January Joy

The bittersweet end to the Christmas holidays is much less bitter with children as the joy of the season continues in their sweet little minds. For example, now anything and everything the twins see that they want, they say "I want this for Santa." We always obligingly reply with, "Of course, but it'g going to be a little while before he comes again." At this point we are thrilled our children only ask Santa for the plethora of things they want, but know that will quickly come to an end when they realize Daddy and Mommy can shop too!

A few fun facts about our trio:
Clayton's intelligence amazes us every day. He talks in complete sentences, remembers everything, can point and count, sing songs, sing his ABC's, knows the sounds of A-D, counts to 10, "reads" certain parts of books, can dribble and shoot a basketball, dribble a soccer ball and shoot a goal, and throw a baseball hard, far, and with good aim. He's motivated, persistent, and a lover.
Chloe's adorableness makes us smile every day. She talks in complete sentences, sings songs, dances and does the hand motions to songs, sings her ABC's, counts almost to 10 (she tends to skip 3-5), has a brilliant imagination--talks to her babies, cares for her babies, sings to her babies, can be very bossy, pointing her finger and telling us what to do, falls a lot, can identify all letters, and knows the sounds of A-B.
Easton's update is on his own 10 month post!

Ryan and I continue to try to carve in time for "us," which is no easy feat. We've started upgrading our home, which is fun and exciting, but so very stressful. Anything out of the norm isn't easy for this mommy of 3. We just had the exterior repaired and repainted, along with brickwork and wall work done. We had some "fortress" looking wrought iron removed and the walls built up. Ryan removed one of the dilapidated and rotted patio covers, which means no swings for the kiddos right now. We are hoping to put a swing set in soon. At the end of the month we have a lot of interior woodwork being done--window and door casings, baseboards, and wainscoting. We are hoping to replace the kitchen cabinets, granite, and possibly floors too. Fingers crossed our budget permits it all to happen!

Here's some pictures from our month...

Now that Jett Jett can walk, he's running with the twins!

Sissy and her baby

Gone are the days of Mommy reading, in are the days of "My job, Mommy watch."

While playing catch with his football one night, Clayton insisted he run 

up the stairs and get his helmet, which was Papa Jim's. 

Chloe couldn't be left out of the fun

Chloe's first time sleeping in her new big girl bed. 

Unfortunately, she graced it with the stomach flu during her first sleep in it. 

Clayton's first time sleeping in his new big boy bed...loves it!

Mommy often finds Chloe sleeping on the floor in the middle of the night. 

Having fun at Build A Bear (thanks Uncle Branden and Aunt Casey!)

It's a roll a coaster kind of afternoon

Dress up has begun! Love toddler imaginations!

Playing with the band at church ("big church")

Painting fun on a rainy day

Chloe playing dress up with her sweet friend, Kody

Chloe loves her baby

Clayton beat Mommy at Memory! 

Having fun at Daddy's fire station for his 10 year dinner.

Mouthful of yummies

Daddy and his babes

So proud of Ryan!

It's raining, it's pouring!

Nighttime play time! 

Love these faces