feisty pants

This little boy is feistier than ever. His tantrums are crazy! I know that a lot of it is that he's almost 2 and is acting like a 2-year-old, with the added frustration of not being able to do all the running around the other kids his age are doing. But seriously! His attitude has me pulling my hair out sometimes, laughing in exasperation other times. I just can't believe how he will be the sweetest, smiliest, cutest little guy and then BAM, he's screaming like he's being murdered. The other day we were in the mall and I made him ride in the stroller--not his idea of a fun time. His shrieking and back arching began. I didn't want to give in so we tried to pretend he wasn't there. What else can you do? He was relentless. Don't get me started on what happened when I cut his hair or fingernails. I'm just not sure how to handle these little outbursts and I am worried he's going to ruin his vocal chords, have an aneurysm, or deafen me. Hopefully his "terrible twos" are starting early and he'll learn that his tactic doesn't get him what he wants. It's a battle of wills right now and we're at a stalemate.

peaceful moments

Despite the fun I have with my boys- the games we play, the noise we make, the forts we build, the energy we expend-some of my very favorite moments are the quiet ones. I love to be with them all day long, but more often than not, I look forward to bedtime. I look forward to cuddling up close and reading stories. Kissing their heads and turning off the lights. I look forward to a moment when the house is clean, dimly lit, and quiet. On those rare occasions when they fall asleep in the middle of play or mealtime, I take a few deep breaths and enjoy the quiet. They look so innocent and peaceful when they sleep. I also know, that it's only a matter of time before they awake and the craziness starts all over again, so I better soak up those moments.

Sometimes when they are sleeping I want to scoop them up and hold them. I want to kiss their faces and squeeze them tight. I know better though. They are just so precious.

she did it!

My sweet Andrea got married. I am so happy for her. She looked beautiful, like always. She was glowing. Despite the blizzard-like weather, the day was perfect. I just can't explain that special feeling of seeing two people in love, ready to start on their life's adventure together. I cried like a baby when I hugged her after the sealing, happy tears or course. Sometimes Andrea gets teased a little because she's taken so long to get married, despite the many opportunities she's had. She might be indecisive, but I think for the most part, her reasoning is admirable. She wants the very best life, the best relationship possible. She's been holding out for someone who lives his life right, who has the same eternal dreams that she has. Andrea and Justin have been together for several years and even taken a few breaks. The back and forth of their relationship has only made them stronger and helped them realize how they really can't live without each other.

The windy, snowy weather was frigid. Becky and I spent the majority of the time outside bundled up like this. I definitely got the better end of the deal. I was toasty in there! I love Becky so much. She is an amazing friend and it was so awesome of her to make the trip from Denver. Andree's friend Erin came all the way up from Texas. We all got together the night before the wedding and had so much fun. I love having good friends. We laughed and stayed up way too late talking about everything.

These are just a few of my favorite pictures from the day. The quality is terrible and I didn't even get a chance to take one of Andrea and Justin together. I am excited to see the photographers pictures, which I am sure will be amazing since we've confirmed that Andrea and Justin should be models.

What a beautiful bride, inside and out.

ouch

My poor buddy got quite the fat lip the other day. He was playing on a playground at the mall. Of course he was climbing and jumping off of everything and landed on top of a little kid's head. He bruised his cheek and eye, cut his lip, and even knocked a few teeth loose. Poor thing, it looked like it hurt a lot. The other kid was fine. I actually am surprised (knock on wood) he hasn't had more (serious) injuries with the way is he is running and climbing all over the place. It's a good thing I am a fairly easy going mom, because as it is, he is giving me anxiety. He's a tough little man!

good genes?

I have to tease Traci a little just because it seems that every time we get together we have to take a family picture. Even though it's sort of a joke, I am actually really glad that she makes the effort. I love pictures and since we aren't all together that often, and kids change and grow so quickly, it's so great to have new pictures often. Even though the end result usually ends up looking great, the process isn't always pretty.

This little fiasco proved to be a challenge. We had planned on having the pictures taken in a 55 acre tulip utopia, only to wake up to several inches of snow on the ground. It was cold and wet but we were determined. We took a little walk down the street to the neighbor's backyard. The kids were wet by the time we got there and thinking the whole point to our outdoor adventure was to play. Beckham was so grumpy when we tried to hold him still for a picture. The older boys were throwing snow and never in the right spot. Poor Traci. I just had to laugh; there is a little too much ADD in this family. Despite the frustration and hilarity of the situation, I think a few of the shots actually turned out. Maybe I am biased, but I would say that this is a pretty good looking family.

the picture says it all

When I spotted this picture on Traci's blog I busted. I actually laughed and almost spit out the cereal I was eating. These little cousins are just too cute and this picture is perfect. Nana B and Grandpa had the kids for the evening. I saw a video and it was a crack-up. McCoy was spinning the chair endlessly, Kaden was climbing and jumping off of everything, Beckham said "cheese!" every time the camera panned over to him, and Ruby was fascinated petting and hitting Beckham's head. It was a zoo in that room. When I watched the video I was holding Beckham. When he saw Ruby hitting him on the camera (which he didn't mind one bit) he pointed to the screen and sweetly said, "no, no, be sooooffft." These kids are so much fun and I love that they are all so different.

maybe there's somethin' in the water

This year is already turning out to be quite the year for weddings. My brother, best friend, and now my little sister. I am so excited for Michaela. The big day is less than 2 weeks away and I couldn't be happier for her. She has met the perfect man for her and we are sort of in love with him too. Adam seems almost too good to be true. He is real though; he really is that good. My sweet sister has been through some really tough stuff and it is comforting to know that she is so happy, that she will be taken care of, that she found someone who is better than she could have even dreamed of. We love Adam, we love Michaela, and we're gearing up for another celebration! These pictures were taken at one of her bridal showers. I can't seem to come up with any pictures of Michaela and Adam, but I am sure there will be many to come.