Did I hear that correctly? Did he say snow?

Did the weatherman seriously just say that we may be getting snow and 6-10 inches at that? For once, he was right! Snow fell - and lots of it, for the South. We played, played and played some more and had so much fun. Dutch and DJ in particular.

It was nice to see it for a day or two, but then we were all ready to see it go - especially since it kept us at home and unable to drive most places. School was cancelled for the week, work was postponed until mid-week for most people and wewere BORED! And, if you recall from my last post, the boredom got Dutch into all kinds of trouble!

Here are a few pictures from our snow day(s).

Routine, please come back...

So, to say that I was glad that my kids (well, mainly Dutch) were back to their regular schedule of going to school each morning is such an understatement. While I was glad to be home with them, enjoying the snow and being lazy with them for the last 10 days or so, I was incredibly happy to send them off on Tuesday to Jade's house. I have been trying to get my house in order every since the holidays really and having them both home, it is nearly impossible to keep my house clean.

In the last two weeks, Dutch has managed to write all over my duvet cover with a red PERMANENT marker, he put the cat in the toilet yesterday - only to have it freak out and get water all over the walls and floor in an attempt to get out of the commode, he also put the cat in the bathtub with ME while I was in their relaxing one afternoon. Obviously, we all know cats hate water so he freaked out and placed his claws in my arms, legs, etc. It was a wonderful experience. I have now witnessed twice him in the laundry room sink, with the sink on and the sink hose OUT of the sink - either hosing down Bella or just this past Monday - Lane. Lane thought it was great, she was completely soaked and was playing in it as if nothing was wrong. I have to find some humor in it or else it would drive me mad. There are lists of other things - throwing a paci in the toilet after going potty in it and before flushing - twice now, emptying each box of cheez its on the floor as well as Lane's formula, writing on the wall with a pencil, among other things.

I love him dearly, but when will he stop being so mischievous? You all are probably wondering where I was when all this was happening. Well, I could have been folding laundry, tending to Lane, in the restroom, cooking dinner, taking the trash out, etc. That's how quickly these things occur and how often. He definitely knows how to get my undivided attention! I'm glad to see that this week, he is taking his energy out at school and playing lots outside now that the weather is nicer.

Some new happenings in 2011

This year is off to a fast start!

First, we have hit the potty training hard the last couple of days. Since New Years Day, Dutch has only had a handful of accidents and has stayed dry through every nap and even at night. He is pretty good about going on his own, but I do constantly remind him that he needs to go (literally, it is at least 50 times a day, if not more, to the point where he says "NOOOOO, Mama, I just told you!"). We are very proud of him and hope that he continues and it clicks forgood! We are having trouble getting him to go #2 in the potty (sorry if that's TMI), but I hear this is very common so I hope for a change SOON!

As for Lane, she is BUSY! She has begun tostand alone a few times and is cruising like a champ around all the furniture. She has also started saying "dada", "uh oh" and something that sounds like "kitty cat". I think it is safe to say that she will probably be walking soon. We can tell that she really wants to let go and just go for it, but then she collapses onto the floor - she'll get it, but for now I am okay with having a crawler :) She eats all sorts of foods, but her favorites are bread, pasta, pancakes, greens, and applesauce. She is by far the better eater between she and Dutch. She likes most foods and will try anything. She will definitely bethe richest in our family - she ate more collards than any of us! She also has started drinking from a sippy cup and prefers it over the bottle. She is growing like a weed and it saddens me that it is happening so fast! She is 10 months TODAY!

Pictures - enjoy!

These last two pictures were taken at Gattitown at our 1st Annual Kids Christmas Party. A friend of ours coordinated it and it turned out great. Each child drew another child's name and that day at Gattitown, everyone exchanged gifts. There were about 20 kids that participated. It worked out better than buying each child a gift - especially since we are good friends with so many of them.

White Christmas!

A few pictures taken Christmas night...

All was Merry and Bright - and WHITE!

Christmas this year was FABULOUS! Dutch was really into it and it was fun having another baby this year to watch open her first gifts, play with the bows & wrapping paper, etc. And to top it all, we had a "White Christmas" - the first ever for all of us, but hopefully not the last we will ever see!

Dutch's big gifts were a power wheels car and his train set. He has said for months that he wanted a choo choo, so thankfully Santa delivered and he got just that! Lane got a ball pit and a new walker. As for me, DJ and the kids got me a GPS for my car and a new Flip camera. DJ got a lot of clothes and a new wedding ring from Santa. I guess the big man knew he lost his and it was time for another :)

We spent the day hustling and bustling around town, going to relatives and eating A TON of food. We finished the day at my parents, where the kids were able to enjoy the snow.

We really could not get him out of this car to open any gifts!

Please check out her facial expression!

Sneaky, Sneaky!

We couldn't keep Lane (or the cat) out of the presents this year. I had to rewrap at least five gifts and replace the bows on a good many also!