More with Gingerbread men

It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas

Gingerbread Man from Festival of Trees
her cookie got a lot of kisses

The day after Thanksgiving was all about decorating for Christmas and maybe a little shopping too! The kids were sooo excited to help this year! They put most of our ornaments on and had the best time. I wouldn't trade our tree for anything - kids ornaments, some all on the same branch. Love it!! We even got out my grandfather's train to put out around the bottom. The kids love it!! Kailyn asks to start choo train all of the time.

Thankful Tree

I decided to do a "thankful tree" this November. Each night at the dinner table we all said something that we were thankful for. I was not expecting Kailyn to participate as much as she did, but she had something each night. Some of Luke's responses: My friends (Jackson, Max, and Audrey), Mrs. Hart, bicycles, and windows (hmm...not sure about this one). Kailyn's responses: Jackson, Audrey, milk, and baby. We had a lot of fun with this and the kids liked admiring the tree.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving day was nice and relaxing for Mark and me since the kids played in the basement or slept the entire time. Kailyn was still catching up from being sick a few days before so she didn't want to eat, only sleep and play. The only hitch was when I found them both on the top bunk of the bunkbeds playing. Kailyn was saying, "mommy, I did it!". I am not the slightest bit surprised she climbed the ladder to the top, I was just worried that she would try to jump off! With all of our relaxing and eating I neglected to take any pictures. When I realized that I hadn't even gotten my camera out of it's case the kids decided it was time to go home. I got one, maybe two of Kailyn from that day so here they are.

Recent Quotes

She did not move from this position all morning!

I just love my kiddos!! They do say the darndest things! Kailyn after getting sick on me, she grabs my hand to lead me out of her room and says, "come on momma, take shower". She is just so cute even when she is not feeling well. Today she kept saying, "watch tinkerbell".

Now, my little turkey (Lucas) was saying that his stomach hurt and that he was going to throw up today. He acted fine all day long and had no problem eating ice cream after dinner. Kailyn was clingy and sitting on my lap so he thought he needed too as well. So, with both kids on my lap we started flipping though the pottery barn kids catalog. Luke says, "oh this makes my stomach feel better". While looking at the stockings he said, "oh, i like that big leg cast".

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lazy Day

At approximately 11pm last night I heard my little peanut crying out for Momma. I walked into her room to discover she had vomitted (the first of many). The next 2 hours she was sick about every 15-30 minutes. Four pairs of jammies, two bed changes, about 10 towels, one clothing change for me, and a shower later we were able to get some rest. She slept until 8:30 am which just doesn't happen with our little peanut. She is always up by 6:30. All she wanted this morning was some water and Tinker Bell! Mark came home so I could get Lucas to school and then my dear friend, Amy brought him home for me!! What a blessing! Kailyn whimpered most of the morning to lay in my lap and now she is sleeping in her bed. We have gotten 2 wheat thins down and 2 sippy cups of water. Lucas now says his stomach hurts!!! Praying that it is sympathy or hunger pains!

KC's Favorite Things

Her language skills are increasing by leaps and bounds so she can indeed tell me what she likes AND DISLIKES.

• milk - she would drink milk all day long! I'm slowly, but surely getting her to drink more water, but it has been a challenge.
• Baby - there is one specific baby that goes everywhere with us! She dresses,undresses,feeds, rocks, changes diaper, takes for strolls around the basement, etc.
• edamame - she loves these little soy beans and ALWAYS asks for seconds
• Bubby (Luke) - she wants to be with him at all times. She hugs and kisses him A LOT, plays cars with him, chases him, etc.
• Pretty things - always pointing out "oh pretty dress mommy", "pretty bracelet", and so on
• PB chair (luke loves his too) - she enjoys hers flipped upside down so she can lay under it with her baby like a snail. Numerous times a day I see just little legs sticking out while she is having conversations with baby in her "tunnel".

Luke's Favorite Things

I know I recently mentioned this, but I wanted to mention again for my own records.

• Orange juice - a must have every morning - the only juice he gets
• dragons - he loves his beanie baby dragon from my mom's house
• camo pants - he seriously wants to wear these everyday
• grey converse - he has finally given up the nike shox (for the most part) for his beloved converse
• PIZZA - he would eat this every night if I would let him - sausage and green olive
• Jonah and the whale - his fav Bible story currently
• Fruit snacks - LOVES
• his cast - it might be a rough day next week getting this taken off. He has REALLY played this up! "Mom, i can climb the rock wall...with my cast!" or "I can't get that for myself... b/c of my cast (insert sappy face)".

My Favorite Things

I could not figure out how to get my pictures where I wanted them so bear with me. Just had interesting conversation with Mark about how to spell "bear" in above reference. Looks odd to me to spell like the animal, but he convinced me that it is correct.

french braids - yay!

It all fell to pieces within minutes of her bouncing and flipping around and yes she is naked and running away from me so excuse the bad pics. It was hard trying to get a picture of a moving target while she was yelling, "naked baby, naked baby".

I think it is obvious by this blog that I kind of like my family. While I was rocking Kailyn tonight she turned her head and whispered, "hi mommy, love you". Doesn't get much better than that!! Those kids melt my heart! Lucas is growing up so fast! I've been on him about throwing wrappers on the floor so I was not overly thrilled today to see a fruit snacks wrapper on the floor! He went to his room to mope a little, knowing I was one unhappy mommy. He came out a few minutes later and said, "I'm so sorry mommy". This was not the first time he has done something like this. He goes to his room without being told and then comes out to apologize. So proud of my little man! This post was not supposed to be about my family, but I'm kind of on a roll here and I can't leave out Mark. He is the best husband, friend, father, etc. I'm not just saying that - just ask him (he he). Mark is a super hero. He works 12 hour days as an IT guy/pharmacist/manager/whatever he needs to be for his coworkers. Then he comes home and quickly changes roles to Super Dad, dancer (oh yes, we dance), husband, and head of our family. He does dishes, baths, stories, and prayers with kids (well, at least one of them). Lucas and Kailyn ADORE their Daddy and I think he is pretty swell as well. Did I mention that he installed a new garbage disposal today? And it works!! Add plumber to the list of titles! Now onto what I really had planned for this post:

Bare Minerals - well -rested

It is truly amazing and has made such a difference for my dark circles.

Trader Joe's Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus

Love, Love, Love and so do the kiddos. A little spicy, but KC especially likes.

Redkin Ringlet

My hair has completely transformed since having Kailyn. I've always had wavy hair, but it is getting down right curly. I typically wear it curly/wavy now because I can simply get out of the shower and put a little Ringlet in it and I'm good to go.

Millstone Breakfast Blend or Colombian coffee

This is a must have every morning. I'm getting particular about my coffee these days. As much as I have tried I dislike flavored coffee. I prefer a medium roast with my half and half (yes, I splurge with the good stuff and I'm not ashamed). You all enjoy your fat free - gag!!

Turquoise

My favorite color! I already have plans to incorporate this color in Kailyn's room when she moves to her big girl bed. She very much likes her pink right now so let's hope that changes by March when I plan to redo her room. I would also love to incorporate into our kitchen, but my mom would have to make us new curtains and Mark has no idea about my plans (Let's just keep this hush hush for the time being). If you've see our basement then you've see our blue wall, lamps, stripes, and some decor! So different and so me!

P90X

Ok, this is really a love/hate relationship. I'm not working out regularly (6 days a week), but I try to squeeze in 4 days. I'm having some knee issues currently - nothing major (I've diagnosed myself of course). I just need some good ole physical therapy to correct the problem (googling rehab exercises to do at home).

Ann Taylor Loft

I've recently found some great things! Two pairs of jeans that fit wonderfully - you really can't go wrong with a great fitting pair of jeans.

Ok, I should stop here because this could go on and on. I already have several other things popping into my head...maybe another day.

The Girls

Airplane

uh, the moms did not plan to match!

katelyn

Peanut

Kailyn and Katelyn are only 6 weeks apart in age! Kailyn and I went over for a visit Sunday morning before flying home to Illinois. The girls had the best time running around outside in the rain!! It was so nice to see everyone again!!! We miss you guys aleady!

Nutcracker Market

relaxation station

at the entrance

bff kristin

my sister

nutcracker market ticket

The girls traveled to Houston to experience the Nutcracker Market for the very first time. I had heard so much about it from my mom and Kristin so just had to see it for myself. It was huge and exactly how I had envisioned it. I got A LOT of my Christmas shopping done in the 8 hours we were there shopping. YES, we shopped for 8 hours at the market that day (not including the hour that we were there early waiting in line to enter the shopping extravaganza). I'm hoping to make this an annual trip!

Lucas and Daddy Time

While the girls were off to Texas for the weekend the boys had a little fun of their own. More to come on the Houston trip. Mark and Lucas had popcorn for dinner, watched movies, played outside, visits to Grandma's house, Magic house, etc. Lucas had a great time with Daddy, but I'm pretty sure he missed his Mommy just a little bit. Here are some great shots that Mark got of my little man while we were away.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

So excited for our girls trip to H-town! Looking forward to doing some shopping with my mom, sister,and best friend! I do feel a little guilty leavng my little man here, but he is in great hands with daddy, grandma, and grandpa. He left for an overnight to grandma's house tonight and he was super excited! I already miss him though!! Back to our trip to the great state of TEXAS. Time with mom and dad, tex-mex, warm weather, shopping - does it get any better?? well, maybe if my boys were joining us.....but....they aren't the best shoppers and that would pose a problem this weekend. No shopping duds allowed which is why they get to stay home! Pray for me tomorrow as I travel with my 20 month old spit fire! Dear Lord, please keep Kailyn from trampolining on the seat in the airplane, please keep baby safe because Kailyn will be traumatized without her, please have KC"s poopy diaper come before or just after our flight as it is very challenging to change one on the plane, please keep us safe traveling tomorrow and Monday, and please protect Kailyn's ears on take off and landing! See ya Monday! Happy Veteran's Day!

So Blessed

Mark's birthday banner
My handsome hubby


reading birthday card from Luke

I truly have the most wonderful husband. I love his silly personality, corny jokes and all. We laugh, a lot!! We practice our silly faces at the dinner table and our newest thing is dancing! We have family dance parties! The kids both have their own moves and they are pretty good!

These pictures were from Mark's birthday celebration. It wan't fancy and it was just the four of us, that's just how we roll.