My Snow Babies

Two polar opposite things I always wanted for my kids to love: swimming and playing in the snow! So far they are adhering to my plan...somewhat at least.

We have had two larger snows this year. No, Wendi, they are nothing compared to Utah but they were pretty big for Kentucky (I'll get into the wacky weather in my next blog). The first snow was right before Valentine's Day. The ice storm came first (beautiful and Ansel Adams-y) and started in the middle of the day so school was let out early. I think that makes teachers happier than the students! The snow fell on top of that and we ended up with about 6 inches of snow. Aiden had strept throat so we made him stay inside. Audrey said it was "pweeedddy" and wanted to see it. Even though she giggled when the snow fell on her, she wouldn't touch it. She kept her hands up the whole time to avoid touching it (as is evident in the second picture of her).






At the beginning of March we got quite a large snow over a two day period. We ended up with a 12 inch accumulation. Audrey was snowed in at my mom and dad's so I was determined that Aiden and I go out and play. He was in his room listening to music and reading his Star Wars book when I bundled up and snuck out of the house. Stealthily I snuck to his window and bombed it with snowballs. I saw his little head pop up and stare at me. Then I heard him squeal, "Hey! Daddy get my coat!" He came out and we had a fun little snowball fight. He even helped me shovel. Poor thing doesn't realize that will be his job in a couple years. Good times!

Welcome Baby Harrison

After four boys, Chris finally gave in and let Heather have a girl. She is a dainty little 6 pound 1 ounce, 18 inch long beauty.

Congratulations to the whole Egan clan!

Welcome Baby Lucas

Congratulations Emily and Matthew!

My freind and teaching colleague, Emily, gave birth to sweet little baby Lucas on 12/23. He came in at 21 1/2 inches and weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces. I can't wait to kiss that sweet little head full of red hair, just like her mommy's hair.

Good news and bad news:

Good news: Matthew was able to come home from Iraq long enough for the baby to be born.
Bad news: He has to leave tomorrow to go back and won't be able to come home for 9 months.

Emily is a very strong and structured lady (a math teacher if that tells you anything, very different from us English teachers) and I know she will be fine. However, I can't imagine my husband not being around to help with the kids. Honestly, he is one of the most hands on fathers I've ever known. Also, I can't imagine missing the first 9 months of my child's life.

Question: What were your favorite memories of the first 9 months of your child/children's lives?

Aiden: Napping with him on the couch. He was not a huge sleeper so any extra minutes were divine.

Audrey: Watching her react to music around her. She loved watching Dancing with the Stars with me. The bright colors of the costumes and the rhythmic music entranced her.

Did anyone catch the plates on that train?

I mean the one carrying this virus that has railroaded our house?

It started with the two kids then grabbed Travis at 12:35 a.m. New Year's Day then pulled me on board 24 hours later. Aiden had it easiest and Audrey has had it the worst.

I am on the caboose so the end is in sight. Holiday pictures will be next.

Choo choo!

Tuesday Tell All Catch Up

Christmases Long Long Ago: I loved having my grandparents spend the night on Christmas Eve. Granny would sleep with me and Papa would sleep in Billy's room, putting him on the couch. They would be at our house to see what Santa left for us then pack up and go. After church we'd go to their house for dinner and gifts. After dinner we'd play games and eat dessert. Fun times!

Greatest gift: The greatest gift I gave this year was the carousel that Papaw wanted for his village which has quickly morphed into a city. Aiden picked it out for him. The greatest material gifts I recieved was from our parents: a dishwasher and a leaf sucker/blower. However the best gift I got was the picket fence smiles from my two little sweeties. I loved seeing their excitement with the gifts and who can resist the bed hair in Christmas morning pictures! They have been getting along so well lately and that is the best gift ever.

Don't Ask Me, I Just Pay the Mortgage!

Needless to say I got a good belly laugh when I found this scenario in the kitchen the other day. No one will fess up to "uniting" Pooh and the frog in this position. Aiden and Travis said they didn't do it but I am not sure if I believe that for a second.

I never would have pegged these two as a match for each other but opposites do attract, you know. I guess we all need to get a little lovin' from time to time!

Happy New Year, y'all!

The cherry on top...

both Aiden and Audrey are throwing up with a stomach flu. Travis is next in line with stomach cramps and I imagine I'll be following that road shortly. There goes our New Year's plans. On the bright side, I would rather blow noses that get puked on one more time.

Normally I am not one to complain but I really feel so much better after getting my top 7 off my chest. Every now and then you just need to let it all go. Usually I am the one who is last to take down the tree and other decorations. And I did have some wonderful times with my family and freinds this year. I guess you can't have the Norman Rockwell Christmas every year and it was my turn to have the Charlie Brown Christmas this year.

Who wants to claim it for next year?