Nothing like a tasty treat

and snow always seems to hit the spot (of course snowflakes can do the trick BUT fruit punch syrup poured over a bowl of snow is what becomes most desired these days--obviously)

I am trying...trust me.
I just can't seem to keep up with this thing right now. You know....LIFE. I have been dealing with some 'doctor stuff' and that seems to take some of my free time. Be around soon!

A VERY EXCITING FIRST

Yes, my baby lost her first tooth (she didn't realize it was loose and she lost it outside in the snow and ice--had no idea she lost it and STILL she found it).

Christmas

Family and snow

My sis--Michelle flew in for a few days for some family time. It was great to see her and spend some time with her. While she was here we had 2 large storms come through--dropping almost a foot the first time and a foot the second time. It was beautiful and enjoyable for those of us who had power--at that time there were many still without. My family (ariel was having a tough time) We made the girls 3 very large snow forts and every day I went out and made them tables, couches, chairs, etc...we did a bunch of sledding and let's not forget EATING--Every time I look at them they have a mouth full of snow.

Welcoming Winter

With lots of laughter and play.

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ICE

Yes, the ice.We lost power on that Thursday night...I swear I heard every tree cracking and falling within 5 miles. (There is just that amazing 'quiet' that comes when there is no power) Early Friday morning was spent with our front door locked open (in 10 degree weather) dumping buckets (a kitty litter bucket and one 5 gallon--seeing our garage door is powered and we couldn't get in to get buckets) of water out the front door from the basement--yes, our pump is powered and with all that rain our basement was beginning to flood. My poor husband spent 4+ hours running into the basement filling up buckets and dumping them outside to have to run back down and fill up again--nonstop. (I helped when I could--trying to NOT get in the way). I had just done a huge foodshop (I shopped hungry)--not even thinking we may lose power--so we had a lot that needed to be thrown away. Friday and Sat were spent at home--trying to brave the cold and stick it out, thankfully our basement had water so we could flush the toilets, but by Sat night it was in the 40's in the warmest part of the house and so we headed over to friends--who also didn't have power but DID have a woodstove. It was warm, but dark with 6 kids to entertain. We stayed with them till Monday morning where we were able to come home to power and men arriving to install our new furnace--so exciting to have REAL heat for the first time in SO long. We were again told that we are VERY lucky to even be alive. Our last furnace had major issues and we had been unknowingly dealing with Carbon Monoxide exposure--which was coming into the house with the heat-- for the past 2 or more years that we have lived here (which explains SOOOO much--my husband will blog about that at some point). My friend Robin and her kids basically moved in on Monday and were with us still Thursday. It was great hanging with friends. Glad for things to be back to normal.now. Praying for all of you that are still without.

my babies turn 5

It feels strange to have no children under the age of 5. It seems like just yesterday that I was bound to a couch, wearing a camelback (hydration pack for water intake), nursing two-- 3-4 lb-- babies--what seemed non-stop, and having a 18 month old looking up at me with tears in her eyes needing me to get her something and knowing that if I move an inch it will upset everything, smelling of spit- up and wearing spit-up--unable to remember the last time I showered, knowing that sleep was something of the past and something I would have to wait years to experience again. I survived. Step by step, one day at a time--I made it. This is all to say that you all can and will as well.
We took the girls on an exciting 'date day'...dressed in their new party skirts and their big girl purse stuffed with big girl goodies. Had a princess party for them that night, which included games of kissing frogs to find their prince. My sweet little babies are turning into such beautiful young ladies. I just adore being their mommy and look forward to the years to come.
I love you girls.