January is the cruellest month...or is it?

I think the poem actually says "April is the cruellest month," but I've heard a lot of January bashin' going on lately. Mostly from my Utah friends, who hate the miserable weather and inversion. Personally, I kind of love January. A lot of my favorite people were born in January (my mom, father-in-law, two of my favorite mission companions, MLK), I L-O-V-E Texas in January and I love resolutions. But that's a post for a different day. Really, I'm just beating around the bush, typing to make up for my lack of bloggage lately. And this update is mostly for Justin, who we haven't seen much of this month, so now he can see what we've been doing at home.Dia de los Reyes...Because we missed the only thing Andrew asked for at Christmas (paint). So glad for those kings that gave me a chance to redeem myself.
Shooting hoops. Apparently I need to raise the hoop. Andrew makes NO effort.
Justin had the best idea, and Andrew is a rockin' baseball player because of it. Justin drew footprints so Andrew would know how to stand, and I helped him with the "ladies and gentlemen, I will now swing backward and forward!" part. (Seriously, he says that every time he goes to hit the baseball.)Henry likes to help Andrew set up. Lots of head bonkin' going on. For some reason, Henry doesn't mind.
Of course, it gets a bit annoying when he tries to push the ball off the tee, but Andrew is generally pretty patient with his "best baby brother friend."
Henry is obsessed with Andrew's trike. He's pretty stable, too. I can sit him on it and he just stays there and watches Andrew play whatever sport he is working on that day.
Andrew took this picture the other day and I just found it on the camera. Isn't that so beautiful? I think this is the day it was like 75 degrees. Before you hate me, I think it will only be in the 40's this week.

Coming up tomorrow, my foray into the world of sewing...epic destruction.

Christmas in Retrospect

I feel very unapologetic about being slow with the blog update. I'm just trying to carry the Christmas spirit with me. Justin, however, would like to apologize on my behalf. He's got a social conscience.Christmas Eve... New PJ's. The theme this year is turtles. Justin got me some awesome PJ's at the San Marcos Outlets in San Antonio. Love that place!
Andrew is in love with anything that has to do with Grandpa and/or Grandpa's house.
Henry even smiled a couple times while we were in Utah.
How long has it been since you did one of the "I Spy" books? This is a great big-kid activity. Doris and Chase worked on it together for a long time.
Gingerbread houses... Those kits from Super Target are the best. Little effort, little mess. And, the candy is sick, so it is no temptation. Jack and Andrew had a good time.
Our Christmas decoration (singular) at home in Texas. It's actually a rosemary bush so I can still use it. And the ornaments helped me use up some of the 50 yards of felt I have...only 49 1/3 to go.Our first night in Utah, I spent with the high school girlies at Molly's baby shower. This is the only picture. We were much too busy laughing hysterically about "specials."Lyla and Henry...so cute.
This is what happens if you mention the name Santa Claus. Melt down! I don't blame the kids. Who would want an overgrown man creeping around your house in the middle of night?Favorite present of the year (Henry)... a wooden helicopter.Favorite present of the year (Andrew)... Monk! (When will it stop, you ask? When it stops being funny to me...in like 20 years.)We spent Christmas morning with Troy, Jamie and kids. So fun! Thanks for letting us stay at your house.
Martin Family Fun Day. Train ride into Salt Lake City and a day at the Children's Museum.

At this point I would love to post pictures from the Martin party and Flanders party; however, I forgot to bring the camera once again. Sorry, Justin. We had a good time though! (Can you tell that Justin has now taken over writing for me? I actually feel no remorse...no camera=no guilt for not getting it out at said parties.)

Back at home and still trying to get back to sleeping through the night.