Jude is 2!

Dear Jude,

Wow...you are two. Your dad and I are so proud of all that you have accomplished in two years and can't believe how fast the time has gone. You love to run in your "fast shoes", sing twinkle twinkle little star, whine to be picked up "I need up momma", pat us on the head and give big hugs when you say you are sorry for something, jump and dance to music, use the pot holders to hold every pot you make soup and noodles in your new kitchen, say "I play with you just one more minute" when we tell you it is bedtime, ride in "papa's big truck", carry your toolbox all over the house and help dad with every house project, cook with mom, and say "I love you so so much" with a big cheesy grin. We love you son and can't wait to see what your third year will bring.

Love,

Momma and Daddy

PS Next year we promise to comb your hair before your birthday photos.

Amazed by Smarties

Easter

 

Dear Family,

Thank you for a great Easter weekend.  Jude is still talking about his cousins and daily asks, "where my cousins go?".   Whenever he sees that basket of plastic eggs we have an impromptu Easter egg hunt around the house.  I have a feeling I will be finding eggs in mystery locations for quite some time.  It was really fun for Jon and I to watch Jude experience Easter this year. He was too young to participate in many of the activities last year, but this year he was so intrigued by dying Easter eggs, excited to search for his treats during the Easter egg hunt, and in all his glory playing with his big cousins. It is amazing the difference a year makes.  Thanks to everyone for making the weekend special.  Ava and Eden - we missed you....looking forward to getting together soon. 

Meendering Christmas -

Dear Jude,
We have been neglecting the camera lately and so I am posting some pictures from Christmas at Gma and Gpa Meendering's house.  You had a great time playing Wii with your papa and exploring your new tent with your cousin Eden.  Your dad and I especially like this picture of you and your godmother, aunt sam.  Super cute. 

Great Gma

Dear Jude,
Just before Christmas you got to spend a day with your Great Gma.  You were fast friends. She brought you the puppy your daddy always used to play with at her house and you adore it. The puppy comes with us everywhere these days.  You were sad to see her go at the end of the day and didn't hesitate to give kisses to Great Gma.  Thanks Great Gma V for a fun day!

Sticky Mess

Dear Jude,
You experienced candy canes for the first time this Christmas.  As we were decorating the tree you happened to find the 1 candy cane in a tote full of ornaments.  You zeroed in on it and had to have it.  Reluctantly your dad and I let you go for it.  Although your interest only lasted a few minutes you were a huge sticky mess. 

Let it Snow

Dear Jude,
You ADORE the snow.  Your parents are DISLIKE the snow.  You love to dive in it, shovel it, eat it, jump in it, and roll around it in.  You are always so excited to put your boots on and go play outside.  Even though we DISLIKE the snow, your dad and I really missed playing outside with you today.  We miss you and can't wait to see you tomorrow. Hope you are having fun with Gma and Gpa M! 

Rebuilding

Finally in the rebuilding phase of the basement.  Amen to not making anymore dust fly and to starting to make the basement livable again.  Just before Thanksgiving we put in the floor.  Jude thought he was pretty cool using tools like daddy and "helping" put the floor down in the basement.  The floors are successfully in now and we have moved on to trim and other finishing details, but are far from finished.  May we stay sane through the finish! More pictures to come....

Dear Friends

I made a whirlwind solo trip to Omaha in November to throw a baby shower for my friend Jen. Was such a treat to see so many girlfriends and catch up. We had cupcakes from Jones Brothers Cupcakes and I made my favorite cookie recipe of all time, Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies. My favorite part of the day was giving Jen her handmade pennant banner to hang in baby's room. I found the fabrics in her baby bedding and bought them to match. Can't wait to see the room all put together!

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Jen, Jess, and Lisa with the pennant banner in the background

Jess and Katie

mmmmm Jones Brothers Cupcakes!

After getting heckled....

....over the holidays for my infrequent blog posts I figured I would fight back with a few recap posts that have been sitting as drafts in our blog for months. We had a fun weekend get away to visit friends in Omaha in Sepember and took in the SDSU Jackrabbits vs. the UNL Cornhusker football game. It was a blast. Jude got to hang out with Gma and Gpa Meendering and Jon and I enjoyed taking in the game with friends and family.