Ode to Family

We had family pictures taken a few months ago and I'm just getting around to posting them. Looking at the faces of the people that mean the most to me reminds me how grateful I am for the knowledge that families can be together forever. I don't know what I'd do without these three incredible people in my life; one fabulous, handsome, unselfish, hard working husband and two beautiful, innocent, happy kids. LOVE THEM!!


Marrying this man eight and a half years ago was the best decision of my life. I can't believe the joy and fulfillment it has brought to me. He is truly my best friend and confidant. I am so proud of him and everything he does. He takes such good care of me and is a wonderful daddy.



These kids cause me more stress and bring me more happiness than I ever thought possible. I can't believe how lucky we are to have been blessed with these two little spirits. They are amazing. They make me a better person and help me to stay focused on what is most important.



Tate is such a sweet, playful, sensitive little boy. He has always been very cautious of new people and situations, but once he feels like he can trust you, he gives you his whole heart. He is very protective of his little sister, although he doesn't hestitate to tackle her on a regular basis. He is very observant and loves to learn and ask questions. He also has a contagious smile and an infectious giggle.


Tori, like her brother, was a very even-tempered baby, but she has transformed into a fiesty, stubborn, opinionated toddler. This girl is full of energy and spunk. She is the drama-queen that I feared a little girl would be, but she is also fun and adventerous. She is independent and determined, knowing she can do whatever she sets her mind to. Whenever I ask her if she needs help, she says, "No. I try." She is also a little daddy's girl; her first words every morning are always, "Where daddy go?"

Christmas! And other random pics.

Yes, yes. I know, I know. I am a major blogging slacker. Don't judge me.

But I will make an effort to catch you up on what's been going on around here. Suffice it to say that we have been celebrating the holidays (all three that have passed since my last post) to the fullest extent possible.

We got a little snow. This was one storm's worth. Tate and Tori had fun rolling around in it since it was much to dry and powdery for snowman or fort building.

We were visited by the man in red. A few times actually. Tate enjoyed each conversation he had with the big guy. Tori, on the other hand . . .

. . . this was more her response. She only had to hear the jingling of bells and she was already screaming.

Tate played the angel in the Handley Family Nativity. I know he looks a little "fairy-like" and some may say that the part of the angel should go to a little girl, but I'm willing to bet that the angel that visited to the shepherds was male.

We spent a wonderful few days in Idaho with family. We went to the movies twice and I didn't cook a meal for six whole days. Merry Christmas to me! Oh, and Santa visited us and we received many fantastic gifts.

Darcee let us participate in a Purdue Family Tradition of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" while passing presents. It was a lot of fun. I think this might become a Handley Family Tradition.

Somebody seriously misjudged Tori's hand and head size. Or maybe she was modeling Daddy's new hat and gloves.

Tori received a stroller for her baby doll, which she loved.

Tori loves Great-Grandpa Egbert and snuggled with him for a bit before Christmas Dinner.

Tate went for several motorcycle, 4-wheeler, and tractor rides, courtesy of Uncle Tyson, Uncle Shane, and Grandpa.

Great-Grandma Alzina and her two cutest and favoritest great-grandchildren.*

*Opinions given on this blog are that of the blog's owner and may or may not represent the actual feelings others.

Darcee and Shane got Tori this tiger "pillow-chum". It is a giant pillow-pet that she was initially frightened of, but now loves to cuddle on.

This is the lone picture we got at the Egbert Family Christmas Party. Unfortunately, a good portion of the afternoon was spent cleaning up a small disaster in the bathroom. You can thank me for not going into detail.

Posing with the presents. Thank you everyone!!

Tate says thanks, too!

I experimented with Tori and rollers for the first time. This is the "before".

This is "after". Minus the tongue, I think it turned out pretty cute.

Tate also received some toy bins and shelves for his room. They keep his room much more organized and, bonus, are super cute. Although not shown by this pic, they totally match his quilt and curtains, which, as we all know, is very important to 4-year-old boys.

This is how we spend most of our days now that it's 10 degrees outside and you can cut the air with a knife.

I'm pretty sure this is as close as you can get to sleeping in once you have kids.