Happy Valentines Day!

Some girls get diamonds...

Some girls get flowers and chocolate...

but me?

Oh, I got a...and a...





and the 3 happiest kids for 4 solid hours!


When in Kentucky, do as the Kentuckians...
and head to the Farm Machinery Show!

Farm machinery Show on Valentine's Day...

Free. (maybe a little weird)

Parking, T-shirt, Giant Ice Cream Cones

$28

The look on this face?

Price-less!!

Can I get this one Dad?

Carson's not happy having to stop "driving" to pose for the photo.

This was way better than Disneyland!! All the kids had a ride. We so got our money's worth! It was actually so fun because they let the kids just climb on everything. Yes, our two year old went on every $500,000 combine and "drove" it.

I wouldn't have Valentine's Day any other way!


Oh, yes... we did make some Valentine's crafts...

Our Valentine Mailbox. We "sent" each other Valentines throughout the week, then opened the box and read them V-day morning. Audrie actually sent the most - she could not wait for Valentines day!

My new Valentine treat - Red Velvet sandwich cookies -found them at this site.

Cute little helping hands!

Were the cookies yummy?

The lips say it all!

"Truckered" Out!

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet little and big Valentine's!

You are the joy of my life!

I'm a Big Boy!

Just as we had hoped, Carson has taken responsibility for potty training himself! Hallelujah! He woke up Tuesday and decided to wear Big Boy Underwear. Unfortunately it was not one of those stay at home weeks, so he still gets a diaper some days, but in spite of it he has done a great job! Today in nursery I had my back to the little bathroom in our nursery room, and the other nursery leader says, "Your son is standing in the door flashing everyone!" There is Carson with his pants around his ankles yelling for me to come wipe him! I died laughing! I didn't even know he had gone in there, but he went in took care of his business all on his own. He's a Big Boy now! My friends in Tennessee are probably laughing, remembering my attempt to potty train him a year ago before the baby came, to no avail. But, we are learning - you don't push Carson against his will - everything has to be his idea! Oh, we love you Carson!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I couldn't forget about Scott's Birthday! Yes, it was back in January, but the kids and I just want you to know how much we love you and think you are the best dad in the world! You teach them so much that I don't and have patience beyond reason (all for me of course!) You even let them do things I would never think of doing, which is allowing for such a creative and adventurous childhood! Thank you for being you, babe!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

It's one of the most bizarre and beautiful weather phenomenons we've ever experienced - we just don't get the ice like this out west. In terms of natural disasters I'd take this - it's not a tornado or hurricane or earthquake. Lexington had it's worst ice storm in 2003, our first winter here. So it is fitting that we have another one in our last winter in Lexington! We took a million pictures, but here are just a few. I kept reminding Scott, who kept saying "this is so cool!" that it was only cool because we still had our power. It was not cool for others living on generator power or in a hotel (which would be my option!). The power was out for some for days and the remnants of the trees are still scattered throughout the neighborhoods. We did not lose any trees or plants, only had some great ice skating on our back patio!

Our poor mangled willow tree!

If only icicles had nutrients!

This was a huge, huge tree in our neighborhood that split four ways - it is just a sad little stump now.

Hello? Arizona is calling!

Jan 23 - 30th

Yes, I'm back tracking again! Updating my blog once a month could make it more exciting for all 4 of my readers - like sitting down with a good book for an evening and finishing it in one sitting and feeling like you've accomplished something! Yes, I am helping you by leaving (procrastinating!) my blogging to one day a month - again, I say Enjoy!

I HAVE to do one journal entry here, without pictures, but maybe a few links for interest, but I do not want to forget this fabulous week! I was able to indulge my "artsy fartsy" (as we say in my family) side this week with 3 wonderful concerts. Friday the 23rd I went by myself to the Lexington Philharmonic to see a violin/viola concerto (the Mozart Sinfonia). The violist was awesome - I love to go and enjoy the talent of other people while reminiscing about my previous life - I really want to start playing again...someday. Then on Jan 26th (after I just so happened to find out the night before) I impulsively went to see Joshua Bell play a recital not too far from Lexington. I went with my friend Donnia who also plays violin. This was FABULOUS!!!! Joshua Bell (http://joshuabell.com) is a violin prodigy, who plays on a 300 year old Stradivarius violin. This was just violin and piano and a moment of a lifetime to see someone of his and the pianist's caliber for only $30!
Lastly, Friday the 30th, Scott and I (yes, I finally took him along!! haha) enjoyed a delayed celebration of our 11th anniversary (in December) by going and seeing Wicked in Louisville!! http://www.wickedthemusical.com It was hilarious - such clever writing - and just an awesome performance!! We had a great time getting away from the kids for more than a couple of hours, but then felt bad when we got home and found out the baby had been screaming for our babysitter for an hour before going back to sleep. He has really started the "mommy attachment" syndrome lately.
So what a fabulous week I had - a huge thank you to Scott for taking over the house (or more like just doing what you always do for me!!) I feel like my IQ went up a couple points for a couple of days anyway! But lo and behold, amid my week of cultural rejuvenation....came the ICE!!!