Potty Bribery

We've been using M & M's to get Bennett to sit on the potty and as incentive for him to go

on the potty. Apparently, it's rubbing off--now Teddy get's M & M's for using the potty, too!

Choo Choo!

Bennett loves trains! Our local mall had this train ride as a new attraction this winter. We headed out to the mall on Christmas Eve to do a few last minute errands and decided to stop. The sign said it opened at 10:30, but when we arrived after 11, no one was there. We wandered for a short time and then were packing up to leave when, out of nowhere, a gentleman appears and begins unlocking the gate. Ah, the miracle of Christmas! Bennett was so excited to ride the train. He wanted to go on it again. When he realized all he was getting was on ride, he had a total meltdown! But for those 3 minutes he was tooling around the track, he was in heaven!

A New Holiday Tradition

Every year, our community puts up millions of lights at a local park. Every year, Ryan and I drive through on New Year's Eve--this was where we were engaged. But this year, we bundled up the kids and ourselves and headed down take a walking tour. Ryan pulled the boys in the wagon and Bennett seemed overwhelmed by all the lights. His favorite part--the light up choo choo and the horse that was pulling a carriage through the park.

My favorite part--the live reindeer. I've never gone down to the lights when the reindeer were there. What a cool experience! They are so neat!

Bennett had a quick visit with Santa.

The greatest part of the whole experience was Bennett helping Ryan take our food donation and giving it to those who are in need this holiday season.

I think this will have to become a new holiday tradition in our household! Even though my nose and feet were frozen, I had a blast watching Bennett and seeing his excitement. Nothing is better at Christmas than watching it through the eyes of little children!

Cookies Anyone?

This year, we decided to make some Christmas cookies for the first time ever! Bennett was eager to help out! He tried his best attempts at rolling

and cutting.

This was his masterpiece--he didn't quite get the hang of pushing the cookie cutter once. Instead, he would hit the dough over and over. Okay, so they weren't the most attractive cookies ever, but they were the sweetest :-)

Landon Is 3 Months!

With heading back to school and the holidays, I have had zero time to do any blogging and I'm SO behind! My little love bug turned three months old on Dec. 19th. A friend of Ryan's sister came to take our pictures--these are just a few of my favorites!

I fall in love with him more each day! He is starting to smile, giggle, and chatter just like his big brother! If he's laying on the floor and you get right in front of him and talk to him, his little legs get going and he just starts jabbering! He is such a sweet little boy! He continues to love to be held--all the time! I'm trying not to be annoyed but instead enjoy every moment of holding and cuddling him! I really thought he was going to have red hair but now I'm not so sure. It might be turning more brown. For right now, his eyes are still a beautiful blue. He is such a special and wonderful addition to our family. Happy 3 months, Landon!

The Shirt Says It All!

Ever Wonder?

Ever wonder what a household with two kids in diapers and an obsessive mom who's always worried about running out looks like????

Well, here it is!

Tree Shopping

After spending the afternoon celebrating Aunt Kelly's graduation from college, we headed out to find our Christmas tree for this year.

Checking out all our options!

Here's the one we decided on! Can't wait to get it decorated and tied up! Not sure that I trust Bennett around it this year :-)

Winter Has Arrived!

With the arrival of 16 inches of snow earlier in the week, winter is officially upon us! If you're going to live in the midwest, you better get used to all the snow and cold weather. So, on Saturday morning, we bundled Bennett up in his snowpants and he headed outside with Daddy for his first sled ride.

He also grabbed his shovel and helped dad clean off the driveway.

His reaction this winter was much different than last! There were no tears (expect when I wanted a picture of him all bundled up--"no piture!") and he seemed to have fun being outside in the snow.

Friday Night at the Neighbors

After spending a LONG day at school on Friday, we headed over to our neighbors (they aren't really neighbors anymore!) for our usual Friday night get-together. Bennett played with Milo, their dog, for a while, and then started to get a little restless. He has become obessessed with the movie, Cars, lately and began asking for it. Luckily, our neighbors had it, popped it in the DVD player, and cuddled him on the couch with some popcorn. He sat there for the longest time, watching his favorite movie and munching on popcorn. That allowed mom and dad to spend some time with friends, chatting and playing a game of Farkle. What a great end to a long week!

I Know You're Out There!

I recently got a Christmas card from my uncle and aunt saying they really enjoy my blog. This gives me renewed energy that only my sister and sister-in-laws look at it. So, I know that you are out there checking out my pictures and reading about all the things going on in our family--let me know by leaving a comment! Can't wait to hear from you :-)

My Little Copy Cat

Apparently someone has been watching mom too much . . . . . .

Snow Day

Well, the snow storm the weather man predicted definitely arrived! In the last two days, we have received about 16 inches of snow. With the threat of bad weather coming, school was closed last night, so we spent the day in our jammies and hanging out.

Ryan had the tough job of shoveling us out this morning. If you look closely, you can see the snow is well above his knee.

For the moment, the snow has stopped, and I'm guessing school will be back in session tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday

Crazy Busy!!

Life in the last week and a half has been crazy busy!! There was Thanksgiving and my first week back at school. I was so overwhelmed on Monday that I forgot to call and wish my only sister a happy birthday--how terrible is that??? Every night last week I was at school until 6:00, I had a 50 page chapter to read Monday night for a staff meeting Tuesday before school, and by the time I got home it was supper, baths, and bedtime. I only fed Landon once all week. I'm really hoping things will start to slow down as I get back in the groove and get reacquainted with being a working mom. So to say the least, I've had zero time to blog and didn't check my e-mail in 4 days. Here's a sampling of what we've been up to.

My beautiful boys on Thanksgiving! We had my parents up for supper. In terms of holiday get-togethers, it was about as relaxing as it could be.

Last weekend, it was so beautiful outside that we called up a friend and had him come over to take our pictures for our Christmas cards. This was one of our favorites!

My nose is healing well. I know---I will post an updated picture soon on the results. It looks great! It actually looks straight and not like a hook :-)

Today, we had a friend of Ryan's sister come and take Landon's 3 month pictures in our home. We had fun, but Bennett was less than cooperative. I saw the pictures on his camera and they looked awesome, so I can't wait until they are edited! As soon as I get them, I'll be sure to post them.

As for now, I'm going to take a few minutes to cuddle with my baby and enjoy the quiet--Bennett and daddy are grocery shopping. Hope everyone has a great week and my goal is to only be at school until 5:30 :-)