Fun in the snow

Even though the snow wasn't quite right for a snow-ball fight, we had fun kicking it around nevertheless. She also made a few snow angels and many trails through the back-yard.

Today in the new fallen snow

Allie really likes her snow pants. She insisted on wearing them even after coming inside after the snow. She did finally let me take them off before naptime. While her pants kept her dry, she unfortunately wasn't able to move much outside this morning in the 10 plus inches of snow that we received here in Indy since yesterday. It isn't a typical snowfall for this city, so imagine the girls surprise when they weren't able to move their little bodies in the deep drifts. But with all things new and exciting, they really had fun...occasionally losing a boot or a mitten, but otherwise having a great time.

Isabelle puts on her best model face.

Allie is quite adept at running in high heels. For being only 22 months she loves make-up, lipstick and purses. I think I will have my hands full in about 12 years (probably sooner).

Erwin gets medical treatment from his veterinarian, Isabelle. Apparently he had a broken ear and was a bit cold. He has recovered marvelously.

My biggest nightmare as a parent happened to my brother last weekend. My sweet, adorable nephew who was only 8 months old died suddenly during the night. It is so hard to understand why this had to happen to him. Dayton was full of happiness, loved to play and smile. It is difficult to fathom why this has to happen to any parent. My good friend said that God needs children in heaven to make it more beautiful. In all of the sadness and my heart breaking for the loss of him on earth, I have to believe that one day I will see him again. Our lives being touched by him, will never be the same, and with his passing will always be missing him. I pray for his angelic soul. I never thought that our family would be dealing with something of this magnitude, but you hear of it happening to other people all of the time. My faith in God is strong and to make sense of this, I have to think that there is a bigger picture to it all....one that I nor anyone is meant to understand. Sometimes the paths we travel are really quite different then the one that God has in store for us.

I love you mommy...

4 words that bring my heart to overflowing...4 words that I will never ever tire of hearing. When Isabelle randomly tells me how much she loves me, my emotions prickle my eyes and my heart thrums in my chest feeling like it is going to explode. While laying with her before she drifted to sleep her conversation went like this. "I love you mommy. I love you so darn much. Look at your eyelashes. You are so beautiful. You are a girl." Never mind that my mascara is halfway down my cheeks and my eyeliner is smeared among my wrinkles. I mean, what could make anyone feel so incredible as that? One of my biggest fears in life is failure as a parent. That someday my daughters might be living alone asocial with 74 cats, medicated, and in group therapy complaining about their overbearing mother and how she screwed them up. A few days ago Isabelle was saying, "I just can't remember that word. Oh, skeleton. I think I am losing my mind." She must have been hearing that I am losing it from time to time. Staying home while such a luxury and a blessing, it is challenging. I am always hoping that I am doing enough for them but I worry maybe my insane love for them and wanting them to be "good" could be stifling. As a parent I don't think you are allowed any do-overs...so this is my chance to do it right. And what a task that is!

Every day is play

I look like I am up to trouble.

I am not only a beautiful princess, but talented at the recorder as well.

Here, have a fry.

What's for dinner Allie?

While searching for some 90% off Christmas decorations at Target for next year, I came across this Santa hat and beard for a cat...and being just a mere 49 cents, I knew that Erwin had to have it. Isabelle thinks Erwin is saying "Ho ho ho".

Erwin is really just wishing that he still had his front claws.

Dancing with Daddy.



My shadow.

We love the Hawkeyes!

Go Iowa!

I can never pass up a photo-op of my children peacefully sleeping. Seeing their beautiful cherubic face, eyelashes gracing their peachy cheeks and little pursed mouth makes my heart literally skip.














The girls were successfully spoiled with attention, candy, and gifts. They love all of the new Christmas loot. Allie really likes to play with her new take-along doll house and people and trains (choo choos). Isabelle loves her new books and dinosaurs. They both really enjoy their new play kitchen and accessories although Allie is a bit short and can't quite reach the top cupboards and microwave. It makes her thoroughly upset but I plan on picking up a step-stool just for her on my next trip to Target.



We had a great time in Iowa. Thank you for your hospitality and gifts. We were able to see some family and a few friends too and we miss you all! Besides a nasty ice storm in which we literally slid into Cedar Rapids on Saturday, the weather cooperated for us. Just so you know...I-74 does go west to east and we would love to have you out for a visit anytime!

Christmas at the Koss'

Allie tells her cousin to stay away and that she is perfectly capable of unwrapping presents by herself

The girls had so much fun at both Christmas celebrations and received sooo many nice gifts and alot of new toys. Thank you to everyone!

Aunt Jamie decided to dress like Allie.

Allie is in love with her cousin Dayton.

Christmas at the Juraseks

Opening presents at the first Christmas celebration in Des Moines.




Cousins

Waiting ever so patiently to see what Santa brought...

The St. Louis arch is not a normal sight that we see on our drive from Indiana to Iowa, but to make it to Christmas in Des Moines we drove southwest to by-pass the weather. It made a very tiring 8 hours into about 11 1/2, but we made it!