The Kissy Monster

Andrew informed us at dinner a few weeks ago that his friends refer to Olivia as The Kissy Monster.  Everyday at lunch, she approaches him and plants a big ole kiss on his cheek.  We were under the impression that it was bothering him.  We asked Olivia to save her kisses for inside our "peer pressure-less" home. 

I was approached by a teacher at school who has a son in O's class.  She asked, "Do you hear a lot about "L" at your house?"  After giving her a puzzled look, she proceeded to tell me that they hear A LOT about Olivia in their home.  In fact, she entered L's room after he fell asleep one night and spotted a note clenched tightly in his little fist.  She managed to pry his hand open to discover a note that read, "I love Olivia."

Olivia had been having severe headaches for months.  In fact, we ended up taking her to a pediatric neurologist.  He suggested that we talk to her teacher about her level of happiness at school.  Without hesitation, her teacher announced, "Olivia is loved by everyone in the class...especially the boys!"     

We are in fact raising The Kissy Monster!

Olivia Is 7!

Olivia turned 7 last week, and she was really sick.  I am talkin' 104 fever for over 7 days.  The two of us found ourselves confined to our cozy little house for what felt like an eternity.  Anyhoo...we tried to make the most out of her special day.  We had Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast and a tea party for lunch.

 It was the perfect day minus the high fever and sleepy birthday girl.

Basketball, Andrew's Bestest Sport

 Our Saturdays have been focused on this fella and his bestest sport, basketball.  He decided after last year's Upward season that he wanted to play in a more competitive league.  With that said, this season he played for the local school league and absolutely loved it.  It was much more competitive, and he shined both as a player and as a leader.  We were so proud to watch him lead his team.

I took these photos on a unusually warm January morning.  Dad was having a last minute coaching session.

I never thought that I could be so excited to watch a sporting event.

McKenna's Hair

Did I mention that Olivia was gifted McKenna (this year's American Girl Doll of the Year) for Christmas?  She has quickly become fascinated with styling McKenna's hair.  Last week, she begged me to watch hair styling videos on YouTube.  This child struggles to make it to the end of most movies, but she spent close to two hours gathering hair styling/care information.  Is this really my child?

I am so impressed.  She has no interest in Disney movies, but she LOVES www.cutegirlhairstyles.com.

The Biggest Snowman EVER

I do not enjoy the snow.  With that said, I am beyond shocked and amazed that I gave birth to two children who absolutely love it.  They spent all day Monday sledding, making snowballs, and creating the most adorable snowman complete with babies (thanks to Oli).  I stayed inside and watched through the windows.

I purchased two snowman accessory kits at Target a few years ago for a buck each.  I should have bought more!

Our Elf (3)

By December 24, I was super sick and tired of our friend, Billy Bob.  In fact, we have decided that he will not be returning until December 9th next year.  

December 15: Beach Dreaming

December 16: Waiting for Sea Turtles to Hatch

December 17: Billy Bob the Tooth Fairy

December 18: He traded the stocking for underwear.

December 19: I forgot.  However, Scott saved the day by creating a photo booth.  There were even silly photos of Billy Bob on the camera. It was super cute!

December 20-24: We just survived until he could be packed away!

Daddy/Daughter Time

It is so easy for Scott and Andrew to spend quality time together.  They are both obsessed with sports, and as we all know, sports are everywhere.  Saturday morning Andrew was at a friend's house, and Scott used this as an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with sister.  They spent the morning playing in the season's first dusting of snow.

They ended their special time together playing baby hospital.  Olivia has decided that she wants to be a baby nurse when she enters the work force which I think matches her God-given gifts perfectly.

I loved the fact that Scott stepped out of his comfort zone to love on his Oli Grace.  Boy was she happy!

Christmas Break is Over

Sniff, Sniff, Sob, Sob...

I have been such a blog/photo-taking slacker this Christmas season.

I decided to post just a few of my favorite photos.

My parents joined us for an evening at Our Lady of the Snows.  It was such a fun evening.

 Our dear friend, Lynnette, made us the most spectacular gingerbread houses.

 Andrew loved using his new stopwatch to time the "stuffies" as they raced down the handrail.

 The kiddos assisted the choir on Christmas Sunday.  (Oli: front left, Andrew:center)

 We had a super special morning celebrating the birth of our Savior with our favorite 160 children.  I was reminded (as I poured punch) what a blessing it is to serve this joyful group of God's kids.  I love them ALL!

 Scott discussed with our lovelies the importance of giving God our very best.  Andrew was super excited (sarcasm) when he found out that meant wearing a tie, a belt, and jeans to Christmas Eve Service.  He said that it was the worst day of his entire life.  Poor baby.

 Pastor Shawn called all the children between the ages of 4 and 8 to the front so that he could read them a Christmas story.  It was adorable.

 This bunch was waiting for us when we got home after service.  We had a delicious meal, opened gifts, and played Apples to Apples.  I have discovered that I really enjoy having an adult niece and nephew.  I did happen to mention O's strong desire to be a flower girl.

 On Christmas day, we visited my parents.  I am ashamed to say that I didn't take a single photo.

The kiddos spent a good hour in this make-shift swimming pool.

 There was also an insane amount of wrestling.  I was surprised to find this photo on my camera.  That Olivia is quite a snot.

It has been the most delightful two weeks spent at home with my favorite three people.