Jasper's swimming lessons

Jasper started swimming lessons Feb. 4. These are the real deal at the Altoona Campus - not an parent/child swim class. They're already talking about doing the 'ice cream scoop' as they try to swim, and it's the first time that Jasper's been in the water without Natalie or I. He didn't have a fantastic time during his first lesson, but he already said he's pumped to go back, so I'm sure he'll have a great time from now on.

Candyland party

Jasper and I went to a Candyland party Jan. 26 at the Pleasant Hill Library. I had to take some photos for work, too, so I only got a few on my phone - here's Jasper coloring a fun picture. We also played the game Candyland and ate lots of snacks!

Avery Getting Bigger

Avery is a becoming a big help around the house these days. Here she is helping with the dishwasher...she's got the right idea, just the wrong product :) She also likes helping with laundry and taking clothes from the laundry room into the bedroom that we tell her to. She's really starting to come into her own person - her and brother are having more laughs together than hair pulling sessions (hair pulling by Avery not Jman) these days, and she is starting to have more conversations with us. Popular words are: Bubba, "uh-uh" (which usually means yes), Wormer (Grams and Gramps dog), dadda, momma, and "ruff-ruff." She did say "Melissa" for Aunt Melissa pretty clear one day and has also said "brother" pretty clear a couple times. She is a great eater, loves putting on her black boots that were hand-me-downs from Claire and Ava Norem, but also loves to take off her boots and her socks when daddy is driving them to daycare in the morning. She also likes to get into the bathroom cabinets, put on lotion, and comb her hair. She is starting to get into feeding and walking her baby dolls, but still loves a good Ninja turtle or lego-building playing session with brother.

Making Valentine's Day Cookies

We made some early valentine day cookies and Jman even made some 'cement' out of flour and water, during the process - can we say 'boy!' Avery was our taste-tester :) Daddy was working that night but came home to lots of sprinkles and flour..oh, and some cookies, too :)

Gingerbread Houses!

Daddy and Jman had the idea to make gingerbread houses one sunday afternoon - it was so much fun!

Happy New Years 2013

Here are a couple shots from our New Years Celebration :) This was the first day of my treatments for Wegeners (6 hour infusion) so Adam and the kiddos got Applebees curb-side, a couple movies, some party hats, and some snacks. While I slept for the majority of the night, they played Wii, hung out and had a nice relaxing time. Unfortunately, by the time we got photos, Miss Avery was already in bed and I had just woken up.

Adam and I were both awake at midnight to wish each other a Happy New Years! Even though it is very easy for me to get pretty down about what has happened to my health these past few months and what lies ahead, each moment with our family is one that I treasure. Even though this holiday season wasn't quite what we were thinking it would be, it was still full of many, many blessings,wonderful and amazing family and friends, love, and support that I am so truly thankful for!

Even Superheroes Need Rest

Yes, even crime fighting superheroes like Iron Man need their rest, even if it means falling asleep on mommy's chest on a Sunday night right before dinner. I loved it!