Almost 6 months!

So now the snow is gone...but we had fun taking pictures & enjoying the beauty of a white winter wonderland for a day. Now it's 56 degrees & warming up! Yeah.

Our Snow Day

I didn't have to tell Benjamin what was going on outside. I just opened the miniblinds & he raced to my side, "I have to call Grandpa Larry cuz it's snowing today!" It has been an exciting day for my oldest boy. Trevin endured the pictures outside & then was happy to be back inside our cozy, warm house. We are having a snow day here...relaxing at home, doing a few chores, but mainly looking out the window and enjoying this little bit of winter.

{p.s. Thank you, Mr. Snowman, for your visit to day! Tomorrow you can go back up north to Grandpa Larry's house. I'm ready for the weather we had 2 days ago - mid 70s & sunny!}

Snow much fun!!

Benjamin, I love you!

After a long week,
I was glad to find this picture that we took on Valentine's Day...it made me *smile*!

Reasons why I love you, Benjamin...
*you don't mind my kisses
*your enthusiasm and joy is contagious
*you love your brother with everything in you
*you are teaching me patience
*you help me see the bigger picture, when I sometimes forget
*your questions make me search a little deeper
*you are almost always in a happy mood with a smile on your face

a birthday bash

The highlight of Benjamin's week was getting to go to cousin Makenna's 4th birthday party. He especially enjoyed having cousins Drake & Skye there also. The highlight of my week is that this week of being sick (colds) and miserable is about over. We're on the mend & it is wonderful.

good friends & good times

I love how Makenna is helping us sing Happy Birthday.

Can't you just hear him?? Roaaaaar!

Cuteness

Happy Valentine's Day!

I never thought I could love someone
The way that I love you
It's impossible to put into words
But I love you that much, it's true
I loved you before I saw your face
And before I knew of your charms
But when I looked in your eyes,
You found your place
Deep in my heart and safe in my arms.
-Gina Marie Lauchner

A special party with best friends! Thanks for the fun times.

5 months

5 months = 20 weeks = 140 days = 3360 hours old!

Where did that time go?

Instead of wishing that time would slow down, I just want to make the most of each month, each week, each day, each hour.

Favorites in February

Lammes Candies' chocolate covered strawberries

Looking forward to Spring being here soon!

Kisses - Benjamin's spontaneous, quick kisses that he gives us "just because" and Trevin's new trick: planting his open mouth on my cheek & sucking...so warm & slobbery!

Red roses

Books of the month: A Kiss that Missed by David Melling

Hugs & Kisses by Christophe Loupi

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford

Hot tea: Tazo's Vanilla Apricot White tea

{picture taken at Lori's baby shower....beautiful}

Bathtime Blues

Trevin does not like getting a bath. I do not know why?! I guess this is why I haven't taken many pictures of him in the bath - we typically rush to get him in & out as quickly as possible to avoid many shed tears. However, a few days ago, we had a fun bath session. I even got a picture with his cute grin - however that was turned out blurry from him moving. So, we'll settle for this. Look at those rolls!

He loves playing with his toes --socks on or off, sitting or lying down, eating or chillin' out.

Trevin wants you to know that those toes are pretty tasty too!

Crave Cookies?

Banana-Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup oat flour
3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup raw sugar (I used brown sugar)
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 ripe banana, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or another favorite nute

1/3 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate M&Ms)

Preheat oven to 350
Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl
Whisk together oil, milk & vanilla in separate bowl
Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stir to combine
Fold in bananas, walnuts & chocolate chips
Line baking sheet with parhment paper
Scoop dough onto pan with small ice cream scoop
Bake 25 min. until golden brown
Let cool on wire rack

YUM! These hit the spot & were a wonderful afternoon treat...

We are so happy to see the sun today. Have a great weekend!

A special visit

Benjamin is still talking about Grandpa Larry's visit. We had a wonderful time together, despite cold & dreary days. Trevin enjoyed getting acquainted & spending time on Grandpa's lap. Benjamin enjoyed touring the natural history museum, playing race cars, reading books & talking about farms with Grandpa Larry. We can't wait to see him again in June. Thank you for coming to see us, Grandpa!

It is special times like these that we miss Grandma Jean even more. I wish she could have met our boys and given me advice on raising boys.

40 years young

We had fun helping Dede celebrate her milestone! Even Benjamin dressed up for the occasion!

one happy boy

at 4 months Trevin...
-sleeps 4-5 hour stretches at night
-giggles, smiles, blows bubbles to communicate
-is more vocal in meeting (since he won't take the pacifier now)
-watches everything we do
-loves to read stories with Benjamin
-has no teeth but is drooling more & will chew on anything (his clothes, toys, fingers, etc)