Library Group

Since it's been so cold and snowy outside, Isabella has really gotten cabin fever.  I've been trying to find fun and cheap things for us to do so she's not so bored all the time.  About a month ago, we started going to the library.  That's how we found out about a Winter reading program for toddlers and the best part, it was free to anyone that had a library card.  I couldn't wait to sign Bella up.  It's once a week, for six weeks, and it gets her around other kids her age.

Last Wednesday was our first day.  Bella wasn't sure what to think.  She just stood there and stared at the other kids (there's only a total of 6 including her) trying to take in everything that was going on.  She didn't want to wear her name tag, and when it came to doing ring-around-the-rosey, she wasn't holding anyone's hand but mommy's.  She did enjoy the stories that were read.  Ms. Marie picked out some book that allowed the kids to feel things on the pages and lift flaps.  Those our Isabella's favorite books!! 

This week however was a different story.  We got there early so Bella could check out some new books to bring home and read.  Then she put her name tag on first thing.  When it was time to start, she walked right in and sat down on the carpet.  She still wasn't sure about the singing at first but she loved all the stories again.  This time when we did ring-around-the-rosey, she grabbed the other mommy's hand that was next to her and she actually jumped up and down, spun around, and fell down today.  She was also getting into Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes until she caught mommy peeking at her, then she was done.  All in all, today was a much better day!!  I think as the weeks go on, she is going to like it more and more.  There is even one in the Spring that we are planning on attending too.

We also checked out some Valentine craft books today, so be on the look out for some pictures of the wonderful crafts we are going to make in the next few weeks.  Bella has found a love for scissors and glue, so craft time is something she loves to do now!!

Until next time...

Snowtime Fun

Yesterday it finally warmed up a little bit so we decided to head outside and play in the snow.  We got all bundled up and got down the sled.  As we started to walk in the snow, Bella started to freak!  She wanted someone to hold her.  We attempted to get on the sled and have Jason pull us, but the whole time she kept saying, "Mommy get up, mommy get up!"  She wasn't having any of it.  She was ok with watching daddy and nanny go down our "hill" on the sled but when I tried to take her down, it was the last straw.  She had a breakdown which meant it was time to go in.  I think we spent more time getting ready to go outside than what we were outside.

I'm really just hoping she was getting cranky because it was almost naptime and that we can try again soon and she will love it.  I can't wait til it warms up because she definatetly needs some fresh air and some space to run and burn off energy!!

Until next time...

Welcome to the Club

On Sunday morning, we went to church and then afterwards went to my parents for lunch.  On our way home, I looked over at Jason and all I could say was "Oh my Gosh!!"  Right there, above his right ear was a gray hair!!   As I inspected a little more, I found another.  I have found gray hairs on my head for at least the last six months (I'm definately due for a dye job)  But this was a shocker!!  Jason has never found a gray hair.  All he could say was "Pull it out, pull it out."  I couldn't help but laugh!  And with a little fist bump I replied "Welcome to the club!"

A message worth sharing...

For months now, I have been getting daily devotionals from a website title http://www.wisdomhunters.com/.  They have great messages, related readings (I love these because you click on them and the Bible verse just pops up), and the best part, they are FREE!!  Right now though, if you go to the website you can download a free e-book called Wisdom from Love.  It's devotions for the entire month of February.  I just wanted to share this with everyone!!  Enjoy!!

If anyone can't get it to download, let me know.  I have my copy saved and I would be happy to print it off for you.

Until next time...

A Diva in the Making

I have a feeling that Bella is going to be one of those girls that LOVES makeup!!  She loves to watch me put my makeup on in the mornings.  She takes the lid for my foundation, puts her finger in it, and smears the makeup all over her face.  I even have to pretend to put powder and blush on her!  Well, a few months ago, I had bought her some Barbie chapstick that we had marked down at work.  She loves to put stuff on her lips.  I don't let her use it too often but last night she got a hold of it and this is what happened...

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw her face and hollered for her daddy to come upstairs to see her!!  I think we're going to be in big trouble when she is 16 :)

Until next time...

Lilly Anne Margaret

Meet our beautiful new niece, Lilly Anne Margaret Longanecker.  She was born on December 28, 2010 at 3:03 am.  We actually didn't get to meet her until last week.  The week she was born, our family all had the flu and we didn't want to spread it to the baby or the new mommy and daddy.  She is absolutely adorable.  I couldn't believe how close in length and weight she was to Bella when Bella was born..  As I was holding her, I couldn't remember Bella being that little!!   They grow so fast and time sure does go by too quickly!!

A little belated Christmas present...

For those that have ever been in my kitchen, you have probably seen my pots and pans.  I've never had anything fancy or special, always the cheap ones.  The ones I have now, I actually got them on clearance for $2.50!!  The nonstick coating is scratching off and the handles are loose.  I've really been hoping for a new cookware set for awhile.  But if you know Jason, you know he doesn't like to spend money...until today!  I found a cookware set online at Kohls.  I don't know if it was that fact that they were $170 pans marked down to $85 or that he finally realized we needed new ones, but he actually got them for me!!  Now I just have to wait for them to be shipped, sometime between the 13th and 25th!  I can't wait and I wanted to share my joy with all of you.  You can check out the ones I'm getting:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchendining/cookware/cookwaresets/PRD~317451/Farberware+Millennium+12pc+Stainless+Steel+Cookware+Set.jsp

Hmmm...now what to will the first meal I cook in them be??

Until next time...

Sunny Days....Sweeping the Clouds Away

Sesame Street Live made it's way to South Bend, so I got tickets to take Bella to the matinee showing this morning.  We had a lot of fun!!  The show was great, very entertaining for both parents and the little ones.  Bella loved all the singing and dancing, and she LOVED seeing Elmo!!  Here's some photos of our fun:

Had such a great day with my girl and my mom today!!  Until next year...