More Pictures..

I have taken 245 pictures in 2 days. Really. I just uploaded them onto my computer. "This crazy women has too much time on her hands" you say? Ahhh... yeess.... having your house clean and organized.... and making sure to stay on top of things.. gives you much more time on your hands. It really does.. and what a good feeling it is!

My Darlings...

Recent pictures of the girls.... taken just yesterday. They are both growing like little flowers... and blooming too. =) They have become the best of friends. Last weekend, (not this past but the other) Emma was in Columbus with her Auntie Lisa and Abigail didn't know what to do with herself. When Emma came back home Sunday evening, they were up late running around and giggling. They had a lot to catch up to. =)

All creatures great or small.....

Yesterday was a very busy day. I was indoors giving my house a complete, total much needed cleaning. I cleaned high, and I cleaned low.. I cleaned everywhere! Since I was cleaning the house, I felt compelled to go out and clean in the sun room as well. I kept pushing it out of my mind because there was so much to do inside. Surely the outdoors could wait for another day. Nonetheless, I kept getting this feeling that I should go out and clean my sun room and I kept pushing it out of my mind. Finally, about 5:00 I decided to take a break and I made a trip out on the deck to see what daddy and the girls were doing in the back yard. I was outside for just a few minutes when I had decided I better get back to work. On my way inside, I spotted this "almost" dead plant in my sun room, that I have been wanting to throw out for weeks now. So I decided I should just grab it now and stop putting if off. After removing the plant from the sun room, and out onto the deck (not completely deposing of it like I should have) I went back into the sun room. I started to walk back inside when something told me to turn around and start cleaning. I went back to the corner where the plant was and realized nothing needed cleaning.. so I started to once again turn around and come back inside. I knew I had so much to do inside, but I kept getting this feeling that I should start cleaning out in the sun room. Once again, I pushed this feeling aside and I started to come back inside, when something told me to turn around and look down..... about 3 feet to the left of where the plant was sitting I spotted a glob of something. I thought.."what is that"? As I walked closer to inspect I realized it was a female Ruby Throat Hummingbird. She was tangled in a lot of spider web, (the thick and sticky kind) and laid motionless on the ground. It was wrapped around her beak, wings and legs. I thought she was dead and as I leaned closer to take a better look, I heard a faint "peep". YYAYY..she was alive! I picked her up and brought her inside. She was so weak she didn't move. As I started to unwrap all the webs from around her beak, wings, and legs she gave another faint peep and then went still. I thought that perhaps she had died. I started to pray for her..."Lord, please don't let this little hummingbird die. You said your eye is on the sparrow and I know that surely your eye in on this tiny little bird as well. Please give her back her strength.. she is such a sweet little bird.. you know I love these hummingbirds.... and this precious tiny bird puts a smile on my face each time she comes in to my feeder. Please Lord, make her all better....in Jesus Name I pray... amen...." Afterward, I took some sugar water out of my refrigerator and put her beak in it. She immediately started to take a drink! Maybe a minute went by and she started to perk up! She raised her head, stood on her tiny feet and she started to adjust her little wings. Praise the Lord!! Before long she took a small flight and landed on my kitchen curtain and sat there looking at me. She let me grab her again, and within a minute I could tell she had gained more strenght and was ready to take a much longer flight!! I took her out and showed her to the girls, let them give her a little pet and when I opened my hand to release her, she immediately took flight near the top of a tree. Just about an hour later, I spotted a female hummingbird come to my window for just a few seconds before flying off again. It must have been that same little hummingbird, that came back to say "Thank You". =)

This was a wonderful experience for me. I thought... God cared enough for this tiny little creature, that He layed on my heart to go outside and clean. And even though I kept trying to push this "feeling" aside, He kept persisting. He never gave up. If He cares so much for this tiny little hummingbird, how much more does He care for us??!?! It makes me even more grateful for His wonderful grace and mercy. God knows how much these tiny little creatures fascinate me... He gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity... to actually get to hold one!!! God is so good... ALLLL the time!

P.S. Picture 1 and 2 was takin' before I prayed for the tiny hummer and picture 3 and 4 was after I prayed... see the difference?? Praise be to God! =)

Indian Run Falls

This past Tues. evening Jonathan, the girls and I went to Columbus to visit Jonathan's sister, Lisa. Wends. morning we went to Indian Run Falls, a gorgeous place hidden in the busy city of Dublin. It was a beautiful, cool day. Just perfect really! Above are a few pictures taken and you can see more on our Picsa Photo Site. The girls had a GRAND time and are already asking us to go back. The water was low enough for us all to step in. The girls did not want to leave! If it weren't for the hunger that was taking a toll on us all, who knows when we would have left! Thankfully, it is within 5 miles of Lisa's house and we can surely go back sometime!

Cherries - what a blessing!

Cherries all washed and ready to be pitted......

Cherries with sugar, flour and almond extract added, ready
for baking pie, but going in the freezer for now....

cherry pie just before covering with top crust...

cherry pie... fresh out of the oven....

This morning as Jonathan, the girls and I were being lazy, still laying in bed at 9:00... our phone rang. It was my friend Miriam asking me if I wanted to go pick cherries. She had a friend that had 3 cherry trees with lots of cherries that told her to tell anyone she wants that they can have how much they want. U=pick of course. So off the girls and I went to meet Miriam and off we went to this friends house. WOW - the trees were beautiful and I was very pleased to hear they were "organic cherries"..never been sprayed.....we picked lots of 'em! I picked over 12 lbs. and Miriam and her daughter picked alittle over 14lbs. Had it not been for the thunderstorm that came along and ran us off, we would have ended up with so much more! It is probably good the thunderstorm did come along, as it took me about 5 1/2 hours to wash, pit, make cherry pie filling for freezing, make and bake a cherry pie. I have enough cherries frozen to make another 5 pies. YUMMY! I feel so blessed... I made one with the fresh cherries but unfortunately this pie will have to wait until tomorrow to be taste tested. It's 11:00 and Jonathan and the girls are asleep and I dare not eat pie this time of the night. =) I better ski-daddle to bed myself...

Lil' ole lady hits car..

I laugh each time I see this... too funny....
*tip: scroll all the way down to pause my blog music so you can hear this

My Emma is growing up!

My darling Emma has reached yet another milestone. She is now riding her bike without her lil' training wheels!! I am so happy for her.. yet at the same time so saddened. She is growing up. :-\

The other day I said.. "come on Emma.. mommy is going to teach you how to ride your bike without the training wheels. She was excited, but at the same time nervous. So I took her training wheels off and held on to her bike as she climbed on. She kept saying..

Emma: hold my bike mom... don't let go

mommy: I'm not letting go baby... just get on... I will hold you

Emma: o.k. mommy... just don't let go..

mommy: haha....I'm not!

...............and as she sped off, I couldn't hardly keep up with her..so I let go..... and... she kept going! Just like that.... she took right to it like a little duckling to water. The pictures above are taken just moments after I "taught" her. Haha... yeah right. That girl knew what she was doing from the get-go. She is so proud of herself. Now when we go for walks down the road I have to watch her cause she LOVES to speed. She feels so free without those training wheels.

This past weekend the girls were in Columbus with their Auntie Lisa. They had fun but I missed them SOOOOOOOOO much!!! I am was so happy to have my girls back! They were gone from 7:30 Friday night to about 9:00 Sunday night. It seemed more like a whole week and not just a weekend!! On Saturday, Jonathan and I went to our favorite Chinese Restaurant in Ottawa. I saved our "fortune" cookies for the girls since they love them so much. So Monday morning, Abbi was quick to spot the cookies in my purse. She asked me if she can have one and of course.. I said yes. So after I opened the little package for her she took the "fortune" out and handed it to me. Of course, I do not believe in them but they are always interesting to read. I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I read Abbi's as it fit her so perfectly.

mommy: hey Abbi, listen to this... "your ability to find the silly in serious will get you far"

(She is the silliest, most giggliest lil gal I have ever met. It fit her PERFECT)

So after reading that out loud to her she goes..

Abbi: get me far???

mommy: ummhmmmm

Abbi: awww....but I want to stay home!!

On another note, this section is called:

"Blind Leading the Blind"

Emma's cousin Noah, age 4 has been spending alot of time with us. They have all been having so much fun together. The other day as they were eating lunch and I was doing dishes, I observed Emma and Noah's conversation that went like this: (Emma LOVES quizzing people.. it drives Abbi nuts when she does it to her)

Emma: hey Noah... what makes milk??

Noah: ummmm... my mom!!

Emma: nnnoooo..... umm..it's an animal that lives on the farm

Noah: ummm... a cow!!

Emma: yep... very good Noah!

Emma: o.k. .... what makes eggs?

Noah: a bird!!

Emma: umm.. nooo.... it goes cock-a-doodle-doooo.....

mommy: LOL... that is a rooster you silly goose... it's the chicken that lays the eggs...

Emma: ohh yeah...... haha

Noah: o.k.... what starts with luh, luh, luh (making the "L" sound) and has fifteen legs???

Emma: uummm...... I don't know

(he had me stumped on this one as well)

Noah: a turtle!!!!

Emma: nnnooo.. that is tuh, tuh, tuh, for T!! and it has 4 legs!!

LOL..... talk about "blind leading the blind"...it was too funny..and too cute! :)

Happy Daddy's Day!

Father's Day Picture....(awww..they all match)

I too, got to have a picture taken..... =)

That is what Daddy heard all day Sunday.... two sweet lil' voices saying "Happy Daddy's Day Daddy"!! In between church services they made him sweet little cards with hearts all over them. They LOVE thier daddy, and show it too! =)

On a funny note... last week the girls and I were pulling weeds out in the flower bed. I unearthed a worm and called them over to see it...

mommy: look girls! a worm
Emma: where?
Abbi: where?
mommy: (pointing) right here..come see it
Emma: ooooo.....I wanna pet it....
Abbi: ewww...not meee.... I don't wanna touch it...
Emma: awwww...it's a mommy worm ...
Abbi: (excited as if she just made the discovery all on her own) awwww...... it's a mommy worm!!!!
mommy: umm... how do ya'll know it's a mommy worm and not a daddy worm? hmmm??
Emma: (in a matter-of-a-fact tone) because it's not at work!!

Never a dull moment..... =)

Pics of the girls.....

washing daddy's mower......

waiting for the rain......

washing daddy's mower........

alittle vain.. eh?

Abigail loves having her hair done and looking "nice" when we go out and about. So today, I got them all dressed for our trip to the grocery store. As we were wrapping things up and ready to get out the door, Abbi says to me "Mommy.... do I look gorgeous?"

It was too cute... she was as serious as ever. So I grabbed my camera and took pictures of her and her sissy so they can see how gorgeous they both are! So this is them posing for the camera before we headed out! =)

Yesterday, as I was out in the drive-way painting shelves, they were out on the front yard playing church. They had their babies and strollers and they were singing (as loud as they possibly could) "I have decided to follow Jesus". It was like the "never ending song". Too funny and oh so cute!!! If I wasn't covered in paint ( I am the messiest painter you'd ever meet... that is only on myself...whatever I am waiting usually turns out decent=) I would have taken a little video clip! Maybe another time..they are always playing church.

Summer Fun..

The "sprinkler fun" has begun! The girls have been out having a ball in the sprinklers, buckets of water...and whatever they can get their lil' hands on, fill with water and dump water on each other. =) Here is a recent pick on my "two little ducks in the tub"! =)

Thank God for keeping my baby Emma safe...

This past Saturday started off like any usual Saturday. We awoke, had breakfast... Jonathan had a lawn to mow and at 10:00 the girls and I met a friend and her 2 girls at the park. The girls had loads of fun! We returned home about 12:45, I gave the girls a bath, fed them lunch and put them down for thier afternoon naps. About 3:00 I awoke the girls, got them dressed and we headed over to Vanwert (which is a town about 30 miles West of us) over to a friends house. They were having a Peony Festival in town, something I later found out they had every year. Anyways, I was excited about the whole evening, but little did I know that I would get the scare of my life!

We went to the Peony Parade as planned. The girls were excited about getting candy and especially liked all the horses. After a while, Emma told me she had to go potty. Her friend, Valerie, age 9 offered to take her. Since it was her house and we were sitting out by the road right in front of the house, I agreed. Some time went by when Abbi looked at me and asked "Where's Emma?". I looked over at Emma's chair and thought "hmm..good question.. they have been gone a while". I looked over and there was Valerie... but no Emma. I asked Valerie where Emma was at and she looked around her and shrugged her shoulders. She had told me that Emma was right behind her when they came back from the bathroom. I must say it felt like my heart dropped in my stomach! I did not have a good feeling about this at all. A few of us ran inside, hoping she stayed behind and got distracted. That started a desperate search of at least 20 minutes..... somehow, it felt like an eternity! She was no where to be found. I cannot even begin to describe the horror I felt, when I was struck with the reality that "my little Emma was missing"!! I was a mess!!!! In cases like these, the devil puts the worst case scenarios in your mind. There were hundreds of people at the parade...which only added to the horror I was feeling. You try so hard to be positive.......

I was walking up and down a road looking for her and praying. The cops were notified and they had announced it over the loud speaker. (I was such a mess I didn't even hear when they announced it) After about 20 minutes of searching... I start walking in the opposite direction of where I was originally searching. I was walking..and praying to God that he would keep her safe..where-ever she may be and that he would bring her back to us. As I was walking...I thought I caught of glimpse of a yellow dress (which is what she was wearing) and I prayed to God "pleeeassee let that be my little Emma".. I picked up the pace even faster and as the crowd moved I was able to get another quick glimpse of the little girl in the yellow dress... and than another...it was MY EMMA!!! I was SOOOOOO HAPPY!!! I took off running and waving my hands in the air... shouting EMMAA... EEMMMAAA!!! A lady had a sobbing Emma by the hand and she was walking her right towards us. She had heard the announcement and spotted Emma and grabbed her. She had informed me that she tried to hand Emma over to the cops (for her own safety) but Emma would NOT go with them. I later asked her why she didn't go with the cops and she told me "Well mama... because their cars go too fast, and I was afraid they would give me to another mommy!" First good laugh I had since the whole ordeal!

Never in my life had I felt such a mixture of desperation, hurt and horror..... I can't imagine what other parents must go through, when they never do get their little one back.......

I thank the Lord for watching over my baby and bringing her back to us. I thank Him for His never failing love, mercy and grace, and of course... my little Emma Grace! I love you Lord.....

Weeds.....

.........are the most beautiful flowers when picked especially for me, by my little darlings .....

Memorial Day Weekend

Jonathan and I had a very nice Memorial Day Weekend. He took today (Tues.) off so it made for a nice 4 days!!

On Saturday Jonathan's side of the family came over. We combined 2 birthday's, (Noah and Sam) and Memorial Day all in one. Bless Lisa's heart, she did all the cookin' - and it was GOOD! We had a wonderful day!!! The weather was perfect! The above pics are from Saturday and you can see the rest of the pictures in our Photo Album. On Sunday we had church of course, and as usual it was WONDERFUL!! Yesterday, which was Memorial Day, Jonathan the girls and I went to the Pipers house, (a wonderful family from church who opened their home to anyone who wanted to spend Memorial Day there) and had a wonderful time of fellow shipping!! We played Volley Ball and Corn hole toss. Volley Ball went good and I realized I am a terrible aim when it comes to Corn hole toss. But, nonetheless it was fun! :)

And today we slept in as much as the kids would allow. Afterward, we took our camera in to the camera store as the sound on the video gave out. They kept it so they can try and solve the problem. I did not like parting with my camera and insisted that they get it back to me ASAP. So after that, we headed over to home depot and I purchased some paint to repaint my kitchen. I am really looking forward to getting that done! Once the girls went down for their afternoon naps, Jonathan and I accomplished some yard work. It was so nice getting out in the yard and working at something together. We don't get too many chances to do that.

Then, in the evening we decided to go to Godfather's for some yummy pizza and then we went to walk it off at the........ you guessed it..........Mall. Not that we go there often. It's been a looonngg time. It was nice walking around, but embarrassing when Emma went around hugging all the manikins...?!? I've decided that I either don't take her out enough....... oorrrrr I should just keep her home. I haven't figured out which .... :P

Gopher in Da' House

Actually... he is under the house. A few weeks ago I spotted this Gopher... going and coming to and fro' our deck. (under our deck actually) He was really cute. The girls and I enjoyed watching him. After all, we took mug shots. So now, all of a sudden we realize this Gopher just might be nesting under our house. eekkk... not so good! I have seen the tunnels these guys can build. This same little guy dug a tunnel underneath a dead tree down by the creek. The girls and I would walk down there some days to see if we can spot him. Sometimes he would stick his head out of the hole, as if to see what all the commotion was about. Not too long after we discovered his hole, I was sitting on the deck enjoying the beautiful, sunny and slightly breezy day. All of a sudden I hear a loud crack and then a loud thud. The tree that he dug under had toppled over!!! I nearly jumped outta my skin. I thanked God that the girls and I were not down there at that time. So the very next morning, I am sitting on my deck again, when I spotted the Gopher coming out of his hole, and looking around as if to say.. what in the world happened!?!?!?! It was pretty funny. He looked a little on the desperate side. He was climbing the tree, checking it all out.

I guess he figured that just wouldn't do because afterward, maybe a couple days went by he had discovered the deck and the underneath of our house. Last Saturday morning Jonathan and I were laying in bed when we heard a scratching noise coming from our AC vent. We thought... uhh oohhh. So now, all of a sudden, he isn't so cute no more. He kinda freaks me out, really. He will come out from underneath the deck and stare into my window...? So today, as I was washing my window's on the outside next to the deck , I kept envisioning him running out towards me and gnawing on my ankles. It was a really weird feeling. I really do think he was somewhere under the deck watching me. I was happy to finally have the windows washed, and as I dashed away I couldn't help but repeatedly glance over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't in tow.

So now, we need to figure out how to get rid of this little guy.. gal..whatever it is.

Too Precious

Yesterday morning as I was backing out of the driveway on my way to take Emma to school, I over heard Emma tell her sister.. "Abbi, you have such cute little hands"....

That was just TOO sweet. :)

Five year olds drink coffee?

This morning I was holding Abbi and after a while I set her on the couch next to Emma. After setting Abbi down she says..

Abbi: where are you going mommy?
mommy: to make me some coffee baby
Emma: make me some!!!
mommy: [laughing] yeah right.... I don't think so you silly goose
Emma: [in a matter-of-a-fact tone] but mommy... don't you know that when everybody turns 5 years old they drink coffee!?!?!

She sounded very convincing .... but of course not convincing enough. :)

Spring is here!

O.K... so I am horrible at keeping my blog updated. Oh well. :)

Spring is finally here! OR at least I thought. It is a chilly 35 degrees right now and we are under a freeze warning tonight. But before this horrific (yes, it is horrific; I am sick on cold weather) cold spell we had gorgeous weather!! The girls have been outside playing all day long. This year, since they are older I allow them to go down and play at the creek. One evening, I decided to take my camera and snap some pictures. You can see them here. These pictures were taken just 10 days ago and I am amazed at how fast things have grown. The grass is taller and the trees are much greener! They have so much fun playing by the water. They love feeding the small fish, and keep hoping to spot a big fish. They also enjoying finding the golf balls. There are MANY that get pushed down the creek, as the same creek runs through the golf course on the other side of the road.


We had Emma's 5th birthday party a week ago Saturday. It turned out really nice. I made her cake and she LOVED it! She kept telling me "mommy, this was the best party every"! :) She is such a sweetheart! She also tells me, "Mommy, I can't believe I am five years old already"! haha -too cute. She is getting so big. I can't believe it. Before I know it she will be as tall and then taller than me! She still enjoys going to "school". She has only about 4 weeks left. I am looking forward to the end of school. :) You can see pictures of her birthday party here.

About a week ago, my greatest fear happened. Emma's bedroom door still has an old glass knob on it. There is no key hole on the outside. Just a few weeks earlier I thought to myself, "I sure hope Abbi never locks herself in there.. cause I have no idea how I would get her out". (it is a weird lock) If I were smarter, I would have taken her back there and taught her how to lock and unlock the door. Should she ever lock it, viola - she would know how to unlock it! But I didn't. So one evening, Jonathan had left over a friends house and the girls and I stayed home. I was fixin' them supper and called them to come eat, only Emma showed up. I kept saying .. "Abbi... time to eaaatt", and after a few minutes I noticed.. still no Abbi! Than I heard a faint cry. I quickly made my way down the hall way only to discover she had locked herself in Emma's room and couldn't figure how to get out! Ohh booyyy... from what I recall it all went like this..

mommy: Abbi... unlock the door baby.
Abbi: [crying]
mommy: Abbi.. you know that latch on the door knob? Push it the other way. The lock honey.. push it the other way!
Abbi: [still crying and trying to open the door]
mommy: Abbi .. stand back, mommy is going to try and push the door open [trying to twist the knob and push the door with all my might] The door wouldn't budge. Both windows were closed and locked so I knew getting her out through the windows wasn't an option.
After a few minutes of trying to explain to her where the "lock" was.... I decided to call Jonathan on his cell and see if he has any pointers.. so I told Abbi I would be right back and went to the kitchen to call daddy.
[in the meantime... Emma leaves the table and goes to Abbi and I hear her say...]

Emma: Abbi...it's o.k.! Don't worry Abbi.. I'm going to get you out! Abbi... listen to me! You know that little thing that moves?? push it! ABBI WAS FREE!!! SHE WAS OUT!! Within 20 seconds! wow!

The "little thing that moves"???? I would have never thought to say that! I mean... how many "little things that move" do they have in their room??? IT WAS WAYYY PRECIOUS and Abbi was soo happy to be out and Emma was sooo proud of herself, and so was I!

It is so nice to see the girls playing together. The older they get, the more they interact and "giggle". It is so sweet. Everyday I thank God for my sweet little girls. They are such good listeners. It is so nice to know that they "obey" me even when they don't realize I am watching them. For example, the other day the neighbor boy from across the street came over to play with them. (Luke; age 7) He was riding on Emma's bike, as both Emma and Abbi were chasing him with their butterfly nets in hand trying to "catch" him. I was inside doing my dishes, watching them out the kitchen window. Luke started riding the bike down the drive way and both girls chasing right behind him. He did exactly what I "just knew" he was going to do. He went flying across the road on the bike, not looking to the left or to the right. I was so proud of my girls when they stopped within 3 feet of being in the road and did NOT follow him. They stopped and waited for him to come back. Even though they had no idea I was watching them, they still stopped because they knew mommy does not allow them to go within 3 feet of the road unless mommy is with them. That was a good feeling. :)

Come Spring

I love the fact that it is now daylight longer. Spring is just around the corner and I will say "Welcome bright warm and sunny days" and "Goodbye you ole' dreary gray days!" Boy, I can't wait! Even though it seems so far away I know it is just around the corner. It is 12:16 in the afternoon and the sun is just starting to shine through the blanket of gray up in the sky. It is supposed to be a high of 42 today. We were hit with a snow storm this past weekend. It lasted 2 days. Depressing yes. If it were not for the snow piled in the driveway, the girls could be out enjoying the warm fresh air, as they ride their bikes.

With the warmer weather around the corner I have a lot of things to accomplish. A long list of things actually. A list that I have been adding to for the last 2 years. I finally stopped babysitting, after 2 years. Ahhh.. it is so nice not to be babysitting anymore. So now, the list I have been making and only dreaming about accomplishing, will soon become a reality. I hope. This list includes a lot of painting. I hope to finally finish my sunroom this year. Babysitting on a daily basis kept me from getting any project done. Ahhhh, yes - it is so good not to be babysitting anymore. Do I miss the money? Yes! I know I will especially miss it when garage sales start. But oh well, I have done without before, I am doing without now, and I will do without then. The girls will just have to start using their own money if they want something bad enough. After all, most of what I bought was for them. It's not like they are lacking anything.

So anyway, back to my list. I also need to paint my laundry room closet, need to repaint my kitchen, my bathroom, and both living rooms. (never ever, ever, ever, ever, use flat paint in your kitchen or bathroom.. or any room in your house for that matter, especially if you have kids. It stains very well, and will not clean well at all) So, not only do I have all the walls to paint (or rather re-paint) but I also have a 4.00 sofa table (garage sale find of course) that I would like to sand down and redo. Amongst all that, I have tons of other "small stuff" to do. So yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I have been sick for the last 2 weeks. First it was the flu and while I was suffering with that I got a stomach virus on top of that. I was well enough to go to Columbus for 1 weekend to help my sis and bro-in-law to move from their apartment (you would never guess the amount of stuff they had stuffed in that apartment. When I seen the amount of "piled up to the ceiling row after row" of boxes I almost fainted! *gasp*) into a beautiful home. Anyways, I was well enough to go help only to come home and get sick a day later. So I have been sick all week again with a horrid sinus and upper respitory infection and had plenty of time to dream about things that need done. On top of that Emma and Abbi got sick and now Jonathan is feeling it too. My poor sweetheart! *sigh

Anyways, off I go to get these demanding kids something to eat. :)

Daddy, do you want Strawberries on your eggs?

Abigail loves spicing her food up. She loves dipping her food in one sauce or another. The other day, as she was sipping on her Strawberry Banana Milkshake, she was chattering about when all of a sudden she stops in mid sentence, her eyes getting big and her brows on the rise, ... ( by the look on her face I knew she had concocted some great idea or another)

Abigail: hey mommy... I know what! How about we put Strawberries on our eggs!

mommy: ummm... I don't think so. That would be gross, don't you think?

Abigail: nooo.... [in a "as a matter-of-fact" tone] it's like putting candy on it!!

mommy: HAHA (too cute!)

When daddy comes home from work in the evenings, most day's Abbi tells him what's on her menu and off she goes to her Dora Kitchen to "cook" a meal for daddy. So when he came home that evening and barely made it through the door Abbi informed him she was going to cook him eggs. As she takes off down the hallway, about half way she spins around and asks, "daddy... do you want Strawberries on your eggs?"

A Few Pics ....

..... for your enjoyment. Taken yesterday afternoon ....

Abigail and Mommy.....

Daddy with his precious lil' girls ....

Emma Grace and Abigail Hope ....

the two little Princess's ... we are so blessed ..... :)

Bitter Cold Days

Wow - I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I have last posted. I really don't have an excuse for that, unless going to bed early counts. I have made up my mind that going to bed at 12:00 or 1:30 in the morning is just not going to happen anymore. As much as I can help it anyways. So, usually when my girls go down for the night, shortly afterwards I go down for the night. And amazingly enough I can get out of bed at 6:30 in the morning AND I feel SO MUCH better! :)

On another "feel good note" I completely cut out my sugars for the last 3 weeks and something amazing and quite interesting happened. My dust allergies are gone! This past Saturday I started some "Spring Cleaning" (early, I know) in my kitchen, which included taking down 4 sets of curtains to wash, pulling clutter off shelves,dusting and organizing and guest what?!?! I didn't sneeze once!! Usually I would get the works! Sneezing, running nose, watery eyes and just plain SICK feeling. And if I didn't know when to stop I would get BED SICK for several days. I always dreaded the "deep" cleaning.

Our two little Princess's are growing like weeds. Even Emma is noticing how she is growing. Each day she stands next to my kitchen counter's and says "Look Mommy! I'm growing bigger!" Seems like yesterday she was standing on her tippy toes to see what's on the counter. Now she is almost a full head above my counter tops! Quite amazing. Abigail has been going through quite a growth spurt of her own. The pants I started putting on her in late fall and early Winter, are all of a sudden above her ankles?!? When did this happen? My oh my, they grow too fast.

Abigail has seemed to pull this new phrase "I'm mad" out of her hat. It must be a stage she is going through. However, I do not remeber Emma doing this. If something isn't going her way, she puckers her lips, puffs out her cheeks, crosses her arms across her chest and says "I'm Mad"!! What in the world?? How does she even know what that means? Mommy and daddy surely doesn't use the word? And not until Abbi started to say it, Emma started using the word as well. Kids.. haha... quite amazing.

The weather has turned bitter, yet again. Right now, it is 6 degrees outside and the windchill is -4. Yesterday was even worse. The girls talk about "Summertime" every day. About swimming, riding thier bikes.. and all the fun stuff they rememeber doing last Summer. Yes - we are VERY anxious for warm weather. Emma is very excited about helping me plant our garden. I too, can't wait!!