Gratitude

My good friend from college Sara recently created a post on her family blog about the things she is grateful for.  She sited another college friends blog and that woman's intention to express gratitude every day for a year.  I was touched by this concept and have chosen to create a space on this blog documenting the things I am grateful for (in the sidebar starting March 1st). I hope that in an attempt to appreciate the blessings in my life I will learn to focus on all of the things I have to be thankful for instead what brings me sadness, regret, and pain. 

New sister

Yesterday Phoebe was being a stinker.  She recently discovered the word "NO" and enjoys using it whenever she can.  Audra and I were trying to get Phoebe to give us kisses and of course she was running away and screaming No, No, No.  So Audra turns to me and says, "Mom, maybe we should trade her in for a new baby".  Ah sisterly love...

In training...

We switched it up this week and took Audra to Friday night skate (Ben will be on call on Sunday).  Although I did not get any pictures of Audra and her friend Noah on the ice I was able to snap a few pictures of Phoebe "testing out" the skating bars.

Poor girl wants to skate so bad she was ready to do it on her own yesterday.  She loves to go on the ice with Ben and will yell at him and pound on the glass whenever he skates by.

I thought she might be too young next year but she seems really interested so we will be "introducing" her to the ice next fall in St. Louis.   Audra thinks that I am going to teach her to skate as "daddy will be too busy with me".  We will see...

Productive Time Out

Audra was having a difficult time this afternoon so she was sent to her room for a Time Out.

This is how she emerged from her room when called to dinner...

Apparently she decided a her Time Out would best be spent accessorizing her outfit, FANCY!

(Yes, she is wearing a belt with leggings)

Before and After...

I usually post about the girls (face it they are more interesting) but I decided to change it up a bit and post about myself

So it has been a while since my last hair cut, 6 months to be exact.  

Thus, my hair was a "hot mess" and in need of a little attention

Today I visited my favorite stylist (who I will dearly miss) and here are her results

I am super happy with my new look

Strangely it looks exactly the same as the way I had my hair before I cut it all off and dyed it red, perhaps I should never have changed it...

Gator Glass

My dad made Audra a glass for her birthday which she decided looks like an alligator, I will spare you the explanation (mostly because I did not understand it).  

She now insists on using it for EVERY meal!

Thanks Papa Jim! 

Where is mine?

The look

When Audra was little she would give us "the look" which we thought was hilarious (unfortunately I do not have a picture of her). Phoebe has recently started giving us the same look which SHE thinks is terribly funny.  We agree of course!  

Here she could not quite get it

Do you know any other 16 month olds who wipe up after themselves?

She is definitely Ben's daughter

Phoebe's new favorite activity is putting plates and bowls on her head. Usually she waits until they are empty...

Picture Day!

I have been trying to take "formal" pictures of the girls for a few weeks now but one or the other of them kept getting "little scraps" on their faces.   Today everyone seemed healed so I was able to snap a few quick pictures... 

Such serious sisters

Phoebe looks like such a big girl!

Well she is a BIG girl but I can't believe how old she looks

Audra is such a Little Lady

she has been taking full advantage of all the privileges she believes come with turning four, such as no longer needing regular milk mixed in with her chocolate milk

This is not exactly what I had in mind when I gave them their "special letters" to use in the pictures...