this little piggy

Audrey's first piggies--taken a couple months ago:

Her curly piggies now that I've improved with practice and longer hair:

Can I tell you how much I love having a daughter? It's the best. Audrey's not a fan of things in her hair (another reminder that she is my daughter) or getting her hair done. I try to make a big deal about how cute she looks--to teach her to celebrate her beauty and all. Finding (or making up) a greater meaning makes motherhood more rewarding, don't you think?
On the subject of my little girl, she is so much fun. She loves to play in her kitchen, take care of her babies and follow me around all day. If I'm blow drying my hair, she's standing next to me with a brush in her hand. If I'm folding laundry, she's on my lap. If I'm making dinner she's either on the counter putting canning jar rings on her arms or at my feet playing with the pots and pans. You get the idea. It's a joy to watch her. She's trying to say more words. She'll come up to me, pat my leg and say, "Mama, nack (snack)" or "Mama, ilk (milk)." Then nod her little head up and down. It's a sweet relief that she's communicating in a way that I can understand. Even though she's been a little hesitant to talk (compared to the boys), her comprehension amazes me. She carried a wipe into my room the other day and I asked her where she got it. She went into the bathroom and brought me the package. Sam was crying and I asked her to go get his blankie. She found it and brought it to him. I love the obedient one year old stage. She also likes to bat her eyelashes and pout her lips, which she mostly saves for Daddy. She is simply adorable and I love that she is mine.

Traditional Christmas

This Christmas will go down in memory as a wonderful one. I was actually sad to take down the tree (which we chopped ourselves this year in the mountains) and put away the decorations. We enjoyed our time together reflecting on the birth and life of our Savior, singing carols, giving and receiving gifts from family and friends and eating goodies. I just love the traditions and the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Christmastime.


Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year--don't know if I've mentioned that here before, but it is. We spent the day cleaning and getting toys ready for Santa. Sam gave his mousie and puppy a bath. Audrey and I got our dollies ready. Once the house was spick and span, we got ready for Jesus Supper--a tradition since I was a kid--where we eat foods Jesus may have eaten by candle light with wooden dishes. Then we read the Christmas story from the bible and sang some hymns. The kids opened their Christmas pjs from Grandma and we enjoyed cookies and cocoa and a cozy fire. Soon it was off to bed to eagerly await the morning...

Audrey loved the kitchen and wouldn't stop playing to open her presents. She also loved her little high chair. Have I mentioned how much she loves her babies?

Sam woke up in the middle of the night and when he saw his stocking by his bed he said, "That's supposed to be hanging up." When Jeremy explained that Santa had come he was wide awake with excitement. When he opened his stocking in the morning Sam made up names for anything that he wasn't sure about. He said, "It was so nice of Santa to give me two treats."

Pillow pets were the big hit this year--it was the only thing consistently on both boys' lists. Paul was initially more excited about his hex bug than the Wii. But it has brought out his competitive side and if he thinks he can't win, he won't play.