A few updates...

I haven't posted much from Christmas and thought this is as good a time as any. We had a nice Christmas. It wasn't the same as when Ned is home, but you make it work. The flower arrangement shown below was a suprise from my sister, Amy. They were so beautiful I had to share them with all of you! Pregnancy-wise, things are going ok. It is so hard to deal with the kids and the house while not feeling all that great, but I'm doing better than I expected with it all. I took this picture because I was so excited to have some color back in my face! But all in all, things are going well for us here. I so appreciate all the love and support from everyone. I will keep you all updated...as always...!

Christmas Eve...

Christmas morning...

I made the mistake of putting my kids down early on Christmas Eve. They hadn't napped and I thought an early bedtime would be alright. Much to my dismay, Tatum and Carson woke up at 8:45 p.m and were wide awake. They didn't settle back down until nearly 1:00 a.m. Ned called us at 6:30 in the morning and we loved talking to him. So it was a short night! But the kids had a nice morning and enjoyed unwrapping gifts and so on...

A Christmas thought...

My Dad emailed me this message from President-Elect Obama while speaking to service Men and Women in Hawaii. It touched me and I thought I'd share it with all of you.

"This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger," Obama said in the message, set to air Saturday morning. "In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child's face as they open a gift back home."

Merry Christmas Ned/Dad. We love you. We miss you. We pray for you!

More Snow = Snow Pictures...

It was difficult to do...but it was time. For an entire week I had been denying the kids outdoor playtime in the snow. Finally, I got the courage to do it. The kids had a great time playing in the snow. Here are a few pictures from our Winter Wonderland on Whidbey Island.

Who is who??

Ned's Dad emailed me a picture of Ned when he had just turned two. (Carson's age) The picture is shown below this one of Carson. Now I know where Carson gets his dashing good looks!

Snow Daze...

We have been pounded this week with snow and ice. Normally, this weather is my favorite. I have to admit...without Ned around it adds more challenges. However, it is beautiful to see wintry white everywhere you look. Tatum has been down this week with a horrible stomach bug. Luckily, it has passed and...knock on wood...Carson and I have so far been sparred. Today we ventured out to the store with my friend, Amy. Here are some pics from our little bit of time outside!

Carson was confused when he dropped his tiger and got snow on his hand. "COLD" he kept saying. Such observations.

We finally made it to Miss Amy's. I love it when kids get those rosey cheeks from being outside for a minute.

It's official! Baby #3!!!

Bring Him Home Santa

This is such a sweet song. It really reminds me of all the service members who are away from home this time of year. Get your Kleenex ready. We love and miss you, Daddy!

Church Christmas Party

The kids and I went to the annual Ward Christmas party and we had a nice time. I wasn't feeling all that well, but I'm glad that I forced myself to go. Tatum and Carson really enjoyed spending time with their friends. They were also especially quiet during the program, which was wonderful. It's always important to remember the reason for the Season!

Tatum with her buddies, Brighton and Trinity!

My friend Cassia and baby Hayden!

Tatum and Carson with our friends Tyler, Marcus and Brady is in the one below!

Tatum was really excited to visit with Santa. She told him that she wanted a telescope. This is the first I've heard of this. Carson was less than thrilled with Santa and refused to go near him. Not a shocker...there's always next year.

The birthday boy...

Two years ago today, Carson joined our family. Everyday he has blessed our lives with his smile and cute laugh. (Everyone loves his laugh...)From the first moment I held my sweet little boy I was in love. Carson gives me so many reasons to be happy and thankful.


This is Carson the day he was born! What a little stud!!

His 1st birthday last year. Opeing gifts, and then enjoying his cake!

Now here's my big two year old little man. We love you, Carson. I can't wait for another wonderful year filled with your love, hugs and kisses.

The presents...

Carson was so excited to open his birthday gifts from Grandma and Grandpa James. He was a little eager earlier in the week. With some help from Tatum, he got into a package early. So this morning, he was happy to be able to open all of them. He especially liked the wrapping paper. They had boats on it, and Carson knows his Daddy is on a boat!

Playing with his new airplane!

Grandma even sent Tatum a present!