As most of you know Winter Storm '08 has hit us the last few days. It was very brief, but welcomed none the less. I love winter! It is my favorite time of year. I know alot of people hate the cold but I have never been one of those people. I freakin' love it! I hate to be hot, always have.

So this year we have not seen much of a winter and I knew this was our first and maybe only glimpse of snow, sleet, and ice. I took advantage of it and took as many pictures as I could of our Winter Wonderland. I had to take Walker out and get his picture and then he had to take some pictures of me. He always has to do that if I want him to participate at all in my photoshoot.

I was completely depressed when it was all gone this afternoon. There are no signs that winter was ever here :(

My sister-in-law, Hayley, always thinks I'm crazy to actually look forward to cold weather and now that she lives in Germany, where it is always cold, she cannot understand why I would want this type of weather. I guess it is true, you always want what you can't have.

My Baby is Three!!!!

Walker turned 3 on the 19th! The time has flown by, as any Mother would say. I'm not going to "sugar coat" it and tell you that it's been all grins and giggles....it's been sleepless nights, crying, whining, tantrums, screaming, kicking, and extreme frustration. And that's not even what Walker contributed. But, it has been the most fulfilling time in my life. Having someone who needs me, whether he likes or not, is the greatest feeling in the world. He is getting so big! And acting more and more like a big boy. He uses big words and he is completely potty-trained. He is riding a bike with training wheels. He is reciting the alphabet and he can count to 15. This may not seem like much, but we really think he's special ;)
We had his birthday party Saturday at McDonalds and it went great! He had an X-Men themed party, as this is his latest obsession. He loved his Wolverine cake! I was really bummed that I couldn't make it. I look forward to making it every year. Unfortunately I had finger surgery on the 5th and they still weren't healed enough for me to try to make it.

I lay in bed on the 19th at 11:42 pm, the moment Walker entered this world three years ago, overcome with emotion. I almost went and got in bed with Walker just so I could stare at him. I am amazed at how quickly the years have passed and now Wes and I are trying for another child. Getting pregnant with Walker was no easy task. We went through lots of trials before conceiving, but I am optimistic that 2009 will be the year for another baby. We will see!

Dad, Wesley, and Bianca's birthday party

My Khloe Bear

Khloe and Kenzie are always our entertainment

Isn't Katie and her daughter gorgeous?

Uncle Wes and Khloe Bear

Wes, Daddy, and Kenzie Dot

My Dad, brother, and his wife Bianca all share a birthday today. Can you believe that? My Dad is 49 years young and Wes and Bianca both turned 21. They were even both born right here at Cogdell Memorial on January 18, 1988. Crazy how fate works sometimes.

Anywho, we have a weekend long birthday celebration because not only do we have these three birthdays but Walker's birthday is tomorrow January 19. I tried to get him to come out on the 18th but he wouldn't listen to me.

These pictures are from the older kids birthday party last night. We had a fabulous time! It was only family, but when you take in all of our immediate families, and all of our in-laws, that's a good 30+ people. 21 is a milestone that for a while I never thought my brother would reach. During his 4 year struggle with addiction and 4 trips to various rehabilitation centers he has finally come out on top. I am so proud of him and the man he has become today. He is a fine young man, husband, father, and brother. I am overwhelmed with love for him on this monumental day in his life.