February....and pictures for Grandma

February was a tough month for the Ansons. Now that is almost over I am hoping for a much easier March and the rest of the year! Besides being bitterly cold, (you know it is harsh out when the temp does not rise into the double digits all day!) we struggled through colds and a flu. We were able to take a trip back to Chicago the first weekend of the month to visit Scott's family. We really enjoyed this time, even though we had to rush back home in order to miss a blizzard. What a shock when a week and a half later we received the news that Scott's grandma had passed away. Although a little down with a cold, Great-Grandma had seemed as full of pep as ever- how precious that visit became to us. We headed back to Chicago and gained comfort in the closeness of family in a time of loss.

Hard times draw me to the Lord and I am so grateful for His strength and mercy. Without Him we would be lost. Thankfully, His mercy is new every morning and as I look into the faces of my precious little boys, I am reminded of what a gift life is- (even when we have runny noses! :)

Grandma Sue and Paul

Great Grandpa and Marcus

Finally well enough to celebrate! Marcus turned 1 on Feb. 6th

Can I eat the candle?

This blueberry muffin is pretty good!

Having fun with Uncle Silas

Paul's first snowman

A new bed! Paul loves his "Fire bed".

Guns...

Ever since hunting season in the beginning of December, Paul has become infatuated with guns. He knows that Mom and Dad have guns and we take them out and shoot deer. (Yes, we both got deer this year- it was fun hunting and a blessing to have meat in the freezer.) So now everything that is able to fit in his hand has become a gun. And our efforts to train him just to shoot animals and not people seem to be bearing some fruit as he talks about shooting deer and rabbits all the time and is not so quick to shoot friends who stop by. He does shoot other things though- like his dirty diapers, or things that are lost.

"Paul, where is your shoe?"

"Mom, I shoot it. Shoe bye-bye."

Paul always wants to share his guns with Mom and Dad and Marcus, but Marcus has no interest and will drop the screwdriver/vacuum extension/toothbrush/etc. that Paul so willing offers. Maybe a few more months and he will catch on to the game! :)

All dressed up and ready to go out!

See the gun Mommy made me!?

Boys will be boys.... and when Paul is not playing guns, he finds other creative things to do.

Don't look now Grandma!!!

Where did the bullets go?

Ready Dad?

Catch!

What a big helper

Oh, we are ready to go out again.

See, I even have my back-pack!

Marcus, lets have some fun!

Oh, anyone want to play guns?

Need a bullet?

Goldilocks gets a trim

Marcus' hair started getting a little on the shaggy side this winter. So the beginning of January we gave our little guy his first hair cut. He was very patient and did a great job sitting still. It was hard to believe how much we actully cut off!

Before

Dad with the clippers

Paul trying to cut his hair :)

Not too happy, but every bit as cute!

Anson visit and Paul's Birthday

The day after Christmas we were thrilled to have Scott's Mom, and brother and his family come for a few days. We had a great visit- playing Monopoly, Uno Attack, and Medal of Honor. With plenty of talking and laughing through the 4 days. Paul loved having extra people to play with him and can't wait to see everyone again soon! Bryan takes Paul for a ride... Maybe Jeremy should help! :)
Jeremy playing with Marcus- he could get Marcus laughing so hard!

The whole clan! We miss you guys!

While the family was here, we were able to celebrate Paul's second birthday. Because strawberries are one of his favorite foods, we had strawberry shortcake for his party. But in this picture it looks like he will settle for the party blower if we don't stop taking pictures and get the food to his mouth!

Yeah! He blew out the candles!

Yummy!

A slide from Mom and Dad

Fun drums from Grandma Sue

A big hit- An inflatable indoor bounce house. Paul loves it and yes, it does take up our whole living room! Thanks Papa and Nana!

Christmas also means...

A time for gifts and giving... I was way more excited about their presents than the boys were! Paul caught on very fast to the unwrapping idea

Wow Marcus!

Any repairs that need done...

It is a good thing Paul has a cousin who is so good at working on houses... But Justice, easy with the saw!

And best of all- FAMILY!

A Christmas gift from Tabitha and Esther

20 years difference between the oldest and youngest... But we are a pretty close bunch for those 20 years!

Helping the uncles feed the calves...

We love Papa and Nana!!

(And if you are Paul, maybe you are praying that the pictures are almost over?:)

Christmas time...

Means...

Trying to get pictures for a Christmas letter.... Marcus not in favor of the idea, and Paul is just too funny!

This is how most of the turned out- one or both crying! :)

Ice storm

December has flown by for the Ansons- do you know that feeling? It starts out on like the 4th or 5th of December and you just can't wait until Christmas and when you get to see your family and share gifts- then WHOOOSH! The month is almost over and you are left scratching your head wondering where the time went! This year we had an added excitement that seemed to make time disappear even faster. December 11th we were struck with severe ice storm and lost all power for several days. Many in the area are still without power, but thankfully we had ours restored Monday the 17th. After we lost power on the 11th, we decided that we would not stay at home- without a generator and no means to heat the house, it was getting chilly fast. After an afternoon at some friends in Sabetha, we headed up to Seward Ne. were there was electricity and heat! :) We were very blessed by the generosity of great friends, (Thanks Schreiners and Wissmanns!!!) and stayed in the area for a few days. Scott was able to purchase a generator and brought it back to Ulmers. Then the boys and I came back and we camped out there for a few days. We loved having extra time with family! Saturday Seth purchased a generator and allowed us to hook it up at our house- so good to be home! It was a crazy week, but we are healthy and safe and grateful for a warm house with electricity! Thanks for your prayers!

Our trees were just destroyed.

Poor Rowdy, (our dog) his dog house got buried, but he was ok.

The goats were smart not to come out in this...

Paul saw the bright side of things, he thought that the world had turned into one big popsicle for him to eat!

The beautiful tree that was right out our front door

Seth at work with the chain saw...

Going, going...

Here lies most of the tree-

(We have several other piles around the yard as well.)