Winter storm of 2012, what a way to start the year! I loved all the snow and the ice was actually very beautiful as well, but the power outage.........not my favorite! We didn't have it too bad considering some people were out for several days. Our two gas fireplaces kept our house pretty cozy and we just wore extra layers to help stay warm. The boys were troopers considering it gets dark at 5pm and they couldn't watch any movies. It wasn't the t.v. that I missed, just sitting down on a freezing cold toilet seat that made me cringe!

Easton and I stayed inside most of the time, we watched all the kids play from the front window.

Cohen wasn't too sure his first time out, he kept saying it was too cold! Finally he realized all the fun he could have and then he really enjoyed himself! He was really proud of his snowman that he built with his dad until it fell over the next day.

Happy New Year! What a great year 2011 was, and I'm looking forward to an even better 2012. I often stop and think about my life and I sometimes wonder if it's too good to be true. It's not perfect by any means, but I have been so blessed and I am so thankful. I know I am living some of the best years of my life. My boys have shown me a whole new meaning of love and they have changed my life. My heart is so full!

Cohen, you have been so fun this last year. You and I have the best conversations and I love to hear your little voice. I even love when you sing your abc's at the top of your lungs while we grocery shop! Your little heart is gentle and you are a bit fragile sometimes but you make me laugh everyday! You are a great big brother and I know you love your baby Easty!

Easton, you melt my heart everyday! I love your hugs and wet kisses! You adore your big brother and love playing with him. I think you are going to be our gentle giant. We always joke that you will be the boy who tackles everyone on the football field and then go back to see if they are ok! You are such a sweet boy.

I wish all of you a very happy 2012.

Christmas morning! Both my boys love to help in the kitchen, especially Cohen so Santa brought them their very own kitchen. They spent hours playing together Christmas day and have busy cooking pizza and making coffee ever since!

My two most favorite presents ever.......

Christmas day was super relaxing. We woke up, had a yummy breakfast, played with all our new toys, went to visit some friends and ate steak and crab legs for dinner. It was a perfect day!

Christmas Eve........a wonderful night with family, food, excited kids and way too many presents!

Christmas carols with Grandma. Finley was trying not to fall asleep and Easton was trying not to fall down the stairs! Thanks Oliver for rescuing him a million times, your the "best guy" as Cohen says.

Wish this night could have lasted longer!

Baking cookies!

Not sure how many sprinkles actually ended up on the cookies, but this was probably the best part for them.

The most beautiful sugar cookies!!!!

On December 7 2011 my sweet boy had his first birthday. This year flew by, much quicker then my first year with Cohen. It's always a bittersweet day for me. Excited to watch him grow and learn new things but sad he isn't so little anymore and those baby days are coming to an end.

the invites

the goody bags

present time

He loved his birthday cupcake! He loves everything actually so I wasn't surprised when he devoured it.

Easton, you have been such a joy this last year and I am honored to be your mama! I love you more than anything. I am so thankful for Gods faithfulness, you were born perfectly healthy, our prayers were answered. I will never forget the heartache we went through after your 20 week ultra sound. You had several obstacles to overcome in my belly. Every morning when I come into your room and say "good morning angel", you smile and I know you are my gift from God.

So thankful. I am thankful every year and everyday for this life God has given me. We spent Thanksgiving with the Potts this year and had a wonderful time. Tom made a delicious meal and my sister set a beautiful table, and the kids loved every minute together!

Grandam and Oma, thankful for grandparents that love my kids.

Papa, thankful he is so gentle and sweet with the babes, they all love him!!!

So thankful for my sister who makes me laugh so hard I usually pee my pants a little bit!

Excuse Easton's lower half, I had skinny jeans on him and he couldn't sit up straight because they were a little too tight. He was not happy so we decided no pants are better then uncomfortable pants!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Easton was a tiger and Cohen was a dinosaur this year. Easton was not a fan of his costume, probably because it was a little tight and I had to squeeze him into it! Cohen however loved dressing up and has tried to squeeze himself into the tiger costume to play "Simba" from the Lion King.

We hosted a little party for some friends and had a great time. Lots of food as always and some fun Halloween goodies!

Mike and Madeline

Lacey and Hudson

Jackson, Chase, Hayden and Cohen at trick or treating. They absolutely loved this and we spent about an hour walking around our neighborhood.

Chris and Talon

Chase and Cohen

Jackson checking out all his treats!

Probably one of the funnest Halloweens I have had. I know I will say this every year but it just gets better and better. I love being a mom and love watching the joy and excitement in their little eyes.