A Snowy Day

It has been sleeting here in OKC since 2 a.m. and snowing since about 10 a.m. They predicted 8-10 inches, but any seasoned Oklahoman knows that we should expect quite a bit less or quite a bit more. Anyhow this was Emmalyn's first experience actually comprehending snow and wanting to go out and play in it. She lasted about 15 minutes which is quite a while since it is about 18 degrees without the wind chill factored in. Since Providence Hall canceled school today there was no Latin to teach this morning and Todd's team at work decided last night that they would all stay home since it looked like all the kids would be out of school today. Therefore we spent the morning, all four of us (I'm seriously considering getting a king sized bed), in bed watching Dora, Diego, and about anything else that came on Noggin or Sprout! We tickled, giggled, jumped and napped. It is so wonderful to be able to just relax with your family.

Thank you Lord for snowy, blustery days!

As some of you may know, Todd is an avid puzzle putter togetherer. As some of you may know as well, that Emmalyn is also an avid puzzle putter togetherer. Here she is trying to help Daddy with his 1,000 piece puzzle. She is definitely his child, not that it was in question!

A Hint?

(No this is not Emmalyn)

My Father sent me an email suggesting that I may want to put one of these Babykeepers on my Christmas list. After I finished laughing I began to wonder why it is he thinks I need one. Does he think my children are so out of control that I need to have a device that I can attach them to the wall for a while so they can't go anywhere?

The fact of the matter is that this babykeeper is a perfect example of what our parents would have done to ensure control over any situation (remember those leash like things that allowed a child to walk in front of the parent and not get lost) and frankly this is exactly what I need when I take Emmalyn to the bathroom with me. Call me crazy, but too many bathroom stall doors almost opening or Emmalyn wallowing on the bathroom floor because I will not allow her to open the stall door makes this babykeeper look less outlandish and possibly an answer to keeping my sanity.

So it's going on my Christmas list! Great call Dad!

Headin North

We took a trip up to Beatrice, Nebraska (just south of Lincoln, NE) to visit my maternal grandparents. I wanted them to be able to see Blake before he was crawling around and not looking very baby like. Instead they got to see him sitting around not looking very baby like. The weather was beautiful and very Fall like. This was a huge surprise to all of us, since in the past few years whenever we visit it always snows! As you can see in the picture not all of us made it up there and Emmalyn was sporting her usual emotion these days - I want to do what I want to do and if I don't get to do it then I am going to cross my arms and pout emotion.

Drum Roll Please...

Blake can now sit up on his own for quite a while. He is about a month behind his sister in this department (possibly because he is at this point 3 months ahead of her in weight and height), but absolutely no one is comparing the two! ;-) It is unbelievable how long a child can sit hunched over whatever he is shoving in his mouth for what seems like forever and then when they fall over just lay there chewing on the above mentioned object for what seems like forever again. Oh how I wish Emmalyn would just revisit this stage of contentment for just 5 minutes!

6 1/2 months

16 lb. 10 oz * 27 in.

Blake's wardrobe: compliments of the Zetterholms.

A complimentary picture of Emmalyn. If Blake is getting his picture taken well then we obviously must have one of The Em!

And so the Cookie Crumbles...

Or should I say America's foundation has crumbled a little more after Tuesday night's results. The horrifying thought of the democrats ruling both Houses of Congress is a hard one to swallow. It saddens me to think that our country, as grand as it is or was, plans to continue down the path of destruction (all in all this is not a surprise since we all know that everything will eventually come to an end). Unfortunately the Republicans had plenty of time to turn things around and just didn't accomplish it. I have thought many times over these last few days about President Bush and the fact that he will need to finish his term with a democrat majority to contend with. It should be an interesting two years. May God give him strength to be bold for what he believes is right and strength to follow through with it!

From Lion to Queen

As many of you know, Emmalyn has her own little personality. However these two pictures capture her perfectly. She loves to roar at anything and sees herself as the one true Queen. Hmmm... maybe a clue that the growing up years are going to be challenging? Nah, she is just like her mama and I'd have to say that I'm pretty darn perfect! ;-)

In keeping with her love to roar, Emmalyn wanted to be a lion for her

Mother's Day Out Noah's Ark Party.

Here she is in her Queen Esther outfit. Can you guess which costume was handmade by none other than the super mom? ;-) I must give credit where credit is due - Emmalyn did help color and decorate her crown.

Finding An Alternative

After much discussion and prayer, Todd and I have decided that our family will not participate in any Halloween specific activities including Trick-or-Treating. Our reasoning? God has called us to be a light in this world. We hope that by not participating in Halloween our light as a godly family will shine a little brighter. Therefore, we started a new tradition last night by spending the evening exploring the colors of Fall through our food at dinner time and playing games like push the pumpkin across the room with a wooden spoon. Lots of Fun! Emmalyn was still able to dress up as Queen Esther at the church's Heros of the Bible Fair and as a lion for her Mother's Day Out Noah's Ark Party. Happy Fall Everyone!

*Pictures to follow someday... whenever blogger is in the mood!