They're Scrappy, These Two

Lately, it seems as a lot of my time is spent being a referee. Whatever one girl has, the other two want. Especially between the twins. Jane and Sydney fight over stuff all of the time. They take food off of the other's high chair, they steal toys from each other in the double stroller; it is a constant struggle. For example...

Jane spots a cup and stakes her claim.

Sydney spots Jane with the cup and decides to mosey on over.
Jane turns away; she's not giving up easily.

Sydney turns on the drama, squeals and throws her head to the floor.

Sydney spots a break in Jane's interest. "Now is my chance!"

Jane is realizing what has transpired.

"Don't mess with me and my Elmo cup."

A few seconds later, Sydney was without the cup again. And the drama continues.

The real kicker here is that the Elmo cup is actually Clare's.

Maybe Santa Didn't Think This Through...

These Boots are Made for Walking

Clare got some new boots for Christmas, and she loves them. Today she came home from school and put them on!

Not at all related, here is a cute picture of Clare and Sydney from this afternoon. Is it just me or do they kind of look alike? I think it's the cheeks.

Enjoying the Loot!

The girls have been enjoying all of the new toys around the house. Clare got a trampoline from Santa.

Little did Santa know, that it would double as a resting spot.

She also received a doctor's kit that has been a big hit...

with everyone.

Clare is also quite taken with her dress up trunk. She loves all of the costumes....pirate, wizard, fairy, heels, jewelry, etc.

Jane likes the Minnie Mouse look.

Sydney is sporting the wizard hat and a tutu.

Not an official costume, but it speaks to Clare's love of dressing up lately.

Between this look and this "socks and heels" creation, I am convinced that Clare is going to be fashion icon.

A Look Back

Here's a look back at some pictures of 2008. Some captured good moments, some not so good, but all memorable!

January

February

March


April

May

June

July

August


September

October

November

December

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2008

We began celebrating Christmas at Deedee and Papaw's house on Christmas Eve. Emmy, Grandad, Bryan and Morgan joined us there, and a good time was had by all!

Clare was very excited that the day that she could open presents had finally arrived!

Jane got in on the fun as well.

Sydney is looking very mischievous.

Clare got a dress-up trunk, and she enjoyed modeling the Little Mermaid.

I am loving Jane's curls!

We returned to our house that evening and got everything ready for Santa.


And his reindeer.


Santa did indeed come, and he brought Clare a mini trampoline that she loves jumping on. He also brought several little toys for the twins and filled everyone's stockings. Clare commented that morning, "I like Santa now."

Later Christmas morning, we headed over to LoLo and Pop's house. Nathan, Megan and Brody were there and present opening commenced again.

Clare got a laptop. A pink one, at that.


The crew...Brody, Jane, Clare and Sydney

Brody loved playing with his stocking!


An added bonus this year was knowing that my brother's family isn't just here for the holidays. They are here for good, and I know we are going to enjoy getting to be a part of, not only the "special" days, but they everyday, ordinary moments as well.

We had a great Christmas. Clare seemed to "get it," and her excitement was contagious. The twins were entertained by all of the activity, even if exhausted by the end of a very full two days. The holidays always have a way of making me feel very reflective and thankful for all that I have been given. Suffice it to say, I feel abundantly blessed.

I hope your Christmas was as great as ours was.

Merry Christmas to all....

...and to all a good night!