Waiting for Sam the Snowman

I think it's safe to say we are experiencing a little blizzard.

 

 

I took this picture this morning, but I just looked outside and this picture looks pretty wimpy compared to what it looks like now!  I guess I will have to take another picture later today and do a comparison.  I'm very thankful for our warm little home and Netflix and Hulu so we can enjoy movies with our warm blankets all day!

 

This snow makes me think of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  I can't help but imagine Sam the Snowman strolling down the sidewalk singing Silver and Gold.  I'm sure Paul will be out there with the kids as soon as he has a chance and they will build a snowman and make snowballs to throw at each other.  The kids are ready!

 

We had a very nice Thanksgiving spent with friends and family!  We ate a ton of food, the ladies got out the Black Friday ads and planned out the rest of the night, the men watched football, some of us played Catch Phrase and it was, of course, hilarious!  It was such a nice day!  I enjoyed it very much.  I'm very thankful for the life I live with my husband and children.

 

Now it is time to enjoy the Christmas season!  Paul and I have done amazing at Christmas shopping this year -- we only have 3 presents left to buy!  The kids and I enjoy watching Christmas movies.  We all are enjoying the snow.  Sometime this week we will finally decorate the house!  The kids are excited about that!

 

I love how Zoe is starting to understand things this year.  She gets confused sometimes and thinks Santa and Jesus are the same person and that Christmas is both of their birthdays.  She also wants to buy them Christmas presents.  Oh, and she thinks that anyone who has a beard is Santa's brother.  Haha!  She is a lot of fun!  She really does love the Christmas story of baby Jesus, she is super excited that she is in our church's Christmas play!  She just loves this time of year!  Who doesn't?

 

Next year I know Max is going to be just like Zoe.  He will slowly understand what's going on and be excited about the Christmas season.  Titus will be next, and then this new little one!  So much fun!

 

I hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season as much as we are!

I hate animals

Especially lying groundhogs!

 

Source: bing.com via raina on Pinterest

 

The past couple days we have had snow.  It comes down like we're going to have a blizzard and then by the end of the day some of it melts away.  Snow is always beautiful when it gracefully falls to the ground.  It sometimes looks like little fairies are gracefully flying in the wind.

 

But I'm over you, fairies!  I'm over you, snow!  Can we please have warmer weather now?

 

This morning I wore a sweater and drank hot coffee while doing my devotions.  It may sound nice, but I'd rather be sipping sweet tea and listening to the birds chirping because I have my windows and doors open.

 

I texted Paul this morning and we were daydreaming about a beach...white sand...the sound of the roaring ocean...the heat of the sun on your back...  Sounds heavenly, right?  Well...don't look out your window because it shatters your dreams like a rock does a stained glass window.

 

Ok that may be a little dramatic...but you get my point. ;)

 

I know that one day (soon!) Spring will be here.  The time will finally come when we can plant our little gardens, get our yards whipped into shape, plant flowers, play outside, go on walks, play at the park, etc.  God is just teaching some of us patience.  Thanks, Lord.

 

Happy Tuesday!

"It's snowing."

Source: google.com.tr via Optimist on Pinterest

"It's snowing."

Those are the words that were whispered into my ear early this morning.  Immediately I felt a chill even though I was covered up in my warm blankets!

"It's snowing."

Those magical words gave me a rush.  Before we know it we will be decorating our house for Christmas.  All of the holiday classics will be playing in the background as we decorate sugar cookies and bake other yummy desserts for social events.

"It's snowing."

One day soon we can bundle up and go outside to play.  I see a snowman family in our future.  We will take Zoe and Max on their first sledding trip down the big hill.

"It's snowing."

We will sing Christmas carols in church that still hold power because we're singing about our Jesus.  We will feel tears come to our eyes and goosebumps on our skin as we imagine the most important birth story in history.

"It's snowing."

Yep. I said it.

This morning I got out of bed to get Zoe, and on my way through the living room I see it.  Snow.  The ground was covered and it's still snowing.  ::sigh::  Oh well.  At least it's not below zero.  We're still enjoying 30+ degree weather.  I pray that it doesn't get any colder then that.

While I wait for the weather to get warmer, I daydream and plan out what flowers I want and where to put them.  I would love to dish out my ideas for all of you to read, but I'm afraid you would have no idea what I was saying so I'll just leave you in suspense.

In other news, Paul and I are seriously finally considering getting internet at the house.  I hope, hope, hope, HOPE we do!!  Paul needs it desperately for homework, and I would love to blog regularly instead of once in a blue moon when I have nothing to talk about -- hence random posts like this one.. =\

Tell me honestly, am I boring?  I feel like I'm stuck in a rut blogging-wise.  Maybe I should do something different?  I NEED FEEDBACK!!

Thanks. :)

A very merry un-anniversay to you!

This past weekend Paul and I ran away to Helena to celebrate our un-anniversary  -- since our actual anniversary is hidden till 2012 -- with just the two of us.. and Zoe.. and our little tadpole.

I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures than I did.  The only ones I took were of the capital building.  I need to have someone take a picture of us -- the happy couple!  Just wait, folks.

This picture was not taken this past weekend, it was actually taken today, but I couldn't help posting it for all to see!  We were visiting Paul at his work today, and while there we played around with the camera a little. :)  Isn't she a doll?

Back to our anniversary weekend..

Like I said before, we spent the anniversary in Helena.  We visited the historical society, the state capital, and the governor's first mansion.  We also walked/drove around downtown and admired the beauty of of the old buildings.  Some may think that wasn't the most romantic thing to do, but Paul has been enjoying his history class so much, and has been telling me so much about the history of how Montana came about, we wanted to see the history firsthand.  So we did!  We had a wonderful time, and we were so relaxed.  We even went swimming with Zoe and she loved it.

Oh, you know how it's March 1 and all.. spring is on it's way, the trees are budding and the weather is slowly getting warmer..  FALSE.  A blizzard blew in last night and is still going.  We are currently experiencing weather that is in the negatives.  So.. if you're so kind to think of me.. send some of that spring-like weather my way. :)

Home Sweet Home.. ?

It's been nearly a week since we have been home and I have to say.. I'm slightly depressed!  I love being back in my own home sleeping in my own bed and stuff, but in Arizona they are experiencing spring-like weather.  We came home to 6 degrees and 3 feet of snow.  Don't get me wrong, the snow is pretty, but I'm ready for heat!

Zoe did an amazing job on our flight home!  She loved reading books and playing with one of her new stuffed animals.  Eventually she fell asleep and slept through the whole trip.  Thank you sweet baby Jesus!

While vacationing the cleaning fairies worked overtime at my house and I came home to the cleanest house in the whole wide world.  Since being home, and since receiving the latest Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens magazines, I have been keeping it up and I love having a clean house.  I love it!

While on vacation I'm sure I gained 10 lbs so I'm off to Just Dance.  Have a great night!

Let me explain.. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

In case anyone is interested, I did tidy my house, I did wrap all of the presents, and I did watch one more Christmas movie before Christmas was officially over.  So there you go. :)

Also, Paul and I have come to a decision.  It was a hard pill to swallow for some, but we decided to bring the pacifier back.  Here's our proof.

::Sigh::

Just for the record, Paul and I have nothing against the pacifier.  The reason why we took away in the first place was because we spent more time keeping it in her mouth than she did herself.  I spent hours, literally, keeping it in her mouth during the night because she would accidentally spit it out and want it leaving us both exhausted and slightly crabby.

It didn't take long and she forgot about it, but lately something else took it's place.  She started doing something that I absolutely despised.  She became a thumb sucker.  At first I thought she was simply chewing on her hands, but yesterday Paul and I realized that she deliberately puts her thumb in her mouth.  We counted, and she did it 25 times.. in a row.

So we brought the pacifier back.  I refuse to have a thumb sucker.  It's unsanitary and just plain gross.  You can throw a pacifier away.. not a thumb.

On to more exciting news..  Christmas was absolutely lovely!  It was Zoe's first Christmas and I think she loved it!  Here are some pictures.. mostly of Zoe.

We hardly ever have any pictures of just us anymore so I had Paul take a quick snapshot on Christmas Eve.  This is us in a nutshell, don't you think?  Paul looking like his Uncle Steve and me laughing at how crazy he is.  I absolutely love this man!

Here is Zoe, Christmas morning, trying out one of her gifts from Mommy and Daddy.  He first tea set!  I don't know who loves it more -- Mommy or Zoe.  The teapot sings catchy tunes.  I can see Zoe in the future.  I'm sure she'll memorize those songs and sing away pouring tea for her stuffed animals.

Here is Zoe with her stocking from Santa Claus.  I absolutely love this picture!  She is such a smilie kid.  She was so interested in everything that was going on.  Her arms and legs were constantly going because she was so excited!  She got her first cans of baby food, and we let her try pears for the first time.  It was pretty hilarious!  It gave her the heebie jeebies every time she took a bite.  I have a feeling she will be like her dad and enjoy sour things because even though every bite gave her the willies, she kept accepting bites.

Here is Zoe opening a Christmas gift.  Like I said before, she was so excited!  She did such a good job ripping the paper -- for a 5 month old.  She also showed interest in all of her gifts.  I think she loves all of them!  I'm so glad.

Later Christmas night Zoe and I had our first tea party.  She really showed interest and watched my every movement.  It made me so happy to watch her "play" the best she could.

In this picture right here I see an addiction to caffeine just like her mom. :)  Can you see it?  I wonder who will break first and give her a sip of their coffee.  Me?  One of the Grams?  I remember my great grandmother sneaking me some sips of her coffee.  My aunt did as well!  I thank them for my addiction. :)

Here's the last picture for tonight.  The cute little teapot!  Did I mention that I love her toys?  We need to buy her a toy box now.  She has plenty of toys now so it's time.  ::squeal::  Who knew that buying a toy box would be so exciting?!

So there you go!  Zoe's first Christmas was a lot of fun -- for all of us!  I know that Christmases are going to be amazing here on out thanks to having children.  It's so much fun to watch their excitement.

Well, Christmas is over and the new year is just around the corner.  It's time to take down the decorations and start making a list of new resolutions.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

I have decided to make changes in my life, but I am not waiting till the new year to start!  I decided to register at MyFitnessPal and start keeping track of my calorie intake, my workouts, etc.  Of course as soon as I decide to change my eating habits I am constantly hungry -- but don't worry!  I have written down everything I've eaten/drank today and I'm doing well.  I even burned some calories by cleaning vigorously.  Bonus!

As soon as the dreaded snow is melted away it's back to walking.  Oh, now that I have an iPod (thank you honey!) I would like to try and run.  Paul was telling me that in order to start I need to jog until I feel tired and then walk for awhile.. till I have energy again and then pick up jogging.  I think I can do it!  I want to..

There is so much more I could write about, but I'm worried I'm boring my fans.  So I'll leave off here. :)  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

"It doesn't show signs of stopping.."

It has snowed everyday since Tuesday and I don't think it will be letting up any time soon.  Our first snow is more like our first blizzard!

I try so very hard to wait till the day after Thanksgiving before singing/playing Christmas music.. but with all of this snow I just couldn't help it anymore!  Thanks to my Pandora app on my phone Zoe and I started our day with Christmas songs sung by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, etc.

I don't know what's wrong with me!  I normally love Thanksgiving and the fall decor, but this year I'm chomping at the bit to tear everything down and start decorating for Christmas.  Even Paul, who is sometimes considered a bah humbug, is ready to start decorating- and is even listening to some Christmas music!

I wondered if it was because we have a child now, so we want to celebrate her first Christmas right now, but I know of others who feel the same way we do- and their kids are not newborns..

So what's the deal?

All I know is that I love this time of year!!  The happy music, Christmas stories, remembering the birth of Jesus (even though I know He wasn't born in December), decorating with all the lights and ornaments, the Christmas movies.. everything about this holiday is magical and joyous!

And yes, I'm very excited about celebrating Zoe's first Christmas!  She won't really know what's going on, but I don't care.  It will be fun all the same!  Though Paul and I don't have a lot of money right now, I know it will be very special for all of us!  We'll make it the best Christmas ever.. or the best Christmas until next year.  Ha!

I love how interested she is in things!  I want to take her out to experience snow first hand but it's pretty cold out there and I don't want her to not enjoy her first experience.  Maybe when it gets a little warmer I'll be brave enough to take her out to play.

In other news..

I bought rice cereal for Zoe last night!  I figured we would celebrate Zoe's 4 month birthday (which is in 5 days!) by having her try rice cereal with breast milk.  Don't worry- we'll make sure to video tape it so everyone- especially my parents- can see!  I'm so excited!  I know she's going to think it's weird at first since she hasn't anything but breast milk.. well, except for the ranch dressing thanks to her cousin Tom.. and the Oreo cookie kisses from cousin Emilie..  Other then that she hasn't had anything adventurous!  I hope she likes it.

Taking a break

It seems like forever since I have written about what's going on around here.  Did anyone miss me?  Please show me some love- or better yet, vote for Zoe (and me!) on the websites posted to the right please and thank you! ♥

So this blog is just going to fill you in on what's been going on lately.  One of Paul's professors strongly suggested that Paul become a tutor.  He now tutors once a week.  I am so amazed at how hard of a worker he is!  I love him so much.

I am so appreciative of everything Paul does for us.  Lately I have been trying a little bit harder around the house so that Paul comes home a cleaner environment.  I've been telling myself, a clean house is a happy house and it has been helping motivate me to get things done.

So every morning I make the bed, wash all the dishes and fully clean my kitchen, tidy the living room, vacuum, dust, and do at least one load of laundry.  Though Paul doesn't always tell me, there is a noticeable change in his personality- not that he was a grump every time he came home.. never mind.  Either way, we're all happy and mostly clean!

The day before yesterday it started snowing and it hasn't stopped!  You know the saying "when it rains it  pours"?  Well, in Havre the saying should be "when it snows it blizzards!"  The weather has been absolutely crazy!  There are some moments I can't even see the house across the street!  But I love it.  I just wish it didn't have to be that cold.

Anyways, like I said, here is Zoe.  Isn't she a peach?  She loved looking at the powdery white stuff!  One of these days we'll have to take her out so she can experience it up close and personal!

Last night Zoe watched her first Christmas movie- the newest A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey.  If you haven't seen it yet you need to watch it!  It is amazing!  There are some parts that totally freaked me out, but it made it all the more better.

I had my SIL come over and help me give Baylee a bath.  What. A. Workout.  That dog is a beast when it comes to brushing her coat!  The bath part was fine, but the brushing was a nightmare.  She looks amazing now, though.

On the 25th of this month Zoe will officially be 4 months old.  I plan on going out and buying rice cereal and giving her some as a celebration!  Of course we will have to video it so all can see and appreciate her first time.  I know my parents will love to see her.

I feel so much better after blogging!  I really need internet at my house so I can blog whenever I want to..

Until next time..