Better Make it a Double: 2008

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Before the Snow There was Sun

We spent the afternoon of the 28th down at the river with the kids. Couldn't believe the good weather. And couldn't believe all the snow that followed.

Nellie's Babies

So, so, so cute.

Gracie has to give them all equal treatment and love.

This is all Faith wants to do . . .ever!

The first three - we saw the first 5 born. A yellow one, a chocolate one and a black one.

Josie watches as a puppy is born. The kids were so excited!

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

So Chris (next door neighbor) and Shane ran the 7-mile Living History Farms race in the cold. Over the rivers (or through) and through the woods. 7500 people ran it it. They did awesome! It was great fun to watch. I'm so in for next year.

When Ones Does It . . .

. . . so must the other!

Just as brave as her little sister, Grace joined the ranks of the pierced. The kid never even flinched. I love that they are tough.

Nov. 21, 2008

Congrats, Eddie!

Eddie is currently getting his doctorate in electrical engineering from ISU. He completed and presented his first major paper, and it was brilliant! Jessie threw him a great surprise party.

My Baby Turns 5

Nov. 19, 2008

The night before her birthday, I laid with her in her bed and told her about the day she was born. I told her how happy I was that she was a little girl, and how badly I'd wanted a sister for Grace. I told her how beautiful I thought she was, and why we finally decided to name her Faith and not Josephine. I told her how much I loved her, but I don't think she'll ever know how much.

On her birthday, Shane and I took some time off to spend with just her. That's when she got her ears pierced. She was a rock star.

Faith, you make me happy.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

OMG A Birthday She Won't Forget

Monday, November 17, 2008

With A Little Love Added

Josephine and Jennifer, 17 month

Miss American Beauties - Grace, 8 and Faith, almost 5

My entire life summed up in a few smiles and blatant frowns.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. You can't tell me for a second she doesn't take after her Grandpa Clinton.

I Think We All Cried At One Point

As Josie ran out of the frame, I said "Well, we could pretend we only have three kids." Crazy photographer lady thought I was on to something.

"Yeah, both of them in one chair . . .good idea, Crazy Lady."

Josie wants no part of it.

"I know the wonders of Photoshop, but you don't utilize such technology in this candy shop. Tell me when I'm in the frame next time, K?"

And exhale . . .

I have a friend with a bunch of kids who is always telling me I need to lower my expectations. Then some blah blah about how I'm setting myself up for disappointment. When I hear that, I always think that I'm being told to settle, which in turn, drives me further insane.

I will not accept half-assed attempts. From me, maybe. From others, no way.

However, as a compromise, I try to have reasonable expectations. You know, achievable.

The dresses and the bows and the hose and the shoes and the hair and the accessories just don't happen. (I realize that is a Mark sentence, but it's done to make an impression.) And I won't lie. I adore that part. I love having girls. I love dressing them like dollies. I love the mental pictures in my mind as I coordinate them all in the isles of some store.

But I hate going somewhere to get their pictures taken. I don't even know why I do it anymore.

I'll save the drama details. But let's just say there were tears involved.

These are obviously the ones I didn't buy.

I'm thinking about putting a hit on the photographer.