Mom's Group!

Monday we had our mom's group Christmas Party, which was so much fun. Izze got to play with all her little friends, exchange presents, and even Santa paid the kids a visit (complements of Brian). I am so glad to be a part of such an awesome group of women. They are great wives, mothers, friends, and I couldn't ask for a better group to be a part of. This year we were even able to help one of our own. With the ice storm that came our way, one of our moms, and her family lost their electricity for about a week and lost everything in their refrigerators. We were able to bless them with a gift card to fill the refrigerators back up. Such a great feeling knowing you can do something for someone else.

Like I said, Santa made an appearance at the party and Izze wanted nothing to do with him. That is until she found out it was daddy under all that white hair, and then she decided to sit on his lap. I don't think she was still sure about the whole thing. Even Ian got to sit on Santa's lap. We had a great time!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

This week we have had a little ice to deal with around here in Edmond. Brian was home on Monday because of the ice on the roads, so not all was bad. Even with the ice Izze and daddy had a little date together at Star bucks (Brian's favorite place to be). She loves going with him. Sometimes they will go to the donut shop too. You should here her say star bucks, it is cute. Today the roads were pretty clear, and we were able to go to the mom's group at the mall. Izze loves going to the mall, she likes the play area. She will run around and around, occasionally colliding with another child, but none the less she does it again. They took out her favorite thing, the slide. It has been replaced with smaller objects to crawl and climb on. Not as much fun for her, but she still likes it. This week I got an email from a friend of mine that now lives out of state. HELLO Rebekah, if you are reading this now, and the rest of the Stepp family!! It was really good to here from you and to see pictures of your family. We are all getting excited for Christmas. Izze keeps saying Jesus' birthday, and asking about Santa Claus. She says Christmas in a couple weeks, and a great big smile appears on her face. I had the kids pictures done, and waited for about 40 min. or so. The end result was good though. We at least got one with them both looking the same direction and kinda smiling. Success!! Countdown to Christmas, may your days be marry!

THURSDAY!

Today is Thursday! We have had a busy week so far. Izze and Ian had a great birthday party to attend this week. Izze had so much fun playing and dancing around. Then they both had to have a second round of the flu shot, that day was interesting. Ian usually stops crying when I pick him up, and he is ok. Izze on the other hand, doesn't want me to put her down. She doesn't want to see the band aid and if she does it makes her start to cry. This resulted in me carrying her on one hip and carrying Ian in his carrier on the other arm, all the way to the car. She cried most of the way home. When nap time rolled around she didn't want her pants off to change her diaper or anything. So, I put her down pants and all, and she only slept for about 40 min. The rest of the day she wanted to sit on the couch and have the blanket on her. She is so dramatic sometimes. Then I remember how much I don't like shots, and I guess she probably gets it from me. Thankfully we won't have to have more shots until much later. Today, the kids are having their Christmas pictures taken. They are getting all decked out in their new Christmas clothes that nanny Carol and papa Lin got for them. They will look so cute. Busy week, but still a good one. Here's to a great weekend, just around the corner.

Anyone for Tea?

It's THURSDAY! This means it is our long day (without daddy until about 9:00 or so tonight). Izze and I thought we would embrace the day and have a tea party in her princess tent. She was all dressed up in her pink and purple boas ready for tea. She would pour the tea (pretend tea) in the little tea cups, and we sat in the tent sipping away. Of course we had to bring her lamb in with us so lamb could have some tea too. We don't do much without lamb there with us. As I sat there sipping and laughing, I thought to myself this is what I want her to remember, moments like these. Later today we plan to do some errands, which she likes too, but I know this "tea time" will be one of our favorite things to do together. I know it will be for me.

Friend Time!

I got to go out last night and spend some time without the kids with a girlfriend of mine. I am so glad that the Lord puts people in our lives that are just those people you know you will probably always be friends with. I have a few people like that, not many, but at the same time I think there can only be a few to fill those spots in our lives. I had a great time catching up and talking without any interruptions. Thanks to my friend for being you, just genuine you!

Thanks and Giving!

Every year I am reminded of how very blessed we are. I try and think about all the things that the Lord has blessed us with and to thank him for them. This year was no exception. We have a beautiful little girl and a handsome little boy, and we adore both of them. That right there is blessing enough.
We headed for Ponca City on Thanksgiving day to spend some time with family and of course eat all day long (or graze as some of us call it.) The day is filled with all the things a Thanksgiving dinner should be filled with. From the turkey to the dessert, and don't forget the appetizers before the main course. It's amazing how one day could make you not want turkey again until the next Thanksgiving. Thank the Lord for ham on Christmas!!! The kids enjoyed the trip, and they both took naps. Izze did so well she took a nap on aunt Cindy's bed, so proud. Izze and Ian both got Christmas outfits from nanny Carol and papa Lin. They are so cute.
My brother and his family stopped by and it was great to see them. His girls are growing up so fast, and they are so beautiful. We had a great Thanksgiving, and are thankful for all our family and friends. See you in about a month.

Taking It Easy!

Vacation Time! How we love this time. It's so nice not to have to worry about being somewhere or doing something. Everything is on our time (and the kids schedules!) We took another road trip to Dallas for a little Christmas shopping. We went to our favorite stores and a few new ones this time. We stayed another day so we where able to fit a little more into the schedule. The kids are doing really well on these trips. Izze keeps asking if we are going to go on another trip. She got to ride her carousel ride, and she always has to ride the brown horse for some reason. We figure by this time, if we would have kept all the ticket stubs we would have a free ride by now. She got to ride it twice this time and got a balloon. We went to our favorite places to eat, including la Madeline and we brought some of their tomato soup back with us. It is so good, I think we ended up eating it that night when we got back. Oh, how I wish we had one of those here. On our way back we stopped in Norman to take a look at what Marshals had for Christmas, we ending up finishing up some of our Christmas list there. I wish we had another one of those closer too. Anyways, it was a great trip, we always enjoy it. I think it is becoming a tradition in a sense. Izze talks about going back to Dallas on a trip. She is already getting use to going. Time together is sooo great!

To one incredible husband & dad!

Brian - you are amazing! You are such a great dad and husband, we couldn't ask for more. I love to see the kids faces light up when they see you, and I just love being around you. You are my best friend. You are our hero for everything you do for our family! Love you! The family

Daddy time...well, not really

Brian Here...thought I would jump in for a quick post to tell the world how incredibly blessed I am with my family!

Alicia-you are my hero. No really, I'm being very serious when I say that you are an amazing hero of mommyhood. I don't know how you do it, but I see the results every day in our wonderful family. I love you beyond the very words I could ever express.

Izze-when we laugh and tickle and play and bounce and dance and sing and eat fruit snacks, I am transported to a world that is all our own.

Ian-a new level of bonding is happening with us little fella and it is beyond belief.

Rush family, I love you.
Dad (Brian)

Me Time!

Today, as I sit to create this blog, the outside is already reminding me of the winter cold to come. But, today I do seem to enjoy it. We (the kids and I) had lunch with our favorite person, Daddy! This is daddy's long day, so we try and meet with him on Thursdays to spend some time with him. Right now both kids are down for a nap and it's just me listening to Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas) and a hot cup of tea. We have all been a little under the weather lately, and this is just what the doctor ordered for mommy (me) today. I am thinking about the Christmas list next to me, that I need to start on. It can wait a bit. Izze ask about everyday if we can put up the Christmas Tree. We keep telling her in about a week. To her though there is no time, at least that she can understand. We plan to take her to a Christmas Tree farm this year. The ones I know about have hot chocholate and candy canes. She will love that. Can't wait to see her face light up. Well, here's to many more great Thursdays, and "ME TIMES."