Hip Hip Horray!

Not changing my tune; I still strongly dislike hippies and most everything about them. However, my niece Kyla's Hippy themed/rollerskating 5th birthday party was a darn good time! (See pictures below...) Honestly, taking a 3 year old rollerskating is work. Here's a tip, if they can, tell them to crank the skates! Pea had a fab time; Harp enjoyed being pushed around the rink in an umbrella stroller especially by Grandma and Uncle Casey. That said, I can't believe Thanksgiving is around the corner and that takes me back to 5 years ago waiting for my first niece to be born...

Kyla, Aunt Chelsea can't believe you are 5 tomorrow! Where has the time gone? We love you and you love La La Land and that makes us adore you that much more...

T & C files: November

Hey you, yes you. It's been a while. I haven't really updated in detail for a bit and so; we meet again.
The holidays are kicking off with abandon and as I was shopping around this morning listening to Christmas music in the stores, it was obvious to me that we're all longing for a little glamour. And by that, I mean I think we all need to see some sparkle, a dash of magic, and a lot of love this season...am I right?
This month is crazy, but not even close to the insanity that will be December. December is its own separate entity composed of Christmas, Christmas eve, birthdays, parties, progressive dinners, and lots of hip hoppin from house to friendly house. Pictures and comments to follow on subsequent blog posts. Full post on the girls' Christmas outfits; we're doing a Country Christmas this year complete with red cowboy boots. (That was my fancy disclaimer.)
As it stands right now, here's what's up. Pearson is rolling along at preschool still learning and still staunchly refusing to divulge any information regarding her education. She's like Gandhi in her silence and Fidel Castro in her ability to guard her domain. (Yes, I do realize I just compared my three year old to a fascist dictator; I think the comparison is fair.) She's "So essited, Momi" about Christmas coming and has been "reading" the Target toy book, cataloging all the goodies she will order from Santa. She loves to dance lately to the radio in dad's office and "skate" around on the rare occasion she'll wear socks. A product of the recently viewed Disney On Ice show Grandma P and Papa T took her to last week.
Babe H is a delight as previously posted this week. She's in the BEST stage, so interactive, but doesn't crawl yet. I love this time and am enjoying every second I don't spend chasing her. She still just has the two teeth, and as we've recently discovered, is liking large portions of food. Babe H is turning into a little tanker. Her sleep was too good to be true and she's been waking up during the night for about a month. That's ok, we're working on it. Sleep is after all very important.
Speaking of sleep: we may be getting a new bed soon. Which would be INCREDIBLE, amazing, and grand. We both detest our current bed. Each of us sleeping in our own separate islands (divots)...it's scandalous really. Also this would free up a bed for our guest room! Everyone who knows and loves us enough to stay with us is jumping for joy!
Tyler plays Russian Roulette every night between his iPad (to keep updated on fantasy football I'm told) and his cell phone. One of these days something is going to blow up. Possibly from overuse, possibly from me standing over him with a smoking shot gun about to take that hand clean off. As it happens I like the iPad and I'm a decent shot so it will definitely be the cell phone. Quit texting him Casey or Mayer or whoever reads this post...(that's my less fancy disclaimer.)
In other news, we are invited to Kyla's 5th birthday party next weekend. you'll all love this: it's hippy themed. No, really, it is. She can't read yet, so I'm marveling at this cosmic joke.
Yours in party mode (click, click...sorry I'm just reloading)

Birds of a Feather

My newest painting...

All the Single Ladies

Putcha hands up! :) My nieces and Pea LOVE this song and will sing it on command no matter the circumstance. Today using it (of course) as a metaphor; my Bell girls have let me take their picture lately A LOT with Momi. Of course, it is like pulling teeth trying to get Ty into an actual picture, so what? Us girls are doing just fine, thank you...

Don't worry, Be Happy!

This is my little Harper girl. Always smiling. In nearly every picture I have of her; it's either a smile, half smile, or a blank unregistered face. She is very content to hang out, cuddle, and watch the mayhem that is our house right now. Harper, you're a delight...
:)

Lord, Have Mercy

Rejoice with the Manns...Mercy Mann is 3 months old and can come home soon! Praise Jesus; tears as I type...God, you are so good.

Tribute

As it's veteran's day,I thought I'd post this picture of my Grandpa Jerry in the navy. He was a wonderful grandpa who has since passed. And if I don't write it down I may forget so, "Grandpa Paulson, I miss your pockets full of quarters, how much you adored peanut butter fudge, and the fact that you didn't get to meet my girls here (but someday)."

I'm reminded that my Grandpa Birky also served...though I already knew this. He was also the world's best grandpa who always had time for us and loved to call us, "snicklefritz" as a pet name which I'm sure means something funny in German. Both amazing men who I miss. Love you Grandpa B!
With love, Thank you for your service (and all the veterans today)!