Thanks!

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the loving thoughts many of you have sent my way the last few weeks. I am in awe of the amount of cards, texts, emails, and phone calls I've received! Many of you know me well enough to know I don't talk about myself tons and it is very difficult for me to express myself when I'm sad. Sorry I haven't responded to anyone, I've just needed time. I'm doing okay now, I'll be back soon. I'll leave you with a quote that I've found peace in.

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars."

-Og Mandino

Silence

This blog will be silent for awhile. Too much pain and heartache, not enough strength. I'd appreciate any prayers you send my way.

Best Buds

In a Christmas post I introduced Madelyn's new best bud, Snowflake. They are quite the site, totally inseparatable, and quite cute. Several months before Christmas we were watching tv and Madelyn saw a commercial for a dog that barks, walks, and has an adorable pink collar. She instantly began begging for the dog and after a little consideration Matt and I thought it would be perfect. We were hoping this would give our real animals a break for once, at least it was worth a shot so we bought it. The dog was actually named Snowflake before Christmas. Yep, that's right, our girl had lots of confidence that Santa would bring her the white fur ball so she picked out the name weeks before Christmas. Honestly, I think I was more excited to give her this gift than anything else. And the moment was priceless, she was a vision of toddler excitement! Snowflake and Madelyn are bffs. They spend a lot of time together, walking about the house with the pretty pink collar and leash. Snowflake is impressive, she barks and whines when you stop giving her attention. And she manages to get into trouble when Madelyn becomes annoyed that she won't be quiet. I know, I know, I am talking about a battery operated dog!!

Aren't they cute!

Don't you just love the hat! (I'm sure our real dog Fenway is thanking me over and over everyday!)

Addicted

Let me introduce you to our new ADDICTION:

(drum roll please)

OUR KEURIG COFFEE BREWER!!

I had seen these little jewels on tv before Thanksgiving and honestly I thought, that is super pricey and I bet the little coffee cups are pricey too and since Matt makes several cups of coffee every evening it wouldn't be able to keep up with us. But now I am totally ADDICTED to this brewer. I love, love it! Matt's folks got it for us for Christmas along with several of the accessories.Yes, the little K cups add up in price but they are delicious and ours came with a 4 free boxes, a voucher for 2 more free boxes, and when you register you brewer you get 2 more free! We love Newmans' special blend, Mudslide and Butter Toffee by Gloria Jean, Breakfast Blend by Green Mountain, The Donut Shop Extra Bold, and several others. We also use the little insert where you can make coffee using regular coffee grounds and love it. This machine makes HOT coffee and it makes it fast - in under 40 seconds!! So if your looking for a new coffee brewer, look no farther!

Not Ready For This!!!

We had spaghetti early this week for dinner and here is the conversation that happened before dinner all because I asked a little three year old girl to take her shirt off to eat dinner. (I hate trying to get out red sauce stains!)

Me: "Before dinner please take your shirt off so that you don't spill spaghetti sauce on it."

Madelyn: "But Mom, Daddy will see me with my shirt off then."

Me: "It's okay if Daddy sees you, he gets you dressed and gives you a bath."

Madelyn: "Alright"

FIVE MINUTES LATER

Madelyn: "Mom, when will my boo boos grow?

Me: "What"

Madelyn: "When will my boo boos grow big like yours?

Me: (scrambling for the correct answer to tell a three year old) "Not today"


Oh my how I wasn't ready for this question, or any other in it's nature!! This girl loves all things girlie! She loves my make up, pretty sweaters, jewelry, and yes, even my underwear. She comments on which are the prettiest and why. So I shouldn't be suprised by this conversation and I know it is just the first of many! I will strive to be honest and open with her. And I was.

Snow Day!

In honor of our recent snow days and maybe, possibly another snow day tomorrow here are some snapshots of us out playing around in the snow last week! YEAH!

Oh how this dog loves cold weather! She romps and roots around then blazes across the yard full speed ahead. It is quite a sight.

We decided to clear off the the playset and go for it. We swang and went down the slide. At one point Madelyn went down head first and face planted into the snow. She loved every minute of it.

Snowball fight!

I'm gonna get you!

The entire purpose of going outside was really to sweep off the deck so the dog could go out. Mommy did most of the sweeping and this is how Madelyn helped in the snow removal. Isn't she helpful in her own way.

I love this picture because both girl and dog are enjoying the fresh, powdery, white stuff.

And then there was an added day off for us because Madelyn spiked a high fever one evening. She had no symptoms of anything, no running nose or cough. She went down for nap normal and woke up miserable. Mommy to the rescue. We hunkered (yes, I said hunkered) down in her dark room with a flashlight illuminating different shapes and numbers to practice. Then we spelled out family names on the ceiling. And when we were finished we put the flashlights under our chins and made silly faces at each other. With our girl growing up so fast, it's these moments that I cherish. A time to cuddle and use our imaginations. It's was priceless, even if she wasn't feeling well!

What's in that little blue Tiffany's Box??!!!

Oh, just my little ponies, and I don't mean My, my little ponies. Matt got me a Tiffany's bracelet a year ago and you know who latched onto the little blue box immediately, you know, for all her worldly treasures.

Geez, what kids don't find fun in boxes, especially pretty ones.