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.

The Cows

For some reason, beyond my comprehension, my city girls are in LOVE with these cows. My girls who squeal in fear at the sight of nearly any animal, and at 4 and 6 years old still demand to be held when in the presence of a dog can't get enough of the cows. Whatever the weather, they are always up for a trip to the farm to feed the cows and have a ride in the back of the truck.

As you can see they are giddy with excitement as they spend some time getting in touch with their inner cowgirl.

Christmas in Missouri

It's amazing how much you take for granted spending holidays with your family, until you think you may not be able to. We were supposed to head home Christmas day, and due to the Oklahoma blizzard, there was no way we were going to make it out. I have to admit I was a little bummed. We had a great time with our own little family, but I've never not been with everyone all together at least once during the season, and with everyone's extended family plans, I was beginning to think they were going to have Christmas without us. By Saturday afternoon, the roads seemed to be a little better, so we decided to go for it. We made it without too much of a delay, and I don't think I've ever been happier to be home for Christmas!
We started out with Christmas at Grandma Del's. It was great to see everyone, and the girls all had a great time playing together. They are always so excited to see each other.

Then we headed to Grammy Tammy and Papas for some more Christmas fun. Everyone was ready to slip into their pj's, and they all conveniently had matching ones! They had a great time tearing into more presents, but most of all, enjoying the time we all got to spend together.

Sunday morning, we were all exhausted from a very busy and late night, but we managed to get a few pics before church, and even one with all four grandchildren looking at the camera with Grammy Tammy and Papa.

I hope if you traveled for the holidays or had family traveling to you that everyone made it safely to their destination.

P.S. Please excuse the excess number of picture collages. I just have too many photos to post, and I didn't want to upload them individually.

Santa Claus Came to Town

We had a great Christmas morning, and the girls had a swell time playing with their new toys. They will get a little extra time to hang around due to the recent blizzard that is keeping us at home today rather than taking our scheduled trip to Missouri. I did a horrible job photgraphing the morning because for one it was 6:00AM, and for another, Lincoln wasn't on his best behavior. You'll notice he's not in any of the pics, it's not because I'm a horrible mother that forgot she had a third child. He was a little fussy, and before the festivities were over, he headed back to bed. I'll have to post some of him with his presents a little later.

From Our Family To Yours...

You may or may not have received this card in the mail this year due to my complete incompetence to adequately send out cards to all our family and friends in a timely manner. I may not have had your address in time, I may have forgotten the stamp, it may still be in my drawer with your name on it b/c it somehow it slipped through the cracks. Please know that it wasn't intentional, and that we wish you all the Merriest of Christmases. I hope your holidays are filled with love and laughter and many memories with the ones you love.

We're having a lovely Christmas Eve so far this year, and hope that the weather doesn't get any worse so we can travel to Missouri tomorrow. We had pizza for dinner again this year, and then opened a few presents. The girls exchanged the ones they bought for each other, Kevin and I exchanged gifts, and then we gave the girls their gifts from us. They are beyond excited, and have been off the walls all day long. We don't want to leave Lincoln out of the action, but I'm not sure he's super thrilled about Christmas this year.

The Gumball Machine was a hit, I think they liked it!

Opening another one of their family gifts.

Spending a few minutes enduring the snow storm that headed our way.

Sitting out cookies and milk out for Santa, and a few mini carrots for the reindeer. Skylar has been ready for bed since 6:00PM. She keeps saying if we don't get to bed Santa won't ever come. She also made sure the living room was all cleaned up from our present opening hiatus so Santa wouldn't think he'd already been there.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The last few days and weeks have been rather busy for us as I am sure they have been for you as well. Most of the time, I'm so caught up in the craziness of everything going on that I don't take time to enjoy all of the wonderful things about this time of year. This year has seemed a little more hectic than usual, but now that the season begins to wind down, and I feel I can begin to relax, I'm becoming more appreciative of all joys this season brings. We've been able to enjoy a few of our favorite holiday activities over the last few days, and are all ecstatic that Lincoln is here to join us this year! We went to see the Rhema lights after church this evening. The weather was beautiful, and the kids loved meandering around taking in the beauty of all the lights.

This is a collage of yet another brief photo session in front of the Christmas tree which has become nearly mandatory each time we get dressed throughout the holiday season.

We've also been doing a little bit of our traditional holiday baking, one of my favorite things to do with the girls every year.