Baby, it's cold outside.

....that it is. I'm working at my desk here and shivering. I hate being cold. I could live in Florida in a heartbeat. Yes, I'd miss fall, but I love the heat. I'd most definitely rather sweat than shiver. For sure.

Today is a big day for my nephew, Davis Jake! He turns TWO today. Terrible twos really aren't any longer. They are out. Threes are the new twos, so Tony and Kelly shouldn't be scared. Davis is an adorable little guy who has the sweetest voice. I even love it when he cries. He is sweet and caring and doesn't like it when Joey is sad or hurt. He loves Joey very much and tries to copy everything he does. He loves to chase him, loves to wrestle, loves his Spidermen, and is getting way too old. I wish I could freeze him in time. Soon, Maddox and Carter will be his shadow, copying everything he does. This birthday seems to be a little harder on me because they will be gone to Decorah sooner than later. And, yes, I know it's not very far. But, if you would just know him and love him like we do, than anything further than 15 minutes is hard to swallow. Joey always asks where Davis is, if Davis is coming, if Davis can come over. We'll work very hard to ensure he keeps in touch with his best buddy. Davis will soon be a big brother, so everything will be different for him come his 3rd birthday. Happy 2nd Birthday, Davis - many, many more! Here's a photo of the birthday boy baking his birthday cake. A cake as sweet as him.


Gma Taylor gave me a book to read with the title "Three Cups of Tea." It's by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. I'll admit- I read the back cover and was less than enthused about starting it. But, out of respect for Gma, I decided to give it a try. Gma knows my love for reading, for politics, for life lessons, so since she recommended it, I decided I'd go for it. Why am I telling you about this? Well, in the back of the book, it asks you to recommend it or give it to someone to spread the word- so this is my attempt. The book outlines Mortenson's efforts to promote peace (specifically in Pakistan and Afghanistan) by building schools and promoting education. He insists that the only way to fight wars is through educating the young people. This man has built countless schools with very little money, a lot of effort, little recognition and a lot of sacrifice. Read it - and make sure you give it past the first four chapters.

Here's a photo of us celebrating Daddy's birthday at home. I got him a super-cool watch that he's returning. And, the boys got him a book- Snowball- Warren Buffett and the Business of Life. Joe informed me that would be the biggest book he'll ever read in his life (at 976 pages). I should have started him with something much less challenging. But, I secretly kind of bought it for myself. Warren Buffett has always fascinated me.

I had to share Joey's school picture. Here's our little angel....what a looker.

We had Cary's Surprise Birthday Party on Saturday afternoon. It was a great time. But, I had to share a photo of me with my godson, Carter. He gets cuter every day and is growing up so fast. He wants into everything now, he wants to move as fast as all the other boys, he wants to eat adult food...he's growing up very fast.


Following the party, we went out with some of Joe and Cary's friends. Of course, that night while sleeping, this happened to us...no, that's not snow...

Here's a look closer. Yes, you will see- we've been "forked". $90 worth of plastic silverware stuck in our yard. Did I mention what wonderful friends we have? Thank you, Kevin- you know what they say about paybacks.

Big news at our house- Maddox got a haircut. I know this is making my mom, Bobbi and Gma Phyllis very happy. Everyone was secretly concerned Joe and I were going to let his hair grow out. Gma Phyllis even gave me a speech about how boys should look like boys, and something about some Hollywood stars letting boys have long hair....I got the message. Anyway, he looks so old now! We took away his bottle two weeks ago, the new haircut, wearing 2T clothes, down to one nap only....he's officially not a baby anymore. It's funny because a year ago, Heather told me she was having trouble taking Maya's pacifier away because she wouldn't be a baby anymore. I completely made fun of her and told her to move on basically....but now I understand. It'll be awhile before we have another so it was hard taking the bottle away. Here's a photo of him getting his haircut.
Well, best sign off for now and go get a blankie and some slippers for this cold weather. Stay Warm!