So Long, Tonsils and Adenoids!

Ellie will officially say goodbye to those oversized tonsils and adenoids next Tuesday!! These past few months have been tough for her and I'm quite optimistic that this surgery will provide the reflief that she needs. Her tonsils and adenoids are way too large for her body on a good day, but when she gets sick, they are enormous. This has started effecting her sleep and the poor baby stays tired and cranky. Mark and I were hoping to wait until summer for the surgery, but things have worsened over the past 2 weeks, so we are eager to get this over with. Please remember our family in your prayers as we prepare Ellie for this surgery and recovery.

A Day with the Girls

Saturday I helped host a lingerie shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jennifer. She and I have been friends since junior high school and have remained close even though our lives have gone in different directions, often thousands of miles apart. Jennifer is one of those friends who has always encouraged and inspired me to live life fully and take those "out of the box" chances. I am so excited and proud to see her "over the moon" for a really great guy.

Mark had his own "day with the girls". He took the girls to the park to enjoy the sunshine and hopefully work up to a long nap! They started at Airport Park near our house. The park was rather crowded and my timid child, Ellie, was apprehensive about playing around all of the other kids. The "fearless" Sadie Kate however, hit the slide immediately. She quickly had a run-in with an older boy who kept growling at her and scaring her. Mark saw this and walked over just in time to see his precious little girl pull back her fist to hit "the screamer". Mark reached up, stopped her hand and she melted into a crying heap begging Daddy to take her home--so much for a relaxing day with the girls.

The Haircut

Call me scared, call me chicken, but here's how I've decided to tell the grandparents that Sadie Kate got a haircut. I've been wanting to for weeks, but kept hearing roars of disapproval from everyone..."you cannot cut those curls". Well, the curls are falling out which makes her hair even longer, so I decided it was time for a trim. Yes, I promise, it was only a trim and she loved every minute of it. See for yourself!

A Love Letter

Last week, Ellie proudly brought me this note she had written on the back of one of her school papers. She said, "I made it for you so you would know that I love you."  The pink letters at the bottom stand for" I Love My Momma". I must admit...that was the most touching love letter I had ever received. It has been hanging on the refrigerator, but I think it may have earned itself a frame by my bed.

 Overheard...
               Sadie Kate watched Ellie ride her bicycle for a moment then ran over to the stroller in the garage and asked, "Momma, will you push me around in the shoulder?"

               Ellie singing in the backseat of the car..."and give Him the corner, great things He hath done".

Farewell to Friends

Ellie and Ella Grace have been friends since before they were born. How, you ask? Ella Grace's mom, Lindsey and I were pregnant at the same time and bonded immediately as we anticipated the arrivals of our pink balls of fire. The girls have always gotten along well, as have the moms. So Lindsey, as you read this, wipe away your tears (as I am doing) and know that our princesses will always have a strong bond; afterall, their friendship has been around longer than they have.

I love you Jeremy, Lindsey, Ella Grace, and Major

and I pray Christ's protection and

guidance for you as you move to your new home

 in Florida.

P.S.   We'll be down soon to visit you and your neighbors...Snow White and Cinderella! 

A New Kind of Valentine

It wasn't until I had children that I realized how much love I could feel for someone--sorry, Mark. What better day to show them how much they are loved than on Valentine's Day. We have had a wonderful day with parties at school, tons of candy, painted hearts, gifts, and a surprise from Daddy.

Daddy surprised all 3 of his girls!

We surprised the girls this morning with a gift for each. Ellie got a movie she had been wanting and Sadie Kate got toolzers (tools). Both were thrilled; I even had to pry the drill from Sadie Kate's hands when we got to daycare. Who knew we'd end up with a princess and a mechanic?

Sadie Kate and her toolzers

Ellie and her new movie











A Fun Few Days

I'm so excited to post about something fun that has happened in our lives and not sickness! The past few days have been quite exciting and busy. First of all, we had snow! Yes, 2-3 inches! Sadly, we had to go to school without a 2 hour delay, as we had hoped, but I did manage to get a picture of the girls in the front yard before we left for school. Luckily, the teachers at the girls daycare took everyone out to play, make snowballs and even a snowman! They loved it and couldn't stop talking about playing in the snow with their friends; I'm thinking this was probably better than staying at home with Mom.

That same morning, Mark walked into work to find his office had been flooded--at least 2 inches of water filled his entire office and papers floated everywhere. The water heater upstairs had burst and left him a surprise---needless to say, he didn't get to go outside and play in the snow with his friends!

Warming up by the fire--with horrible "hat hair"!

Saturday, Mom and Alan took the girls to Chuck-E-Cheese. From all reports, I'm thinking that won't happen again...Saturdays at noon = too many birthday parties and out of control kids! Mark and I went out to eat and did a bit of shopping. It was such a nice change to eat somewhere without ketchup packets and a playground. We appreciated getting to focus on each other and not worry about the girls-thanks Mom and Alan!

Another Round of Sickness

It's been another crazy week at our house...Sadie Kate was sick with a high fever and horrible cough during the week and I've been having "put you in the bed" headaches lately. At this point, I would pay big money for a routine week where everyone goes to work and school everyday! Hopefully my next post will be brimming with humor and witty anecdotes detailing life with two precious/precocious daughters.