9 years...

It doesn't seem like that long when I first think about it, but then I think of all the things we have done in those 9 years I am sorta surprised that it has not been longer.

We have had a good 9 years, and have added our 2 crazy little boys to join in on our adventure.  Most of the time they make it an adventure, but it makes things exciting. 

When I was thinking of what we could do for the "celebrations" I was flipping through a magazine when I came across a recipe for a BLT Hot dog.  At first I continued to rush through the magazine before a certain little one decided that paper sounded like a nice treat.  And then I started to think about Matt and his love for hot dogs, and his constant struggle with my strong dislike for hot dogs.  It's been a long battle and I still refuse to eat them on most occasions no matter how you dress them up.  I sorta smirked as a thought of this and then BAM! I knew what I was going to make him for dinner.  Hot dogs.  I know, it's not the traditional celebratory meal.  In fact I think this might be the first time I have ever had hot dogs on my weekly menu.  But I figured having a good marriage is all about compromises, right?  Hot dogs it was going to be.

Matt made breakfast for us in the morning and made some delicious french muffins.  They were excellent.  And he let me sleep in so that was "so, totally AWESOME!".

The weekend before, we decided we wanted a night out without our kids.  I didn't want to do the usual dinner and a movie.  To be honest, I probably would have fallen asleep during the movie so we decided to go to dinner then go Ice Skating and then have a little race around the go kart track.  It was so much fun hanging out with Matt that night.  I felt like we were dating again.  Matt was being the typical goof ball on the rink. Pretending he was some Olympic figure skater, while I carefully let go of the side and slowly glided along.  We raced on the go karts as fast as we could, ignoring the signs "no bumping" and enjoyed some good laughs.  It reminded me of why I married Matt.  Because he makes me laugh and helps me enjoy life.

Strawberry rhubarb is Matt's favorite!

Preston waited all day to eat this pie.  He took one bite and decided it wasn't for him.

Love you Matt!

The white stuff

It finally happened! Snow came to Arkansas- not on Christmas but closely after. The boys were excited and wanted to go outside immediately. Preston had a list of things he wanted to do as soon as he saw that white stuff falling from the sky. He wanted to make snowballs to throw at dad, catch snowflakes on his tongue and make a snowman. Porter didn't have a list but he was desperate to do whatever brother was doing, but mean old mom wasn't letting Mr. Sicky go outside. Preston, on the other hand, had gathered all he could find as far as cold weather gear goes and was ready to go outside. I opened the door, he felt the chilly air and looked at me with a very concerned look and said, "it's too cold out there!" To that I replied "that's how you get snow!" And Pushed him out the door. He liked it once he was out there especially when daddy came home and announced it was snowman making time.

I would like to introduce you to Jolly Rogers - our newest addition to the family.
* update: due to warming temps Jolly rogers is no longer with us. He was a delightful, happy snowman that was able to give so much joy to everyone he encountered. May you rest in peace Sir Jolly Rogers.

Catching snowflakes on his tongue

Guarding the snowman supplies Blackberries, a baby carrot, and a small zucchini.

Throwing snow balls at daddy

building a snowman

The "Little Man" is ONE!

I think to myself, I can't believe my baby is one, because honestly sometimes I feel like he is 2 or maybe 3.  The time did go fast, faster than I would have liked.  My little baby that I held in my arms for the first time a year ago is now a walking, babbling, climbing Little Man.  He started crawling and walking before I ever wanted him to.  He held his own bottle at about 3 months.  What baby does this?  He grew so fast and is such a little boy rather than my little baby.  He wants to keep up with his brother so badly that he flew right through those precious mommy- baby snuggle moments way faster than I would have liked.  He runs, he prefers walking over being carried and he wants to sit at the table like a big boy.  He is a 1 year old in a 2 year old body.

I love my little man.  He is a happy, curious little boy that loves to chase me around and see what I am doing.  And absolutely loves to watch me cook.  We are all smitten with this boy and we are so thrilled that his happy little self is in our family.

We love you Porter!



Porter Age 1
*8 teeth
* says mamama and dadada
* climbs on everything
* opens every drawer and cabinet and takes everything out of it
* puts everything in his mouth
* does everything with a big grin on his face and that grin lets him get away with almost anything. Little     stinker
* Loves his daddy I think the most, but I come in a close second



It was a little sad that for his first birthday he was sick with a cold, fever, and pink eye.  Poor little guy is a trooper though.  We were all sick for the celebrations.  But we all put on our bow ties and celebrated this little man's birthday.  Preston helped with the cake decorating for this yummy Chocolate Fudge coconut cake with coconut cream frosting. Porter loved his cake and ate the entire slice that we gave him.

Happy Birthday Little Man!