To be or not to be...a GERM-A-PHOB!

So the positive to having the stomach flu run its course in our home (without affecting Camden thankfully!) is that I joyfully disinfect each and every possible thing touched, from toys to light switches to door knobs, to...no end. :) And I have finally concluded the washing of load upon load upon load of bedding and blankets. Sure, it takes some serious time, lots of disinfectant, and probably instantly begins growing new and interesting bacteria, but it is just something that I have to do--you see, I am a self admitted germ-a-phob! :)


I have a small container of Purell in the van that I use after things like getting gas, groceries, etc. The funny thing is, every time I reach for it, my 2 year old daughter asks "mommy, can I have some sanitizing lotion too?" LOL!

Some good family bonding

I am happy to report that we are back to normal! Our family was hit with a stomach virus/flu early Sunday morning through Monday, but I wouldn’t want to endure those difficult times with anyone other than my loving family. Prior to Tyler coming down with it himself, he selflessly served the rest of us by taking excellent care of Savannah while I was down and out. Definitely would win “daddy of the year” in my book!!! Despite the aches and lack of appetites, we truly had some good simple family bonding time. Praise God for that opportunity in the midst of sickness! And a special thanks to my awesome friend Steph for dropping off chicken noodle soup and Gatorade which clearly helped us regain our strength! (don’t worry, we told her to leave it on the porch so we wouldn’t pass our yuck onto the Hohlen fam!)

There's a new Care Bear in town - drum roll please..... It's **SNOW BEAR!!**

Last Saturday, on Valentine's Day, we had a fun family day. It all started when Daddy went out first thing in the morning to snow blow. Savannah and I were in the kitchen making our normal Saturday breakfast - Mickeys!!! (Although being Valentine's Day, we made them a little extra special ---strawberry syrup and heart sprinkles on top! They were a hit!)

Breakfast was almost ready, so we went to check on Daddy to see how long until he'd be done. However, we open the back door to see the garage door going down and daddy driving away!? Where's he going, we wondered? After a moment or so, I remembered it was Valentine's Day, and his tradition is to bring his ladies flowers right away in the morning!!! A few minutes later, he arrives with beautiful pink roses for mommy and pink daisies for Savannah! Sorry, Camden, no blue flowers! :) We put them into vases and sat down for breakfast. It's not everyday we eat with fresh flowers on the table! Thanks hun! We love you!!!


*****

I have been very excited to get Savannah out in the snow to play around and make a snowman. Even though last week's beautiful weather continues to encourage my spring fever, I was super excited when the snow came and we could finally get her out to play. So after our morning Valentine breakfast, we told Savannah that we'd have to get her boots and mittens and play in the snow! She was pretty pumped!

We got all decked out in our snow gear and went outside, just the three of us. (Camden missed it all while he was napping!! Next year, bud!) Grandpa Jerome and Grandma Nancy had given her a shovel for Christmas, so she wanted to be just like daddy and scoop! Daddy started working on the snowman, but he quickly realized the snow was not sticking together well, so we came up with another plan. We packed all the snow together in a pile and formed a big 'thing' into something with eyes, a big nose, ears, and a mouth. It cracked me up as I realized it resembled a Care Bear...enter **SNOW BEAR!!** We enjoyed him for awhile but then came demolition of Snow Bear. All in all, our first snow outing was fun and memorable, and here are the pics to prove it!!


After the fun outdoor adventure, we came in for a warm meal! To top off our Valentine's Day, Savannah and I made a heart shaped pizza! Ummmm!!!


On Valentine's Day and always, I am grateful for my hubby and kiddos! I love you all so much!!!!!!!

The Body of Christ

I have been amazed at how blogging and the internet can reach people all over the country (and even beyond!) to spread news and connect people. I recently received the news via email about a little girl named Cora Paige - two weeks ago the little 11 month old girl from Kansas was diagnosed with cancer. Her God-serving parents had a family blog, and they posted the info about Cora's condition, continually expressing their faith in Jesus to sustain them in the unknown time. Immediately, the power of God used this amazing tool to reach people across the country to pray for little Cora. With each update the family made regarding Cora's status, people posted encouraging comments that there were prayers being prayed, even from people who had never met the family but had read about the situation on their blog.

Savannah and I looked at the online pictures of baby Cora together and prayed for her frequently each day. She would often pause from what she was doing and say "mommy, let's pray for baby Cora."

I feel deep sadness for the parents, Joel and Jessica, as yesterday baby Cora passed away but thankfully is now in the presence of Jesus. This family's deep loss has touched the lives of an incredible amount of people - as of today, there were 1200 comments listed on yesterday's post that shared of Cora's death. Is that not an amazing response of the Body of Christ? I am encouraged! May God be honored by this family and their faith through this devastating process. Check out their blog at http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/.

We have since talked to Savannah about Cora being with Jesus and that she is no longer sick. Savannah asked if she could sing to baby Cora - Daddy told her she can sing anytime to her! Wow, did my tears flow... We will not understand why this family went through this difficult situation, but we must rest in the truth that God is in control and continue to pray that the entire family would feel the peace that only Jesus can give. Please remember them in prayer often.

My Little Helper

I'm so thankful for the love my children have for each other, even at such a young age! Savannah is such a good little assistant and loves helping me care for Camden! If only she could take over the night time feedings ha ha ha!

She enjoys pushing the stroller when we go for a walk. Yesterday was a beautiful day in February! Woo hoo! I have a major case of Spring Fever right now! :)


She also asks numerous times to feed Camden his solids. I told her from the beginning that he needed to get used to eating food before I would let her help, and I think he is at the point where she can help with a bite or two here and there.

However, I turned my head for a nanosecond (like all mom's do occasionally, right? :) ) and she had grabbed the food and started feeding him. I was kinda impressed with her talent! So I had to capture the moment. By the time I sat the camera down and turned back to look, she was gone and had let Camden have his bowl in his own hands, and well...then I had a mess to clean up. :) It's so precious, though, to hear a little sweet voice saying, 'come here little pea' and 'that was a good bite!'

A Milestone!

My baby has his first tooth! It's hard to see in the picture, but the first chomper has poked through and is quite sharp! I excitedly told Savannah that Camden got his 'first tooth' and she said "I have my 6th tooth!" Don't know where that came from, as she has a mouth full of teeth, but it was precious and memorable. Camden, you are getting closer and closer to indulging in a big fat cheeseburger with your momma! :) However, don't grow up too fast baby. I love you little man.

**Unfortunately what CAN be seen better than the new tooth is the nice scratch between his eyes - guess we let the fingernails get a little too long. :)

So this is what we've been up to the past month...

My mom surprised me with matching aprons for Savannah and me for my birthday and here we are making memories...oh and cookies too! :)



Hey, no sneaking a bite!

Happy Chef!

Savannah and I often paint our toenails together. I have a thing with her precious little feet. A friend of mine once said that little kids' toes look like they've been formed with play doh! Perfect description...I just had to capture it on camera. I also painted Savannah's fingernails for the first time that day, and soon after she said "mommy paint her fingernails?" I hadn't painted my fingernails in years, but I did and it was SO fun! I love having a little girl!!!


My sister in law ReNae had her second baby girl on December 18th, Libby Mae. Here is a picture of Gran and Papa with all their little grands!


Our Family Christmas


The kids were pretty excited about opening their stockings!


We gave Savannah a baking theme gift - she got a little mixer (blue just like mommy's!), a toy apron/chef's hat/oven mitt set, and a cute slice and bake cookie set. It was a hit! And her cookies are quite tasty I must say. :)


My sweet boy with his gifts. I'd say the smile is the best gift he gave us this year! :)


Family picture at my parents' house for Christmas



That's a lot of KIDS!!!! Tyler's mom's side of the family for Christmas. Everyone was able to make it this year - yea! - and the kids are about to outnumber the adults! :)


My baby is sitting up already! Such a big boy (aka drool master!)


Happy New Year!