{YOU & ME}

I loved this day. And I sure love my sweet little family. When Luke took the job at Woods Furniture, we accepted that our days off would be different. It didn't seem like a big deal since we have our mornings and evenings together.. but it's been hard. With this schedule, we get to be home with Chloe 4 days a week and she goes to Jill's the other 3 so it's what we need to do. But, darn it, some days I just want to hang out with my hubby. Well, the schedule has been slow at work so today, I got to hang with him all day  :)

Missy slept in so we got to just lay in bed before hopping up to the screaming. Oozing frosting and cinnamon goodness provided our sugary breakfast while Chloe crawled all over the kid zone at the mall. She looooooooooved it! Everywhere the big kids went, she was following them as fast as her little knees could carry her. Priceless.

After Luke and I each made exchanges from Christmas, we did a couple other stops and then took a tired little girl to the car. She was whiney so we went to Babies R Us, bought her a squeezie food, then did some birthday shopping for her. She perked right up once I let her out of my arms and she could bang on the colorful boxes.

Once we got home, our work began. Taking down the half decorated Christmas tree, trips into the attic, switching out our Tshirts for sweaters in the closet, vacuuming the ennnnntire house with our new vacuum (plus Luke even vacuumed the tops of the fan!!), making Italian chicken, parsley carrots & pumpkin pie spiced apples for Chloe, prepping for our ONE-derland party, and lots of giggles with the Little One. During nap time we lounged on the couch and watched a movie, ate pizza for dinner on the sofa, and lived like hooligans while snacking on Better Than Sex Chex Mix in between.

 My marriage, like everyone else's, is hard. Some days make me want to scream, quit, cry, or just check out. But days like today fill my heart to overflowing. I've married a wonderful man who takes great care of me and our daughter. I have a delightful daughter that keeps us entertained and laughing. We have a spacious home that is cleaner than its been in MONTHS. What a beautiful and unexpected blessing this day has been.

Growing!

Chloe Jane is HOW OLD?!?!?

11 months! Can't believe we are on the countdown to the big "1". Whoa!! She's more amazing each day and we are loving this new stage, as always.

She's saying 3 words: da-da, nigh-nigh, and hi

Weighs 17 lbs, 8 oz

Sleeping through the night about 6 of 7 nights of the week

Knows where her hair is and sometimes her nose

Had her second ear infection this month

First hair cut! Only the bangs but MUCH needed

When I ask where her poo-poo is, she pats her diaper

She knows how to bark like a doggie and usually meow like a kitty

Has taken up to 4 steps but still not walking

Starting to spit food out instead of eating everything like she used to

Makes the cutest "ahhhhhhh" noise after she drinks her water -- like she's truly refreshed

Naps about 4 hours a day.

Love frozen peas, Cheerios, pear, banana, and seasoned chicken

Our toys don't hold her attention for long anymore but she loves any of the non-toy toys that she can find: remote, iPhone, lids, Tupperware, dishwasher, straw, smashed food on the floor, string, my hairbrush, digging through my purse… you get the idea?

Jill has been so, so wonderful in helping with Chloe. She watches her 3 full days a week and a few evenings a month. It's so great to leave her with family and I always know she is in good hands. She teaches her great things and sends us lots of photos during the day. What a blessing!

First taste of ice cream!

Our little family

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

"5-0"

Yep folks, this guy is 50. We spent 4 days at a cabin in Sedona to celebrate!

My dad is pretty much one of the coolest guys ever. He knows almost everything (if you don't believe me, just ask him!) and he loves to help in any and every way that he can. Smiles, hugs, and meaningful conversation are so important to him…. and ice cream  :) He's able to discern a sad heart or bad day by looking at your face and he'll pull you into a hug that will make you feel like a million bucks. He's the first one up in the morning and the last one to bed. Watching him interact with his grandkids was one of my favorite things from the trip. Goofy faces, bear hugs, reading, peek-a-boo…. He's not only the best daddy in the world, he's one awesome Papa.

Having the family together was so much fun. We won't be home for Christmas this year so it was even more special around the holidays. The time went too fast as usual but I'm trying to count the blessing that we got this weekend. Happy 50th, dad. I love you so much!