Snow Fun!

Wii

Wii fun.

Legos

For a long time now Legos have been popular at our house ~ Jaden has been very busy building and constructing. Daddy and Jaden assembled this coastguard tower (one of his Christmas presents...)

Love these Two

Scrub-a-dub-dub

Birthday Present

My birthday present from Jaden. (Homemade)

Target Practice

Jaden: "Look Mom I'm practicing my target aims!"
Me: "Ok, can you please not do it at your sister?"

Two

Sweet Ailia,
Today you turn two. I remember the day you first came to greet us. It was unseasonably warm ~ almost balmy for January 7th ~ You came quickly and fiercely. We knew at the moment we saw you that our family was complete.
You are such a treasure to us. You are already talking up a storm and people are constantly telling me how smart you are and what a good talker you are. You make yourself heard, and with passion. You make us laugh regularly with your crazy antics ~ Jaden is one of your biggest fans. He thinks you are too cute. You are sweet and loving. You love to be held and snuggle. Your favorite songs are Twinkle, Twinkle, ABCD's, Sunshine, Night-Night Time, Rock-a-bye-baby, and Jesus Loves Me. You can sing all the words to this, and it is seriously one of the cutest things ever. We often call you "baby" even though at two you are so not a baby anymore.
I wish so much for you precious one. I wish you to never hurt, feel lonely, ashamed, or rejected ~ but I know this is not possible. I know that these develop character, faith, hope, and endurance, which is a far greater achievement.
May you always know that you are loved. You were chosen. You were planned for and prayed for and given as a gift. God gave us the perfect gift in you, and my desire is that we are worthy and live up to be the parents you need. I wish you happiness, and joy, and peace.
Above all else I wish you a deep and enduring relationship with your savior. May you know Him intimately and come to rely on Him for all your needs. As only He can provide.
We love you more than you could possibly know. Please forgive us when we fail ~ because we will ~ and know in our heart all we could strive for was the best we knew for you. May you experience Grace all your days forever.
Love,
Mommy

Winter

Jaden: "Mom, don't you love winter the most?"
"You can play outside in the snow, drink hot chocolate, and you don't even get bit by mosquitoes!"

Leggings

While changing Ailia's diaper today I said, "first we need to take off your tights."
Her response?
"These not tights, these leggings."
I stand corrected.

Change

When your child comes to you holding a diaper and says, "I need a diaper change" it must be time to potty train...

Two

Overheard while going to pick up Ailia from the nursery yesterday:
"Ailia, how old are you?"
"I'll be two in January."

Love and Kindness

Heard myself say to Jaden this evening, "sometimes it is harder to be kind to the ones we love than to other people." (specifically talking about his sister)
Brian said that this was quotable.
Jaden asked "why" that was.
Wish I had an answer for him. Wish it weren't true. Wish I saved my best for those I love and cherish and showed them nothing but kindness and love all the time. That is my prayer.