Why I Love My Husband...

and my Flip video! If you have to wipe down the counter tops, you might as well make the most of it!

Saturday in the Snow

Well, the snow was a little too fine for us to make a snowman, so we opted for a snow hike instead. By hike, I mean a walk through the empty lots across from our house. Although Londyn must have thought we were climbing Mt. Everest. At about this point, she panics a little and says "Oh no, mom, where is our house!" (our house is the one in the background) I guess when you're treading through the snow, reality slips away. This has been a great weekend, a much need break from the usual routine. We've managed to relax, play games, enjoy the snow, clean the house, and tonight Kevin and I will be enjoying a date night! And, we even have one day left!

What Not To Wear

I think she does this just to torment me. However, I just wish I could put on something so ridiculous and still look so cute:)

Free Day

Today was pretty much a free for all around the Lawrence house. I don't think any of us got out of our pajamas, or even brushed our teeth for that matter. It was pretty much the laziest day imaginable, but I can't say that I didn't enjoy it just a little. The girls decided on their own they were going to head outside to enjoy the snow. That didn't last long, but they did have time to make a quick snow angel, and they have plans for a snowman tomorrow.

Lincoln enjoyed staying home today too, he skipped the playing outside part of the day, but had plenty of fun just hanging around the house.

This is Lincoln saying "Mommy, you are so funny, and I love you so much!"

We ended the evening with a family game night. It was some tough competition, but Londyn ended up being the winner of the evening. After 2 rounds each of Pick Up Sticks, Chutes and Ladders, Memory, and Wii Bowling, Londyn led at the end with 4 wins. Unfortunately, Skylar didn't win any games tonight, but at least she handled it fairly well. Although, she did spend a moment in prayer requesting that she win at least one game. Overall, it was a relaxing day, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend!

I Had No Idea...

That you could make peanut butter cookies with only 3 ingredients! For some reason, when I think about being snowed in, my craving for sweets drastically increases. After dinner tonight, I was desperate for something sweet, but didn't want to spend a lot of time baking. I ran across a this recipe...

1 cup of sugar
1 cup of peanut butter
1 egg

Beat together all ingredients, roll into one inch balls, and press with a fork. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Makes two dozen

Weight Watchers -2 points each

Keep Out...

We're Praying! So, Londyn got some ICarly Valentine's, and inside the box there was a poster. The girls took the poster out, and wrote on it "Don't Come In, We're Praying" and taped it to their door. So, either they have a bit of a spiritual side, or they are just more devious in their plotting to keep the parents out. I mean, who's going to barge in on praying children. I asked Skylar if they prayed a lot, and she said, "Well, sometimes, the other day I prayed that Lincoln would stop crying."

For Pasta Lovers

I don't know about you, but I love about any kind of pasta. I recently got another 5 indgredient cookbook, and decided to cook a meal for the first time in I don't know when! I tried a pasta recipe that was quick, easy and delicious, so I thought I would share.

Spinach Ravioli Bake

2 cups spaghetti sauce

1 package (25 ounces) frozen italian sausage ravioli

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Place 1 cup spaghetti sauce in a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. top with half of the frozen ravioli, mozzarella cheese, spinach and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.

Bake at 350 degreees for 40-45 minutes or unitl heated through and cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Londyn finally turned 5 today! Our celebration was last weekend, so it was a long week in anticipation of her real birthday. She took cupcakes to school today to celebrate with her friends, but unfortunately she ended up coming home sick. By the time evening rolled around, she was feeling fine, so we went ahead and took her to Ted's for her birthday dinner. I don't have any great pictures, but I did manage to get Kevin to snap one of me and the birthday girl on our way out the door this morning. It's rotten having a January birthday around the Lawrence house, but I guess if I'm the only one disappointed I need to let it go. Anyway, this five year old is one of the sweetest around. She challenges me as a parent for sure, but has a very affectionate, loving and forgiving personality. You can always count on a hug and and an "I love you" from her about every five minutes. She loves playing games with her daddy, and she can't get enough of her little brother. She is always talking to him and playing with him. School isn't necessarily of interest to her other than it gives her an opportunity to see her friends. She loves everyone and everything, and is always excited about something! Happy Birthday, Londyn! We love you!

4 Months

Well, 4 months have come and gone, and Lincoln is still growing like crazy and getting more fun all of the time. Unfortunately, I haven't done a very good job of taking his photo personally or having his photos taken professionally. This is the best I have this month. But at 4 months, this guy has lots of new tricks and is happier than ever. At his last Dr.'s appoitnment, he weighed 13.5 lbs, and was in the 40%. I guess that's normal, but he seems huge to me. He rolled over a month or so ago, but now he rolls over like crazy, he can't be left alone anywhere. His sisters have him spoiled with constant entertainment, so he thinks someone should be in his face talking to him and playing with him during most waking hours. He's the only person in the house that loves listening to me talk regardless of what I'm saying. It doesn't take much to get a laugh out of him and he loves to coo and talk. He's definitely keeping us busy around here, but I can't say that any of us seem to mind much.

All Dressed Up...

RiDiCuLoUs! is all I have to say about this picture.

This is better....

So the girls had a friend come over for a Sunday play date a couple of weeks ago, and they entertained themselves for hours playing dress up and putting on shows for us. The trio above of course danced and sang, and below...

These costumes clearly were designed for a self-written and performed play that included a queen, a bee, and a Southern Belle. I'm sure you've heard of it!

More Missouri...

A little cousin rivalry over the pillow and Grammy Tammy's attention. No Lincoln did not push her off, I think he was the innocent bystander in this one. I'm sure that will all change in the coming months.

Uh-oh!

Londyn insisited on taking a picture with Lincoln before church Sunday morning.

Yet again, don't be fooled by this adorable face! This sweet guy is getting more spoiled by the minute. Sure, if you talk to him and play with him, he'll give you a cute flirtatious grin, but he's definitely decided he likes the attention,and if he's not getting it, he'll let you know.

Kesha's Baby Shower

Baby Malachi is supposed to arrive March 9, we can't wait!

Trent came up to help take home all the great gifts, and her family made him pose for a pic, so I snapped one too. He obliged nicely for them, but if I ever ask, he throws a fit. Congratulations Trent and Kesha! We can't wait to meet Malachi, and Lincoln couldn't be more excited to have a boy cousin to play with.

An Early Birthday!

So, I had this genius idea that since we were going to be in Missouri this past weekend for Kesha's baby shower, that to save everyone a trip, we would have Londyn's birthday party while we were there. I had also talked her out of a friend party this year. Not one of my best ideas, but she didn't seem to be affected by the time it was all said and done, so I guess it's all good. We were supposed to leave Friday night, we would have the party Saturday, and the shower on Sunday. Well, Friday, Skylar came down with strep, so there was no way she was going to make the trip. So, Lincoln, Londyn and I headed for MO Saturday morning. Londyn talked my ear off because she was so excited about her presents, but sad at the same time that she would be celebrating without her sister. Anyway, it's over and done, and here's the birthday girl on the day of her 5th Birthday celebration at Grammy Tammy and Papa's. She wanted a Hello Kitty birthday, so here she is sporting her Hello Kitty tee.

She also insisted that her cake just be a rectangle with Hello Kitty on it. She is apparently tired of my outlandish cake ideas that make us all crazy.

Me and my sweet birthday girl at the end of a very long day!

For all of you in attendance, Londyn talked all the way home about how much she loved her presents! Thanks!

More on Londyn's birthday next week when she actually turns 5:)

Knitted With Love

Kevin's mom made Lincoln this little sweater ensemble. I couldn't get a good pic that included the booties, so they're pictured individually below.

Thanks, Grandmommy!

Universal Studios

We had an extra day to fill while we were in California, so we headed to Universal Studios. I felt a little guilty seeing some of the girls' favorite characters, but I got over it rather quickly. I knew they were having a great time in MO without us. I love, love, love, being able to getaway and to just spend time hanging out doing fun things with Kevin. It was a great way to start the new year! Although, as we are now back to reality, I am more exhausted and behind that ever thanks to many early mornings, late nights, red-eye flights, long drives and a crying baby. It's all worth it though, right?

The girls in their 1/2 price Oregon Rose Bowl souvenir t-shirts, and even though they don't want to admit it, I'm going to go ahead and tell myself that they missed us just a little bit.

The Rose Bowl

We rang in the New Year this year with a little weekend getaway to California for the Rose Bowl thanks to Kevin's dad. Kevin is a pretty big Oregon fan, so I guess I'm a fan by marriage. But more than a football fan, I'm definitely a fan of getaways! We had a great time, even though Oregon lost, going to the parade and the game. Most of all, we enjoyed spending a couple of days childless, just hanging out. (Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping the kids for us!) This is us at the parade. I had a picture of almost every float, but I figured if you actually cared, you probably watched the parade it on t.v. You will however notice that I posted a picture of Jared the Subway guy, and Jackie Chan.

Kevin, his dad, his cousin Phil and I at the game. It was insanely crowded, but entertaining to watch all the people. I may have to write more about that later, there was never a dull moment, and we made a few "friends" while we were there.

Because He's So Darn Cute

He looks so cute and happy in these pics, but don't let him fool you. He's done his fair share of screaming in the last week or so, but who can stay upset with these bright eyes and giggly grins?!?!

The Year In Review

Seasons of change is the only phrase that runs through my head when I think of the year 2009! All changes have been for the better, but nonetheless it was still change, and with that comes many new transitions and adjustments made by all of us. We have been blessed beyond measure yet again, and I pray that we never forget that all things are from above. We started out the year by celebrating Londyn's fourth birthday, and on that very morning, January 25th, 2009, we found out we would be expecting baby #3. It was planned, maybe not so soon, but we were ready to complete our little family. My thinking on that had always been I don't want to look back in 10 years and say I wish we would have had another. I knew if we had another that I would never look back and say I wish we wouldn't have done that. Anyway, the rest of the winter and the beginning of spring are pretty much a blur as I spent most of that time sleeping or lightheaded. In April, Kevin entered his thirties and we celebrated with lots of good friends. In May, we decided to put our house on the market. We were in need of a little more room, and thought it was a good time to make the change. Silly me, I thought that we would put the house on the market, it would sell in a couple of months, and we would conveniently move while I was on summer break. Ha! Does anything ever go as planned? Of course not. During my favorite months of the year, the girls and I spent a lot of time poolside and visiting family in Missouri. In August, Kevin and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary, I went back to teaching started a new position, I turned the big 3-0, and both girls started school. Skylar started kindergarten at Arrowhead, and Londyn started Pre-K at Liberty. Both girls love school, Skylar loves the academics, and Londyn loves the social opportunities. We were iniciated to the importance of an early bedtime and the homework routine. We were also preparing for the newest addition to the Lawrence family. In September, we finally sold the house, Lincoln Jett arrived September 22, and Skylar celebrated her sixth birthday. It was a busy month to say the least. In October, Kevin started a new job at HoganTaylor and we moved into our new home. Kevin changed jobs in hopes of staying in Tulsa long term, and hopefully we won't be making any moves, across town or country for a very long time. Since then, we've attempted to get settled, celebrated holidays with friends and family, and just enjoyed being a family of five. My children never cease to amaze me as their personalities develop, and the love they have for each other makes me smile. Lincoln loves watching his older sisters, and they can't keep their hands off of him. I'm eager to see what 2010 has to offer, but most of all, I hope that I can treasure each and everyday that I have to spend with those I love! Happy New Year to you and yours. May you be showered with many blessings throughout the year.