Standing Up

I found Ben in his crib today after a nap doing this. It was super sad/cute and was a great surprise despite having found him crawling around his room this morning after somehow managing to get himself out of his crib.

Hair Salon Haircut

Norah has never had a haircut at a salon before, but has watched her siblings get one on many occasions.  Well, today was her turn.  Her hair was getting a little unkempt for my taste and apparently for hers as well, because she couldn't stop getting excited about having it cut.

She was shy at first...

But then threw down her usual attitude...

And in the end didn't seem to notice anything was different...

Her hair is still long, now it's just a lot healthier!

Food and a Haircut

This guy is loving food and his haircut, despite Kyle's wishes to leave it alone.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Tonight, Kyle took the girls to Lifetime for their annual Daddy Daughter Dance.  The kids knew about it from all the signage and mailers we have been barraged with over the past few weeks. 

We put on the girls' fanciest dresses (from Melanie and Tate's wedding back in August) and put their hair in up-does as well as applying Norah's favorite-lipgloss!

The evening ended much too early for Ava, but was much too long for our sweet Norah.  Apparently she was quite the "date" the entire evening!

Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day this year we had some pink oatmeal for breakfast and hear shaped pink pancakes for dinner, what more could some sick kids ask for?

Too bad Norah and Jack were too sick to attend our homeschool Valentine's Day party.  Ava and I went and picked up their treats, so at least they got to enjoy their favorite part of any party.

Sick

These are the faces of some super sick kids, they have been battling allergies and a cold for at least a week now.  They are going to come out of it soon, but coupled with Ben's teething behavior problems, I am about spent!

Fearings

We went to a fancy Mexican food restaurant for valentine's day and had a great time with some swanky grub and good company-happy V-day!

First Haircut

I gave Ben his first haircut last week. He was strapped into his high chair and screaming, but somehow I managed to use the first guard of the clippers on his sides and the biggest guard on the top.

I was quite amazed at what a haircut can do for the face, he looks super different to me. Still cute, but different. Kyle admitted to liking his old do better, but there's no turning back now!

New Glasses

Check out my new Versace glasses, I scored these bad boys after doing some homework at target and asking for a price match at a trendy/well equipped optometrist office. (Not the best picture, I admit)

Answer to Prayer

After the deal breaker happened, Kyle and I made the sale of our home a matter of deep, sincere prayer. Today, we took our efforts to the next level an fasted for 18 hours on behalf of our family's desire to sell our home.

We didn't know how this would happen or when, but we wanted to express this desire to our Father in Heaven.

He answered almost immediately and in a way that would relieve our family of any further house showings.

The buyers decided to make up the difference between what the bank would finance and what our bottom line sales price was. It was amazing to see our prayers being answered without knowing exactly how it would happen.

We are truly blessed and this is another example of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. We are so indebted to Him for all his tender mercies and for the sacrifice of His Son.

33 Years Young

My day was spent eating an amazing apple dumpling breakfast followed by some present opening that included an arm band for my phone, an appointment to get new glasses, a subscription to Rosetta stone to learn German, two double walled insulated cups and two workout DVDs!

Kyle hit the nail on the head with purchasing gifts that I would actually be able to use both before we leave and abroad.

The kids had two birthday parties to attend today, so we ate my birthday cake and ice cream last night, but lunch from chic Fila and driving around looking at houses followed by dinner at Bailey's coupled with a homemade chocolate mousse cake from Glicia made for a great day!

Better Than _ Cake II

This year's birthday cake was off the charts-thanks Kyle you really know what I love, a chocolate version of a Tres Leche Cake with carmel and chocolate sauce on top of crushed heath bar crumbs on top of homemade whipped cream.  Delish!

Potty Training Round II

Last Wednesday we started potty training Norah. She was in underwear for two days and managed to use the toilet a total of 0 times. With the help of juice and Gatorade we must have cleaned up close to ten accidents. Needless to say, it was not going well, so we decided to take a break.

Fast forward to yesterday and our second attempt. I purchased a pair of waterproof underwear to wear over her princess panties and Norah has gone on the toilet without fail! She has done simply amazing considering last week's clean ups.

Other than going number two in the tub, we have cleaned nothing up! Thank goodness, potty training is my nemesis and being so successful so early has been a real blessing.

Deal Killer

Last night, we got our appraisal back. The value of our home, as determined by Joe Schmo appraiser, was a mere $55,000 lower than what we paid for it and almost $20,000 below our contract price. In short, either we eat another $17,000 on top of all the closing costs/realtor's fees/$38,000 we were already willing to lose or cancel the contract.

Neither option seems great, we are trying to be faithful, we are just a little numb from the shock of the situation.

Special Poster/Miss Monica

I finally got a picture of Jack's special day poster as well as a shot of him with his very first teacher, Miss Monica.  This woman is so sweet, our little man is lucky to have her!