New Toys

As I've stated before, I'm a bit of a sucker for a good deal.
Well then it should be no surprise that I've caved again.

The Associate Store is somewhat of a glorified garage sale of Wal-Mart merchandise. You never know what you're going to find.

My friend Renee text-ed me to tell me they were having great deals on toys. I of course went over right away that day, and the next day, and several days more after that.

I really got some great deals, 50% or better off the normal price. Stan even approved most of them.
These are toys that will last a long time, hopefully through all the children we will have (how many ever that is--I don't know yet).
You never know if this store will have one or fifty of the item.
They keep bringing stuff out all the time. The past two weeks, a lot of it has been toys.
You can't return anything, so you have to be final about your decisions.
Others are hovering around you, ready to take the gem you have found, so you have to be quick.

I know, I know, I'm justifying my splurges.
But oh well, it's done, and Miriam is definitely enjoying them.
I really don't intend to spoil my child. But somehow, it's happening anyway.

I came away with:

A Step 2 Push Car


A Step 2 Play Kitchen

Miriam is a little short to reach the microwave & cabinets, so she's learned to use a step stool.

A Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

What a safe driver, looking behind herself to back up!

Oh no, where did my safe driver go? Now she's text-ing while driving!

AND talking on the phone! (by the way, I did not pose her for any of these, this is all her own cuteness).

And a battery-powered ride-in Jeep & a Little Tikes Picnic Table (no pictures yet).

Now if it would just get warm enough to take them all outside.

Merry late Christmas Miriam!
(For you and all your future siblings)

Let the Games Begin!

So it has finally begun.

Miriam has officially initiated me into the world of "toddler-hood."

I was 10 years old when my youngest sister was born, so I remember her getting into everything. One particular instance was when she ate my mother's lipstick.

My older sister Rebecca has 5 kids. Her home shows it. She has writing on the walls, beds, furniture...

Recently a friend of mine had her entire kitchen and master bath and bedroom flooded by her 3 year-old.

I knew it was coming. I knew I couldn't avoid the mischief for too much longer.
She's already been showing signs by pulling out Kleenex and wet-wipes out of their boxes whenever she can get a hold of them.

Today, she is a full-grown toddler.

She found the diaper rash cream.
This is by far her worst mess,
so far.

(By the way, that stuff is really hard to clean up!)

Snow Day

One of the things I love about living in Arkansas is that there are 4 distinct seasons.

And even better is that Winter is not very intense here.
I love snow, but not all the time.
We usually get 2-4 good snows per Winter, and that is enough for me.
Especially since everything is closed at the first sign of snow.
After driving on snowy roads all week in Utah last week, it does seem kind of lame.
Now that I'm not teaching school and Miriam isn't in school yet, the school closings hardly affect me anymore.
But it was kind of nice to have Stan home for the morning.
We decided to go out and play in the little snow that we got.




One of the few times a year that it's good to have a hill as your back yard.





Miriam was a bit cold after landing her face in the snow a few times.
Time to go in. Stay Warm!

Trip to Utah

Last week we flew to Utah for our yearly visit to see Stan's family.
It was a great week, once we got there--after missing our first flight--curse those long lines. We loved visiting family and friends and enjoying COLD weather and snow all week.

A few highlights of the week (that I have pictures for):

1. Miriam learning to climb stairs
She was pretty good at it by the time we left.
...and pour herself a glass of Root Beer.

2. Spending time with Family
These picture includes two of Stan's half-brothers, Jeremy & Chad and their families, Grandpa Harvey & Sherri, sister Gina and husband Allen and mother Karen.

What a bunch of nuts. :-)

3. Living with 2 dogs and 2 cats for the week
(Miriam especially loved this)
This dog was the most gentle and easy going dog I've ever seen. Here he lets cousin Ainsleigh (2) sit on him without even budging.
Miriam loved following Ainsleigh around the house.


4. Spending New Year's Eve with Stan's 2 best friends in the whole world, Kevin & Derek, and their wives Heather & Sarah.
Doing what we love best, playing games.

We learned a few new games, Bohnanza & Dominion, that we are now tempted to buy for our own collection (some day I might post a picture of that!)

Derek sporting his Gryffindor hat and scarf. Look how well he matches!

5. Spending an evening with Kevin and Heather, eating dinner and enjoying another round of games.

This time we had the kids so they got to enjoy some time playing together.

I just can't get over how cute this kid is!

Peekaboo!

Rachel (4), Miriam (1) & Seth (2)

6. Chasing Miriam around in her Sunday dress, trying to get a good picture.
I love how she sticks out her bottom lip!


At least she's still, even if she's not smiling!

If only we could get everyone looking and smiling at the same time...

There were many other highlights, but the best thing about the week was just being able to spend time with those who we don't get to see very often, but love so very much. Thank you all for a wonderful week, and we look forward to next year!
Happy New Year! 2011 is going to be great!