Two shortcakes at the strawberry patch

Everyone knows we've had a rough few months. I do have some saved posts related to Emily's surgery and my Mom's battle against brain cancer, but they need work and I'm saving them for another time.

On a lighter note, we've had amazing weather and ventured to the strawberry patch last weekend. It was so much fun, the girls loved it and we can't wait to go back before berry season ends. We brought home a few pounds of berries...I'm not sure how many were consumed during the "pick", but I'm pretty sure we got our monies worth.

Hope you enjoy the short video...

Keep believing...

I got this quote from one of my professors a few months back. Reading it makes me feel better, so I thought I'd share...such a great mantra.

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

--- Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh
~ A.A. Milne

Post surgery super baby!

Emily doesn't let anything get her down. Here she is the morning after surgery...she did this on her own and it was the first sign that our old Emily was back!

Ready or not, here it comes

Did you ever think about all the preparations that we make to pull off a great holiday? Not just talking about gifts, but every little thing that eats up so much of our time before Christmas. Last minute wrapping, food lists, shopping, baking, making decorative bows out of ribbon (yes, I did this today...glitter everywhere), cleaning...and the list goes on.

Sure, many would argue that not all of those tasks are necessary, but we all put ourselves through at least a tiny bit of pain to pull off the perfect holiday (whatever that means to you). Of course, it becomes all that more important when you have kids. You want to make sure everything is perfect (if you are me, at least) and that everyone has a great time. I try to enjoy every part of the holiday preparations, but sometimes it is hard when there is so much to do. Tonight I had a few last minute errands to run and I took Katie along (even though we were out past her bedtime). She loved it...it was dark out, she could see Christmas lights everywhere, we went to the town center where people were out shopping and enjoying their time together. Yes, that is what the holidays are all about.

So on this 22nd day of December, I say I'M DONE! I do not plan on doing anymore wrapping, cleaning or shopping. Maybe things won't be perfect, but they will be good enough...and I will spend more time with my family.
(NOTE TO JR: You can edit this post, just like you editted my Christmas card letter...but I won't care)

Sadly, I still have school work to worry about...but there is always Sunday ;)

HO HO HO MERRRRRY CHRISTMAS!

Stickers, sisters and snow

We've had a busy month, as Emily has changed from a baby to a toddler. She is on the move and loves chasing after her sister. Sometimes she does need to get away from all the chaos...but she never goes too far, especially when she finds a stash of Sissy's stickers under their art table.

"Oops you found me!"

Daddy has been enjoying his time with Emily too. Here they are in their favorite activity...vegging. This is how he "babysits" :)
Speaking of babysitting, here is super Grandma displaying her methods for grandchild-watching.

Step 1 - give them candy and cookies

Step 2 - dump toys out all over the playroom (yes, Katie has named her own room in my parents' house)

Step 3 - put children in buckets for the night, hope they don't escape

Step 4 - if they are both too rowdy, put them in the bucket together. Push 3 year old to the bottom and hope for the best. (At least Emily seems to enjoy it)

Although we had a few inches of snow last year, I'm beginning to lose hope for a white Christmas. Fortunately a local town center makes "fake" snow for kids a few times a day. All the adults thought it was a pitiful display, but Katie enjoyed it and didn't know it wasn't real. She even dressed for the occasion (snow flake vest from Gma!)

Hope everyone is ready for the holidays. We are anxiously awaiting Christmas morning and hope the girls have a great time!

Merry Christmas everyone...hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Emily's walking videos

By popular demand, here are a couple quick videos of the walking queen!

Here she comes world!

A few days ago, Miss Emily started to walk. She can only make it about 5-8 steps and looks like a cross between a waddling penguin and Frankenstein. It is too cute!

Will post a video as soon as I can get one! I've also updated Katie's funny comments to the right.
Link here http://babylamken.blogspot.com/p/what-did-she-just-say.html


Jr - hope you are happy my blog is alive again