How the kids pass time...

Because we've been inside so much...here is a look at what the kids tend to do these days...

1) Our morning begins with breakfast. If time allows, they get to enjoy it on the couch watching Clifford the Big Red Dog.
2) Jack has taken a particular liking to tools! Especially since Papa has been here every weekend working on the basement. He is quite the little helper and LOVES to play with anything that involves his tools and wood. His hat is a must!
3) Poor kid...when Ellie gets him away from the tools...she tends to play Barbies with him, or here put jewelry on him. At least she picked blue for him.
4) Ellie is just content being silly...as usual.

Jack's First Big Haircut

I recently took Jack to a salon here in town to get his first big haircut. Suzanne trimmed it a bit before the wedding back in December, but I wasn't ready for a "big boy" haircut yet. With his 2nd birthday coming at the end of March, and since I'll be getting his pictures taken, I decided it was time! It was getting quite long...and very unruly...so this is a much better look! I've posted a before and after look for you.

How to Beat Cabin Fever

With the weather nasty cold, blowing, snow, ice, etc....a few weeks ago, after a great idea from a friend (thanks, Hollie!), I decided to purchase a trampoline for the kids. As pictured, a mini-exercise one that fits quite nicely in the house. It's been in the living room the past month, but was recently moved to the basement (as we've made progress on the remodeling project).

They've also learned to take turns, while using a timer, which is a nice bonus.

Ellie Skiing

Towards the beginning of February, Tony took Ellie skiing to a little ski hill west of Boone. The weather was fantastic, but that made for a very busy day there. I sent them with the hopes of her getting into the free ski training, but all the classes were full. Tony, not being an experienced skier, tried to work with her himself. He said that didn't work out real well. They were back sooner than I had anticipated, b/c she got tired of falling down. Go figure! She also said that holding on to the rope to get up the hill hurt her hand. So she didn't have fun.

Hopefully we can try again next month...or maybe wait until next year again. We both agree that starting the kids young is best. But if she's non-compliant, what's a parent to do?

Cereal named after Jack

This past weekend, I remembered a really funny story from nearly 2 years ago. I wanted to make sure it got logged on the blog before I forgot! Hence, the archived photo of a baby Jack.

Ellie was on a Apple Jacks cereal kick for awhile...I remember this when we were still in Ames. One day, while picking out her cereal, she asked what this particular cereal was called, and I said, Apple Jacks. She said, "Like Bubba!" Yes...the name of the cereal had the same name as her brother.

The next morning, when I asked her what she wanted for breakfast, she very matter-of-factly answered, "Apple Bubba's." I thought I was going to die laughing. So since that day, Apple Jacks cereal, is now called Apple Bubbas.

And the baby is.....

Today we had our first ultrasound, and we were able to clearly see that it is a GIRL! The top photo she's giving you all a "hello" wave. She was very busy in there this morning, and we were able to see her open her mouth, stretch, do a lot of hand and foot motions. She even tried to roll over at one point.

She is measuring right-on (my past 2 babies measured small)...and the due date looks to be about right too. Maybe even a little sooner...like May 18th.

So now we get to start thinking about names, looking thru Ellie's old clothes...and many friends have offered their little girls clothes to borrow and sell too. But I know the Grandma's are anxious to buy! Aren't we all...I've had a Gap coupon burning a whole in my pocket since Christmas!

I'm very excited to tell Ellie when I get her from the sitter this afternoon. She is wanting a sister...and I think she thought I was bringing a baby home today. I don't think the communication of finding out what it is today translated to a 4 yr old & that we still have to wait another couple months for the baby to come home. :)

Welcome!

Many of you are visiting our blogsite for the first time! You received our link in the mail with our Holiday card. We are so happy you have found us! Add us to your Favorites list, so when you remember, you can hop online and check what's new!

The latest news is that we will be having our first ultrasound on Wednesday, Jan 24th. If all goes well, we will be finding out the sex of the baby. Our appointment was supposed to be this past Friday, but it was rescheduled. A person's patience is only so strong....lots of anticipation in the house! Ellie is convinced it's a little sister. I think Billy is pulling for a boy. I honestly don't have a preference either way...but I do want to know. Of course, we all just want 10 toes and 10 fingers and everything okay.

I'll plan to scan a picture in and put all the info on the blog sometime Wednesday or Thursday.

New Blog Site Address

Because I have a new name...and because we'll have a new baby that doesn't carry the Shepherd name...I've changed the blog address. Something that will encompass the whole clan of us! I guess I should have thought of that sooner! Please start bookmarking this new site, as the old one no longer exists!

Wedding Pictures

Here are a few good ones from the big day, which was Friday, Dec 22nd. As you can see Jack was a handful during pictures. The small ones came from another person's camera, and I can't get them bigger. Sorry!

Happy New Year!

Wow! What a whirl wind of a couple of weeks. Take a wedding, a Christmas, and a Honeymoon...what do you have? Me - not sure if I'm coming or going! And in what dress, what town, and if all my bags are packed correctly!

2006 ended splendidly, and completely unexpectedly from how the year started. A single-mom, trying to sell our house than to...moving to Huxley in the Spring...than meeting someone that turned out to be more than I expected at a small-town bar.... and now being wed, planning a new life together, and expecting a baby! So it goes without saying, pray for changes, and God will answer. Sometimes right away...sometimes you have to wait. But answers, He does!

The kids are doing well. Ellie is enjoying preschool 2 days a week. Learning letters and numbers...and all that stuff. She's never interested when at home, but her teacher promises that she's keeping up there. Jack is starting to talk quite a bit. Somethings we understand, others we don't. "Billy" and "Ellie" sound a lot of like. And surprisingly, "thank you" has entered already, which is nice to hear. He's still a skinny squirt...causing quite the "pants" challenge. So we've resulted in wearing mostly bib-overalls.

I'm now 20 weeks pregnant, and due mid-May. We'll have our first ultrasound on the 19th, and are hoping to find out the sex of the baby. A boy would be fabulous, since we are all set in the clothes category there. But really we don't care. This being Billy's first little munchkin, I'm trying to keep him in the loop and be all excited too...but being it my third, it's just another walk in the park for me and I go all "routine" on him.

Pampered Chef continues to be my work. I also clean a few houses for extra cash. Both will be slowing down this year, with baby, and some other interests that I want to spend more time on. Billy works in Story City, and will continue his daily commute from Huxley to the American Packaging Plant. He enjoys the 30 minutes each way of alone time for prayer, reflection, and music. Lord knows, I'd like some of that!

We are looking to remodel our home this winter/spring to make room for baby. My dad and Billy plan to do most all the work. No final plans yet...but better use of space is the goal! We really love Huxley and our neighbors...so God willing, we will be making our forever home here in the Ballard School District.

We hope that 2006 provided blessings, health, and surprises to all of you too! If you are ever in our neck of the woods feel free to swing by. We are smack in the middle of Ames and Ankeny just off Hwy 69. Happy New Year!

Yucky, even if it isn't real!

A little back story....when you ask Billy is there are any foods he doesn't like, pretty much the only thing he'll mention is celery. He'll eat it in soups and other dishes....but not straight out celery.

Saturday nite we went out for pizza with friends and there is a pizza topping choice that is celery. So we were all talking about that and how gross that sounded. Ellie was sitting there...but not really part of the conversation.

On Sunday, Ellie was pretending to feed Billy imaginary foods. I remember broccoli and probably some other items. Then she offered something new. And Billy asked what is was. She said, "Celery!"

We both just started laughing. #1. She had no idea that he doesn't like celery. #2. It must have been the pizza conversation the night before for her to remember to even offer that food. As we rarely have celery in our house.

So Billy had to explain that he would not be eating the imaginary celery, b/c he didn't like it. A good laugh for the day!

Trip to California

The week of Thanksgiving, we had the joy of joining Billy on his trip to Southern Cal to visit his sister, Heather and her family. Her husband, Allen, is a Marine, and they live on base at Camp Pendleton.

With two kids in tow, we flew out of Omaha on Monday morning, and returned on Sunday evening. This was the kids first flight...and both our first flights with kids. If you think flying by yourself is exhausting...imagine lugging stroller & carseats, toys & snacks, and 2 toddlers thru the airport. They actually did very well, I think we were more worse for wear. Jack was more challenging than Ellie...which was to be expected. He is a terrible sleeper, outside of his comfort zone. So when he missed naps...he got crabby! And a crabby 19-month old on an airplane is not a pleasant sight!

Heather has 2 munchkins similiar in age to my kiddos. Nathaniel was 4 in April, and Kateland is just 2 months younger than Jack. So they all played wonderfully together. We spent most of our time at the house, but did get away one day to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and one quick trip down to the beach. It was chilly...so not a time to be playing in the water all afternoon.

The pictures are of:
1. The two binky twins, Kateland & Jack, playing with the fridge toy.
2. Nathianel & Ellie peaking out of a hole at the Wild Animal Park.
3. Kateland & Jack watching ducks eat the feed.
4. Billy with the 2 crazies on the lillypad hop.
5. Billy with kids, trying to not get wet. As you can see...Ellie as already lost her shirt!
6. Us...and Ellie trying out for BayWatch.
7. Jack getting buried in the sand by Billy. He thought that was pretty funny!

Hope your Thanksgiving was equally special, sharing it with family & friends!

New Van!

Well, at the ripe "old" age of 27...I've had to give up my sweet sedan for a mini-van! I wouldn't have pictured myself with 3 kids before the age of 30...but God had other plans! So, with the exciting addition to our family next spring, we sold my car...and found a great deal in the little town next to Huxley.

The kids are most thrilled with the DVD player! And Ellie seems to think that the buttons that automatically open and close the side doors were made just for her. We are working on learning that it's not a toy! And she's was crushed to learn that when the baby came she'd have to sit in the back seat by herself. She wants the "brothers" to sit in the back, and the "sisters" to sit in the middle. She is still sticking to her guns on wanting both a brother and a sister. I keep telling her it'll be one at a time. But even so, brothers will be in the back, and the sisters up near mommy.

Exciting News!

Many of you are "in the loop" ... but in case you aren't ... I'll officially blog what is going on in my life. I wanted to keep this blog strictly to kids, and this does have to do with kids and affect my kids... so here you go.

1) I'm getting married! So I've shared a picture of Billy & I. We will be having a small ceremony in about a month, the weekend of Christmas.
2) He & I recently found out that we are pregnant! I am due mid-May. This being his first child...it's a very exciting time around here.

Ellie is very pumped about another baby. She wants another brother and a sister...and a dog. I told her just one at a time. And, of course, that I'm not having the dog myself.

The kids love Billy... and he is really great with them. God has answered many of my prayers ... and of course, not in a way that I expected/planned... but I'm learning to trust His plan for me and my family.

Day at the Park

This is a bit over due, but I wanted to share some cute shots at the park earlier this month. This was prior to the 80-degree day we had here, and the snow day which was 2 days later. So just a normal Iowa fall day where the sun was shining and it was about 50-degrees out.

I just love the way the pictures turn out when they are outside in the sun and around all the vivid colors of the playground equipment. Moreover, the hats and coats frame their cute little faces in such away that one could stare at the pictures for hours. Well, at least their mom can!

Jack Rollerskates

The other day Ellie found a pair of roller skates that she got for Christmas last year. After she attempted again to try to move around in them, Jack decided he needed a try too. As you can see by the pictures, he spent more time on his rear-end then vertical. He had a good time...as they both always do on those skates that they have NO coordination yet to maneuver. It's a good inside activity to wear them out. I'll have to remember that mid-February when they are driving me nuts!

Ellie's 4th Birthday Party

Well, Ellie will be turning 4 on Tuesday! She had a party on Saturday with family and friends. I realized that my house isn't really cut out for big parties, like I'm used to! Luckily, we had the size of crowd we did. I'm not sure where we would have put anyone else.

Ellie received many wonderful gifts! Today she is wearing a new outfit and was spending the morning playing with Barbies and dolls. We had a Disney Princess theme, and although no one came dressed as a princess, we all had a great time!

The evening was followed by church where Billy declared his faith in baptism. Many of our family and friends stayed on for that event too. It made for a long day, but very fulfilling all around.

First Snowman

We had our first snowfall here in Huxley on Friday. What started as sleet and yuck in the morning, became a couple of inches of heavy wet snow by early afternoon. After getting Jack down to nap, Ellie and I headed out to have some fun. While I was on a mission to make a snowman, she had other ideas. 1) Eating snow was good...even if it had leaves in it. And 2) this is great snow for making snowballs. I got hit numerous times!

Our snowman, Frosty, so cleverly named by Ellie, looks more appropriately named, "Dirty" because of snow/leaf skin that seems too look even more awful today as he's starting to melt. But the carrot nose really makes him very authentic.

Halloween

The kids had the priviledge to Trick-or-Treat 2 times this year. On Monday night with their dad in the Des Moines area, and then on Tuesday night in Huxley with us. I decided keep Jack home with me and greet the kids at the door, while Billy took Ellie out with our neighbors in our Huxley neighborhood. Our street wasn't super busy, but I was able to get rid of the candy I purchased.

Ellie was Superman both nights. Jack was a chicken the first nite, and a little Jr Clown with me on Tuesday night. They brought home loads of candy, which will probably last us until next year when the parade candy is free flowing in July. For Jack's first year, he did very well. He wasn't scared of the creepy masks...and caught on to the whole "go to the door and get candy" thing. It doesn't take long, does it?

I didn't take any pictures of the pumpkin carving...they really didn't want much to do with it. So I hurried and did it myself just an hour prior to Trick-or-Treaters ringing my bell. No time like the present! Overall, a good year....lots of fun as usual. We are looking forward to doing more spooky stuff in our yard next year!

Bubba a Daddy?!

This was written a couple of months ago...I forgot to post it! It's funny and I still wanted to share.

Today, to console a sad and very tired Ellie, I decided to share the exciting news that I was pregnant. She's been saying for some time that she wanted a sister and another brother. God willing...only one at a time!

After telling her, I asked her if she knew who the daddy of this baby was. After just a moment of thought, she responds, "Bubba!" I said, "No, no, your brother can't be a daddy." I then cleared everything up for her.

A Tree Conquered

To no surprise, Ellie has figured out that she can climb one of the trees in our front yard. She doesn't do it alone, thankfully.... she does ask that I come and help her a bit. But it won't be long before she knows she's completely capable of doing it herself. And what a great way for an older sibling to get away from the younger sibling and do something that they can't! I think my sister LOVED rubbing those sorts of things in my face.

A Picnic

Today was a beautiful day and we decided to have a picnic in the backyard. I made some peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and we had some grapes. Ellie thought this a fabulous idea and ate her whole plate gleefully. Jack, on the other hand, started out well, but once he realized he was not strapped in a seat found it more fun to play with his truck and in the sandbox than eat his lunch. He stuffed grapes and sandwich in his mouth as he walked by, but for the most part enjoyed the "being outside" part more than the "having a picnic" part!

We must take advantage of these nice days, as they will soon be turning bitterly cold. Oh, dreadful February/March when my kids are about ready to tear my hair out!

Oh, and I had to include the picture where Ellie really wanted to pose with her brother, and obviously, he did NOT!

Purse Prepared

Ellie, like many smart girls, is always prepared. Here she is actually asleep during her nap, with her purse wrapped around her arm! If you could see under the blanket, she's wearing her leotard and skirt also. Her daddy is going to take her & Jack to the park this afternoon. So she had to get dressed for the occasion. She did that while she was supposed to be sleeping. And now a bit later when I checked on her, she had her purse prepared too. Too funny!

The Importance of Our Head

Today at lunch, Ellie was trying to "take her head off." She was lighty squeezing and twisting her neck. She shares, "Uhgh. My head won't come off, Mom!" I said, "Well, that's because it's attached." She, being 3-1/2, asks, "Why?" I answer, "Because it's important! If it came off, you would die. And your brain is in there." She has a small burp (because she's eating lunch), and then responds, "AND you wouldn't be able to burp."

Ah...the importance of our head...and our ability to burp.

Ellie to "School"

Ellie has started going to a daycare that does preschool activities. She goes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 3 hours. Jack accompanies her, but is in a different room with his age group. For him, it's some much needed time being social with other kids and being away from the mama.

Last week, Ellie's class talked about tools, and she made her very own tool belt....complete with a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench. She's very proud that 1) she colored on it (it's construction paper), and 2) it has her name on it. This week they are talking about grocery shopping and she was super pumped to take in some empty boxes of stuff that I saved to share with the class.

She is really enjoying it and talks about going to "school" all the time. I think she's met some friends, but her teacher says that she does tend to play on her own. I'm sure that will change! Jack is doing okay...he still isn't so sure about being left by mom for 3 hours. But his room leaders assure me that he stops crying as soon as I leave.

Today, when I picked them up their classes were both outside....but Jack's is fenced into a different area than his sister's. He doesn't like that one bit. He wants to be out playing with her. It's a good thing that I arrive shortly after they get out there...otherwise, I think he'd just stand at the fence longing to be with Ellie. Poor little guy!

Shoe Obsession

For those of you that don't know... Jack has a shoe obsession. He loves to put on his own shoes, he likes to play with other peoples shoes, and he also manages to spend a considerable amount of time in my closet playing with shoes. When we are at a store, if we happen by the shoe aisle, he has to stop! If I try to walk by, he pitches a total fit. And so if we do stop and try some on, then he has to have them. I've now learned not to waltz by the shoe aisle. I think he is getting this trait from his Aunt Nicki, who also has a terrible weakness for shoes. Here he is playing with one of Nicole's shoes.