Almost walking

Finally, a pair of jeans that fit!

Allie has never had a pair of jeans that fit her. They are always too small for her cute thighs and adorable waist! She has finally found a pair that fit comfortably, without cutting off circulation when she sits down!! They used to be Ava's and they are a size 2T:-)

The next Bobby Fischer?

So Mike has been teaching Ava Chess. We both enjoy playing it. I'm not sure who's better. We should start keeping track of who wins more often. Ava is doing pretty good with it. Actually the other day she even referred to the way chess pieces move, so she's soaking some of it in. Mike was telling her how he had to snap the wood floor together at an angle and Ava said "just like a Bishop." We were pretty impressed. Here's some pictures of the two enjoying a game of Chess!

A Sweet Deal!

My friend Laura has inspired me to start using coupons. She is amazing! She gets so much stuff free and always gets a bargain. I don't think I'll ever be as good as her but I was very proud of myself for the deal I got today. All this on the table would be $66 (pre-sale price). I got it all for $5.30 by using five coupons. How sweet is that!! Thank you Laura for the encouragement and the knowledge:-)

More birthday fun!

I'm free (three)

Birthday fun!

This morning we went to the play place (of course) with Ava's cousins Everet and Anika. Grandma and Tara came along too! Ava had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday with her two best friends!!

Happy Birthday Ava!!

Three years ago today I was in the hospital holding my precious new Ava! She was born January 20, 2006 at 1:52 pm. She has been so much fun these past three years. She is so sweet and so smart. We just love her! Yesterday she had her 3 year check-up. She weighs 31 lbs (50%) and is 36 1/4 inches (25%). I feel like I have known her longer than three years and at the same time, it seems she was a newborn yesterday! Thank you God for this precious gift you have given us. (Below are many of my favorite pictures of Ava!)

Walking Like a Pro...with help!

Kids say the darndest things!

So we had some friends over for dinner tonight. They both have boys. Before they were getting ready to leave, they were changing their boys' diapers. Ava nonchalantly walks over, looks at their "parts" and says "I don't like pee pees" and walks away. So sweet and innocent!

Getting closer!!

On Friday I ran up to Meijer to pick up some things and before I left I asked Mike if he would clean up the house a little. Being the wonderful husband that he is, he gladly said yes. So Ava and I made our trek in the snow up to Meijer and Allie and daddy stayed home to pick up the house a bit! When I walked in the door after our trip, the house looked the exact same as it did when I left. So I gave Mike the "look" that women give and he says to me "I know but look at all we accomplished while you were gone...."

Daddy/daughter time is way more important that a clean house!!

More play place fun!

This time at Jeepers in Great Lakes Crossing. I had no idea there was a free play area in there. I don't think many people do because I'm sure there would be a lot more people in there, rather than out in the food court play place. As it was, on this day, it was just Laura, the kids, and I, and a sweet play place all to ourselves!!

Play Place!!!

Sorry, these aren't the greatest pictures! I took them with my phone at the mall. Ava LOVES any kind of play area where she can run around and climb on things. I think Jackson and Allie enjoy it just as much!!

Girls just wanna have fun!

Ava, Allie and Maya really enjoy playing in this tent!

Mmmm Cake!

This is Allie's very first experience with cake. Do you think she likes it!?

Happy New Year!!

It's crazy that another year has flown by! We had a good night on New Year's Eve. We went with our good friend Jessica to her friend's beautiful house. They had a formal party with ballroom dancing lessons. We didn't stay for the lessons. Our girls were at Jeff and Tara's house with my cousin Angie and her family and my brother Brian. We stayed there till after midnight playing mafia!

Happy Birthday Allie!

Birthday fun!

We had a small birthday party with family and a couple friends for Allie's first birthday. I think Allie really enjoyed eating cake and getting some fun toys! Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts everyone gave!

What a year!

One year ago today our precious Allie came into this world. Allie was born at 8:25 PM on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Today she is one year old. It's crazy how fast time flies. Here's the first year of Allie's life, month by month.





Newborn



1 week old



2 months


3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year