Our very talented friend, Tara, took these pics a couple weeks ago.

Ethan (5)

Austin (3)

Katie (5 months)

I suppose the guilt has finally gotten to me. This post won't be anything special, but I'm hoping it will suffice those of you who keep asking when I'm updating. "Don't judge me!!" that's for you, Erin. Seriously, though, I have to admit that I've been reading all your blogs, I just haven't posted anything on my own blog. I'm just too lazy. So lazy, I'm not even titling this entry. I'm claiming the "3rd kid excuse." It works for lots of things- especially getting out of church meetings that run too long. Probably shouldn't admit that, but I tend not to care about as many things these days. It's kinda fun!

She did it! Katie ate at 7:30 last night, went to bed at 8:45, and didn't wake up until 7:00 this morning. She had the biggest smiles this morning, but not nearly as big as her mother's.

Ethan likes to chase girls at recess (remember those days?). Yesterday we asked him which girls he chased and he said, "I dunno; they're not in my class. But they're always yelling at me." "Well, do they like having you chase them?" Again, "I dunno; I think so." "When they're running, are they saying 'Come and get me' or 'Aaah! Get away from me!' " Ethan: "I don't know." Mike and I looked at him with "the parent eyes," thinking he was hiding something from us. He said, "I really don't know! They just run around yelling in Spanish!"

There's a class of Kindergarteners at his school who are still learning English- apparently those are the girls Ethan likes to chase. I guess love is a universal language. So today we taught him some phrases in Spanish.

I have to start out with a couple pics of good friends. Great friends have made all the difference in my life as a mom and I'm sure you can all relate.

This is Jewel, my closest friend in Texas. She's better than the best- what else can I say!

Here's Bryce Rothlisberger holding Katie. He is one of the most phenomenal and thoughtful young men we know. The Rothlisberger family will always be among our closest friends.

Three of my brothers came to visit and go to the Cowboys game last week. We had so much fun! I am so grateful for a family that can laugh till we cry every time we get together.

Katie is all smiles these days and it's wonderful to have such a happy baby around. Here are some of our favorites of her.
Katie was blessed in church on Nov. 16 along with her newest cousin, Graham Martino. We had lots of family there for the special occasion. It warms a mother's heart to hear blessings the Lord bestows upon your children. Katie is such a sweetie and has a remarkable spirit about her.

Now all the way back to Halloween- I'm way behind. Austin was Dash and Ethan was Optimus Prime. You can see from the pics that they really got into character. Austin even wore his costume every day for months before Halloween. Katie was wearing a princess costume. It was actually made for a 7-12 lb. dog, but hey! She pulled it off stunningly. My nephew Jonathan Martino is perfectly suited in his monkey costume.