The Arledges

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Claire-isms

I thought I'd share a few of Claire's latest verbal inventions:

1. 'I hurt my pups!'....exclaimation after she fell and hurt the palms of her hands
2. 'too-quips'.....what one needs to get food out from in-between teeth
3. 'Come on booty, get happy!'....the pep talk she gave her backside when she had a stomach virus

She never ceases to amaze me! What a bright, fun, hilariously creative little angel. How was I cast to play the role of her mother??? I am not deserving....

Monday, February 21, 2011

More catch-up!

Here's a flashback to our Christmas celebration with the Kings (AKA 'Gramma' and 'Pop'). For those of you not familiar with Lee's very large family, Mr. and Mrs. K are his brothers' grandparents. They were, and still are, very important to him. We are very blessed to have them as part of our family and love that they are part of Claire's life. Here's a glimpse into our after-Christmas fun!!

Claire helping Gramma open her gift

Lee showing off his new sweater (which he wore today, actually!)

Claire reading her beautiful new pop-up book

It's Pop's turn!

Claire loves her new laptop!

Gramma sure helps Claire stay well dressed!! She wore this gift--a new dress--yesterday to church. Pictures are coming soon :)

Claire sitting in mama and daddy's bed "working" on her new laptop. She said she was working on "e-mail like mama." SO CUTE!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Superbowl!!

Okay, I got called out today for not keeping my New Year's Resolution (thanks, CP!). So, here's my latest news! I"ll go back to playing catch up tomorrow :)

This year we decided to have a low-key get together for the Superbowl. It was just family and lots of fun! Of course I think I saw all of 2 minutes (that's actual minutes, not on the clock minutes) of the game. The rest of the time I was reading books, playing dolls, going to the 'cummoom' (playroom), and doing potty duty. But I loved it nonetheless!! Here's a few snapshots from our family night of fun!

Two peas in a pod!

Claire is sporting the cheesehead hat her daddy brought her from Green Bay last year

Cheering with Papa and Daddy

Getting Annabelle "pumped up" for the big game

My sweetheart!

"Gooooooooooo football game!!"

This was her cheer throughout the night :)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Snow and January Fun

Okay, so we had to get creative to keep ourselves occupied during the great snow storm of 2011. Basically, Lee and I had built in entertainment in a little 3' singing wiggle-worm in the house. But we had to come up with things to keep her attention. So, here is a glimpse into those few days! (p.s. the above picture shows her in disguise...)

Our house in the snow

"I can't put my arms down!!"

Daddy, Claire, and Annabelle playing in the snow

We got 8" in some areas of our yard--at least 6" all over!

Where did her feet go??

Back inside and playing dress up with daddy

Using her new 'noculars to watch TV in Mama and Daddy's bed

We know how to have fun when it isn't snowing, too!!

Claire twirling in her new tutu!

Cute boots!

Playing checkers with Nana at 'Cacka-Burr'

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snow Day Karaoke

Catch-up #2: Christmas!!

AAAAHHHhhhhhhhhh....Christmas. My absolute FAVORITE time of year. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it's completely the truth. I begin looking forward to Christmas in January :) I think the reason why I am so happy during this season is because growing up it was always magical for me. Christmas was such a wonderful time for my family. My grandfather, Pappy, was the master of Christmas. He spent days, weeks even preparing his tree and his home for all of the festivities. Mamaw always had special treats to eat (not that she didn't the rest of the year, too!). I remember counting packages, then finding excuses to go back to their house later just to update the count. I remember staying up all night with Gretchen listening to see if we could hear anything, such as presents spilling out of a large velvet bag into our living room. I remember opening up our christmas PJs and the way the new material always smelled and felt the first time I wore it. I remember Mamaw in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner and then eating it off of her special plates. But most of all, I just remember my family. The fun, the laughing, the love. That feeling is something that I crave all year. It makes me miss Mamaw and Pappy so badly I can taste it. But in place of that sadness, I remember all the good times. I remember how I felt and how much I want Claire to experience what they gave me. That isn't to say I don't feel loved the rest of the year, but there is nothing like that Christmas feeling. There is nothing like those fun times. There is nothing like those memories. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I hope Claire feels the same way one day.