A Year In Reflection

As 2009 quickly approaches I wanted to take the time to reflect on our year. 2008 was a very hard year for us. Honestly, I am glad for this this year to move on and I am looking forward to the new year.

In January Dave's dad Craig was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach and liver cancer and given only 4-6 months to live. Craig was determined with the LORD's help to beat the diagnosis and he did. He lived 8 months and is now in heaven. We are so thankful we were able to spend some long weekends with him throughout the year. We are also grateful that we were able to spend a week with him at the beach this summer. Dave will cherish swimming in the ocean with his dad as it was one of their favorite things to do together.

In early July Dave and I found out that we were expecting another child. In October we found out we are going to be blessed with a little boy. We are so excited to get the full parenting experience by having both a daughter and son.

Other than these two events the year blurs together. So this year I am going to take Colleen's approach and share my hopes for the year and the other things I am looking forward to experiencing.

I pray/hope for ... an uneventful birth of a healthy little boy at the beginning/middle of March.

I pray/hope for ... the LORD's continual favor our on our family.

I hope for a less stressful year.

I can't wait to watch Arden with her baby brother.

I can't wait to meet our son and introduce him to everyone.

I hope to provide traditions for my children that turn into great memories.

I want to take the time to cherish and enjoy my children while they are here because I know that it will be only a matter of time before they are in college and on their own. Arden's 2 1/2 years have gone by so fast.

Third Wheel

Today is Uncle Tim's birthday so last night Laura took Tim out for dinner. When Arden realized they were not eating dinner with us she decided that she liked their plans better. Here's the conversation.

Arden: "Where's Laura and Tim?"

Me: "They went out to dinner for Tim's birthday like we did for yours. Remember?"

Arden: "Yeah. I go with them."

Me: "You can't go with them they've already left."

Arden: "I go in the car."

Me: "Are you going to drive?"

Arden: "No, I go in my seat."

Me: "Who's going to drive?"

Arden: "Daddy."

At least she had thought it through.

Dancing Queen

Here is a video of Arden and Dave dancing at storytime. I enjoyed it and thought I would share it.

Saturday in the City

On Saturday Arden's cousin's Ella and Luke were in town for Christmas and we decided to take a trip Uptown. We first headed to ImagineOn for Boogie Woogie Books- an action packed story time. We rode the light rail train into town and the kids were all excited by the time we got there. Arden enjoyed the story time and the dancing with Daddy. After story time we explored the library and then headed out for pizza.

The story teller Leah did a great job of telling various stories and getting the children up dancing.

Arden playing dress up.

After lunch we headed to Founder's Hall to see the Leonard Bearstein Bears put on their holiday show. Arden, Ella and Luke really enjoyed watching the bears sing and play their instruments.

Arden and Luke trying to get as close as they can to the action.

After the show Arden, Dave and I headed home for a nap while the rest of the family headed to Discovery Place. Later that night we all watched High School Musical. The men in the house really got into the movie.

Ella, Cari, Arden and Seth watching High School Musical.

Overall it was a great day together.

Christmas Eve

We had a great night on Christmas Eve even though Dave and I both forgot to take the camera with us. However, Uncle Tim and Aunt Laura took theirs and took some great pictures with Arden.

Laura posted them on her blog so click here to see Arden all dressed up for Christmas Eve Services.

Question of the Week

Don't you just love the sound of children's honest laughter coming from the other room?

My Favorite Christmas Gift

Here are two pictures of my favorite Christmas gift.

Dave has been working so hard over the past couple of months working to remodel our kitchen. We hired someone to put in the support beam and the new counter tops but he's done the rest of the work. He's put in many long hours and nights. He even took the cabinet doors to my parents for Thanksgiving to get a few extra hours of work in during his time off. The results are just what we wanted.

Next weekend we will finish the project by repainting the kitchen and living room to tie the look together. The floors will be redone once the baby arrives. It feels great to have my kitchen back and I know that Dave is so thankful to have all of the work finished.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Our family hopes you have enjoyed celebrating the birth of our LORD and Savior Jesus.

Our day has been so much fun. Starting last night we attending our church's Christmas Eve service. We had a such a great time celebrating the birth of Christ.

This morning we woke up before Arden did which much be a first in a long time. After breakfast Arden started opening up her gifts from Santa. It took her about an hour and half. She appreciated everything she got. If it was a book she would look through the entire book before opening the next gift. When she opened the box of baby doll clothes (which happened to be all of her preemie clothes) she was so excited that she ran upstairs to her room with the clothes in her hands to show her baby. It was so much fun watching her have fun and enjoying herself.

Here are some of the pictures of the day.

The spread before we started.

Dumping out her stocking to see what's in there. Uncle Tim and Laura brought some great chocolate from Czech Republic.

Arden would grab a gift and then climb up on the couch and open each present there. She took her time and enjoyed each one in comfort.

Arden opening her cash register.

Arden and Daddy playing with her new toy. This cash register is so much fun. The money looks real and it counts and subtracts.

Our neighbor Terri, Colleen and Conner delivered Arden a surprise this morning. Her very own Radio Flyer wagon. Here's her getting ready to take her first ride. She couldn't understand why her brand new baby stroller could not ride in the wagon with her.

Arden holding onto her baby tightly as they finish up their ride.

Arden and Uncle Tim opening up a gift.

Arden helping Grammy opening her gift.

Arden checking out all of the new food Grammy gave her to put in her shopping cart and now she can play grocery store with her cash register.

Arden pushing her baby through the house. Her baby doll took more naps and more strolls today

Playing with her new umbrella. She was so excited to have her very own umbrella. She asked me when it was going to rain.

Arden and Daddy having their first tea party. Arden says she's having coffee thought...afterwards she charged Dave $44 for their tea on her cash register.

Question of the Week

Are you ready for Christmas?

Overheard

Here are some samples of conversations that we've had with Arden this week.

Dave: "Arden can Daddy watch football?"

Arden: "No Daddy, it's my show. Sorry."

Trying to get Arden to potty.

Me: "Arden let's go potty."

Arden: "No thanks Mommy."


After having lunch with Dave this week at the office.

Arden: "I want Daddy to come home with us."

Me: "Arden, Daddy has to stay and work."

Arden: "Daddy stay and talk on the phone."

While reading a book:

Arden: "He has boats on his pajamas"

Me: "That's right, he does."

Arden: "I have Popsicles on my shirt." referring to the Popsicle stain she just put on her shirt.

After spilling some lemonade out of the pitcher:

Arden: Are-ee Wylde! What have you done?

Me: Speechless and trying not to laugh at her.

Getting ready to go to the store:

Me: "Arden do you want to go to the store?"

Arden: "Yes but I want to drive."

Me: "Do you know how to drive?"

Arden: "Sure."

As we are leaving the house:

Arden: "Bye Jesus" -- referring to Jesus in our nativity.

A Fun Afternoon

Arden needed a hair cut so I took her to Pigtails and Crewcuts a salon specializing in children. We both had a great time. She did a great job of cooperating and got a few treats. She wanted to set in the fire truck and was all smiles. They sure didn't have this when I was a kid.

The pictures were too cute not to share.

I Hear the Secrets That She Keeps

In the middle of the night I woke up to Arden screaming "I do it myself! I do it myself!" She was sound asleep. I guess whatever she was dreaming about she was determined to do it herself.

I asked her what she dreamed about she told me cows that go moo, pigs that oink, donkey's that say hee-haw and a camel. She said that daddy, mommy, Arden and the baby were petting the animals. Very interesting.

O Christmas Tree

We finally got our Christmas tree up this weekend. We actually got a smaller tree than we normally buy and I have enjoyed it this week. Arden did a great job of helping us put the ornaments on the tree. Plus she hasn't bothered the tree once we declared it "all done".

I love some of the pictures we were able to capture of her decorating. I love the memories we are creating. I know that she won't remember this one but we will.

Arden rediscovering her Santa hat. Noticed how she's climbed on top of the boxes. She is such a climber.

Arden likes to wear her hat down low.

I love how she's watching her daddy so intently.

Daddy and Arden working on the tree.

Arden celebrating that we are finished decorating.

Question of the Week

Don't you just love the simple things of Christmas?

Party Girl

Dave, Arden and I went to a holiday party tonight at our neighbors house and it was so much fun watching Arden interacting with all of the other children in the neighborhood. She had a blast. She was the youngest one there but that didn't stop her from having a good time.

She sat and listened to the music when the older kids were quiet. She laughed and played as they created games to play in the den. She even managed to get outside a couple of times to sit with the adults around the fire pit outside. She was a social butterfly tonight going from room to room.

While I had a great time catching up with many of our neighbors that we haven't seen since the weather has gotten colder my favorite part of the night was watching Arden enjoying herself.

A New Hat

I'm not sure if it's practical but she likes it.

A Song Book of Sorts

I wanted to pop some popcorn the other night and as I opened the package Arden told me that she wanted to put it in the microwave. As she opened it up she decided that instead of popping it she decided that it was a better song book. She stood there and sang to us for a little while before remembering that she wanted some popcorn.




Note: The diaper laying in the floor is an old preemie one that Arden found that she uses for her baby. We had been in the middle of playing and was stopping for a snack.

Question of the Week

How cold is it going to get this winter if we are already breaking records? Wait don't answer that question...I don't think I want to know the answer.

A Walk Through Bethlehem

Today we took to a local church who hosted a Walk Through Bethlehem. We had the best time. The church had transformed their yard and halls into the city of Bethlehem.

As soon as you arrived you were greeted with wealthy women sharing their gold shekels with you. We were luckily and were given lost of coins to shop and pay our taxes with. Then we walked through the city gates and we had to sign the census scrolls to register our attendance and pay our taxes. Arden got in to the spirit of things and even signed her name as best she could.

There were towns people walking around, Roman centurions and soldiers walking around and standing guard. They had pit fires to keep warm and shops set up all around. Arden headed straight for the donkeys that were in a pen. Beside the donkeys there was a camel.

After watching the animals we walked over to the jewelry store where Arden purchased a green beaded necklace that she picked out herself. We headed over the the meat market where they had live chickens in the cages. Upon seeing the chickens Arden started flapping her arms and yelling "bak-bak". It was so funny and cute at the same time.

We headed over to the candle shop where she then purchased a very small handmade candle and had a great time picking out which one she wanted.

Beside the candle maker was a pen of sheep and goats. The sheep were males and had their horns. They were pretty cool. One of the sheep decided to go to the bathroom while we were there and Arden proceeded to sign to Dave and I what he was doing. We understood the subtlety in what she was telling us. Now if she would only be consistent in telling us but that's another story.

We then headed inside where they had the city set up with lights to represent the stars and dark skies. There were all kinds of shops and markets. Arden purchased some wool, clay pots, tried to by some leather sandals but they did not have any in her size. She purchased some grapes and wine and then took a tour of a typical house in Bethlehem. Lastly, she decided to see if there was any room in the inn but unfortunately all of the rooms were taken.

After checking in at the inn we headed out to the stable to see if there was room for us there we found the LORD Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes being held by his mother. There were angles singing, wise men watching and goats, sheep, llamas and a small horse.

Arden was taken in by the sight. She became still where she had been running around before. She walked up to manager to put some coins down but as soon as she got up there she turned around and yelled back to me "There's no baby". She was looking in the manger but missed the baby on his mother's lap. Once she found the baby she was not shy walking up to see the baby. The rest of the children stood back but my child wanted to see this baby up close and personal.

After seeing the baby Jesus she did something that she told me that she would not do. She pet the horse and feed the llamas. I couldn't believe it. As the day went on she became more and more brave.

It was a great afternoon and will be definitely be a family tradition for us. Here are some of the pictures from the day.

Arden checking out the donkeys.

Arden trying to figure out the camel. It was great for her to finally see a camel up close. I've read stories to her with pictures of a camels in them but she keeps thinking they were horses. Now she knows they are camels.

Getting brave and watching the camel with out Dave or I holding her.

Checking out the chickens.

Arden demonstrating what a chicken sounds and acts like.

Arden checking out the sheep.

Arden and Dave shopping for some fine pottery.

Arden petting the horse which on the way to the event she told us that she did not want to touch the animals.

Arden at the manger looking for baby Jesus.

A Mystery Trip

Today we are taking Arden on a surprise trip. I can't wait. The last time we did this she had such a great time and talked about it for at least a week. I hope to have pictures up tonight of our trip.

Christmas Party

Night night our Elevation small group had our Christmas party and it was fantastic. Actually, it was amazing and set the bar pretty high for the other Christmas parties we will be attending this year. The food was fantastic. Thank you so much Fishers for the amazing food.

We did a white elephant swap and I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time. Our group does one nice gift and one random gift per couple. Oh my. We laughed so hard that I believe tears were coming down our faces. The best part is that we all had a great time.

I wish I would have brought my camera because there were some great moments that I would have liked to captured. It was a great night with good friends.

Going to a Party

Arden and I were out running errands this evening while it was dark. I started pointing out all of the Christmas lights to her. She thought they were pretty. She asked me if they were having a party.

I explained that people put out lights to get ready for Jesus's birthday because they wanted to celebrating his coming to the earth.

So as we were driving along she told me she was hungry. I asked her want she wanted to eat.

Her repsonse: "I want to eat at the party."

Me: "What party?"

Arden: "Right there, with the lights. I want to go to the party."

Me: "So are you hungry?"

Arden: "No. I want to go to the party."

Ready to Go

Arden is always ready to go. If I could only look this cute bundled up ready to embrace the cold.

A Creative Backback

Arden has a bag that she normally carries around in a purse. She has recently discovered that she can use it as a backpack. It's hard to get her to take it off and you'll never know what you'll find in there.

WV for the Holidays

I'm back after a blogging break that I did not mean to take. But between a head cold, holiday travel and enjoying time with my family I just didn't get a chance to blog.

We had such a great time at my parents house for Thanksgiving. We ate well and got lots of rest. Arden is officially spoiled rotten. Overall it was a great weekend.

One of the highlights of the weekend was Arden helping my mom decorate her Christmas tree. At first thought it looked like she wouldn't get into it but she really enjoyed hanging the balls on the tree. What a great memory. I just hope she is ready to help me with our tree.

Getting Ready for Church

Arden loves Sunday's because she gets to go to church and wear a dress. Since its been cold she hasn't worn as many dresses as she does in the summer. She is getting used to tights she still thinks their pants. Oh well.

Here are some pictures from Sunday morning before church where she was dressed up in a new winter dress. Thanks Gran Gran for the beautiful dress.