Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Happy Birthday Travis!


I just want to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Birthday. He will probably wonder why I posted this for everyone to see. But, he knows my flair for the dramatic well, and I'm all about grand gestures. So bear with this one.

We have been through a lot together and he never ceases to amaze me. He is an incredible Papa to our two beautiful girls, and is the kind of man people look up to. Sure he has his flaws, we all do. But Travis has always inspired me to be a better person and to constantly work on improving myself, just as he strives to do.

He has made my dream of being a stay-at-home mother come true by doing whatever it takes for his family. He works harder than anyone I know to provide for us and make his family happy.

I am so thankful for the time we've had together and for knowing such an incredible man.

As Madeline told him the other night..."Papa, you're my best friend."

So Happy Birthday to my "Duke" (his trucker name). I hope this coming year will be filled with health and happiness.

Always,

Sunday, February 24, 2008

A Few Words from Zella


Zella talks up a storm and has started answering questions.

Here's a recent conversation...

Me: Zella Lynne are you supposed to be touching the TV?

Her: Yes.

Me: Are you sure?

Her: No, no, no!

Me: That's it. I'm going to get you.

Her: Give kisses?

Me: Here I come!

Her: (squealing and running away) Kisses! Kisses!

Man are we lucky!

More later,

A Bedtime Story by Madeline

We had a fun but tiring weekend (see previous post) and Travis decided to go to bed early. Madeline was also going to bed so he asked her to tuck him in. She pulled the covers up close and asked, "Do you want me to tell you a story?"

She began...

Once upon a time there were butterflies flying in the sky.

And the butterflies were twirling around in the air.

And the sky was dark because it was nighttime.

And then it started to snow from the sky.

And then
(at this point Madeline simultaneously farted (loudly) and noticed a picture from our wedding on the nightstand that she had never seen before) Papa saw Mommy in a beautiful dress that looked like snow because it was white.

Travis interruped to ask if she had tooted and Madeline said to pay attention to the story and not worry about the noises her butt was making.

And they all lived happily ever after. The end.

Birthday Wishes

Hello all. I just wanted to wish my dad a Happy 60th Birthday (yesterday)! And my twin nieces turn 5 today. :)

There are many people we love who have Feb. birthdays...
My best friend Jen and her little girl Addison, little sis Bonnie, brother-in-law to be, Bubba, my twin sis Lisa, Dad, nieces Maggie & Malorie, great Auntie Dort, Travis (this Wed.)and of course our dog Josie.

So Happy Birthday to you all. No wonder Feb. is my favorite month. :)

We went to Milo this weekend and had a great time. We had a bridal shower for cousin Stephanie which was a lot of fun. There were a lot of family members we haven't got to see in awhile so that was great. Plus there was cake so I was happy. :)

Travis went to the boating and fishing show with his Uncle Rick and cousin Jeremey and they had fun. The girls were ecstatic to see Grandma "Marker" (the random nickname Madeline made up for her) and play with cousin Katelyn.

Trav also helped his sister Carrie move and we were happy we were there to help her with that.

And somehow against all odds there was very minimal crying in the car. And no puking. It's a miracle! (Did I mention that both the girls dislike riding in the car and are OFTEN car sick?) Madeline was a tropper and took the yucky tasting dramamine medicine which has been doing wonders.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

More later,
Lori

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

They Say It's Your Birthday--It's My Birthday Too!



Hello all. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my favorite twinkie Lisa. It's always weird when we can't be together on our birthday even though we're old. :)

I hope you have a great day Lisa!

With Love,
Lori

Sunday, February 17, 2008








Zella had her 12 month check-up on Friday. (Nevermind that she's 13 1/2 months old) She weighed 21 lbs., 11 oz. and was 29 inches long. She is in the 50th percentile for her height and weight.

Her appointment went well and she showed off her talking skills to the doctor. Then the shots came. Six shots and they drew her blood for a lead test. Poor little girl. She was crying and screaming "Mama...no!". Broke my heart.

Luckily she recovered quickly. She's been a little crankly this weekend but is feeling better.

I hope you enjoy some of her 12 month pictures.

More later,
Lori

Friday, February 15, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day


Hello all. I hope you had a great Valentine's Day! The girls helped me bake a double layer chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting for Papa and Granny and Grandpa. Luckily they turned out. :)

They were very excited to make and receive Valentines. But the big hit of the day was a funny card Travis got me with a dog on the front. When you open the card it plays "Who Let the Dogs Out?" The girls loved to laugh and dance along with the music. Especially Zella!

I hope you had a great day.

More later,
Lori

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Dr. Madeline

So Madeline decides I don't look very good (um, thanks)and I need a check-up. She puts on her cha-cha dress, sequined high heels and hat, and grabs her doctor kit. The conversation went like this...

Her: I'm Dr. Madeline. Please lay down on the couch so I can give you a check-up.

Me: You're pretty dressed up for a doctor.

Her: I like to look good when I'm working.

She listened to my heart, took my temperature and looked in my mouth. When she looked at in my ear she became very serious.

Her: I think I see the problem.

Me: What is it doctor?

Her: You have a bunny in your ear. Good luck with that.

She may have a career in medicine!

More later,
Lori

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Our Weekend

Hello all. The girls and I had a pretty uneventful weekend. We went to the library on Saturday morning for a couple hours. Afterwards we headed to the grocery store which they were excited about. Did I mention that we've been sick and the kids hadn't left the house in 2 1/2 weeks? So an outing to the grocery store was exciting. :)

Saturday night our power went out for a couple hours. Luckily it was fixed right when it was starting to get really really cold.

Travis left early Saturday with my parents to help my little sis Bonnie move. Her and Jay bought a house in Iowa City. I really wanted to go but they needed a guy so Trav got to see their place instead of me. It was nice of him to help and I'm thankful I'm married to such a nice guy.

After they got back today mom and dad came over to watch the Superbowl. I made crab stuffed mushrooms (a new receipe for me), pizza roll-ups and little smokies. Dad brought wings and mom brought chocolate oaties so we were set. :) The girls were excited for our football party.

Let's see...what else...

I was asked to write a column in the MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) newsletter so that is exciting. They asked me yesterday and I wrote it last night. It was fun to write something that interests me. I wrote about making memories with your children.

I think the last thing I wrote about was nursing homes so you can see why I was excited.

It sounds like it's going to be a montly column and I'm really looking forward to it.

It's called "Moments of Motherhood" by the way. Not too corny I hope!

Anyway, enough rambling from me. I hope you had a great weekend.

More later,
Lori
(I was going to add some photos but couldn't get it to work so I'll try again tomorrow)