What a sight!

When I am at the desk working on the computer, Elizabeth loves to come to the other spot at the desk and find something to do. Usually she will draw on paper. Sometimes she will ask for the kid scissors so she can cut up what she drew.

Today while I was busy, she asked for the scissors and I gave them to her and was only kind of paying attention to what she was doing. A minute later I looked over to check on her, and I just laughed at the sight I saw!

Yes, she is standing on the desk! Elizabeth rarely looks prim and proper, but she sure is a cutie!

Cutie Pie

We took some fun pictures of Elizabeth this week:

She has a new dress, and we wanted to make sure that Grandma gets to see how cute she is in it!

We had our first big snowstorm of the year, and Elizabeth was so excited to go out and build a snowman. I don't like being out in the cold, and so I put her off at first. Luckily, the snow was still around the next day and we had fun building a snowman together!

Rapunzel & Rainbows

Elizabeth and her friend Sadie were playing so cute in the basement earlier this week. Our kids have not played with this screw pattern game in ages, but she and Sadie stayed busy with it for probably 20 minutes straight! And I love that she's wearing her Rapunzel dress-ups!

Today there was a beautiful double rainbow. I wasn't home, but Ryan and the boys enjoyed standing on the porch looking at it for a while.

Friends

Elizabeth and Izzy were so cute playing with Elizabeth's new dolls today! I love that Elizabeth has such a great friend!

Reading Buddies

I walked in Elizabeth's room this evening to find her snuggled up in the chair with Nathan as he read a book to her. This is one of those sweet moments that I try to cherish. I love when the kids are showing their love for each other and taking care of each other!

Pony Play

I love that Elizabeth is starting to play with dolls and toys in an imaginative way. Earlier this week she got out her ponies and her "barbie" (not really a Barbie, just a small happy meal doll).

I thought it was so funny that she insisted on playing in my bathtub!

Snowman

Elizabeth was so excited that we got some snow today! We made a little snowman together, and then she played until I was cold and took her in :)

Princess

Elizabeth recently dressed up like a princess, including a new crown she made online. It is so fun for me to have a little princess in the house!

 

Elizabeth likes to twirl (push play)

She and Izzy love to play together.

 

This week we moved her off of a crib-sized mattress on the floor, and now she is on a regular twin-size bed at a regular height!

 before -- on the floor

after -- somewhere fun to climb now!

Random Cuteness

I just had to take a few pictures of Elizabeth and Joshua this morning. They were so cute playing in Elizabeth's room together, and then Joshua started reading to her!

Later, Elizabeth found some of my jewelry. I took away the pieces I cared about, and found some old jewelry that she could play with. So cute!

The Fun of New Toys

One of the things I love about Christmas and birthdays is that the kids are easily entertained for several weeks afterwards! Today Elizabeth had a lot of fun playing with some of her new toys.

Enjoying new clothes and bottle for her baby

Cupcake Legos make playing house more fun!

dancing

say "cheese!"

Elizabeth and Izzy playing a Disney game

Snow Fun

Even though I don't like going outside in the winter, I think it is so cute that the kids LOVE being out in the snow! (Well, it's cute until they come in and I have to deal with wet boots, gloves, etc.)

Today they had fun enjoying some new snow and our play set at the same time.

 excited to go outside

ready, set, go!

making a snowball

 wheeeeee!

handsome Joshua

teamwork

 Benjamin joined in the fun, too

My Tastebuds are Happy!

This month I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen. I read an idea to make holiday cookies with the kids: each kid gets to pick which cookie they want to make. Each child gets to make their cookie with mom for some good one-on-one time together. I've really enjoyed this time with my kids over the last few weeks, and I also was sure to do it with Ryan!


Nathan -- Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Benjamin -- Chocolate Butter Cookies with the cookie press
Joshua -- Candy Cane Brownies
Elizabeth -- Tree-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Ryan -- Peanut Butter Cookies

They look a little messy in this picture, but these brownies are SO delicious. I regretted not making a second batch!

We made about 35 plates for all of our friends and neighbors, and we also saved a little for ourselves!



Earlier this week I also tried a new recipe from my Our Best Bites cookbook . . . Rosemary Focaccia Bread. Oh my! Delicious! It felt like we were in a fancy Italian restaurant. I think I will be making this one a lot from now on!