Winter Wonder

I was hoping for a white Christmas this year...it's always nice to have a dusting of snow on the ground rather than 60 degree temperatures and short-sleeve shirts. Well, we certainly got a white Christmas!!! We ended up with quite a bit of sleet and about 6 inches of snow, with 3 to 4 ft. drifts. It is so pretty out here on the farm to see the snow go on & on up the hill and around the ponds. The three of us bundled up and took a ride in the truck to go check on the cows Christmas afternoon.


When we got back, we thought we'd let Maddy stand in the snow & check it out. She wasn't to sure what to think of it. It was hard for her to move in her little fleece bunting & boots, so Daddy had to help her along so she didn't tumble over! We were only out for a couple of minutes, so we let her go mitten-less so she could touch the snow--she is learning hot & cold and even said her version of BRRRRR!!! when she felt it!



Here's our temporary backyard...yes, such a pretty pond and serene setting. It's my saving grace when I am having an "I HATE this trailer day." Somehow, looking out the kitchen window at this beautiful sight is like a tap on the shoulder from God reminding me to be thankful for what really matters and shake off the rest. It's even better with a layer of snow....

Cozy Little Christmas

Since we celebrated with our families last weekend, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day was a cozy little time for the three of us to play, relax and spend time together. Christmas Eve was low-key with the exception of the "blizzard" here in Oklahoma. We got about 6 inches of snow, but some drifts were 3 to 4 feet deep. The winds were crazy! I made my crockpot BBQ ribs and some really yummy smoked Gouda mashed potatoes along with an easy yeast bread recipe that I found. Jerod said everything was really good--I wouldn't know since my nose is so stopped up that I can't smell or taste a thing! Besides dinner, wrapping some presents and watching Christmas movies, there wasn't much going on...which was just fine. On Christmas Day, Jerod & his crew went to work at 5am so they could get everything done as quickly as possible & go enjoy the rest of the day. After one truck got stuck in the driveway and the other 4-wheel drive got stuck in a snow drift en route to the barns, Jerod & Jon ended up walking about 1/4 mile in the snow! What a great way to start Christmas Day, huh? Luckily, Santa was nice enough to wait until Jerod got home from the barns around 11am to deliver Maddy's presents. She really seemed excited about the little kitchen and her Anywhere Chair that Santa brought. We had fun watching her open her gifts, go from toy to toy, etc. & of course we had fun opening ours too. After presents we had brunch--Caramel French Toast Bake, Scrambled Eggs and Sausage. (I've been in a real cooking mood this week!) The rest of the afternoon we played & napped & took it easy....

Maddy enjoying her new chair & checking out the blocks she just opened.
Our little cook! She's wearing the apron that I made for her and figuring out how her new kitchen works...and probably how she is going to reach everything!!! Santa didn't really consider how short she is!!! She sure is having a lot of fun with it though.
Nothing like a "self-portrait", especially since everyone always looks their best on Christmas morning (ha, ha)!
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Quilts

I had a great time making quilts for everyone for Christmas. What started as a project last January, kicked itself into high gear around October! Everyone seemed to like their quilts and couldn't believe that I made them. I enjoy sewing as long as I can see the results quickly, so my patterns are simple and often just depend on the fabric I am using and how I want to put it together. I hope everyone finds time to snuggle beneath them this Christmas and for many to come!I thought I would be tired of sewing by now, but found myself making Maddy an apron last night & also choosing a pattern for my next quilt which I plan to start in a few days. Jerod asked me if I was ever going to make a big quilt or try a more difficult pattern...well, I'm going to step it up a little, but not go too crazy! I hope to have this next one done before Gavin arrives, otherwise it may be a year before it's done!!!

Introducing Garrett John Brown!

Our little nephew Garrett John Brown was born 1 week ago today. He was 6 lbs. 15oz. and 19-1/2in. long. I got to see him the day he was born and Jerod and Maddy got to meet him over the weekend. He's so sweet and little! It's amazing how fast you can forget how small they are when they are born! Here are some pics of him and his proud parents, my brother Daniel and sister-in-law Sarah...
Here's Garrett!!!
Kid Swap! Daniel & Maddy with Jerod & Garrett.
Isn't he sweet? What a handsome little guy. He looks so much like Daniel right now!
Here's a picture from Monday at the hospital. Sarah, Garrett and Daniel. Welcome to parenthood you guys! We love you all!

Family Christmas Gatherings 2009

Why does it seem like every time we get together with family, no one wants to get their picture taken? Either that, or I forget to get pictures of others besides the kids!!! Over the weekend, we had our Christmas gathering with each family in Arkansas. We had a great weekend...I think Jerod actually got to relax a little bit, which was a great present for him since he only has 2 days off every month. He seemed to enjoy visiting & the festivities. I wasn't stressed the whole time since both of us were there to take care of Maddy...it was just a really nice weekend. Of course it was too short, but that's how it goes, right? While at the Duncan's, the kids opened their presents, we made and ate some great appetizers, dips, etc. and played board games--easy and fun! Here are some of the memories...
Maddy was a pro at opening presents! Here's Maddy and Jerod opening the stacking toys from Uncle Andy & the girls.
Zach 10, Hannah 5, Megan 4 & Maddy 1.
Maddy Reese looking like she is striking a little pose, but really she was rolling around on the floor--one of her new things.
Maddy at Grandma and Grandpa's after church--looking a bit overwhelmed by all the presents? :-)
Maddy and Grandpa opening presents.

Little Miss Organized

I enjoyed a very peaceful 20 minutes of cooking dinner one evening last week because Maddy was spending her time rearranging and organizing the condiments that are stored in the door of the fridge. She intently lined them up on the floor, then transferred them to the shelf, then back to the door. She was too cute! When I would chat with her she'd look up with a mischevious grin and go right back to work. She's definitely ours...Type A all the way!

Puppy Love!

Maddy was too cute this past weekend! She just hams it up when we spend time with our families. She definitely loves an audience! She also loves Rosie the dog. She follows her and loves to pet and try to kiss her too! Here she is feeding Rosie one piece of food at a time. Rosie loved it and they were buds for the weekend.
Also had to share our little farm girl. She likes to head up to the barns with Daddy in the afternoon to check on things and feed the cows. Today, she and I drove past the cows and she waved and blew kisses to them--priceless!

The Last Few Weeks....

I've really gotten behind on the blog lately... Between keeping busy and getting ready for the holidays, 2009 sure is racing to an end! Here's what we've been up to...
Family pictures & Maddy's 1 year pictures with Myra at Compton Gardens in Bentonville...

Our annual trip to Silver Dollar City was much different with a child in tow... Maddy wanted to run around the place and of course didn't understand that she needed to ride in the stroller or be held. That combined with her not sleeping well the night before was a wonderful combination! :-) Oh well, I guess that's how it goes... Even though we were pooped afterward, we really had a good time with my folks and Mitchell. We had great weather--in the 50's! The hot chocolate was yummy and my heart was warmed with great memories of all the years Jerod and I have been there at Christmastime. (He gave me my promise ring there at Christmas in 1997!) One thing is for sure, SDC always reminds me to slow down, savor the season and enjoy the moment.



And, Maddy discovered "dipping"! She loves salsa and ketchup, but if she spies you dipping into cheese dip, guacamole, ranch, etc., you can guarantee she will want to dip too!!!

That's about it for now. I forgot to take pictures at Thanksgiving. It was great to have Daniel here from Florida--I miss my little brother being closer but am so very proud of him and his accomplishments!!! Mom, Maddy and I did some Black Friday shopping & got some great deals! Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!