Beautiful Sunrise

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of driving Alana to Elm Tree to watch Greg's Rise-n-Shine. On the way, we got to see a beautiful sunrise, the colors were amazing and mixed with the clouds, made for an even better scene. As I was thanking God for the day and all the wonderful people I love, Amazing Graze started playing on the radio. That made me think of Grandma Cawein, and I just had to smile. This was her sunrise for us! And I knew she would be watching Greg's performance at school as well. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Greg's Rise-n-Shine was awesome! The kids knew all their parts and we loved watching Daddy dance with them!
On Sunday Alana played for the first time in the Youth Praise Band at church. Their band is called Sanctity. She played the guitar and did an awesome job.
Tylerbegan soccer practice last week and had a great time. A ball was kicked and hit Tyler in the side of his stomach. He didn't act like it hurt at the time, but when we got home he was showing us his injury. He said "Look, my waist is pushed in"! Obviously it was just the natural curve of his waist he was referring to. He is fine PawPaw, don't worry! He has been playing soccer at recess every day and is so excited for his next practice tonight.

New Stats

Nicholas had his 6 month check up yesterday. He weighs 14.3 lbs. and is 25.2". The doc said Nicholas is perfect (we already knew that)! Tyler and Alana went to the appointment as well. Tyler wanted to be there for the shots so he could help Nicholas feel better, and he did an amazing job. Alana fell asleep during the appointment as she has not been feeling well. Her allergies have been flared up since the warmer weather arrived. On the way to the appointment, Tyler began laughing hard, he was unable to stop, and it was so funny that Alana and I started laughing too. All of a sudden Nicholas let out a big wail-which made us laugh even more. I suppose Nicholas didn't think we were funny at all.
Over the weekend Grammy and PawPaw came for a visit, they arrived Saturday evening as Tyler and I were having a light dinner. Tyler was having peanut butter and I had celery with my peanut butter. Tyler told PawPaw that peanut butter is good for you because it has lots of propane! It's so funny how words can get misinterpreted.

Loving Life

We are staying busy these days. Alana began track this week. She plans to run the mile and seems to have enjoyed her first practice. We are excited about going to the meets that start in March. Tyler is going to start soccer in March as well. He's not too thrilled as he has become more interested in video games lately. Both he and Alana are doing well in school and are looking forward to their next break! Nicholas continues to be a joy. He is squealing and "talking" more and is rolling over more often (stomach to back only). He's such a happy baby and is growing too fast. Grammy and PawPaw came to visit this weekend, Greg and I went out to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Walton Arts Center. It was great to get out just the two of us. Sunday was church and family time with G & P and the Abide's. It was a great weekend!
The pictures below are of our Super Bowl party, Tyler's 2nd grade Musical, and Tyler's Valentine party.






Kim and Kent Myers with Nicholas

Amber McCarthy and Alana

Maramarie as a Clone Trooper

Tyler clowning with his friends at the Musical

Tyler, Nicholas, and Mommy at the Valentine Party

Major Update!!

Philip and Amber are engaged!

Boy Cousins on Noll side

Girl Cousins on Noll side

Nicholas and Callie

Melissa, Elle, and Alana at the LJHS Choir Concert

Tyler's Birthday

We have been busy with life and I have just not made time to update the blog-sorry. Alana is playing the guitar and piano as well as singing and even writing songs, she is so talented and wonderful. She also won second place in an essay contest she entered at school, the subject was "What Does Memorial Day Mean to You". Her prize is a savings bond. We are so proud! Tyler has been busy playing in the snow (we had 2 major snow storms in January) and playing with his friend Nick Elrod. Tyler has also been working on is Accelerated Reader goal, he is now at 60%, go Tyler! Nicholas continues to grow and is becoming sweeter than ever. He started eating carrots this week and loves them. He ate almost a whole jar the first time I introduced them to him. Nicholas rolled from his tummy to his back on January 23 and has not done it again since, silly boy! We love you all and hope you enjoy the pictures!

First Playdate

Nicholas had his first playdate at his Aunt April's house. We got to meet baby Emma, Sarah's daughter who is 2 weeks younger than Nicholas. It was so much fun to talk with April and Sarah and see Doc and Maramarie be their silly selves. Doc had the idea to put on several bibs then play peek-a-boo.

A Visit from Cousin Callie

Nicholas got a visit from his cousin Callie (who was born the same day), Callie's mom (and my cousin)Paige and Callie's Grandpa (and my uncle) Frank. It was so good to see them. I love these pictures, babies bring out the best in everyone!

Tracking Deer while Constipated

While Tyler was deer hunting with Daddy, they left the deer stand early because Tyler had to go #2. As they were walking back to the truck, they jumped a deer which went toward the truck. Tyler wanted to stalk the deer, but when they got to the truck the deer was gone. Tyler said, "Daddy where did the deer go?", Greg answered, "When deer get scared, they go somewhere they feel safe." Tyler said, "Let's go back and check the corn feeder." Greg said, "Son, the deer will not be at the corn feeder and remember you still have to go #2." Tyler said, "Daddy, if I was a deer, I would feel safe at the corn feeder and I can always go #2, but how often do I get a chance to shoot a deer." When they returned to the corn feeder, there was no deer in sight and Tyler waited until that evening to go #2.