Life is Good

In a nutshell.....I haven't been good about blogging lately. Life has been good and healthy and busy and well everything else. I haven't even been good about taking pictures lately and Scott and I just recommitted ourselves to snapping more pics since the kids are in such great stages. We have been spending time at the Y, reading tons of books, going here there and everywhere. We are desperately seeking spring. Monday was nice so we were out walking and exploring. The last two days have been rainy and cold. Tomorrow we are heading to the Y for some indoor fun. Here are a few updated pictures of each of the kids with a short summary of what they are up to.

ELLA

On the heels of a bit of a whiny, stinky attitude stint, Ella has come around in true "ella fashion". She is sweeter than sweet and just so helpful. Things she loves: cleaning for me: dusting, picking up, and new exciting job of cleaning the bathrooms sinks with vinegar water. Who knew I would have such a little domestic gal on my hands. I am enjoying it now, for all it's worth. Ella shocks me continually, she is so determined. Just as it was with giving up sucking her thumb and bear-she can do anything she sets her mind to. She told me about a week or so ago that she thought it would be a good idea to stop biting her nails. Mind you, I made no suggestion of this. I just happen to nonchalantly say, "sounds like a good idea." Hasn't bitten a nail since then. They are long now and I want to cut them but she is very proud of her accomplishment. Ha! I hope giving up other things will always this easy for her.

Another amazing thing to see in her is her blossoming ability in reading. She is just coming along so well and is over the top excited about it! She is checking out her own reading books at the library and during her library time at school. We took her to Barnes and Noble to pick out a special book she can read on her own. She just sat there on the floor in the beginning reader section and just read books all on her own for a long time. Ahhh, my heart is over joyed that she is just diving right in!
CARTER

Famous Carter quotes from this week:

As Scott and I are busy talking at the dinner table, sort of ignoring his requests because he is interrupting, Carter screams, "God??? Are you there??? I want some more carrots....please???"

In the van the other morning, "oh no Mom!" Me, "what seems to be the trouble?" Carter so very concerned, "look the moon is broken~!" How do you explain a half moon to an almost three year old???

This kid has also managed to memorize 8 Bible verses in the past 2 1/2 weeks. It is adorable!

Carter loves books:Thomas books are the current obsession. He makes me read the same books over and over and over and I BETTER not miss a word or attempt to shorten the story. He doesn't buy it! He is into coloring. He wants nothing to do with writing his name. He draws 'whales' all the time. He is also into drawing treasure maps. His stage is so fun. I can hardly believe he is turning 3 in less than a month! Where does the time go?? Oh yes, how can I forget this lovely new art he has developed of pestering Ella. If anyone can do it with a look or one word.....it is him! All he has to say is "Potty!" and Elle is in near hysterics! YIKES! I can't wait til they are 13, 11, and 9! Not!

CHRISTIAN

How fast time flies. It seems like just weeks ago we brought this guy home from the hospital and here I am planning his first birthday party in two weeks. He is so precious. He has a grand total of 5 teeth....working on the sixth one as we speak. He is practically running around the house. He is losing the 'hands raised in the air wobbling-here and there'. He is a great eater, happy, ball of sweetness. He licks our faces to give kisses. Is very serious in a matter of fact way. Never cried or cracked a smile during his hair cut 2 weekends ago. He loves to climb up and down the stairs and play shape sorter. He has no desire in using the baby signs but who would need it if all the people in the house were doting on him?? His vocab includes: mama, dada, baba, and ball. He still loves to play around the toilet and rip tons of toilet paper off the roll. Oh yes, unfortunately I haven't been able to discourage him from Gus' food either. My stomach churns every time I think of my baby touching that stuff let alone crunching it. AHHH!

I am so sad he is growing up so fast. Can you believe we are done with formula?? I can't. I told Scott once he is out of diapers we could be rich. No...that must be after daycare costs! He is so cute that I'm not even complaining that this little stinker is back to waking up in the night. What in the world??? Where is my hard fast rule of letting the bugger cry it out? He just wants a little warm milk around 3ish. I can almost do it in my sleep. What I won't do for a little extra snuggle time with my babe!?? Gotta enjoy it while I can, right???