V-day 2010

Here is how we do it:

My sweetie! I just love this little Valentine so much!!!

Olivia made all of thes cute little Valentines for the children in her class.

Our annual sugar cookies.

Olivia decorated a lot of cookies and probably only ate two.

Carter didn't decorate very many, but DID eat a LOT of conversation hearts.

Where was I when Olivia put two tatoos on each of their necks?




The night of February 13th, Aaron slept out on the back deck. He claims that was my Valentine gift. It was actually the test out his new sleeping taco while it was -5 degrees outside. Yes, it kept him warm.

First Photo Shoot

Okay, so am I really a bad mom if I've never had my kids photo's taken by a professional or someone almost professional? (I don't count the baby photos of Olivia taken at Walmart...those were hardly worth the $10!) I may be converted though. I am in love with these pictures! I either need to get a nice camera and learn the art of photoshop or I am going to need to schedule periodic photo shoots. What's a girl to do? I guess I'll just enjoy what I have for now!

Don't you just want to lay a big smoocher on Carter's cheeks? I sure do.

All of these (and so many other cute ones that I'm not posting) were taken by Adrienne from "Memories by Adrienne."

Where have we been?

At home! Nearly every day! I hope my blog won't turn into a once a month update, but if so, I'll try and be happy with that. A look back on the past three weeks...

I was disappointed when I couldn't get outside yesterday to help my little ones build a real snow man while the snow was packing beautifully. (Haylee keeps me tied to the warm house.) This is what Olivia came up with on her own.

A foot of snow is so much fun!!!

Olivia started taking piano lessons last week. She's loves it and it's so much easier when I'm not her piano teacher.

Olivia doing what she does so well...reading and trying to entertain Haylee.

Looks like Haylee was actually enjoying Olivia's lap. A rare occurance.

I'm so glad that Carter LOVES to take baths. With his dinosaurs.

I actually got this thing to grow and bloom! In my house! I was so proud of myself for not killing it as soon as it was given to me.

Carter loves to work on writing his name.

And yes, we will definitely continue to do just that!

My little sweetie is learning to love all sorts of foods.

Green beans make her happiest though.

SIX YEARS OLD!

My little Livy Lou turned a big SIX last Thursday!

She unwrapped her presents before Daddy had to go to work. Dorito's was the first thing she saw in the bag and she has enjoyed every chip! Like Father Like Daughter.

Olivia loves her Leapster, but Carter loves it more!

stick-on fingernails. so much fun. not. (I'm still finding them stuck in my carpet.)

Carter really wanted to try the stick-on fingernails too. I knew Daddy wouldn't approve, but I had to give in to the near tears.

Olivia's birthday dessert.

She was a little concerned that she only got one candle. It was a good thing though because it took her about six blows to get it out. She's never been good at blowing out candles.

Did I really just post this picture? Embarrasing!!! I'm so glad that none of the party guests cared!




Olivia/Cruella Deville ready for her first birthday party with friends.




Olivia's cooking party!
(disclaimer: Olivia really wanted to invite more kids, but had to limit her. I feel really bad that Olivia doesn't have a nicer mommy...that is why she was only allowed to choose four friends...what a mean mommy I am!)




Olivia had to verify with me several times that she would get to make her own lasagna, before confirming the "cooking party" decision. All the party guests seemed to love putting exactly what they wanted on it.

Top L to R: Connor's (only sauce and noodles AND she ate it), Olivia's (she let me know that it was just like I make it), Jane's.

Bottom L to R: Rachael's (didn't notice if that top layer of noodle turned hard after being in the oven or not), Emily's (she should have won an award for having the best looking pan of lasagna), Carter's (still hasn't taken a bite of it).

Coloring on the aprons while we wait for the lasagna to finish baking.

Say, "cheesy lasagna!"

Eating a yummy lunch of lasagna and salad sticks (the kids made those too...what fun!)

Olivia and her *apron* cake (in case you couldn't tell what that was). AND SIX candles.

We finished off the celebrations by taking Olivia to Kabuto's for dinner on Saturday. Hibachi was her choice and I am always fine with that! So yummy and lots of fun! Her favorite part was when they sang her a song in Japanese.

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl! Isn't it scary to think that she's 1/3 of an adult's age? Okay, no more birthdays for Olivia!!!