Christmas dress, which she wants to wear every day. Jason got a train whistle from Santa and you'd think he struck gold. I love that the little things are so amusing to a two year old.

Family Vacation!

Here are some of my favorite pics from our Colorado Vacation~We went to the Olympic Headquarters in Colorado Springs. It was actually pretty neat and the kids enjoyed it because the Olympics were fresh in their minds.

This is on our friends', the Dyers' property. Everyone in Colorado owns their own tractor you know. (Okay, not really)

We went to this really cool place called Miller Farms where you go on a hay ride to pick your own vegetables...pumpkins, onions, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, etc. It was really cool, but we couldn't exactly take a lot, knowing we were going to have to fly home. After we picked all our produce, the kids loaded up the wagons to transport all our stuff. It sure was fun!

Our dear friends, the Skagerbergs..all six of them with one more on the way! We all stayed in Estes Park for a couple of nights. We "hiked" around a couple of small lakes and the kids (and adults for some reason) were obsessed with throwing rocks in the water.

"Friends and our girls"

On our last day in Estes Park we went to the lake in town. There we saw about FIVE DOZEN elk! It was so neat. These things aren't afraid of people at all and we watched them for awhile, while Jeff tempted fate and got a few up close pictures of one buck. Then the kids once again threw a few rocks in the lake before we left for home. Great memories to last!

(you can see the herd of elk in the background)

A few Fall Photos

Yes, I realize that it is now Christmas, but I'm hoping it's not too late to post my fall photos.

Disneyland

I think JD thinks he'll really be able to pull the sword out of the stone.

Shelby was determine to get her pic taken with Jesse.

Our Sunday School class went apple picking in Tehachapi.
It was a perfect fall day for it. Thanks Brit for the great picture!

Halloween

Papas is just content to hold his grandsons!

Of course, I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, but I love dressing up my kids! And when they can barely talk, it is so cute to hear them go trick or treating.

"A Lie on to a Pan"

I know I'm so behind in blogging! I figured I'll put a couple of Halloween pics up first and then work my way back to the rest of October, but this isn't really related. It is Jason (yes, it is on Halloween) singing "Thy Word." Okay, maybe only grandparents and aunties can appreciate the cuteness of if, but they'll see this!

Jason's belly dance

After a bath in the sink, JD decided to show off his dancing skills. I think the towel costume helped put him in the mood.

Steph and Suzie

Here is a brief update on our Sweet Suzie. She is doing great! She is now 6 pounds! She is slowly learning to take her feedings through a bottle rather than a feeding tube. Steph feels a bit more like a mom now as she can hold her at will, change her, dress her in clothes, and bath her. Lord-willing she will be able to come home in a couple of weeks. Praise God!

And baby makes three?

I was unaware this picture was being taken (do we ever want this side of us pictured?). However, it got me thinking! I find myself out and about like this often and wonder, "where on earth will I put a third child?" Two hands, three kids? I know many who do it, so if you have any tips feel free to pass them along. I'll find out by next summer I suppose! =)

We're Back!

Now that September is here we can go back to Disneyland!A little rest on Minnie's bed.

JD HAD to ride in the car, of course.

"Mee-kah" is the only character allowed to get close to JD. Mickey is his favorite.

September

Ready to go to "hu-ah" with Daddy.

First Day of School

We'll here we go! My little girl started preschool this week. She had
absolutely no hesitation and continued to comfort Daddy
that she would only be right down the street.
She had fun, of course, and wants to go every day, but
I think two days a week is plenty!

Shelby Dance

Shelby is taking a dance class this summer. It is very fun and cute. She is very proud of herself in this class. The first class, she had a big smile on her face and would give me a thumbs up sign every few minutes.

Beach Pics

Pardon the smudge on the camera! We had a beach day this month. Both kids loved the sand of course. Shelby much less afraid of the water this time. We felt the earthquake while there.

This is a picture of the kids swimming in the sand.
Much less scary than swimming in the water apparently.

Our Sweet Suzie

Suzie on her birthday

I can't imagine that anyone is reading this blog and has not already heard about my sweet niece, Suzie Lorraine Sanderson, born 12 weeks early on July 18th. I still wanted to do a tribute page to her because we love her and she occupies so many of our thoughts and prayers.

What a trial this has been. I can tell you that God has truly strengthened my faith as I watch how Steph and Kyle handle this. They are so strong, though only in the Lord. God has brought our Suzie through many ups and downs and she is now almost one month old and stable. We have no idea what God has planned for her life, but we know she is a miracle and God will continue to get the glory from whatever lies ahead.

If, by chance, you haven't read her story visit my sister's blog:
http://thesandersonfam.blogspot.com/

Family Photos

It had been three years since we took family pictures. Here are a few of our recent photo shoot. These are Shelby's four year pics and JD's 18 month pictures.

Courtesy of HG photography (Hallie).