A small preview of Christmastime

Our computer is getting worked on so I'm working from Ty's laptop. I don't have access to everything that I do on our computer at h0me, so this is all I've got. These photos are of my husband's side. It was such a special thing to have everyone home for Christmas, to catch up and share memories. We have missed them all so much.

The Winder Family (minus 3 cousins). It's crazy that we got a family shot. I can't even remember the last time we were all together in one place. So much fun!!

Sweet Grandma Higley & our family. She has a Christmas party every year. This one was so special because every single person was there with their family. We love her so much.

Higley Family Christmas 2012

Mandy, Stephanie, Craig & Ty

(sibling love)

I love this picture!!

Happy New Year

What a year it has been. 2011 was full of many new and exciting things and so many changes. We added another little one to our family, Ty is back in school & we moved to Boise, Idaho.

Ronan Miles was born on March 28th. He came 3 weeks early, just like his big sister. If you are thinking that we just recently had Zoe, you are right. Ronan & Zoe are 12 months and 11 days apart. Ronan is such a mellow and easy-going little guy. He is so happy and loves that he is finally able to get around on his own. He is now 9 months old; it wont be long before he is walking. He is so fascinated with Zoe. He seems to be progressing a bit quicker than she did, I think because he has someone to watch and learn from. He is definitely a mama’s boy. A few of his favorite things are baths, his pacifier, feeding himself & wrestling.

Zoe will be turning 2 in March. She is definitely showing signs of being a toddler. She is becoming more and more independent and a bit more stubborn. She can also be the sweetest thing. She loves being a big sister; she will hold Ronan’s hand in the car and share her toys (sometimes). She loves anything that has to do with technology (I-phone & I-PAD). She enjoys being around other children and can’t wait for nursery each Sunday. If She could stay up late every night, she would. She never wants to miss out on anything. She is so much like her father!

I am busy, busy, busy. Having Ty in Grad School has been a huge change for me. Thank goodness his program is only 2 years. I am a stay at home mom. If I’m not taking care of the kids I have my hands into some sort of craft project. I have recently been getting into decorating and home decor, I also just bought a sewing machine and am starting to experiment. I love finding inexpensive treasures and creating something with it. I think those tend to be my favorite pieces. I have come to realize that these projects help me stay sane while Ty is gone at school or study-sessions. I am so blessed that I am able to stay at home and experience all I get to with my 2 sweet babies. Moving to Boise has been a big change as well. I have made some good friends with people in the ward and also with some wives who also have husbands in PA school. Our ward is amazing and we are so lucky to have moved in where we did.

Earlier this year, Ty received an acceptance letter from Idaho State University for Physician Assistant School. He just completed his first semester with a 3.5 GPA. I don’t think either of us were expecting how much time he was going to be away from home. It has taken about 4 months, but I think we have finally come up with a system that will work for our family. Ty is still employed with Executive Security and sells and installs ADT home security systems. Although he has had to work a bit over his Christmas break, he enjoys working with his hands and says it’s a relief to have a break from sitting in a classroom for 8 hours a day. We are so proud of his dedication and hard work, and although it is trying at times, it will pay off.

We are so lucky to have so much love & support, from our ward family to great friends and family back home. Being close to our Heavenly Father has been a vital part of our happiness this past year. We look forward to what 2012 will bring and although we may not be able to visit you all as often as we wish, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.

All our love,

The Winders

Ty, Janessa, Zoe & Ronan

So much is changing so fast

I can't believe how fast things are changing with Zoe. I have been watching her close these past few weeks and it seems that every day she is learning something new, whether it is a new word or action. She is really starting to talk. I almost felt like she was in a little talking rut. She just didn't want to talk at all there for a while. She knew words and what they meant but wasn't using them, she would whine or grunt when she wanted something. It was getting quite frustrating. All of the sudden, this week, she has started to ask for help and say please on her own without me having to help initiate it. I'm so excited!! She is telling people bye-bye without my help. She is truly starting to understand. I feel a bit emotional. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I am able to witness all the changes or steps & I feel so lucky to not miss out of her firsts.

I know that Ty has been having a hard time not being able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants. Finals are next week and he has been studying 5-6 hours a night and sometimes doesn't see the kids or I for days. It's hard, I know it will be worth it, but it's hard. I think Zoe is starting to understand that she isn't seeing her daddy as much. When she sees him leave she starts to cry almost uncontrollably and wants him to come back. She's young and doesn't understand that Ty would so much rather be home than in that classroom. Hopefully she is young enough that she wont remember these 2 years.

On a happy note, once finals are over, Ty gets 3 weeks off for Christmas. Hallelujah!! I'm so excited and I know the kids will love having their dad around for a few weeks. We will definitely be doing a lot as a family to make the time count. I love Christmastime. It is truly my favorite time of the year. Although I don't like the cold much, I love the atmosphere all around, the malls, decorated houses, the smells, everything. People just seem to be happier and more willing to help others. I hope that I have the opportunity to help someone this Christmas season. We don't have a lot of money right now, but maybe my talents could come in handy.

Buddies

Zoe & Ronan are starting to play together. Zoe loves teaching him little things & I find Ronan starting to copy things that she does. The play peek-a-boo (he loves that), & he just giggles so loud. I love watching them play, it is the sweetest thing.

Ronan is starting to stand up on everything & thinks he can one hand it all the time. He's a little daredevil already. I don't think it'll be long before he starts taking some steps.

One of Zoe's favorite things to do is sneak into our room and play with the computer & mouse. The mouse is wireless and small so it fits right in her hand. Little stinker!

"Whatcha doin?"

They both love their bath!! I turn the water on and they both haul for the bathroom.

This is my life! Two babies all over me almost all the time. They love to snuggle & watch tv. We spent last night watching America's Funniest Home Videos. Zoe is really starting to understand what she is watching. She reacts when someone falls and giggles or says "oh no!" and covers her mouth. It's pretty amazing to watch her learn and mimic Ty & I. Oh, I love my babies!

Traci's Baby Shower

I threw a baby shower for a new friend here. She is the sweetest person & has been so helpful and kind since we've moved here. She has a daughter Zoe's age. We just love their little family. We had a good time; we played games, ate cake & giggled...a lot! What fun!

A few ladies from her work, she's a nurse at St. Lukes.

Her good friend Alisha & her baby.

Chugging the apple juice! Can the baby take it home?!!

The gal in the middle won! Nice job.

The special guest, Traci Gluch. One of her husbands friends made this adorable cake. We all loved it!

And there is me! Alisha tried to snap a picture of me, this was all she got. hahaha

No Thanksgiving for us this year!

This will definitely be a Thanksgiving I will never forget. The day before Thanksgiving, Zoe woke up screaming, I ran into her room and there was throw up everywhere. The flu spread from Zoe to me, then to Ronan and Ty finished it off. So, you could say most of our week/weekend plans were a bust. We were supposed to be spending Thanksgiving in Yakima, WA with some friends & then Friday were going to travel to Blackfoot, ID for my nephew's baby blessing. We did not make either. :( We weren't all sick at the same time, which was a blessing. At least we were able to take turns taking care of each other. I sure hope that we will be happy and healthy for Christmas & New Years. I can't wait. Ty gets 3 whole weeks off from school. I know that he is so excited too. Well, we are all starting to feel better; the kids are in bed and Ty is finishing up some last minute homework for school tomorrow. I will probably be working on a scrapbook project I was asked to do by Ty's mom. I've been loving putting it all together. It's so fun to give sentimental gifts to others. I can't wait for everyone to see it. I hope they love it as much as I do. This post was a bit negative, sorry! It was just a rough week and I needed to get out a bit of my frustration.

I love my family and am so blessed they are in my life. I am thankful for the little bit of time we all get to spend together. I am thankful for Ty and the hard worker he is. He amazes me everyday with his determination and drive to succeed in PA school. I'm so proud of him. I am thankful for my 2 babies. They are what I live for. They make me laugh all day. The both have such character and personality already. I am thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know with all my heart that the principles I read about everyday are true. I love my Savior, and am amazed at his love for all of us. I am so lucky to have been raised by wonderful parents. They have always been so willing to teach & help make whatever situation we are in, better. I love them so much. I am also so thankful for my in-laws. Lamar & Joette are always there for us, whenever we need them. We are so blessed to have so much support around us. Thank you, all of you! We love you with all our heart!

Family Photos 2011

We spent Saturday morning in Kuna taking family pictures. We haven't had a family photo since Ronan's blessing and that was just a quick snapshot. He is already 8 months, so we figured we better get these done. I am so thankful for Tori & her awesome photography skills! Thanks cuz. I love the pictures. Hopefully I'll get these out for Christmas cards, if not, enjoy because this is all ya get...