Daryl Starbird Custom Car & Hot Rod Show - Jan. 17th

Since we moved to Wichita, Brian has started the tradition of going with Beau and his brother Kyle down to Century II to the Daryl Starbird Custom Car and Hot Rod Show. Not sure which he enjoys more -  looking at the amazing cars or watching Beau look at the amazing cars.

In any event......another fun January day spent at the car show.........here are some of Beau's favorites......

Carter's 1st Birthday Party

Beautiful day for a birthday party!  The sun came out and we all gathered to celebrate the first birthday of Carter Lee Levings in Stillwater. It was a good ole hoedown complete with cute little cowboy and cowgirls.

My SIL Julee had the place looking fantastic and went all out as she does on making and decorating the cutest little cake!

The kids enjoyed playing and chasing each other, while the birthday boy had to take a little nap to get through his afternoon.

One month until Terrible Two's!!!!

In one short month, I will have a two year old.  Seriously?  My baby is two?  Where did the time go?  Makes me sad and happy all at the same time.  She is pure joy to us and her brother - although he would definitely not describe her as joy. He loves her to pieces, but she wants EVERYTHING he has.  From Star Wars guys to Lightsabers to Sponge Bob books........brother has it, sister wants it, and there is no in between.

She still loves her books.  She reads and reads and reads. It's so fun.  But her real favorite thing is PUPPIES!  Animal Planet has become a little more popular around here, and she screams when she see's someone walking their dog on the sidewalk. Pointing, "Puppy, Puppy, Puppy!"  It's so funny.

She "talks" constantly. Getting better at understanding her, but mostly she speaks in Mandarin, Chinese and Spanish.  Pretty sure she cusses at us too! But that sweet child's month runs non-stop most days.....until of course we want her to show off and talk - then she clams up and lowers her head. Not gonna do it!

Her eating habits are horrendous.  Where did I go wrong!? Still a fan of cheese and cheetos so we do have that workin for us. 

She is a fashion maven these days, sporting alot of animal print - leopard and zebra among my.......errr..........I mean her faves!  ha ha

She's a treasure, a delight, and my world (and so is my sweet smart son too, of course) - and terrible two's here we come, although pretty sure we've been there for a few months anyway.  And since I just sold a lot of baby stuff on craigslist over the holiday, guess I better start the shopping search for the "big girl" bed and potty chair now.  Sniff sniff.

Happy New Year!

Well, we certainly aren't the most exciting family in town, but we have enjoyed hanging out with each other, playing with toys and laughing at how funny our kids can be.  It has been a wonderful few days and we love that it is still only Saturday!  Above you see Brenley enjoying books in her new chair, followed by her wearing her brother's flag football jersey with sunglasses - just like the fooo-ball players do.  (that is how Brenley says football).

Beau is already dreading Monday - even though he still doesn't have to go to school!! But he knows that Mom and Dad go back to work, he has to go to Latchkey at Northridge, and the inevitable "back to first grade" looms large on Tuesday.  He has already shed a few tears over the fact.  Can't say that I blame him. I remember what it was like going back to school after Christmas vacation. But soon enough we will fall back into our familiar patterns - or at least be shoved back into our familiar patterns. Beau already has basketball practice with his new team Monday night. Brian leaves for Nebraska (work trip) on Tuesday and he won't be home until Friday.  We head to Oklahoma next weekend for a little time away and to celebrate my nephew's 1st birthday. Then I take off for Denver the following week - leaving Wednesday and not returning until late Saturday night.  Good grief!

So we try to live in the moment for now. I've really enjoyed my time home this past week. I have sold stuff on ebay, craigslist and really filled up our dumpster!  I'm organized and prioritized as we head into 2010. And anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be organized!  So I like how this year is starting out!  Plus I made some spending money to boot!  Whooo Hooo!!

But more importantly, I am blessed with a healthy, happy, and loving family.  My extended family I never think I get to see as much as I want, but I enjoy any time I get with them. My two kiddo's and husband - I feel the same way. Seems like there is never enough time in the day....but I do manage to get lots of hugs and kisses in whenever I can steal the chance, and I look forward to the day when my 6 year old doesn't immediately wipe them off! ha ha

We are both blessed to have jobs and a roof over our head. We know not everyone in Wichita is that fortunate this year. So we are trying not to take anything for granted.   And most importantly, we are thankful for each day we have with each other. Happy New Year and may God Bless You as you enter this new decade.

Post Holiday Hangover

She went from dressing up with her Dad's underwear around her neck and every single one of her Mom's bangle bracelets on her arm......to barely being able to finish her supper.  And the hat?  Well, she loves her stocking hat. What can I say....

And on the 27th day, we rested............

Levings Family Christmas

The magical and wondrous Christmas season has drawn to a close. We thankfully got to see all of our family as originally scheduled. The weather was beginning to wreck a little havoc on initial plans, but God saw to it that we all spent time together as scheduled. We say this often, but truly mean it.......we are blessed with wonderful family and friends. And I love the holidays because we get to hear from and see those special people, we get to re-discover the true magic of Christmas through our children's eyes and we hopefully get to slow down a bit and reflect on the true reason for the season (that last one is the hardest - and it should be the easiest!).

So we ended our Christmas journey in Garber, Oklahoma at my parents house . We drove down Saturday morning, spent the day with family and came home that evening. Trying to keep the attention of 12 grandkids is no small feat, but it sure is fun. I could post 100 pictures of these sweet kiddos' that continue to get taller and cuter each time we see them, but here are a few snapshots of our organized chaos. What wonderful memories.....I hope these kids always love spending time with each other and with Me Ma and Pa Pa. I know I will always love it.

Christmas Day at home

The kids patiently waited for Santa (and their parents to wake up!) and we discovered in our living room a multi-game unit for Beau, a pink rocking horse for Brenley May, and a little vanity for Bren.  Whoo Hoo!  It was a great way to start the day!

The kids were super excited to play with their Santa toys, although Brenley would have NOTHING to do with the pink horse until mid morning, then she loved it.  But she went right up to her vanity and started getting ready for the day!

We opened the rest of our toys and then Mom made french toast! Then we played, played, and played. Glorious day. Happy Birthday, Jesus!