Check-Ups

So when I had made this appointment back to back, I had expected Bob to be coming with me. But with him having to go out of town, I was on my own. Never Again!!!!.

The girls started off great. They were so happy and was very good with the doctor. Ellie weighted 44lbs and is 44 inches tall. Maddie is 29lbs and 36 inches tall. They are both really healthy. But because of health issues in our families, they have to have blood drawn every other year to check them out as well. This was awful. Ellie started screaming about getting her finger pricked (cannot imagine if they had to take it from her arm) and then Maddie who was not scared as first because hysterical. Ellie was fine after it was over, but Maddie on the other hand got herself so worked up that she did not calm down until after we were in the car and she fell asleep. Thank goodness they let us stay in the room to wait on the results and not have to go back out in the waiting area. 

One of my good friends from Scottsburg, lost her grandfather this week and so the girls and I headed to Scottsburg to swing by the funeral home. While I was in town, Mr. Foto called to say my pictures were in. I was so excited to see how they turned out and again I was not disappointed. I snapped these with my camera, so not really the same quality. I love our Christmas cards this year, one of my favorite ones. 

Elf Tree

So it started snowing over night again. At first it prompted a 2-hr delay, then I guess we got more than expected and about 8:00--they closed school. By 10:00 the snow had ended and the roads were actually in pretty good shape. So the girls and I got out and I ran some much needed errands, the girls went to Memaws to play.  If we were going to have a wasted snow day, I was not going to waste the day to catch up. I started by dropping off the items we bought for the elves in town. The girls each picked an elf and then shopped for her. The I got some Christmas shopping done. Bob left this morning for Texas, so it will be just the girls and I through the week. I think that this is his last trip of the year, and for that I am so thankful. We miss him when he is gone. 

Snow Day-YUCK

So it was 70 degrees two days ago, and now we have about 7 inches of snow on the ground. The rain started yesterday. It nearly rained all day. Then the sleet and freezing rain began this morning. It was not bad out this morning, but with the pending doom the forecasters were calling for, most of the area schools cancelled--us included. It freezing rained most of the day-then about 2:00 is started to switch over to snow. The picture below were taken about 7:30 tonight. We already had about 4-5 inches on the ground here. It is so much work getting the girls ready to go out, but they loved it. The picture quality was not the best, but it was still snowing so I did not want to bring my good camera out. 

Santa

Bob left for Tulsa yesterday, so it was just the girls and I for the next few evenings. Meg called and asked if we wanted to go to Bass Pro after school to see Santa and make a craft. The girls were excited to spend time with Eme (and to see Santa too). They have a really neat set up there. Free picture with Santa, carousel rides, and craft making. 

After Bass Pro we came back to town and ate at Pizza King. This was the first time I had eaten here since they had opened. I had take out once and I was pretty good. After dinner we went to the Family Activities Center in town to ride the Charlestown Express Train. I was impressed. I was not brave enough to take the girls ice skating, but they enjoyed the train. 

After we dropped Eme and Meg off at their car, Ellie wanted to go back and ride again but with Memaw and Papaw (it was 70 degrees outside--notice no coats in December). I sent Ellie in to Grandma's to see if she wanted to come too. So we went back for another ride on the train.

15 Already

Maddie shares her birthday with Shelby. Today we all went out to eat at El Nopal to celebrate Shelby turning 15. She is growing up so fast. 

This guy, Buddy, made he reappearance for the year this morning.

My girls

Glare is awful, but love the smiles

Maddie Turns 3

This was the first year that Maddie had her own birthday party. Ellie opted to have a friend party--so this one was all about Maddie. There is always so much work that goes into a party for both Bob and I (more for him than me). The entire garage must be cleaned and mopped. This is something that takes so long to complete, but so worth seeing the garage so clean and spacious. We love having the opportunity to catch up with all of our family. 

                                                

Some pre-party cuddles

                                               

Maddie wanted a minion cake like her big sis.

Maddie has a baby doll that she really took up sometime this year. The doll is old. It was something that Ellie got, never really played with, and landed in the bottom of a toy box. Maddie found it and pulled it out, named it Poor Baby, and now carries it everywhere. A few months ago she started asking for a Poor Baby brother. That really was the only thing she had asked for for her birthday. If you have ever looked for a baby boy doll, you would know how hard that they are to find. Tricia bought her a doll like poor baby and tried to doctor it up and play it off as a boy. That did not work and was much wiser than we thought. So we continue our search for Poor Baby's brother. 

Every time she would open up a present that had clothes in it, she would say "it's clooothesss" is a mono voice. It was so funny. She does not like being the center of attention, and each time she would say that everyone would laugh. She would become bashful.

The Browns and Nanny

Gina, Mom, and Annette

Memaw, Papaw, Tyler, and Nick

The Gorbandts

Jeanne and Jerry

Grandma and Papaw

Matt and Meg

She was so tired, but so love our little family

Maddie Moo

* You are so independent but yet so willing to let Mommy and Daddy help.

* You are starting to get a little more picky with what you eat, but still love your vegetables.

* You are strong willed and it is your way or no way (or so you attempt).

* Your hair is so curly and you hate having it pulled up (but we negotiate suckers for ponytails).

* You are a sleeper. You can sleep anywhere and anytime in which you are tired. We can move you from the car, into house and pjs and into bed without you ever waking up.

* You love to drink (milk, water, juice)--we have to limit your drinking when it is dinner time.

* You get "scared" easily with things on TV, you "hide" but always have your eyes peeking out continuing to watch.

* You love to play outside (especially in the garage with Daddy).

* You have just recently started to play really well with Ellie. What used to only last a few minutes before fighting began, now play time can go on for an hour or longer. 

* You love playing with little peoples, Barbie, Doc McStuffins, and your favorite babies.

* Your smile is contagious, but your tempter is frustrating. You can go from lovable to hateful in seconds, but we love each mood and temper. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always so crazy. We started at my Nanny's and then we headed on to Bob and Janet's.

If my eyes were open more this would be a great picture

I gave my Nanny my old Ipad and now she is a Candy Crush addict.

Love watching her learn technology

The girls spent the night with Mom and Dad, as each Thanksgiving evening of past. I know there has been a lot issue with stores opening Thanksgiving night, but for me I like it better. Bob and I came home after dinners and rested for a bit. Meg came over about 8:00 and we heading to Clarksville about 8:30. We started at the mall, then went on to Target. Target was not as crowded as it was last year, but the line was still crazy long. After Target we made a few more stops before going to Steak and Shake for a snack. Then before heading back home we stopped by Kohl's. I was really surprised how few people were in the store--yes it was about 2:00 am, but still. Last year when we went past at 1:00 the line to check out was wrapped around the store. 

Painting Fun

Ellie wanted to have a friend party this year now that she is in kindergarten. I knew that we would be having Maddie's party at the end of the month at the house and we did not want to have another one at the house. So I went on the search of somewhere easy, but fun. Ellie loves crafts and making things, so Earth and Fire was a great fit. It was a little pricey, but not to bad considering all we had to do was show up when it started and leave when it was over--they did everything else. We were kinda limited to how many we could have and Ellie have several circle of friends that she wanted to invite from. She ended up with eleven friends who came. I am thankful that many of the moms stayed to help with the painting and bathroom breaks.

Even Maddie had fun painting her kitty cat

Loved the Minion cupcakes

Lila, Eme, Ellie, Abby, Katie, Lilly, Christian, Cooper, Lilly, and Kimberlyn 

Love these cute little crazy faces.