The Milking

Since Collins has joined our family, Hollis has been asking to give her a bottle.
Or "to milk" her in Hollis' words.
She got her big break this past Sunday...

Maybe I should've let her "milk her" sooner since she only gagged her twice.
Let's just file this under sisterly bonding, shall we?

Life on Tundra Drive

Alright old man winter.
You've hit below the belt this time.
I'm taking off the boxing gloves.
This means war.
3 inches of ice.
A no drive ordinance.
No school for 3 days.
Disaster areas declared.
I know you are big and bad in the Hoosier State..but I have to ask you...
Is this really necessary?

This is the face of  crazy.

Do you see the shovel Jason is holding?

No, he isn't burying a body(although he probably wants to after being trapped in the house with 3 females and a neurotic dog for 4 days)

He has to use it for traction to get back into the house.

I'm starting to think that this poor guy from The Shining was a misunderstood soul after all.

Probably snapped after hearing the 546th knock knock joke of the day.

Everyone has a breaking point, bless his heart.

The Truth

Hollis came home the other day and told me about a conversation she had with one of her girlfriends in kindergarten.
The little girl had apparently been bragging about her mother to Hollis.
She had told Hollis that her mother was the prettiest, the smartest Mom of all.
Basically the best Mom in the whole wide world.
Hollis was clearly disturbed by this little girls boasting.
I asked Hollis what she said to the little girl and she said," I told her she was wrong, Mama."
"And who, Hollis, did you tell her was the smartest and prettiest Mama you know?"
I felt myself breaking into a wide grin-my proud Mama feathers starting to puff up.
"Oh, I told her there is no such thing."

Moral of the story: Ask Hollis a question only if you want an honest answer.
 And I would stay away from weight and age questions if I were you.

On another note:
This is Collins preferred mode of transportation these days....

I call her my baby kangaroo.

Have a great weeked!

Little Miss Sunshine

It is snowing here again today.
I think Mr. Sun has forgotten his friends here in the Hoosier State.
If you see him..please tell him we miss him dearly.
We won't ever, ever take him for granted again.
Promise.
Until then, I'll focus on my own little piece of sunshine here on Abby Lane.

Goodness, how I love these faces.

Yehaw

It's Wild Western Day at school today.
Hollis had her clothes laid out on the floor by 7 o'clock last night.
She is so in her element.

Today we leave for a 5 hour trip to Michigan
with a highly excitable 5 year old
a geriatric dog with very very bad breath
and a 8 week old infant who likes to nurse every 3 hours.
Giddyup.

Adios 2010

Welcome 2011.
We didn't welcome you in with lots of noise.
Or impressive feasts.
Or massive comsumption of aged and fine spirits.
No noisemakers or hats.
No countdowns.
No big parties with fancy duds.
I don't even think we stayed awake to greet you.
Instead, we ushered you in by basking in the company of good friends and enjoying the Twlight Zone Marathon on tv.
I hate to tell you this, but you've got some BIG shoes to fill.
GINORMOUS.
You see, 2010 was really good to us.
Super Duper Good.
A new beautiful healthy baby.
A mother-in-law who beat cancer.
An  Aunt who retired and is now free to enjoy the leisures and blessings only retirement can bring.
Friends and Family that are healthy and surround us with love on a daily basis.
A certain five year old that can fill me with wonder and laughter every.single.day.
A husband's whose employment allows me the liberty to stay home and do what I love.
A cozy home with warm beds, an overflowing pantry and a old dog that has been with us since the beginning.
A love for a compassionate and merciful God that continues to strengthen and mold me on a daily basis.

So let's see what you got, 2011...
I'm ready for you...the good. the bad.the ugly.
Ready for whatever you have up your sleeve.
Bring it.

Remember me?

Hello Blogland...
It's been awhile, hasn't it?
Well, as you probably know I've been a teensy bit busy these days.
But life is so good, in fact, that I would rather spend my time cuddling a certain new baby than blogging on the computer.

\But look at this kid, can you blame me?

I have also spent a good deal of time making sure Hollis does not suffocate her new sister with kisses.

And that is a 24/7 job, my friends.

I cannot make any promises as to when my next post might be.
I hope it will be before Valentines Day..since it seems like I am sticking with the holiday themed posts.
But while there is a new baby in the house  beggin'  to be loved on, I cannot make any promises.
'Cause you know just as well as I, they don't stay babies long enough.