We Love You Grammy

When Kirsten woke up yesterday she said "I want to make chocolate chip cookies with Grammy". Literally, that was the first thing she said when she woke up. I guess Grammy had mentioned it the night before, and Kirsten did not forget it! So Grammy kept her promise and had Kirsten help her make some cookies. The decided to make sugar cookies instead, so Kirsten could use her new rolling pin. Kirsten was such a great little helper, she helped Grammy count as she measured the ingredients, and she helped roll the cookies out and put sprinkles on them. She also helped test the dough to make sure it was ok ;)

We are going to miss Grammy so much! She has done so much for me this year, I honestly don't know how I could have gotten through it without her. Kirsten has definitely made a special bond with her Grammy. I know she is going to miss her so much. I know am also going to miss having a friend during the day, and another person to help me with my crazy kids. Thank you Mom for all you have done, we are going to miss you so much!

Be Happy Mommy

I am so blessed to have such a sweet little daughter. Kirsten is my little bird of happiness (most of the time). When I am grumpy or frustrated or upset, Kirsten will try and cheer me up. She is always very aware and concerned about how others are feeling, and wants to make everyone happy.

I have to admit, I am usually a little flustered and grumpy when I am trying to get two kids and groceries into the car. My car is higher up, and my kids are getting heavy so I always have to heft them up to get them in their seats. Kirsten always notices when I am not happy and starts singing the primary song "If you chance to meet a frown". Kirsten looks at me and smiles and says "be happy Mommy!" and then starts singing her version of the song which goes like this "we don't have a frowny face, turn it upside down, and smile that frown away!" It always makes me smile immediately, and I realize that I need to be a happier Mommy.

Yesterday I was rushing around trying to get everything ready for church. Grayden was really tired and was just crying and would not stop. I was trying to get everything packed and told Grayden he would have to stop crying, and that I couldn't hold him right then. Kirsten looked at me and said in a very sweet calm voice "Mommy.... Mommy. It's ok, some days we just cry." I was a little shocked. Some times she seem much older than two and a half! She recognized that I was upset at Grayden for crying, and reminded me that it was ok. Sometimes Grayden just has to cry, and its ok. I went over and told Grayden I was sorry, and picked him up. I am so grateful I have been blessed with a little girl who can remind me to be happy, and not to get upset over insignificant things.

Snow is Here

The snow has finally come. When we woke up yesterday and Kirsten saw the snow, the first thing she said was "Snow! Can I got outside!?" It was still totally dark, so she had to wait until the sun came out a little. Kirsten and Grayden had so much fun playing in the snow. Grayden crawled under the patio furniture that was covered, and the crawled back out. Kirsten was pretending the snow was ice cream, and was making everyone ice cream cones. It's so fun to be a kid when there is fresh snow outside!

Grayden under the patio table

Crawling back out of the new found fort

Catching snowflakes!

Clearance Costumes

I love going to Target and Wal-Mart for their after holiday clearance sale. I could not pass up these costumes for Kirsten's dress up box. Kirsten has been having so much fun playing in them. She kept saying she was Jessie (from Toy Story) tonight while she was riding her horse. The bug costume was from Old Navy for $2, and the cowgirl costume was from Wal-Mart for $1! I couldn't pass that up (even if the cowgirl hat looked a little more like a Peter Pan hat)

(Don't you love the socks over leggings look? That was all Kirsten)

Cutie

Just had to post this picture of my cutie.

Cheeky Monkey

Grayden's personality has really been coming out lately. He has become quite the cheeky little guy. He loves to do all the things he knows he is not supposed to do, like getting into the dog food, climbing on chairs and tables, and hitting his sister. When he is told not to do something, he laughs and tries it again. I can tell I am going to have my hands full with this one!

My Little Explorer

Kirsten's favorite thing has always been playing outside. Lately every afternoon she will go get her boots and jacket on and go out in the backyard and play all by herself. She loves to walk around on the little trails through our trees and pretend things. I always see her out there talking to herself, and making believe. She absolutely loves it and would stay out all afternoon if I would let her. It has been pretty chilly the last week, in the low 40's, and it doesn't bother he one bit. I think she enjoys getting out in the fresh air. I went out with her today and took some pictures of her playing. I think these are some of the best shots I have ever gotten of her, mainly because she was so happy and having so much fun, but also because she would actually look at the camera! I love those rosy cheeks and big blue eyes! Here is my beautiful explorer :)

She had a little slip down the hill, but she was smiling again two seconds later, what a tough cookie!