My loves

What a great year so far...

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Happiness is...?

...The question I am contemplating alot lately. I am always looking to plan for the future- the next moment, tomorrow, the next week, the effect on my children's psyche in the next 20 years. I can't turn it off, and I feel like I am in a wheel that will never stop turning and I am exhausted.
Stop. That's what I need to do. We only get one life and God has control over our future. I am happy for what God has given me right now and that is what I need to focus on. Otherwise, what else is there but worry and un-certainty in trying to control what I have no control over?
I am happy for being outside walking in this beautiful weather... Right now.


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Terrible Twos

This poor girl is really trying to express herself lately.



I'm not sure what she wants, but she definitely knows. She is now getting to the point where she tacks on a new word or two each week, so that should help!
She does have a few redeeming qualities though... ;)






When I kiss her goodnight and tell her I love her she shouts back at me (like 10 times) "I wuuh oooo!". She thinks her bubba is hilarious and repeats his every move- especially if she thinks it will make you laugh. She has no fear of me leaving her anywhere, so the whole "mommy's going to drive away if you don't do what I want" threat is lost on her. She loves play dough (requests start at about 6:30am) and reading- to herself as she wants no part of you narrating the words on the page. And then of course, the dancing- but only to a specific toddler tunes CD. Soon i will get a good video of our dance parties!
My sweet girl.
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My sweet girl turned TWO

This birthday was the most relaxing one yet. We decided to do a family only event and I made all the food (minus the delicious salad courtesy of Linda with homemade French dressing- yum!). It was my first all Reinberg event where I made healthy food and people actually LIKED it. But now to the important part, my baby turning 2. She is the sweetest, sassiest, most hilarious little girl and I can't wait to see what is to come.
We started the day with church and brunch at Rooster.- and a new smile.




Then a short car ride to Grandma/Grandpa's which even at two still puts her to sleep.




Her first gift was and Aquadoodle featured here.




Followed by a basket of dress-up items and a My Little Pony.







Then the cake, of course. (I make it my mission to find the most obnoxiously girly party items- its a riot, and I my not get this chance again)












Another year in the record books for my princess.

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Merry Christmas Eve!

This morning we walked out to Beau's car and found a boom- one of AL's Christmas requests; needless to say he was thrilled!



So naturally they all climbed inside. Please note the current temperature is 31 degrees- and Beau is in short sleeves.
Merry Christmas everyone!

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Happy Holidays- part 1

Our holidays, since Al was born, always start with the Winter Lights walk at Tilles Park on the weekend before thanksgiving. This year Albert was thrilled to tell Santa everything he wants for Christmas- a pusher, a digger, a drill, etc. Hope, on the other hand, was not so fond of the strange man in a big red suit.


The kids and I left for Texas on Monday and got a full visit with almost every Marak/Whitley family member on our 6 day stay.
Here we are at the airport eating dinner- nothing like a picnic on that pristine floor!


Our first stop- Lake House fun with Nana and Papa.





And Nana got Hopie her first cowgirl hat!


Look how dry the lake is!! Pray for rain!


Then it was back to Nonni and Pops house. It's amazing what a table just their size will do for getting two crazy kids to sit still!


Yes, it's that signature smile again...


And Shelly brought her babies over for dinner. Koen and Al played so so well together. Here they have made plasticware and plates into a masterpiece.


And when we returned home I thought it best to kick Christmas off with a gingerbread house!



This holiday season I feel much less stressed- I am hoping this continues proving the holidays can be enjoyable again!!

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Signature smile-- check.
She is a pistol these days with her "neeoooo" to everything to her obsession with the above rain boots, she is starting to give Al a run for his money when it comes to stubborn.
At this time she also LOVEs her grandma and prefers to be with her over anyone, yes even me; which I must admit kind of breaks my heart. None the less she is a joy and I love every minute of her blossoming linguistic capabilities and personality that comes with it.

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