A New Year

So we are now 11 days into 2010 and for some reason (like most beginnings) I have this renewed and refreshed view on just about everything - motherhood, life, church, relationships, etc. Maybe it's the beautiful snow outside or the beginning of a new year, or it might just be because my sick baby is feeling some what better and I'm getting more sleep- Who knows?! Either way it's been a good year so far.

View of our backyard after our big snow.

For Christmas and New Year's we went to Texas to spend time with Mark's family. We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone and seeing our old friends. We drove...yes...drove to Dallas which meant a long time in the car for both of the kids and us. For some reason I was dreading the drive (well, to be honest, for two reasons...a 6 month old and a 2 1/2 yr old who were just starting antibiotics b/c of sinus and ear infections) but once we were in the car it really went by fast...and we had a GREAT time! I guess you really can make the driving hours part of the fun. Another perk (besides saving tons of money on airfare) is that we got to spend some time with my side of the family in Missouri and stop and see some friends of ours in the Tulsa area. Plus with my brother's wedding after New Year's Day it just seemed like the easiest route.

Pictures of the kids opening toys.

Macy really got into Christmas this year- I think she opened up each and every present that was given to our family. It was so much fun seeing her eyes light up when we talked about Santa, leaving him cookies, and a carrot for the reindeer. Even more fun when she would open each present and look at if as if it was the best gift ever! Probably one of the sweetest things she did this year was wanting to take baby Jesus with her to bed each night. She got a Little People nativity scene and she just loved that baby Jesus in a 'hay box'. How could this mom tell her no? So baby Jesus spent most nights in her room right next to her in bed. Aww! Macy was also in Brian and Sarah's wedding. It was beautiful and Macy did a great job being a flower girl. It was her second time around and she did pretty good considering she was low on sleep and high on sugar!

Walking down the isle.

Matthew is now 6 months old. Poor kid has a double ear infection now and has had one since before we left for Christmas break. I sure hope this isn't a sign of what is to come this winter. I'm just not very good at diagnosing him and his ear infections. He is still a happy kid even when sick. Sleeps less...but is still a happy kid. We did celebrate his 1/2 birthday (just this time :0) when we got back with 1/2 of a cake. Something we did with Macy....can you see their resemblance? Too funny!

Matthew (top) and Macy (bottom) each at 6 months.

Mark starts in with Spring training next week- and the long hours and stressful days will be here until Spring Break. My how we live for breaks!!! He enjoys it and absolutely loves his job-- so it is all worth it. It's been great having him home these past few weeks. I think Macy and Matthew have really enjoyed their daddy home too. Who wouldn't? He is a great dad!

That's about all that is going on here. Hopefully now with the holidays behind us and the new year upon us I will be able to post more often. HOPEFULLY!! :)