Grandmom

She really loves her grandbabies.

Will often tries to put things in people's mouths.

Helping Grandmom and Granddad Get Their Tree

Christmas Cookie Baking with Grandmom

I bought ready made dough at the store this time. Why didn't I ever do that before? They turned out great. We made gingerbread, sugar, and peppermint cookies.

Granddad and Books

Granddad always picks out some really great childrens' books to have for reading to the kids when they visit.

Napping Together

Dinosaur Tracks Museum

Timmy wanted to go back and look at the dinosaur tracks again.

Dad

I noticed this on the wall one day while eating at my parents's house. My dad was frustrated enough with this frozen dinner box to circle, cut it out and tack it to the kitchen wall. 

Treehouse

Granddad built an amazing tree house for the grand kids this year. It's so neat. It's really pretty to sit up there surrounded by the leaves of the tree. The ladder pulls up, there's a bucket on a pulley for bringing up extra stuff, and a trap door for storing your stuff. He made the door safer by building a railing around it, just a lot of little details like that. He put a lot of work and thought into it, and it turned out fantastic. I think the kids are going to have many great memories playing in it as the grow up.

Lexa got granddad to come up with her.

Grill Guy

My favorite steaks - off my dad's grill.

Cave Explorers

Timmy loves caves and wanted to go back this summer, so my dad took him. 

They said they had a snack afterwards.  Timmy got to eat everything he wanted. When I asked what, they said: 4 of the pepperonis off the pizza, an ice cream sandwich, a giant soft pretzel, and icee, gatorade, a popsicle, pop rocks, and dip in dots ice cream!

2011 Ice Cream

Helping Grandmom to make strawberry ice cream.

Dancing wit Grandmom!

Grandmom

Timmy really like grandmom's stack of smocking for Christmas ornaments.

Mother and Daughter

Bliss- I got a nap!Guilty pleasures- I enjoy reading a good book or even just facebook while nursing, wearing pajamas all morning, eating the leftovers off Timmy's plate, and especially taking a nap with my baby! As a mother, I've relaxed into my life.

Adorable in her big floppy hat

Lexa has been going through a separation anxiety phase for her whole life. For awhile I couldn't even leave the room. Timmy went through this off and on, but never as bad as this. It's nice to be loved and needed so much, but it can be hard. Sometimes I need a little break or at least a shower.

One of the best things about being a mother is my new appreciation for my own mother. My mom and I have a new friendship now. I realize just how much she loved me as a child. I know the value of a true mother, and I value mine more.