Do cowboys cook?

Yesterday, Daniel was dressed in full cowboy attire--hat, boots, chaps, and vest. He was acting very tough and talking in an unnaturally deep voice. He had paused at his play kitchen to make some food. Suddenly he turned to me and asked in his little boy voice, "Mommy, do cowboys cook?" I said, "Of course they do! Everyone has to eat." He resumed his play until the next question, "Mommy, do cowboys eat oranges?" And later, "Do cowboys drink milk?" He wants to get the part right!

Daniel turns 3

We had a wonderful time celebrating Daniel's birthday this weekend. Daniel had been excitedly anticipating the big day for over a month. On the morning of his party, he awoke before 6 a.m. and went full tilt the entire day. Oh my!

At the age of three, Daniel has many, many interests. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said either a fireman or a cowboy. He loves pretend play, loves dressing up in costume, and loves reenacting stories with his toys. Of course, he is a big fan of John Deere farm equipment and anything else farm related. He also enjoys "making food" for everyone with his set of play food and new kitchen!

Daniel loves books with his current favorite being "What Do People Do All Day?" by Richard Scarry. He often sits down and looks at books by himself for long periods of time.

When asked his favorite food, he said, "Black olives." He is probably right! His other favorites are pizza (with black olives) and Subway sandwiches (with black olives). I see a pattern here! Oh, and he inherited his mama's sweet tooth too. Everyday I field multiple requests for jelly beans, orange candy, and marshmallows!

For his birthday party this year, we settled on a Thomas the train theme (after much debate between that and fire engines). I baked the cake and my mom decorated it. Thanks, Mom!
Here are some more party pics!

Fun in the snow

Last Monday morning Daniel was delighted to awaken to a thick covering of snow. We have been out to play in it several times. If it was up to Daniel, we would be outside more often than not.

Making snow angels with Daddy

Above is the snowman Daniel and I made today. The snow was finally wet enough to pack. Daniel named the snowman "Snowy."

Our poor cat. First of all we are all allergic to him so he can't come indoors. And second of all, most of his affection comes from a two year old who picks him up like this.

First Bubble Bath

Since Daniel has been prone to eczema since birth, we have been hesitant to let him take bubble baths. The extra soapiness and scent could irritate his skin. However, last week I found an unscented, extra gentle version of Mr. Bubble. Hurray! Here are some pics of his first bubble bath ever. Good times!

The fro

The beard

The storm

Hi Ho Silver

Christmas Blessings

Brian, Daniel, and I got to enjoy four Christmas celebrations this year! Each one was fun-filled and special. Here are some of our Christmas photos. I took so many...it was hard to choose just a few to post.

Our tree! I love my new butterfly decorations.

Above is Daniel with his new barn and accessories from my parents. He has named all the farm animals...the funniest being the horse named Gander. I have no idea where he got that!

Mom and Dad showing off their gifts!

See the rooster on Brian's mug and see the one in Daniel's hand? Brian has over 300 fire king mugs, but in his opinion, one can never have enough!

Daniel modeling his new cowboy hat and Woody.

This cute couple is newly engaged. How exciting!

This is what happens when your older cousins get a hold of you. Daniel loved it...and them!

The two reindeer above were made many years ago by Brian's grandpa. Brian painted them and gifted them to his mom and sister.

Daniel always has to play with (aka harass) Dennis, the cockatiel at Grandma Missi's house.

Helping Grandpa Roger unwrap.

Sara is the only one who rivals Daniel for the "Cutest cowboy hat wearer" award.

Brian wasn't the only one who got a drill for Christmas. Daniel received a whole assortment of tools too!

Even a saw like Uncle Kevin!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas Time

It is almost Christmas! Hurray! I love this time of year, but oh my, it is so busy. We are trying to get Christmas cards in the mail, cookies baked, and packages wrapped. In the midst of these preparations, we desperately desire to keep our hearts focused on Jesus. He is the reason for this beautiful season!

Daniel has been so interested in our nativity this year. When I put up my very dear and somewhat expensive nativity, he wanted to play with it so badly. I began looking frantically for a "play" nativity for him, and my mom came to the rescue. She loaned us my grandmother's old nativity, and Daniel has loved it. He has learned the names of each figure, and likes to move them around and act out the story.

Daniel is also super interested in Santa Claus. Ever since I started reading him "The Night Before Christmas," he has been asking questions about Santa and his reindeer. My feelings are mixed about Santa. Do I promote the myth or just tell him it is something fun to pretend about? I don't know! We did take him to the mall to see Santa this year. Almost every child in line before us cried when they were placed on Santa's lap. Daniel looked a little concerned, so I explained that Santa was very nice and that there was no reason to be scared. When it was Daniel's turn, he walked right up to Santa by himself and crawled up beside him in the sleigh. Daniel was a little shy, but did manage to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas--a big tractor and planter. On the way out, Daniel asked, "Where are the reindeer?" I explained that reindeer aren't allowed in the mall!

We wish all of you a very, merry Christmas!