Reflections and maybe a little bragging

I love being IJ's mommy! He is teaching me new lessons everyday! My new lesson is exploring every little thing, taking the time to see every little detail outside. To the blade of grass, to dandeloins, to each pinecone he points out and goes to look at. IJ takes so much time to look everything over. This may be his stage of childhood he is in, but God is definitely using it to teach me. IJ is also such a joy to be around everyday. He brings much joy to everyone he encounters. God uses IJ to brighten people's day. I love that he does that naturally and God breathes it through him. I am grateful to this little bundle of joy!

Elmo Arrived

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jan sent IJ a special delivery!A four foot Elmo! IJ was so delited to recieve him in the mail and have a new found friend. You can see IJ giving Elmos kisses! Like every young toddler, IJ absolutely adores Elmo. IJ has given him a special name "La La". Elmo must eat every meal with us and come almost everywhere. We also must say good-bye to Elmo every time we leave or take a nap or go sleepies. He loves his new friend! He is truly enjoying this thoughtful gift! Thank you guys!

Yummy, yummy whip cream

IJ discovered whip cream this month and truly enjoyed exploring this creamy goodie. He got it all over his hands and face. He had a really good time with this! It was so fun to watch. This is a modest picture.

Another Neighbor Friend

IJ has a couple of neighbor friends, this is S. Here they are enjoying some ritz crackers. This is now like chocolate to IJ, he absolutely loves them and could eat a whole package if we let him. These guys love playing with each other. They enjoy playing peek-a-boo, reading books, and playing with trucks. They also love chasing each other around the house. He is truly a buddy. We are so happy to have met him!

Cowboy

IJ absolutely loves riding on his rocking horse. We were able to borrow it from a friend, and you always love toy swapping. IJ rides on it at least twice a day! Giddyup Horse!

Ripping Away!

IJ caught on to the opening of gifts and ripping the paper off the gifts this year. At first it was so cute, he was sad the pretty paper he had been looking at for weeks was being ruined by us ripping it, but then he learned! There was toys and gifts underneath and then he went tearing away for quiet awhile. It was fun to see the lightbulb go off in his head. He had a great time at Christmas.

Sweeping

This is IJ's new past time. He begs for the broom everytime it is out and we are sweeping. He is proud that he can hold the broom all by himself. He is such the little helper!

Ian and Elizabeth Douglas

Ian and Elizabeth our dear friends came down from Los Angeles to join in our New Year fun! We went and saw the Zoo Christmas lights, they were not what we thought they would be. We were disappointed, but did have fun with our company. We ate so much food to make our belt buckles bust! We played many a game Kuduuk, Monopoly which Elizabeth wiped us all out, Yahtzee which Ian wiped us all out, and Scrabble which Ian wiped us all out again. We let our guests always win........( Just kidding, everything was a fair win). We had did have lots of laughs, talking, and lounging around and watching the Law and Order Marathon and many a movie. We had a great time and so glad they were able to come and join us in the fun. I hope we did not send them home too stuffed. Thanks for coming guys!

My Friend Aki

Isaiah has a new friend out of many in the neighboorhood. Aki is the newest and Isaiah and him have fun sharing books, motorcycles and cars. Aki is much older than Isaiah, but they sure have many hobbies and likes in common! This Christmas and New Year we were lucky to have him and his family over for dinner! We did have a fun time with him and his family. We do many playdates with Aki, because he is so close and we enjoy each other so much. We dearly cherish our new found friends.