Happy Easter Everyone...

We had a busy week preceding Easter Sunday. First the kids and I made treats to take to the teachers at both schools. Aidan has such a sweet heart that not only did he want to take treats to his teacher, but also to the other first grade teacher and to the ladies in the office as well. I did not have enough materials on hand to take treats to the office ladies so he was satisfied to take treats to the teachers only. I will have to remember to buy more chocolate for next year.
Saturday we dyed Easter eggs for the first time. My children don't eat hard boiled eggs so I have avoided this in the past. They had a blast and actually ate the "duds". We had 2 eggs that cracked during the boiling process. Aidan did let me know that he preferred the "skin" (the egg white) to the egg yolk. At least they tried them so for that I was grateful.

Our finished product.

Easter Sunday in their finery. We went to church Sunday morning. Ainsley looked lovely in an outfit that she picked out. Aidan is happy to wear what I get him which makes me happy. I like to dress him in sweaters and slacks. He looks so handsome.

We stopped for breakfast at our favorite place. For dinner I made a amazing roast and all the trimmings. B took the kids to the park as the weather was nice. After dinner we had some outside playtime with some neighbor kids. I hope everyone had as nice a weekend as we did. Aidan is off from school until Tuesday. Today is cloudy and I am thinking it might rain later, but I am hoping to get the kids out for some outside playtime even if it is just in the back yard. I do have some limbs to remove before our festivities of the next weekend to come. That is more for another post though. Later taters!

Appropriate for today...

I am not going to post much today. Today was Linda's funeral and it was uplifting and fun and sweet just as she would want it to be. She had us laughing through our tears. I will refer you over to The LPM Blog on my blog list. Read the post for today it will break your heart, but timely since Linda suffered with breast cancer as well. Have a special Good Friday everyone.

Difficult day...

difficult week. I have been so off this week. I can't even really explain why. I have been super busy. Yet, I can't seem to accomplish anything. Tomorrow is my friend's funeral. I think this is the first time I have been to a funeral of someone I considered a friend. Maybe that is why I am feeling off. Not sure. We have had some happy days around here really. Aidan has been especially joyful due to increasing outside playtime because of the nice weather. Ainsley is just being a pill in general. The sassiness is at an all time high and she is trying to give up her nap. She will stay in her room, but she will stay in bed playing and singing for 2 hours. The other evening she was so tired she put herself to bed around 4:30. I had to wake her up for dinner about an hour later. Ahh, well...off off off. I am just off. Tomorrow will be a better day.

No one can say their vote doesn't count

www.htrnews.com/article/20090408/MAN0101/90408485/1984


I am having trouble getting this to link properly. Basically the point is in a local election yesterday, our new mayor won the election by only 15 votes. I am proud to admit that I went and voted yesterday when I don't typically vote in small elections. Glad I did even if my candidate did not win.

Quilts...

Once upon a time one of my readers asked about some pictures of my quilts. I wasn't sure where they were. In looking for some pictures of Tucker this weekend I found some. I think seeing them and having my sewing machine back in good working order has inspired me. This is a bad time for inspiration as I am swamped these next 2 weeks, but maybe I can make a little magic happen.
Storybook quilt that I made for my dear friends little boy. It is the creation story. I really enjoyed all of the bright colors.

These blocks were part of a block of the month program. The recurring them here was the center square in each block. These are the types of colors that appeal to me most naturally.

This was another block of the month quilt. The recurring theme here is they are all varieties of stars.

This was another miniquilt I made for my sister using a Hello Kitty pillow pattern. I thought it would be cute to turn the squares into quilt blocks and give her a unique Hello Kitty piece. I have various other things in various degrees of completedness. Maybe I am realizing that life is too short and I have to spend a little bit of time working on things I enjoy again. I am working on a cross-stitch piece that I plan on keeping for myself. So many projects so little time.

Miss Linda...

passed away last night. Here I am in the middle of the night writing because I can't sleep and thought if I get this off my mind maybe I would be a bit more settled. I am struggling with a migraine so that is actually what made me get up. My apologies for how incoherent this must sound so back to Miss Linda. Even though I was expecting this call since last week especially my breath was taken away. She was so full of life I hated to think of her suffering in pain. I know three things for certain in the wee hours of this morning...1. Linda is with our Lord tonight. 2. I consider it an honor to have had to opportunity to have known her and 3. She is greatly loved and will be missed by her friends, family and all of those whose lives she touched.

Tucker

My Dad called today to let me know he had to put his beloved dog Tucker down yesterday. He has been ill for a very long time and honestly I am surprised he lasted as long as he did. This is a photo of him in his better days. They had a bond that I never quite understood. My Dad loved this sweet dog and is very sad to have lost him. They still have 2 dogs at home as they inherited one recently from friends who moved overseas. I don't think he will ever be as bonded to them as he was to Tucker though. If you have a moment pray for my Dad tonight.

Math

Aidan is working on more advanced math than the rest of his class yet he still participates in the same class work. Meaning he gets sent home the same worksheets. Typically they are basic math concepts of addition, subtraction, graphing, etc. Yesterday we were sent home with the most ridiculous worksheet in my opinion. I had to give him numbers and he had to write down the number and then add 0 and then add 1. I am sure this is teaching some sort of math concept, but we are way beyond this already, people. I think even the other children in the class were beyond this with the other work that has come home. Because he works separately with the teacher he is not getting bored, but for heavens sake I think they are beyond adding 0 and 1 to other numbers. Just my thoughts on the subject.

This weekend we were invited to a friends for an Easter egg hunt for Sunday afternoon. After watching the weather, I think we are going to be hunting eggs in the snow! I am hoping they move things indoors otherwise I am going to have to bring boots and snow pants for the little people. Enough snow already! Well, have a great weekend everyone. Later taters!

Drama!

Who knew there would be so much drama at the first grade level? Aidan wants to invite friends over, but another boy is very aggressive about invitations so Aidan backs off and gets upset. Other kids are upset because they can't come over today. Others are upset because they want to come too and Aidan just wants the one kid today. I can't win! I can't win seriously. I miss the isolationist days of babyhood. I seriously dread the afternoon pick-up so much so that I would almost send Aidan home on the bus but we live so close to the school that we don't get bus service. I can't win. Someone will always be hurt or upset. I can't wait until the weather is a bit more consistantly warm so that we can just play at the playground afterschool and at least my children will be happy with that. Later! Sorry about the rant.

Heartbroken...

I have heard news that Miss Linda a sweet lady from bible study is in the last days of her battle with cancer. I am heartbroken as I already miss her sweet face on Tuesday mornings. She is a strong Christian lady and I know she will be with our Lord soon. Please pray for her family as I know they will miss her dearly.

Flat Stanley Project..

A little friend from back home who is now a big third grader sent Aidan a Flat Stanley as part of a school project. We had to take pictures and send them to him so that he could write about them for school. Aidan had a bit of fun with this and the picture turned out pretty cute so I thought we would share them as well. We took a picture of Stanley with Aidan in the snow right away because at the time it was nearly 70 degrees and melting quickly. They don't get much snow in the DFW area. Then on another day of nice weather we took pictures at school and the playground. Flat Stanley will be with us a few more days before he is sent south again. I hope he enjoyed his northern adventure.

Yay!

Things went much better this afternoon that I had anticipated. Aidan was a little disappointed that W could not play today, but I was told I could send him over tomorrow. I am not sure that will work out because we had loosely talked about doing something, but W's Mom was very happy to let the boys play next week. Aidan otherwise was invited to play this afternoon so everything I was worried about seems fine. The power of prayer during a drive up to the mall in Green Bay! I took Ainsley this morning to finally get her 4 year old pictures made. So cute! I am not sure I can scan and post those due to copyright issues, but some of you will get to see them I am sure. More later!

Pray for Aidan today...

I have my concerns about how this afternoon and the playdate situation is going to go. Some things have come up this week and I just pray that Aidan will not be too heartbroken if things go as I think they will. I am trying to not make this about me and take things personally. He just takes social issues so hard. I don't remember things being this hard when I was young but maybe it was and I just don't remember. Sorry to be vague, but this has weighed on my mind for a few days.

A little AInsley...

I posted several pictures of Aidan yesterday so I thought I needed to include Ainsley for equal billing. Ainsley had parent teacher conference this week. For 4 years old she is doing really well in school. The only thing that needs work is her use of scissors. I had this same problem with Aidan, not a big deal just needs more practice. I have trouble getting her to hold them correctly so that is part of her problem. She has improved since they evaluated her officially, but it is something that still needs work. Nothing major. She tends to stick with her favorite buddy as well, so they are trying to encourage her to play with the other kids more as well. All in all good report. I did ask about her listening and following directions, something that we struggle with at home. Apparently at school this is something that she does very well which was good to hear.


When we were out of town a few weeks ago we hit an outlet mall right near the resort we stayed at. I came across a pair of shoes there for Ainsley that I had seen before but did not want to pay full price for. They were on sale and she just loves them! Of course sparkles for my sparkly girl...

Also, I have to include a picture that Daddy took not too long ago when Ainsley got to accompany Aidan to a scout outing. They had gone to a fire station where B's poker buddies get together to play so B was friends with all the volunteer firemen giving the tour. Cool for Ainsley.
My dear friend Miss J always calls Ainsley a little pixie and this picture of her face reminds me of that for some reason. She is my itty bitty! Later Taters!

Oh by the way, I finally took my sewing machine in for service at a local shop and am shocked as to what it is going to cost me. Anyway, I hope they can fix it so I can get back to work. My cousin just had a baby so my baby quilt list gets longer by the day.

It is not often you enjoy a letter from the Principal...

Aidan wanted this so badly and has worked very hard. I am so proud.

Aidan's Map...

Aidan has been collecting state quarters since my parents gave him one of those collectors maps a few years ago. Going through change we got all caught up recently and were only lacking one quarter...Hawaii. My parents happened to come across it and sent it to Aidan in the mail. It arrived yesterday. The screams of joy are something I would not have believed. Aidan was so excited to have finished his map! I will say that map has been an excellent teaching tool. He knows all the states and where they are and can recognize them by shape. I am pretty impressed that he has gotten so much out of this map. Later Taters!

Cholesterol...

Well, what I have been doing has been working. All my levels have improved except for one and that one is being affected by some pills I am taking. I am going to go back in another 6 months have another blood test and see where we are. The bc pills are keeping the migraines at bay mostly, but I may have to switch to the narcotics and beta blockers rather than risk heart disease int he future. Ahh, well. A side benefit is that they help keep my skin clear which I have struggled with again since Ainsley was born. Ahh well. At least all my other levels have improved significantly which means what I have been doing is making a huge difference. That is something to smile about.

Lazy lazy lazy...

I have been so lazy! I can't seem to get myself to blogging. I sit here and have nothing much to say. I have pictures that I still have to work on. Maybe I will get to them in the morning. I am trying sometimes successfully to spend less time tooting around on the computer. B was sick last week and then went out Friday night with people from work and sort of got worse again. We had the babysitter for Saturday night and had a nice evening out. Relatively early since I had nursery duty in the morning. This morning I had my redraw on my cholesterol level. I should hear about that tomorrow. Then the rest of the day kind of went down hill. I was tired so I dozed on the couch while Ainsley watched Dragon Tales and Martha on PBS. Then I forced myself up to work at the church and then head to school to pick up the little man. I got almost no laundry done and for that I will pay tomorrow. I think the drearyness of the rain just got to me. We all had trouble getting out of bed this morning. Okay...tomorrow morning I will work on pictures and then head to bible study. Another friend of mine just lost her job as a teacher! Keep her in your prayers as well if you would. Weird post, but I just wanted you all to know I was still here, just having some writer's block. Anyway, more another day.

I have spread the wealth...

we had a great time at the Dells. All came home exhausted and now B is sick with my cold. It started yesterday. I am still pooped and trying to catch up on sleep to no avail. One day I will feel less tired. I started up my vitamins again in case it is the anemia catching up with me again which sometimes happens. I have pictures still on my camera as usual. I also have a picture project with Aidan to work on as an old friend from home sent us a Flat Stanley to go on some adventures. We took a picture of him in the snow right away since it has been melting significantly in the last few days. Can I say I am loving this warmer weather! We actually walked home from school the last few days since it has been so nice. The kids are itching to play at the school playground after school, but I think we still need to give that a while as the field is a swamp right now. I know it can still snow in April around here, but I am seriously going to put away some of the snow gear that I am sick of looking at. Well, I am off to finish dinner so more another day.

Headed to the Dells...

I am still sick, but we are going. I am armed with my pharmacy and hoping for the best. The kids are bouncing off the walls so they will have fun at least. I am hoping they will let me sleep during the road trip. Or probably not...

Oh the sniffles have arrived...

with a vengance for me just before our long weekend away. Isn't that the luck! I have 3 whole days to get better. I know I can do it. Any tried and true home remedies?

I took an easy morning this morning...

I was concerned about the roads really after all the snow and wind yesterday. We were so lazy we even missed church. Actually, my plan was originally to go to a later service because of the time change and having friends over late on Saturday. Needless to say my plan was thwarted by the weather. Ack! Today is beautiful and sunny and you would never know how awful yesterday looked except for the fresh layer of snow covering the ice from the previous few days snow melt. So, in taking an easy morning, I skipped going to the grocery store. I will make a stop later this afternoon, but I only need to pick up a few staples as we will be heading out for a long weekend this Friday. Hopefully, I will come back with pictures! I finally got photos downloaded this weekend and even put a few on my FB profile page. I need to get some up on here, but I can leave you all with one today. My handsome men...

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Originally from our local newspaper...

1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup very ripe bananas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips


In a large bowl beat the egg. Add the buttermilk, mashed bananas, oil, vanilla and blend. Sift together four, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and blend. Fry pancakes as usual on a griddle. Drop a few chocolate chips on top of each pancake before flipping them. Makes about 8 pancakes.

New Suit

I went with my sister's suggestion and got some board shorts. Probably not a nice as hers, but they will do for that amount of swimming that I actually do. Pretty cute though...something that I think I can live with for a while anyway.

I will post my banana chocolate chip recipe later today. Right now I am off to make some cookies with Ainsley.

Can I please also ask my dear friends to pray for one of my bloggy friends? Too many people I know have lost jobs lately and this sweet family is included. Thank you so much.

Pancake dinner...

Tonight we had a pancakes for dinner. B is out entertaining plant visitors and I just did not feel up to arguing with anyone to eat their dinner. So, pancakes for dinner. Now my children have become very spoiled in this area. I can not just make pancakes from a box...I have to make special pancakes from scratch. Pumpkin pie pancakes, chocolate chocolate chip pancakes, and for tonight it was banana chocolate chip. My personal fave due to my current obsession with bananas. I can e-mail or post the recipe if anyone wants it...just let me know.

So here I am with nothing more interesting to write about other than what we had for dinner. Some days I can think of tons to write about. Maybe I need to get some inspiration from pictures. My camera is loaded with things...blue and gold banquet, B covered in attic insulation from a recent project, kids artwork. I need to get off my tush and into something more creative. I haven't even worked on cross-stitch projects or quilt projects in weeks! I need to do something. Seriously.

On a lighter note, we decided to bite the bullet and make a weekend trip in a week and a half now to a resort in the Dells to break the winter doldrums. The only thing stressing me out now is that I am in need of a new swimsuit. My other will work if I can't find anything, but requires a repair to the seam. I have been putting this off for a few weeks now, but I think I am going to head to Kohl's on Thursday. Oh I am dreading it.

Remaining to do today....

1. Work at church for an hour or so.
2. Shuffle laundry.
3. Pick up kiddo and deal with after school battle.
4. Ask kiddos to make birthday cards.
5. Encourage kiddos to clean their rooms. \
6. Vacuum floor.
7. Shuffle laundry.
8. Make dinner.
9. Make time and have creativity to write a real blog post...priceless.


Me time tonight required...I have to re-work this schedule as Monday's are becoming too much.

B update 2...

The steroid seems to be working because this morning B had hearing in that ear for his hearing test. He is to continue to use it for a month and refills as needed. If it becomes persisitent and the spray is not working then he is to go back in for another hearing test. Because the steroid is working they are calling it a eustacian tube problem. The nurse said though from his symptoms that it presents more like a blockage due to a growth of some sort. So, for now he is being treated and we will wait and see. Now I know he has some hearing again so no more excuses for not listening to me.

B update...

He has to go back tomorrow for a hearing test. B was sent home today with a nasal steroid spray. The nurse seem to think it is a problem with his eustacian tube, but it is not presenting classically like this type of problem. After the hearing test we will know more. If the steroid doesn't work we are potentially talking about a more serious problem tumor, nerve damage etc. Continue praying please...

Prayers for B please!

B has been complaining for about a week about his ear really bothering him. I suggested he go see the Dr. He hasn't said anything for a few days so I forgot about it. This afternoon he tells me that he made an appointment to see Aidan and my ENT for in the morning. He realized today while talking on the phone that he can't hear out of that ear. Here is hoping for a really bad ear infection that will clear up with an antibiotic instead of something more serious. Thanks my friends!

Returning to the land of the living...

after feeling badly and barely functioning for the last 4 days I am starting to return to the land of the living. Those Alberta Clipper weather systems seem to be the worst for my migraines I am not sure why. Anyway, I am busy playing catch-up after getting minimal done for a few days. My house looked like it exploded! Tons to do, but getting there. Laundry is going dishes are done, recycling collected. I am going to have to break for lunch as I am starving. I am surprised Ainsley hasn't started in on me yet.


Caught some of the Oscars last night even though I think the movies that were nominated ever played in our town. If they did they were so short lived that I totally missed them. Loved Hugh Jackman as host. And can I say I have a small crush on Rob Pattinson, what a cutie! I love all the clothes and gowns. Of course I mention this to my hubby and he says to me you know we can go to the theater and such so you can wear some of those things. Really, I can't imagine wearing a ball gown to the theater especially around here. Those dresses are not meant to be worn with coats! Not my lot in life, but not sure what my hubby is thinking. Besides I wouldn't need to buy a fancy dress anyway. I still have my dress from my sister's wedding that the seamstress was so impressed with because it is something that you could actually wear again. Ah well, scattered this morning. Sorry, but I will be back soon with pictures promise.

In an effort to spend more time with family...

while guests are visiting my husbands plant this week, B has decided to have them all over to play cards tomorrow. They are all providing food and drink so for this I am grateful. He is trying. This entertaining is not his fault, but I struggle with it more because of who the company is. It is B's friend and I love him dearly, but he is not one of the bigwigs that is not familiar with town. I am glad he is coming over as I don't usually get to see him. It will be a fun evening that I will excuse myself from early without any problems.


Snow is coming tonight. I can feel it in my face. I have become once again a giant weather vane as when I lived in Houston. Claritin and tylenol will hopefully clear me up so I can function tomorrow. Tired tonight so I am taking the trash out, having a cup of tea, turning off the computer, and going to bed. B and I had the discussion last night that I need to start putting myself back on the list. I am not good about this, but I am worn thin these days. I am starting to take some time out for me so that I can better give to everyone else. So tonight this care of me looks like a cup of tea and early to bed. Goodnight taters!

Ainsley is 4!

I don't know where the time has gone as I still she her as such a baby. My sweet girl turned 4 years old on Saturday. We had a nice party with some of her little friends and their families. She had such a nice time and her sweet Daddy brought her flowers and some balloons. My Mom found this cute little dress set at Kohl's and when Ainsley saw it she just screamed, "It is American Girl!" Actually, it is not, but I did not tell her that.


This is the only picture I am able to post for now as we have tons to do today. We have already been to the Dr for her 4 year old well check and vaccinations, and to the grocery store. I still have to go work up at the church for an hour and get to laundry and get cupcakes made for Ainsley's school treat tomorrow. I am really trying to get too much into the day on Monday's. Later taters!

I am at a loss...

with how to handle the school situation. Aidan is way above academically so much so that the teacher would consider him skipping a grade. Aidan however continues to struggle with his classmate and the teacher has separated them as much as possible with them still being in the same class. Next year she is going to make sure they are in different classrooms. That leaves the remainder of this year still being a problem. I asked her to allow him to see the guidance counselor and maybe he could benefit from talking with someone better equipped to help him handle this child. It is driving me nuts that he is being harrassed so. I don't think this child is trying to be a bully. He just has no understanding of other people's feelings is what it sounds like. Prayer please people, I am about to pull my child out of school. Anyone think I can homeschool second grade? B is more willing to put him in private school first though. Ahhh, struggling with this.

Feeling good today...

It is sunny out and last I checked 40 degrees only to get warmer this afternoon. I know this warm spell is short lived, but I sure needed the break from the cold. I almost want to break out my lighter coat just for today. I am so ready for spring!

4K and other things...

This week is going to be a busy one for us. Besides getting ready for Ainsley's birthday party and her school Valentines party, I also had to register her for 4K this morning. I am feeling better about the decision to put her in than I did a few weeks ago. Maybe that means it is the right thing to do. I have been praying a lot about this. In 2.5 years life will be a bit easier as I will have both kids in the same school but until then the morning shuffle will take some getting used to. We will work it out though, we always do. We also have parent teacher conference and I am making snack for bible study in the morning. Friday the kids have off from school and I wanted to head up to the mall in Green Bay, but I am not sure that will work out. We will just have to see how the week goes. I also have all the standard chores, bills to pay, party bags to make etc. I am not complaining really, as I don't mind doing all these things. I am just noting them as I will be less likely to forget something in the shuffle if I note it somewhere. Ah well, off to unload groceries. On that note, I go to a store as often as I can that offers childcare while the parents shop. It is really a nice service. We were out and about early and I asked Miss Ainsley what she wanted to do, go home or head to the store early but not go into childcare. She wanted to go shopping early because she wanted to use the kid sized shopping carts. Let me tell you I had such a good helper this morning! I warned her before hand that she had to be really careful and that if she started to run into people or things that I would take the cart away and she would have to ride. She loaded up her grocery cart with the things I told her she could have when we went to pay she unloaded her cart all by herself. What a treat! When we got home she told me how much she loves to shop. Not sure that is a good thing but anyway. I was pleasantly surprised with how well she did. On that note, I really need to stop wasting my time here and get to work. Later taters!

Aidan's rough week...

Wow, it has been a rough one here in this house with some hurt feelings. Aidan has a little "friend" at school that causes him all kinds of problems. He follows Aidan copies everything he does etc. Aidan gets frustrated. Who wouldn't? Anyway, because said friend lives across the street Aidan and Ainsley get invited to play fairly regularly so I have them over here regularly as well. I have been cautious about encouraging the relationship because it causes so much trouble for Aidan in the classroom, usually after school they seem okay. This week this friend wanted to invite another little boy over, but then is telling Aidan everyother day ...you are invited, you are not invited. You see where I am going? Aidan finally had enough of the copying and other harrassment that goes on and fought back which got him in trouble for the first time this year. Nothing serious mind you, but my child who is like his Mom and way to hard on himself was devastated. We talked some and talked with the teacher, and I told Aidan that he did not have to be friends with this kid, but he did have to be nice. Aidan says okay, but I still want to be able to play at his house. No honey, it doesn't quite work like that. On and on this went. I told him that the boy's Mother had not talked to me either so I was not sure if he was invited to play on Friday. Aidan went to school upset again and the teacher tried to talk to him about it, and finally she had the boy's Mother talk to Aidan after school. Aidan was satisfied with her explanation of things and it seems that Aidan will have another little friend over this afternoon, another child that is also in the mix of afterschool playdates. I did not do the pick up yesterday, so I will see what happens this afternoon. I don't think Aidan would have gotten so upset had the invitation not been extended and recinded several times. Who wouldn't be confused? I am not angry at this boy or his mother in any kind of way, but what is upsetting and causing problems is that the kids hatch out these plans during the school day without talking to the parents. This is when the problems occur because parents plans may not always match what the childrens plans are. I am always quick to explain, to the child and to my own child, when invitations come up that I need to talk with the other child's parent. I don't think this is unreasonable...they are 6-7 years old! If anyone can give me advice in this area I would really appreciate it. This is the first time where I am in the situation that I am not friends with the parents of the children in question. That is difficult for me, maybe it is just me wanting to be in control of the situation. I came to a small town from a place where children get assaulted going to school, where kids get abused at friends homes, where children find guns at other peoples homes, I admit that makes me more paranoid than many parents I encounter around here. Ah well, I am frustrated and venting. Aidan will be crushed many more times than this in his life so I need to accept that fact and just do the best I can. I am praying, even though I don't know what to pray for exactly, guidance, peace, a bit of wisdom thrown in. If any of my readers can give some advice, I would be thrilled to hear it. Bless you all my dear friends!

Pinewood Derby

A few weekends ago Aidan's scout pack had their annual Pinewood Derby. I am going to copy a post my husband wrote for our parents blog:



As most of you know Aidan is in cub scouts. This has been quite a trip for both Aidan and me. Our pack is not very organized, but we think that will change soon. One of the most exciting things cub scouts do is the pine wood derby. That is where we make a gravity race car out of a block of pine. I was really excited about it (I got a new scroll saw out of the deal). This was our first time so we weren't sure how we would do.


Aidan's Car...."Silver Streak!"


Aidan picked out the design, the color (chrome...I do not suggest that color again...did not paint well and attracted every finger print imaginable). The whole project took about 3 weeks. Aidan sanded, painted and put stickers on. I found some websites that had some suggestions to help it go faster. Things like where to put the weight and axle/wheel modifications that would reduce rolling resistance. I had fun. I think Aidan did too...well at least the racing part.

Aidan seems to like it!!!!

Aidan relaxing befor the race...obiously nerves of steel!
Our pack is very small (there is only five of us) so we joined with another local pack to do the derby. There were probably 50 kids in the derby. It was crazy. Ainsley came with us to cheer on her brother. Here are some pictures from the derby....
Cub master explaining the rules

The competition


The track

We have a couple of videos, but due to technical difficulties, we will have to show them later. Needless to say, Aidan got second in our pack and was very excited...so was I. And so was Ainsley.....

Quote of the day..."Dad, I know it doesn't do anything, but I can't take my eyes off it." Aidan talking about his trophy on the way home from the derby.


Sorry to copy something written by my spouse for another forum, but I just haven't thought of much creative to say of late. It has been a long week for no real reason other than my husband has been out evenings entertaining out of town guests to the plant. It has gotten super cold again and I have had a touch of the crud. This winter is starting to run me down but I am looking forward to the break in temperatures coming this weekend. Ainsley's birthday is next weekend so I am trying to organize a small party for her. A few friends and their parents food and cake and playtime for the kiddos. I at least got the invitiations out so I won't have much else to do until late next week. That's it for now. Later taters!

Ainsley is a big girl now!

I am going to work a bit backwards for this week getting some photos posted. This was our big excitement for the day. Ainsley is out of the toddler bed and into the full size. It is much higher off the ground than I anticipated so I am hoping she won't have any problems. She napped well in it this afternoon and I will say it is the first time all week that she has wanted to go up for nap. I usually have to bribe her in some way. Both kids were having fun at this moment as you can see. Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Later taters!

Well, it has been a busy week of nothing...

seriously. How I do that I don't know. Okay, I do know. I have been busy reading. For the last couple of years the pile of books on the bedside table has grown to ridiculous proportions. It does not help that I have a list on Amazon and family members, especially my Dad, buy them for me for Christmas. Since this past summer I have made a concerted effort to move through nearly a dozen or so books, only to be thwarted again this holiday with more gifts of reading. Don't get me wrong I love books and love to read, I just don't always make the time. Well, I had finally read through all the Jane Austen and some similar lit. When I started upon a new series for some simple light reading. Oh my me, the books are like crack...not that I have ever done drugs, but seriously addicting. I must confess they are the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Such a fun read. Now, they are vampire books, but nothing of the dark stories that Anne Rice used to tell. Just fun light a little more romance, think Romeo and Juliet if you will. SO anyway, if you are looking for some fun reading I highly recommend them. Needless to say though, I finished those and am on to a mystery...the last one in my pile. There is no more pile which means that next week I will actually have to go to the library to check something out when I pick up books with Ainsley. Ah well.

I have some pictures that I need to download that I have been lazy about getting to but I will try to get to them later today when my kids have their afterschool gang over. Ainsley went to the art museum for a field trip and I got a cute shot of her making her creation. Also, I have Aidan with his 2nd place winning car and trophy from the Pinewood Derby for scouts. Tomorrow will also be an exciting day in our house in that we finally got Ainsley a big girl bed. No more little toddler bed. It is about time being that she will be 4 here in a few short weeks, but I have hesitated because she is so small. She is barely over 30 pounds. I am just praying that she doesn't roll out of it as she has at my in-laws house. We have learned our lesson there and the first thing we do after arriving is push the guest bed up against the wall so that she doesn't fall out. Well, kind of a silly post today, but these are the things on my mind. This and that I am tired of the cold. At least today is sunny once again though, as it seems to make a huge difference in my frame of mind these days. Later taters!

What is Truth?

That was the topic of our bible study today. Think on it. Not so easy to answer is it. The video we saw compared current definition of truth and the definition from the Websters in the 1820s. Do you know what the difference was? No mention of God in the current version. Makes you think doesn't it. What is truth? Would you know it if it was looking you in the face? What makes me concerned is that I am afraid that I wouldn't. Lies are not typically bold faced you know, they are always meshed with a bit of the truth to make them more palatable. If they were bold faced we would sure know the difference wouldn't we. Interesting things to mull over, need to re-study the book of John. Later!

Poor Aidan is...

so tired of this bitter cold. I warned him before we left school that it would probably be an inside day and we checked the computer temperature. He did not want to believe and realized that when we got to school no crossing guards were out...due to the temperature. He needs his outside time and he is missing it. Not so much bad behavior, but more he keeps saying I'm bored and all he wants to do is sit and play video games. Ainsley is all over him to play with her, but Aidan can't always be swayed. I will be so thankful for temps in the mid to upper 20s later this week. At least kiddo will be able to play in the snow outside for a change.

So I admit defeat...

well, I have given up on getting the quilt done today. Something is wrong with my machine and I think I may see if I can get it serviced/cleaned. Oh well, I will give her the gift later and take her dinner today.

MIA

Sorry I have been a bit MIA this week. I have a situation that I have done to myself so I am the only one to blame here. Last week, I got a call from one of the ladies at church asking if I would be willing to take a meal to one of the bible study girls who just had a baby. Not a problem I said. Really it is not a problem as I usually double up on whatever I am making for our family for that evening. My problem is that I had thought it would be really nice if I took her a small gift as well so I got it into my head to make her a baby quilt. Not usually a problem either but I decided that I could do it in 4 days! If I had all the time in the world or even both kids in school on a more full time basis this would not be a problem, but what was I thinking...I don't have free time like that. I am to the point that I have only the binding to attach today and I am supposed to deliver dinner tonight. Speaking of which I need to call this sweet lady to let her know I am coming. I think I can do it, but I could really use some prayer here. I know it is my own fault. Sorry to my other friends who had babies and have not received their quilts yet either as I have not done any swing since last spring because of other issues. I have all their fabric and even all their plans, but because off issues I haven't done anthing. Enough said. Well, forgive me for the rant. I need to get my children some breakfast now. No stress really not something to stress about, but why do I keep doing this to myself! Have a great weekend everyone, later taters!

I am so going to love...

my new study! Secretly I knew I would. I hope we can all stay healthy and that I won't have to miss. Anyway, just a quick blurb to update as I have a ton to do since I got so behind yesterday. I have bleached the area of the basement that was wet. I think when it dries I am going to vaccumm and bleach again. So grossing me out!

Well, my day did not go as planned...

as I was stuck here with the Roto Rooter man until about lunchtime. He was wonderful and got us all fixed up for a fraction of the price I was expecting. I still need to go bleach again down there, but I am going to wait until tomorrow I think. I just needed a break today as I am behind on laundry because I got such a late start today. I am so thankful for a basement door with a lock on it that I can just close it up and not worry about little people or dogs getting down there.



Tomorrow is bible study which I am still a little nervous, but am looking forward to it. Usually the leaders ask why we are taking the study and I am not sure really how to answer that except that I really felt like I am supposed to do that study. Not sure what yet I am to glean from that lesson, but hopefully in time that will be revealed. I will post a bit about how it goes tomorrow, but I think tomorrow will mostly be a get to know you kind of day. If anyone is interested here is the web address. http://www.thetruthproject.org/ It is by Focus on the Family. At a minimum it should be interesting.



We have a short week this week as I think Aidan has off on Friday. I need to double check since they have had so many snow days this year that I am certain that they will need to make them up somewhere. That will be a huge blessing to us. I really enjoy spending the day with them even if it is just a pajama morning watching Sesame Street. I am really grateful that my 6 year old does not feel too cool to watch that show as Ainsley loves it so much. They seem to be able to agree on the PBS programming. Well, I have more laundry to fold so I am off! Later taters.







PS Happy Birthday Miss N! Love you and have a great day!

Roto rooter, thats the name....

they're number one. Is that how the ad goes? When it rains it pours, literally. In my basement. Gross. Glad we don't have carpet. Just when I think we are getting ahead something else breaks.

We went bowling...

and what was I thinking. My hand is so sore! I am just getting old. I haven't bowled since college. I don't like all these aches and pains. At least the kids had fun.

Cold Day...

I can't believe the temperatures we have had around here the last few days. This morning I look at my computer weather and it says it is -11. Yesterday school was cancelled due to the cold because the wind chill put the temperature in the -30 to -50 range. Today public school is in session, but delayed two hours. I think we are the only district in the area in session today. I know they are trying to minimize having anymore cancelled days, but this is just ridiculous. We had fun on our day off yesterday though. I was kind of scrambling for activities because I was not prepared that they would cancel school, but I found some things to keep everyone busy none-the-less. I was tired yesterday morning so we got a bit of a late start to the day but the kiddos seem to enjoy that from time to time. Right before lunch we started on some brownies from a mix that I had forgotten that I had on hand.




My helpers enjoyed licking the spoons. I finally have a system where they can both help me and they won't be fighting over control of the step stool. Each one gets a turn adding an ingredient. If there are an odd number of ingredients, I will add the last one. Both will get a turn mixing the batter and each will get their own spoon or beater. Saves me a bunch of headaches this way.

Of course when we finished baking the brownies, we had a floor picnic. Not sure why they love to eat on the floor so much, but they do.
After the picnic and brownies for dessert. I pulled out a Christmas gift they received from a family friend. They are a crayola package of stamped pillowcase and fabric crayons. They had so much fun coloring on fabric as it is not something they are typically allowed to do. Here I have a picture of Aidan hard at work.
During Ainsley and Mommy's nap in the afternoon, Aidan was industrious as well. He got a really cool set to build cars. I think it is call Zoob. Anyway, it is awesome and has had so much fun with it. Proudly he displayed his creations.

Well, I am off as I have to get Aidan to school this morning. Still not sure what the district is thinking, but okay. Later frozen taters!

Just call me Grace...

well I have achieved new heights in the world of clutziness. In my effort to be efficient while I was waiting for our rice to steam last night I ran upstairs to file Aidan's school papers. I was running a bit behind for the evening because of his doctors appointment and in a bit of a rush to get some things done before dinner was ready. Needless to say I should have slowed down as I think I somehow stepped wrong or something. Not sure what happened really, except that I ended up falling down three or four steps and landed hard on my tush and arm. Everything hurt all over and Aidan corrected my language. How embarrassing! B came to my rescue and checked to make sure nothing was broken. He took over finishing dinner and put the kids to bed after getting me some advil. Still a bit sore this morning but not like last night. Last year the ice jumped up and bit me and this year so far it has been my steps. Just call me Grace...

No more earplugs!

Aidan went to see the nurse at the ENT office today for his quarterly check. His tubes had come out and were sitting in his ear canal. She fished them out and he is done. No more earplugs and hopefully continued wellness as the throat looks good as well. Yippee! No more worrying about if we have earplugs on visits to Texas or the local lake. What a relief!

Ladies Bible Study...

I signed up for spring bible study this morning and I am a little concerned. I am not sure what came over me to pick the study I picked. I have been compelled to do it before and didn't. Here I was presented with 2 studies that I wanted to do and I picked the one I think I should have picked last fall. Not sure what came over me today except maybe the encouragement of a friend. The lesson is timely to be sure, but I am nervous. Will I be able to make it through. For this one I feel ill-equiped and I don't usually go into these feeling so ill-equipped. Silly post, but this is on my mind today. Any thoughts? God at work on me...maybe. Hummm, I need to mull on this a bit.

Making progress...

in not caring so much what other people think. Typically when I have people come over, I jump through hoops getting the house clean and picked up. Needless to say I have a cleaning schedule, but I go a bit overboard when someone comes over. This afternoon I am having a friend stop by for a bit. I extended the invitation to her as long as she did not mind the Christmas boxes and mess of me putting things away. She accepted and is coming over and I am not going to worry about it. Other that the boxes the house is clean and vaccuumed, but I am not going to stress and kill myself to get all these boxes down to the basement myself. That is my hubby's job by the way. B is also in the middle of a music project so I have boxes of CDs in my office. Not going to worry about it. At least they are in boxes and not on the floor. Not going to worry about it. So, maybe if I tell myself that I am not going to worry about it then I am actually going to believe it and not worry about it. What is more important here is that I am opening my home to a friend to show her that I care about her and not about how perfect the state of my house is. Mary not Martha. A lesson I still need to learn.

Resolution for 2009

I am not one for resolutions as I always tend to falter at the first signs of sickness. New routines tend to fly out the window and we have had some rough winters healthwise since moving up north. One thing I need to specifically improve on this year is the dealing with paper. I typically sort the mail fairly quickly and deal with bills and the like that need to be paid. It is all the other "stuff" that I struggle with, school papers, items to be filed etc. I have homes for all of these things but for some reason they don't always make it there until I have to do a major clear off of the table. They will sit on my dining table for weeks. I have even have been so bold as to dust around them! I am resolving to improve in this area...no more dining table filing! Aidan's papers will need to get filed everyday as will, Ainsley's. Also, important mail will be filed daily. Receipts and anything else that is uneccessary will be shredded once it is recorded in our checking system. I must reign in the paper monster before I go nuts! I am saying this because in cleaning out a paper tray, I happened upon a thank you card that I never gave my friend. I am such a louse. She is going to laugh when I give it to her because heaven knows what it was for and when it was from. Well, I had to get that off my chest. Now back to putting away Christmas for a bit longer before starting dinner. Later tater tots!



By the way, Aidan had a belated Christmas party today since they had a snow day on the original day it was scheduled. Poor thing ate too much and is now laying on my couch with a tummy ache. Amazingly it was mostly healthy foods...he had an apple, 2 cookies, celery sticks, juice and a candy cane. I am thinking it was either the candy cane or cookies that sent him over the edge. Needless to say, at this moment he is not terribly excited at the prospect of having meatballs for dinner. Prayers to our dear friends the C family at the loss of a grandfather. Love you guys.

Hard at work...

B spent some of his time off last week working on some house issues that had been neglected. He also re-started his habit of changing all the batteries in the smoke detectors at the first of the year which he has not done since we moved to this house. In scouts, Aidan learned all about fire safety, making evactuation plans, and testing smoke detectors etc. B had fun sending Aidan up the ladder to get the smoke detector, B would change the battery, Aidan would test it and head back up the ladder. Aidan did not like the ladder part, but he enjoyed helping Dad.

More Christmas mayhem...

Christmas is always fun with these two little ones running around. They are very well provided for as we have many family and friends who bless us with gifts every holiday. The above picture is the one I take of these two every year before they make the mess!

Then of course there is the aftermath with all the paper and boxes. My poor Mom was getting buried in the mess while trying fruitlessly to keep things in order.

After my parents left we had a fairly quiet week with B working on many house projects that he has not had the chance to get to this fall. Needless to say though we did spend one evening with some friends of ours who have two boys. We met last year because Aidan and their oldest Mr. O were in Kindergarten together. This summer and fall we have been trying to get the families together from time to time and we made a plan to spend an evening together before the kids went back to school. Ainsley loves these two boys and I had to get this precious shot of Ainsley with O in the chair as she watched him play on Aidan's DS. I think our next plan is for the families to take the kids bowling. That should be fun! I hope we will be able to schedule a time to do that.

Well, this week everyone goes back to school. It was tough getting everyone up this morning, but I think they will get back into the swing fairly quickly. I am glad this otherwise is a fairly quiet week for us as everything seems to start gearing up a bit more next week. It is a cold and icy morning, but managing the car on icy roads is so much easier for me than snow. I just know how to handle my car on ice, to me snow is not so forgiving. I am hoping that this will be the last Christmas related post. I have a really cute picture of Aidan helping Daddy check smoke detectors this past week...something he learned is scouts. I will try to get that up here tomorrow. My little man hard at work! Later taters!

Long time no post

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is finished, I am hoping to get back to some semi-regular posting of pictures and commentary on our daily lives. This morning while B had decided to tackle some home improvement projects (I am so thankful he is handy!) I sat and the computer and sorted through our holiday photos. I am hoping I will make the time to share some here through the next couple of days. B has also given me the task of maintaining another blog for family to share since this site is mostly for my friends and myself. Not sure how that is going to go. Anyway, here are some of our more memorable events...

Aidan's Christmas program solo. Poor little man, he was soooooo nervous that day and he still won't sing in front of us by himself.
More crafting on yet another snow day. I accidently deleted the picture of the two kids together with their projects. I am going to have to check the dollar store and Hobby Lobby to see if they have more kits like this to keep on hand for snow days. My kids love this stuff!
Our holiday shipping. I waited a day too long this year to get everything mailed by parcel post. I had to pay the extra for priority mail. Oh well, I will try to do better next time.
My parents arrive from the Texas Gulf Coast and we kill them with a morning of sledding. We thankfully had extra pairs of boots that fit my parents so at least their feet would stay dry. I think that even though they were cold that they really had a great time.


We also made a gingerbread Christmas tree from a kit. The complete picture is at the beginning of the post. Also, here is the rare and elusive picture of me! Yes, it is from the back for good reason. I had terrible I-did-not-use-the-hairdryer-this-morning-then-we-went-sledding-hat-hair as well as no makeup on. Not that I wear that much, but typically I look better than this I like to think. Well, that is it for now as I have to get on to other things for the day. Happy New Year everyone! Later taters.

Need to blog...

but have been too busy too tired and booted off my computer by my Dad. More another day I promise. I will get my act back together in the new year. Now to a quiet evening at home doing laundry. Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday.

Prayers Please

My parents are coming in today. Pray for a safe flight, minimal delays and please no cancellations. I will blog more later as I am currently getting Ainsley ready to go to school for her Christmas party. Her cough is still present but decidedly better than it has been. Praise God for Vicks and humidifiers. I will post more later as I have been MIA again with the busyness of life. Later this afternoon I hope, taters.

Christmas Program

Can you see it? First Grade, Away in a Manger, Solo by Aidan Cunningham, Pictures to follow. I have too much mess in my kitchen to download now. Yes, Miss J, once again I am procrastinating dealing with the mess as I have been running like a mad woman again today. Quiet evening today and minimal non-Christmas related errands tomorrow.

At home day...

I am taking an at home day! We usually hit storytime at the library, but I am just tired. Today we are staying in and snuggling under blankets. Well, Aidan is heading to school and Ainsley and I are the ones who will snuggle. I do have to clear the front walk sometime this morning, but later. I am taking a morning to relax!

Long few days...

Just a quick post to let everyone know I am still on the map. It has just been mayhem around here starting on Saturday after a long week of mayhem. B was out of town last week and I had scheduled a girls day shop with a friend to finish getting Christmas gifts on Saturday. I also had a hair appointment that morning so the day was all about me. Sunday morning was my turn with nursery duty bright and early. Then that afternoon Aidan had a roller skating party. He has never roller skated so I stuck around a bit. The party had plenty of helpers and didn't really need me to stay but Aidan asked me to stay a while. After about 30 minutes of coaching he took off on his own so I headed home and picked him up later. He did not do too badly for a first timer. He did come home with a headache though. I am thinking he got a bit dehydrated because after some Tylenol and some water he perked back up. Monday was mega errand day. I had to hit the post office! Groceries, and church also were on the agenda. Packages made it out finally as well as Christmas cards. This morning I had errands as well, just picking up pet meds and dropping off movies but then I had to head to the Ladies Bible Study Brunch. AMAZING FOOD! I never feel like I do it justice with what I bring. I have kind of crashed this afternoon just pooped from all the running. I have a small bit of running to do to pick up some items for class parties and such. Not sure if I can take Aidan to scouts tomorrow though...they are meeting at the bowling alley and I am just tired. Too tired to manage 2 tots at the bowling alley. I will decide tomorrow. B just can't make it with some work issues. Ahh well, there is light at the end of this holiday tunnel and no more running around with all these extra tasks. Later taters!

When Ainsley speaks...

sometimes the funniest things come out. We were at Wally world early this morning buying some shipping items, gift wrap items and a birthday present. While we were there we came across the children's pastor from our church. I think Miss Ainsley has a little crush on him but anyway...We said hi and went on our business on the next aisle. Ainsley says, "Mommy that was Pastor J who lives at our church." He heard this because I can hear him laughing as I try to explain that he doesn't live at church he just works there. Too funny Miss Ainsley. Have a great weekend all!

I spent my entire morning...

in the dentists office! I don't know what was going on, but the actual dentist never saw the patient before me and I waited about 20 minutes after my cleaning for her to come see me. I am frustrated because I had planned on doing a bit of shopping for odds and ends this morning and now I am not sure when I can go. Tonight with the kids, tomorrow with Ainsley... not sure as I have plans on Saturday and Aidan has a birthday party on Sunday. Unless, I can leave Aidan at the party and do my shopping then. It is a skating party though and he has never skated. They say they have plenty of helpers, but I just want to be available in case Aidan wants me to stay. Ahh well. I am off once again to pick up Ainsley.


On an interesting note, my Mom called yesterday evening to report there were snow flurries in Houston. It seemed to be pretty much on the NW side only because there weren't any at my sisters place. Too funny, I don't know when it snowed in Houston last!

Back to the daily grind...

Aidan went back to school today. I really liked having him home. It gave me an excuse to add more activities not involving the TV to the day. I need to be more creative like that with Ainsley. Poor thing though, she gets stuck running errands with me, grocery store, Wal-mart, etc. She doesn't usually seem to mind though. She is my errand buddy. I need to get her cooking with me more, I just don't want to be making treats all the time and like her mother those are the things she likes to make. I just can't have them around the house because I will eat them! I can't win.

We headed to the library this morning for story time and the kids made puppy ornaments for the library tree. They also made one to take home. I need to take a picture of it to post.

Otherwise a quiet day. What I thought would be a busy afternoon has been cancelled. Aidan's den meeting will be Saturday the 20th as the kids will be attending a basketball came at a local college. Aidan will like that I think. The only sport he has seen live like that is baseball with Grandpa. It is nice that he will get an opportunity to see something else. So we will get to come home after school. Tomorrow I am looking forward to a dentist appointment and the return of my hubby. I have learned many new skills while his has been away this week...snow removal with a snow blower, Satelite dish maintenance, and minor plumbing. What kind of adventures are geared up for me next! I am not sure what the Lord has planned for me but this week has been a lesson in the home maintenance items that I allow to fall on B's shoulders. More about that another day. Later tater tots!

Snow Day

Over night we got tons of the white stuff. This morning it was so deep the poor dog decided to go to the bathroom on the porch because the snow was less deep there. Not sure what the official totals are so I will have to check into that tonight. I knew something had to be done because it was to snow all day as well. Aidan and I donned our winter gear and headed out. Ainsley watched a movie as she is afraid of the snow blower. Aidan helped some but ended up pooping out and playing more that he was helping, but he did a fair job cleaning off the steps. I got out the snow blower and my instructions and did not do too badly for a first timer. It was not as neat a job as B does, but it was cleared none the less. I had trouble with the blowing the driveway and my alleyway neighbor who was out as well took pity on my and hit it with the blower. My drive is small so my plan was to take a shovel to it as I was frustrated. He was such an angel though and I thanked him profusely. Refused my offer of cookies as they were baking as well today so I may pick up a poinsetta or something at the store on Thursday when I shop again.

For Advent we are doing different daily activities. I am sad that B is missing these while he is away this week. Today's was to draw a Christmas picture. Well, since we were all home and had nothing else to do the kids requested paint. So paint they did. Above is the scene when they were finished. Aidan's all nice and neat and Ainsley's a swirl of blended color. I wonder which child takes more after me...is OCD hereditary? Just kidding.

After the kids rested and I took a nap. We made cookies! Whole wheat chocolate chip craisin. There is so much sugar in there you would never know there is whole wheat flour in there as well.




Our finished product. I may have to take some to sweet Miss D, our older neighbor next door. She missed trick-or treating this year as she had to work but she brought bags of candy by for the kiddos because she wanted to make sure that they had gotten some candy. Little did she know the haul my children had brought home. It was so sweet of her to think of them though. I hope my local friends had an equally exciting and fun snow day as I think it will be back to the school grind tomorrow. Later taters!

Gearing up for a major dumping...

of snow. 6-12 inches here by the lakeshore. Hummmm, I should have practiced using the snow blower as B is out of town this week! Well, I know what I am supposed to do with it so we will see. I am wondering if the kids will end up having school tomorrow. I will keep all you southerners posted! I am kind of wishing now that we would be spending Christmas in Texas. I feel sorry for my poor parents who decided to come up here. They don't have proper coats and my Mom doesn't think she will need my sister's ski jacket. Ahhh well.

My sweet hubby...

took the kids out to go sledding so I could clean and sort through the pile of packages sent by relatives and hastily piled in a closet. They are getting to a point where they will be discovered by small children if I am not more careful. So many of my family have done their shopping early!

So my hubby...

gets me a birthday card from the kids. I can't get a clear story from Aidan who picked out the card, but it is just hilarious. The picture on the front is of a little girl with her fingers up her nose. Inside it says, "Its your birthday. Can you dig it?" And it plays some disco music that Ainsley just thinks is the coolest. I had a hard time getting her to quit dancing and headed out to school today. Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, I am in and out a bit today as I am going to lunch with hubby and we have a insulation contractor coming by to give us an estimate on the attic. Fun fun fun!

Snow snow on the range...

we have had so much snow today I am not quite sure what to think this winter will bring. It is only the first week of December and we had already had about 6 inches of the white stuff with more potentially expected tomorrow. Hummmm...my parents may not be terribly excited about what their trip will bring when they head up here in a few weeks. Pray for decent holiday travel weather please!

Christmas Decor...

I just love my smiley gingerbread man and this year he has found a home in my ivy.

Can you believe I actually painted one of these plaques. The snowman on the blue backround is my handiwork. Great job considering I can't even draw!

Also my handiwork here...4 stockings. B just added the 5th because I have an extra hook. Let's call it Jesus stocking shall we and not an indication of any plans on our part.

My tree and other knick knacks. I need to do better about watching my lighting when taking photos. Either way, you get the idea. I have other pictures, but this is all I will bore you with today. I have to decide what to do about Christmas cards. Of all the pictures of the peanuts that I took only one is reasonable for a card and I am not that jazzed about it. I don't know that they would tolerate another photo shoot. What to do what to do. I may have to try again today. Later tater tots!

Can you see why I am avoiding the grocery store today?

We got a bunch of the white stuff over night. My children are thrilled as this snow seems to have more sticking power than the stuff last week. I am currently listening to the snow plows clear my alleyway and thinking that I am going to have to dig out a space for my car to back out as they always leave a nice pile in front of my drive. I am grateful that the alleyways get plowed at least. I am not so thrilled as my kiddos though as I usually go to the store Monday mornings and I just don't like going when it is this messy outside. I will wait until this afternoon when it clears up a bit otherwise, my sweet hubby offered to pick up a few essentials for me this afternoon like milk bread and such. Ahh well, here I sit wasting time on this computer when I should take the opportunity of a non-shopping morning to head on over and snuggle in with Ainsley and work on my bible study on which I am behind once again. I just struggle keeping up in the fall study every year. Not sure why that is really. I have my act much more together in the spring time. Happy Monday all! Later taters!