Snowy Valentines

The snow was so beautiful last week! Here are some pictures of the event and some pictures of a few very sweet Valentines.

From our front door...

The neighbor's tree...
Our house...

Our street...

Our street...

Our house...

The boys in the snow :)

Little Nathan...

Luke...

Daddy and Luke working hard...

From my two little Valentines...Jeff gave each of them a flower and sent them in to give them to me. It was really sweet to see them walking toward me with the flowers and Luke with the card too. It got really funny when neither one of them wanted to give up the flower :)

A yummy cake and chocolate from Jeff. I crave cake even when I'm not pregnant and it's even worse when I am. So, Jeff was very sweet and got one for me for Valentine's Day. It's been SO good!

And flowers too!

It's been a great Valentine's Day with my boys!

February, so far...

So, what's been going on in February? My job at UNT ended a month sooner than expected. I'm still teaching two online courses but not traveling to Denton any more. I've realized that I really like working part time and miss it. I'm not sure of all the details but there was something about since I am a graduate student and was technically working two part time jobs, resulting in 100% employment with UNT, that was not allowed so I had to stop working in the lab (since I could not stop teaching). I have been able to get a lot of stuff for Eli done but I miss the work in the lab. There is still no word from my professor about my paper so I've had some time off from that. The boys are doing great and growing fast. Nathan is adding more words every week and understanding so much. He amazes me some times. He's such a loving and cuddling boy and I treasure the hugs. On the other hand, Luke is constantly moving. He has begun to sit and listen to longer and longer books (Thomas books of course). There is one in particular he likes that is about 20 minutes long. I am amazed he will sit for it, but he will and I love the time to have him close to me. He's started potty training and it's slow going but we are persisting. Jeff's business appears to be picking up some, so that is good. Other than that, not much is going on around here. Two weeks from tomorrow Eli will join us. Can time move slow and fast simultaneously?

Luke's first ride on his "bike" using the pedals. I can't remember why we were not outside doing this...

He picked up a passenger...
Playing in the tent and tunnel Uncle David and Aunt Stacy gave us for Christmas...

Luke wanted all the animals from his bed plus two blankets, "cover me Mommy" he says...

If Nathan sees the camera, he wants a "cheese..."

A book too Mommy...(a Thomas book)

"Sleeping"

Well, before nap time is over, I'm headed out to take some pictures of this crazy snow! It began before we woke up and it's still snowing!

January Highlights

It's hard to believe January is almost gone! It has really flown by. When I was teaching, January always seemed to go by so slowly and was probably my least favorite month. But, the last two or three months have really moved fast. For most of the past few months I feel like I have been in a sort of tunnel with trying to get my dissertation finished in time to graduate in May. My family has been really great and supportive and I could not have made it this far with out them (I'll try not to cry here!). I told Jeff that I have been extra emotional during this pregnancy (like I had to tell him) and this must be what it is like to be a "real" girl all the time! The jury is still out as to whether I will make the deadlines for May graduation. I turned in my "finished" paper to my professor yesterday so it will depend on how fast he can edit it, me make the corrections, get it back to him, more corrections, then to the committee (by March 15) and defended by the first few days of April and to the graduate school by April 9th. It will be really tight but maybe...I'll just praise the Lord for favor and leave it at that. In the meantime, life has gone on around here as usual. Here are a few pictures.

Spaghetti and Pudding Dinner

I put this one in because in this picture, (to me) Luke looks so much like his Uncle Jake.

Me and Jeff on New Year's Eve (I think I look like my Aunt Wanza in this one)

That's about it for January. I'll try to come out of my fog before Eli gets here and post again. The c-section is scheduled for February 26 (at 7:30 AM!). I went to the doctor today and she said he seemed big but that's what they said about the other boys and they were a very average 7 pounds, 13.5 ounces. Only time will tell I guess. Or, it could be the 40 pounds I have gained with this one...I guess I'll be "visiting" South Beach soon!

New Year's Eve Fun

This is just a little video of some fun we were having on New Year's Eve. The giant grey mountain Nathan is playing behind at the end is my 8th month belly (AKA Eli).

New Year's Eve

We had a great New Year's Eve. We took the boys to Northpark Mall for the train exhibition. Both boys loved the trains! It was really neat to see them running around to the different exhibits, checking everything out. Luke especially loved to see Thomas and James! Afterward, we went out to eat at Tin Star. Luke is transitioning from a high chair to sitting in the booth with us. It's really amazing to see him changing from a baby, into a little boy. Of course, once again, I did not bring the camera. So, when we got home and got ready for bed, I was sure to get out the camera for some New Year's Eve pictures!

My little Ham!

Stopped almost long enough for a picture!
Settling down with Daddy.

Got one with Luke (it was not easy!).

Nathan was much more agreeable!

Not great, but they are in the same frame, at least!

A Treat

Jeff does not usually get home until after 6:30 so last night we were excited to see him drive up at 5:30. It was great to have him home and the boys took full advantage!

These are from earlier in the day. Nathan loves to have his picture taken, can you tell?

Overdue

Wow, it's been quite a while since I last posted. A lot has happened over the last couple of months. We've been busy so I guess that is why I have not posted. We've had holidays, visits from family and even a few short trips. Unfortunately, for most of it, I did not get out the camera. I do have a few random pictures I will share.

Our house, after the Christmas Eve snow.

Playing on Christmas Day.
With Papaw during his December visit.

Just a cute one of Nathan.

2009 Picture with Santa (Nathan stopped screaming long enough to get this one).