Pots

My biggest excitment was being able to buy a set of pots I have been saving up for awhile now- All-Clad stainless steel.  They were an investment, but I love to cook and they will last a lifetime.

It was an extremely foggy morning today.  Only about 200 ft of visibility on my trip to the grocery store.

They had roses on their last few days for sale, so I bought a dozen.  A nice little pick me up for a day or two.

Exploring

Sharon has been recovering at my parents since she was released from the hospital.  Thank God she is coming along well.  JT was off school for several days and Grandma needed a little help keeping him occupied since she had her hands full with his mom and baby brother.  Aunt Jen to the rescue.  I went up for the weekend to lend a hand.  On Saturday JT and I went on an adventure - we went exploring around Clinton Lake and had a grand old time despite the cold, blustery day.

We had lots of adventure and JT proudly showed off all the treasure we collected - nuts, shells, pinecones, rocks, bark, leaves, feathers, pods, and "Jennifer" berries (juniper).

I was also able to get a little snuggle time with Sam.  He's a precious little one.  JT was so excited to show him off at church on Sunday.  He had Grandma & Sam come to his Sunday school class so he could show everyone his baby brother.

More snow

We got another 7 inches of snow this week. 

After a few more ordeals, Sharon was released from the hospital on Friday.  She still has healing to do but is improving and will spend a little while at my parents recouperating.  Sam is an angel baby.  My parents are taking care of him and will have a hard time letting him go home when it's time.

I worked on a little project over last year in my picture a day project.  I took pictures of my favorite spot in Sedgwick County Park in each season and I finally have them all together.

Sam's Arrival

It was a crazy week.  Diesel was super excited to get to go on a ride. He climbed in the car and wouldn't budge while I finished loading up the car to head up to Lawrence on Monday.

We were going up in order to be there when Sharon had her baby.  Everyone was at my parents' house on Monday night minus Hannah's husband.  Sharon & David came so that they could get to the hospital easily despite the winter storm predicted.  They left early Tuesday morning for her c-section. 
Samuel Thomas was born at 8:22 AM.  8 lb 1 oz, 19 inches long. 

While the blizzard started outside, Aunt Jennifer got to spend a lot of play time with JT, Marshall and Jack.

CHEESE!

After lunch we braved the blizzard to go up to the hospital to meet baby Sam. 

Sam is absolutely adorable.  JT was instantly in love with his baby brother.  "He's the most perfect baby ever! I love him!"  Then we all got a chance to hold him, except for Jack.  He's a precious little baby!

I returned home after 2 days of chaos -and fun- at my parents with all the boys and dogs. Sharon was sick after the c-section.  She was better on Wednesday but then got worse.  Ends up she has systemic strep and is still in the hospital.  She is starting to do better.  Sam is doing fine.  Hannah got an eye infection while at my parents.  Mom had a stomach virus.  Then I got sick when I was home Thursday night.  Crazy week for the family.  When Mom told Marshall that I got sick, he asked if Diesel was taking care of me.  So cute. Yes, Diesel stayed by my side the whole day Friday when I was on the couch.  He's a good puppy.