Traditions Galore

So if you are like us we have a lot of traditions in our family. One of my very favorites is homemade donuts. Well kinda but still. They are something we grew up to love and something my Dad is famous for! Since last weekend was kind of our Christmas as my sis and her hubs won't be home this year... Mom & Dad pulled out all the stops. 

Ells and Shaddy both love to help in the kitchen. This time Ells was Papa's big helper. She rolled all the donut holes!


One of our other traditions is dancing in the kitchen. We have done it ever since Shaddy was a little one and long before - back when we were a little too old perhaps for dancing in the kitchen especially with utensils as microphones. Now Blakely gets to join in on the tradition. Of course, Ells was jealous and had to go and get Uncle Nick for a dance too. Even Shaddy got Frama to pick him up and swirl him around!

Sweet Caroline

So we have lots of favorites at Frama's house...but this is one that has continued to provide joy and entertainment recently. In fact, these two were belting out Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond. Why, you may ask. Well...as big ISU fans we have watched Derrick's little video of the aftermath following the biggest upset in the ISU history when they beat Oklahoma State a few weeks back. Ells usually just joins in with the bum bum bum. But Shadd know the song pretty well. 

Our Thankful Box

So we have a little box at our house that looks like this...

kind of a recent update thanks to the silhouette machine and a little white vinyl.

And inside it holds lots of notes like these...

which state things we are thankful. We are supposed to bring our box to Thanksgiving but usually forget so I thought I would just blog our list of thankful for's that made the box this last year...in no particular order just how i pulled them out.


1. D feeling good 11-26
2. Shadd's attention span and behavior in public
3. Ells health and successful shots
4. D 4 weeks with no bad migraines - 2-10-11
5. Ells birthday
6. Shadd pooping on the potty
7. How Ells and Shaddy play together
8. Shadd's politeness
9. Kelsey's new job 2-5-11
10. The beauty of snow - just a great reminder of God's ability to provide a fresh clean start
11. Samaritan Ministries
12. D's new business venture
13. Ells walking 4-5-11
14. Skype - we love talking and seeing Nick and Kels
15. Great report from Dr. Mike 5-24-11
16. Our new bed
17. A new baby to arrive in March
18. A healthy ultrasound
19. All the help after knee surgery (from babysitting, meals, cleaning, playdates, etc)
20. The ability and willingness to help others in the time of need. We are truly blessed.
21. Ells crawling 1-30-11
22. Grandparents
23. Late starts for D. Just a couple of extra hours together as a family
24. Great friends
25. The birth of Blakely
26. Shadd potty-trained 12-9-10
27. Safe trip to Indiana 2-7-11




This is just a few of the many things that we are truly thankful for. So many times through out the year I forget to put things in that box but there are many times that I actually remember. Maybe next year I will have close to 100. We will see.


A lot has happened in the last year. D was battling migraines on a daily basis. Ells wasn't even walking let alone talking. We weren't expecting a new baby. I had knee surgery for hopefully the last time ever! Shadd was wearing diapers. D wasn't his own boss. WOW!

It is just amazing what these little tidbits of thankfulness provide in helping us recap our year. It's just a glimpse of what the Lord has done for our family this past year. He never ceases to amaze me!

Happy Thanksgiving a tad late!

Black Friday Goodness

So no pics as I'm trying out my mommas iPad. Can't lie super jealous. Just enjoying games as my family plays while My sis and I (the pregos) lay down and rest. And do I need sleep. So we are crazy black friday shoppers and didn't Get to bed Thursday night well Friday morning til 6 am. We scored some great deals and had a blast doing the Typical crazy things. Like digging thru the recycling bin at my gams residence for younkers $10off coupons. Standing in lines and chatting with strangers, eating in the middle of the night, and my dad locking us out to Round out the night. Never trade a second of time spent with my momma.

The breakfast crew

So these two love to help with breakfast - or at least beg for it!  And I am one lucky girl because more often than not, D can be found whipping around the kitchen making breakfast for us. I took a couple pics but since he wasn't fully dressed this Saturday - I will refrain from embarrassing him! He is the best!

The Lion King

We have a new favorite movie at our house...The Lion King. And when we watch a new one that we fall in love with - well we watch it a lot. I think that's why Shadd (and D) can quote it throughout the day!

They are laughing hysterically when Timon dances in a hula outfit. D usually just rewinds and replays about 4 times or so. Pure Joy!

Date Night w/Daddy & Mommy

So a couple of weeks ago...D told me that he was going to take Shadd out for dinner. Just some male bonding time. I was exhausted so Ells and I just read stories and cuddled. Meanwhile - Shadd picked the restaurant (McDonalds, of course) and they dined in! And of course I didn't take any pics.

The following week - Daddy took Ells out for ice cream, again McDonalds I believe. And Shaddy and I spent time working on a project for Uncle Ross and baking some peanut butter cookies. We even squeezed in a puzzle.

It all started as a little homework from D's bible study, but I think it's something that we are going to try and do once a month or at least more often. We all had a blast. Although Ells wasn't too talkative so they didn't stay out long.

best sugar roller in town!