SNOW!

This was Zane's & Emma's first chance to play in snow. They had a ball. We actually were able to build a snowman at grandma's house. We had to use a big bucket and fill and stack it like a sandcastle. Zane used Oreo cookies for the eyes and the dog kept jumping on the snowman to try to eat them. I'm sure the snowman didn't last long after we left.

Zane has had these sleds for a couple of years anticipating snow.

Emma Rose had her own sled. She loved it. The only thing she didn't like was the snow blowing in her face.

Christmas 2008

What a wonderful time of year! Busy, busy, busy, but it has been so nice spending time with these little ones. Zane was so excited about Santa this year. I actually had to make a calendar and he crossed off a day every day until Christmas before bedtime each night. This helped him to be more patient and understand WHEN Santa was actually coming. We stayed home and enjoyed them instead of traveling anywhere this year. It was very nice!

Birthday Princess

It's so hard to believe my baby turned one on November 15th and walking already! We had a party at home with family. She devoured the cake of course! Like her mommy!

Halloween '08

Not a very good picture, but the look on Zane's face was priceless when I came down the steps! (He wanted me to be a pink bumble bee for Halloween, so I made this costume and surprised him). When he finally spoke, the first thing out of his mouth was..."Mommy, bumble bees are supposed to be yellow." The things mommies go through! We went trick or treating in our neighborhood, then to a party at a friend's house down the street. Daddy wore a shirt that read "This is my beekeeper costume." So like him!

My Parenting Philosophy

Being a working mom certainly has its challenges. When it comes to my children, I am certainly up for those challenges. I analyze and research child rearing practices in order to ensure that I am making the BEST decisions for my children. I am a school teacher and thought I knew everything I needed to know to raise children. Boy was I wrong! Having my own kids has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I am a better teacher since having them and I know I am the best mom I could possibly be. Making memories is what it is all about.
Zane is right now my most challenging child. He enjoys spending time with his mommy AND his grandparents. Some of my fondest memories as a child were spending time with my grandmother. I am very fortunate that my children's grandparents insist on spending quality time with them almost every weekend. They will go to their house late on Friday or Saturday evening and come home the next morning. I love to hear the stories they all share about their "sleepovers". The memories they are making is priceless and I would never be so selfish as to deprive them from that.
It's funny how much advice you get from family and friends. The truth is, every family is different. The best advice I could give to parents is...patience. Take the time to think about what your children are saying to you. I see nothing wrong with sleeping in mommy's bed every once in a while, playing in the rain and splashing in puddles, allowing them a coffee drink in the morning, baking cookies together at 10:00 at night (unplanned), or dressing up like what they want you to be for Halloween (no matter how far fetched it is)! After all, when it's all said and done these are the things they'll remember and cherish most!