The Church Man

The stomach bug is still crazy here but I WILL win!! I have cloroxed until my hands couldn't take it anymore and all the linens and almost all the clothing items are clean and folded! Hopefully we can get rid of the virus soon, especially since my sister's wedding is this upcoming weekend. At least Emily and I are feeling much better and we are the ones that are in the wedding ;-).

I wanted to share a couple of things that Emily said today. I needed them written down so I'll remember to put in her baby book. Emily now sits with us at church until the Children's Moment and then goes to worship care with her friends. The last 4 weekends she has really gotten into going up to the altar and listening to the pastor speak to the children. Many of her school friends and some new church friends go up there and she gets so excited to sit with them but she only sits right next to our senior pastor. When we ask her who she sat next to, she replies "The Church Man." So cute and innocent.

Tonight after prayers and songs before bedtime, Emily said, "I wish Jesus lived here in our house." I told her that since he lives in our hearts, he also lives in our house. She then told me: "I just wish he was here for real, so I can see him." Such a sweet one.

We Love Daddy!

We have all been victims of the wonderful stomach virus in the last 48 hours! 3 out of 5 still have it :-(. I think I have done more laundry today than I have all year! Mark had all the kids, including Bella, all around him tonight. This never happens - having all 3 kiddos together, sitting still, at the same time. Perfect photo op!

Whew!

I think I'm caught up on all our pictures. FINALLY!! You can thank a stomach bug that won't seem to leave me alone and a coughing baby boy who can't sleep. You might have to go back a few pages to start with Christmas - it ended up being 11 new posts. Time for some shut-eye for me......

Afternoon playtime!

The kids and I were playing after school today and I thought I'd snap some new pics. Enjoy!

My cute little monkey!

Allison getting her hair straightened while she works. This was not staged - promise.
The girls were cooking for me in their kitchen.
An attempt to get all 3 together....haha ;-)

Happy 2nd Birthday Allison!

My sweet baby girl turned 2 on January 14th. I just cannot believe it; I really can't. So much has happened in just two short years. She has really grown up in the last month or so. She is talking all the time, can sign tons of words, sings the blessing with us, loves to play make-believe with Emily, sleeps well, and is still the sweetest girl ever! Allison, I love you THIS much!

Opening presents with Bella's help.
"This one is bigger than me AND it's wrapped in tinkerbell paper!"
Ethan sure has his eye on the cake!! Not too much longer little man.

Birthday cake!

Another Edgar's cake - a family favorite!

She just stood there for the longest time. She was nervous about everyone staring at her and singing.
Make a wish Allie B.!
Gia even ordered her a smash cake. A cake just her size!
YUMMY!!!

Sweet and Sassy

On January 8th Emily and I went to a birthday party for one of her best friends. It was held at Sweet and Sassy, a cute salon for little girls. They got their hair and make-up done, and had their nails painted. One word: GLITTER!!! The girls gave us a wonderful fashion show and enjoyed being princesses for the afternoon - although they think they are EVERY afternoon!

Emily and the birthday girl, Ava.

The make-up counter.
Emily and Savannah showing off their pretty nails.
Getting ready for the walk across the stage.

"Come on ride that train, train....and ride it...."

Emily about to get crowned as a "real" princess. I just love her pose!
They even got to blow kisses to a frog in hopes of meeting their very own Prince Charming one day.
Introducing all the royal princesses!

It's snowing!!

I love this picture of my big girl.

We were predicted to get a few inches of snow on January 7th. We did get some flurries that Thursday morning so I took the girls outside to "lick" some snowflakes. You can't really see the snow in these pictures, but we did get some the next day.
LOVE it!
The girls being silly. Yes, Allison is still in her pj's!
One of my all time faves.... I think it could be an ad for something!

Kiel Christmas #3

We had the Barrett Christmas over at our house this year. We had an early dinner and then opened more presents. Emily, Allison and Ethan must have been very good this year! We are so grateful for all of our family....in town and out.

E-T-H-A-N: the magnetic train

I think they are getting the hang of it now ;-)
Such a sweet little mommy.
I think the girls got 4 "doctor" kits this year. Emily makes a cute little patient (although it looks like she is giving herself a breast exam....can't start too early).
We might need another (LOUD) guitar!

Kiel Christmas #2

We went over to Gia and Pa's house after we had "our" Christmas. Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Corrie and cousin Samuel were in town. More fun!!

A girl can never have too many shoes! or tutus!!

Merry Christmas Mommy - a new potty!!
Rain boots in a box = perfect seat!!
The REAL guitar hero! And this is exactly how the next 3 days were spent.

Samuel (like Ethan) was celebrating his very first Christmas.

Christmas morning: SANTA came!!

Look at ALL that stuff!!

and the craziness begins.....
Even mommy got new Christmas pj's!!

He really enjoys his jumparoo. And it won't fit through the doorway. So he watched some of the unwrapping from the kitchen. In his new shoes (well, new to him anyway).

Making breakfast in the new toaster!

Nana and Papa came over to see what Santa brought.
My future rockstar!
Ethan playing with his new hammer.
My real Santa baby!!

Vestavia Day School Christmas Program

Well, we have officially started our many years of school programs. On December 15th, the 3 and 4 year old preschoolers put on a wonderful Christmas concert.

Emily really did an amazing job. I giggle at how the kids are all over the place!!
After the program, the parents went back to the classrooms for punch and cookies. Ethan was getting some attention from Cate, one of Em's friends.
We tried so hard to get a picture with Emily and her "boyfriend" Jacob. His mom and I could not get the two of them by themselves, but I think Jacob gives Em a big thumbs up! ;-)