Smiles In Motion

All three kids went to the dentist today. This was a follow up for Ella but Lucy and Pete's first time. They were SO good! The nurse and dentist both commented on how well they behaved, especially for their age. Pete and Lucy didn't move and sat for their entire cleaning and exam. He wanted to make a video out of them. :)
Ella didn't talk. Only said one word the entire time he was with her. We thought maybe he should come home with us. :)
No cavities. Great looking teeth.
But the binky has to go. :)

A New Year

We had a wonderful holiday and are off and running in hopes of a happy, exciting new year.
The kids were SO good at Christmas. They took turns, they were generous, and no one asked for more. We bought presents for other children and the kids took great delight and helping those less fortunate.
We had a wonderful week home together. Andy had a few days off, which was a rare treat, and our time passed quickly.
Andy and I celebrated New Year's together with a unity and passion uncommon to us. A sense of relief and closure helped put 2010 to rest. We are revitalized to have the past two years behind us and are looking forward with joy to the year to come.
The children are growing so fast...too fast...and I already feel the time slipping by, but what joy they bring to our lives daily, and how thankful I am for all of those in my life.
Here's to a blessed 2011.

How did they grow?

Andy sent a bunch of pictures to me from his phone today of the kids because I saw some pics of Pete in his crib and felt like I hardly remembered it. He grew up so fast!!?! They were all so precious. So small. And they are such little independent beings right now.
Today Ella came to school with me and Andy picked her up after he dropped off Lucy and Pete. It was a great morning. Everyone got up early and were ready by 7:00. The girls dressed themselves and Ella had breakfast. I was here before 7:30. I don't know the last time that happened. :)
It was a great day.
We are due for some great things. :)

Wow

We went to watch Jeremy plat at Waterloo East the other night and the kids were SO good. I could not get over how well behaved they were. Daddy and I were so proud of them. It was a great night. And it was topped off with Lucy and Cris being on TV! They were sitting in front of Brad Lohaus, so when the tv zoomed in on him, Lucy, perched on Cris' lap licking her sucker, where right in view. She was actually more of the shot than Lohaus. So cute. :)

We welcomed a new, and last, member of the family (unless someone gets a dog). Evan Glen Beyer was born last night. Big, healthy, and looks just like his mother. :) Andy made it down in spite of the snow, and he was so thankful to be there for this special day. Good job Jamie! :)
The kids can't wait to meet their new baby cousin!

We had our last night of church before Christmas and several students brought me presents. I didn't even think about that?! We don't do presents at the high school. :) But I received some very special gifts, and am most thankful for the time I get to spend with the kids. :)

We are getting plenty of snow and cold, just waiting for Santa!

Sweet Kids

Tonight, I picked up Ella from the YMCA, and she had made a beautiful angel out of coffee filters. I said it was so pretty and that we should put it on the top of our Christmas tree. She said no. She wanted to give it to Grandpa Phil because Grandma Nancy is an angel, so she wanted him to have it.
It was the sweetest, most honest, generous thought. And so well put. Better than I can pretend to emulate. Sometimes I don't know where she comes up with this stuff, but tonight she was truly an angel herself.
They are all angels. My sweet little gifts from above.

I took Lucy and Ella to the vocal music Christmas show. The loved it. An hour of song and dance.
Pete had some male bonding time with Grandpa and Daddy.

We have a new bedtime and daily routine that has made an world of difference. They play, they help and they go to sleep. Ahhh.... :)

Funny Kids

Pete is fully potty trained now! One morning accident, and I think that was enough of an impact for him to remember, hmm....maybe I don't want that to happen again. :)

I took the kids to PetSmart yesterday. Pete wants a puppy and a cat. Lucy was talking to this big yellow and white cat, that was bigger than her, telling her that "I'll see you later. It's okay. My daddy will come get you later." On and on. So precious. And breaking my heart. Ella just wants a fish, because they're easier. lol They are so cute. We like to go their to visit.

We did some Christmas shopping for other kids. I picked one kid for each child to shop for, then I bought something for a kid here who has lost everything. They loved it and really thought about how they were helping someone else. Ella wrapped ALL the presents. And checked us out at Wal-Mart self-checkout. I could NOT do it. She was awesome, of course.

We ate at Hardees and while we were there Ella says, Mommy, there are a lot of people who are brown around here. :)

Ella stayed at mom and dad's last night and has been cleaning the house all morning. Lucy and Pete and I played restaurant last night, with a drive through. Everything was $55. Such a fun day. :)

Big Kids

We went to the first basketball game with all three kids where we actually watched the game!
We had a wonderful time.
And Pete was still in his big boy pants. :)

Mom and Dad bought a new big screen tv. They believe in buying their own early birthday presents. Must be why they are so hard to shop for. :)

And we had our first snow today! Light, fluffy flurries. So pretty.

I bought Polar Bear cookies for the kids today from Starbucks. They were so cute! Loved them! And the lady boxed them up nicely for me, even with Starbucks stickers. I was afraid I would break them on the way home. :)

It's cold today. Winter is definitely here.

Kids just went to sleep. It's 10:00. Late night, but lots of fun. :)