a stretch

I've gone through many exercise phases in my life since having kids, always trying to get in a work-out whether or not I had a gym membership or not. I have concluded that at this time in my life - for various reasons (but *mostly* b/c of childcare issues) - I need to be content with exercising at home. This morning, I did our elliptical trainer for a bit (while watching Jon & Kate + 8 - love that show!) - and even though I am battling a cold, it felt great. Tonight, I did 3 different yoga/pilates videos. They, too, were great! What made it even more fun was that Ms. P was right there alongside me - doing the tape as best she could. It was hilarious! Also, she would give me hugs & kisses and tell me how great I was doing. Then she brought me a pillow and blanket and covered me up! Kinda hard to do down dog with a blanket!

I think it's more an attitude thing...I need to tell myself that I AM getting a good work-out at home, and I CAN get toned up at home. All growing up, I went to a gym every afternoon, so I am not used to exercising at home...it just feels weird to me...like I'm not getting a good work-out. For some reason, even if I'm not working hard in a health club, I still feel like I got a good workout in because I'm surrounded by sweaty people! I can't get past the fact that just because OTHER people are sweaty, doesn't mean I'M burning more calories - like osmosis or something! You just get more tired looking at other people working so hard! (okay, maybe this is just ME!!).

At any rate, I had a great day today and am so glad I did aerobic & stretch/toning exercises...I'll try to take some pictures of Ms. P doing yoga next time...it's so funny!!

sunday sonshine

A mentor of mine emailed out a great chart - I had to share for my Sunday notes:

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9! & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Thanks, LG!

a fresh start

Ms. P, feeling much better, with her favorite blanket

(a baby shower gift made for her by my friend, Nancy)

After 14 days of multiple cases of croup, colds, strep throat, and a stomach virus (not the flu), it seems as though the kids are finally on the mend as of this morning. As of yesterday morning, Ms. K & Ms. P were not feeling good at all...but by late afternoon, things were looking up, fevers were down and people were actually eating food and playing more. As of this morning, Ms. P's fever is completely gone, Ms. K (despite her cough, which she will probably linger for the next week or so) and Mr. G are doing great. Thank goodness!


Mr. G had his first basketball game yesterday morning. I will take pictures next weekend. Then he got to go to the store afterwards and get a Transformer - his reward for having such a fantastic, positive and helpful attitude lately. He's been cheerful and obedient the past 2 weeks, and overall just has a great attitude - not complaining when asked to do work around the house or whatever. He was due for a new toy purchase - so grandma & grandpa took him with his money to the store yesterday after his game. Way to go, Mr. G!!


I got a ton done around the house yesterday. Since I was "stuck" home with sick kids on a Saturday, I decided to get some home organization projects done that I've been putting off...and in addition to that, I got tired of hearing which stuffed animals had whose "sick germs" on them and basically cleaned the entire house (which included throwing some stuffed animals in the laundry). The sick girls enjoyed getting to lounge around all day and watch movies (something we normally don't do - especially not on a Saturday!). Mr. G was content playing with his new Transformers and Legos most of the afternoon.


I want to start out this week with a fresh, clean home - and hope that our 2-week stretch of illness is over!

So...what's the deal with SNOW?

A friend of mine has a blog - and she does a great job with it. Here is a recent one she posted about Snow:

I just have to ask the question… Why do we get all excited about snow in December, as though it has some magical power to make everything right and bring on earth…and then curse it in January (theoretically wiping away all that peace we had in December)?
Ah, yes, welcome to the dog-days of winter! And, welcome to Idaho. It’s funny to hear everyone - my dear husband included - talk about the unbelievable amount of snow this year and then “blame” it on “la nina.” When, at the end of the day, sister, let me tell you… Once upon a time there was a place called IDAHO. And we had snow…and a lot of it IN THE VALLEY EVERY YEAR!

As for me? I love it. I love shoveling it too, because it offers an excuse to do something productive outside, and play!

giving your kids a sense of family

Last night, while out with 2 awesome friends, we had a discussion about families and helping give your children that feeling of belonging. What one friend shared was starting to teach your kids at a young age some things that your family does and doesn't do.

This was her example. She is teaching her kids that they don't say the Lord's name in vain. So, they don't say "Oh my God" - but they say "Oh my goodness". They recently found it necessary to inform their oldest child this and in doing so - always add their last name to the statement. Let's say their last name was Smith - "the Smith family doesn't say 'oh my God', we say 'oh my goodness'" (or whatever).

I just love this concept - a way of letting your kids know that all families are different and do things differently and that's okay, but letting them know that "the Smith family does it this way". It really gives the kids a sense of boundaries and helps define some gray areas of what some families do and what some families don't do. Not that either is right or wrong, but just to make it clear to them of what is expected in THEIR own family.

*We also talked about how important it would be when doing this to not take it to the extreme - like your family is some elite group of people or something. I could see how this could get out of control. (ie: "the Smith family only wears clothes from the GAP" - or whatever!). So, there would need to be a fine line drawn between character qualities, stuff like that, versus the "our family is better than that other family" mentality...

will it ever end?

I had such a wonderful night...I went out with 2 friends - we had so much fun! (Thank you C&N - I really needed a girls night out this week!!)

Sweet Hubby & the kids had a ball tonight, as well. Mr. G & Ms. K and other elementary kids had a game night at church - and had lots of fun. So sweet hubby hung out there with Ms. P - had a soda and a rice krispie treat and just had a great, relaxing time.

Sweet Hubby & I enjoyed a bowl of Special K cereal and chatted for a while before bed...then were awakened by crying and coughing...AGAIN...this time Ms. P is throwing up. 3 sets of sheets, 4 pair of jammies and 1 bath later - I'm wondering when this string of illness will ever end? :( I *really* would LOVE a full stretch of 7 or 8 hours worth of sleep sometime (preferably sooner than later)...that would be so nice.

This truly was not my intention when starting this blog...seems like all I've been able to talk about lately is sick kids. It's a bummer...but should be over soon...

sooo...did I mention how much I love January?!?!

Mr. G was sick last week, then Ms. P, and now --(I knew it was coming)-- now Ms. K is sick. I was at a friend's house tonight and sweet hubby called me. Ms. K had woke up and was having a major croup episode. By the time I got home, he had been able to get her settled down and "stable". I came home to her lounging on the couch with a warm blanket and some tea, watching a movie. Just as we think we are able to head to bed, no such luck. I heard Ms. P...she's coughing...no wait! She, too, is having a croup episode - just one hour after Ms. K! (I thought Ms. P was supposed to be getting better?!)

Let's just say we have spent some time on the back patio tonight - and we weren't sipping lemonade enjoying the sunset! It's dark and it's SO VERY cold out there! Which, just happens to be perfect for someone with croup. (I'm so glad it was not windy tonight). Sitting outside, in 0 degree temps with freezing cold children wrapped in blankets waiting for the cold air to help them breathe, is not my idea of a fun time. But, all seems to be okay now, both girls are on the couch in warm blankets, with tea, watching Lion King 1-1/2.

But, check back with me this weekend - I'm sure that by Saturday, it will be sweet hubby & I, lounging on the couch, wrapped in warm blankets, with tea, watching Lion King 1-1/2!

If we escape this round of illness...I will be so thankful. But, then, there's always my second-favorite month of the year to contend with: FEBRUARY! gggrrrr...how many days until Hawaii?!

thank you pink bubblegum

Ms. P has been sick, and when the kids have cold symptoms, I really try to refrain myself from being over-paranoid and waste time and money (the doc's OR mine) by rushing them to the doctor *until* they've had symptoms for MINIMUM of 7 days. It has not yet been 7 days for Ms. P, but we have been watching the back of her throat the past couple days and it is so red, swollen and her tonsils are almost touching eachother now, making it difficult for her to breathe, and she's just not getting better at all...so I broke the 7 day rule and made a trip to the doctor this afternoon - good thing I did - she has strep throat.

It was a fun outing, as much fun as going to the doctor can be. But, the nice thing was that she slept the car ride over, through the entire appointment (I cannot tell you how easy this made things for me and the doctor!!), then driving and picking up the prescription - so about 2 hours total. So, she got in a great nap, which she really needed as she hasn't been sleeping good at all the past couple nights.

I was nervous about giving her the antibiotic - as she's been getting a little weird about taking medication lately with this recent illness. We got Mr. G some Tylenol "strips" last time he was sick...and she *really* wants "strips". They do make medicine strips for some of the kids medications out now, but most of them are for kids age 6 & up. So, she's still mostly only able to take the liquid form of medicine still. So, for the liquid stuff, she's really into flavors and colors and it has been making it difficult to give her anything that doesn't meet the flavor or color requirement! Luckily, she was prescribed Amoxicillin today, and as most of you know, Amoxicillin is the oh so common PINK BUBBLEGUM medicine - that you have to keep in the fridge. The bubblegum flavor definitely meets the taste preference for her & of course the pink meets the color requirement, which is fantastic! I'm so glad I won't be struggling with her to take her medicine for the next 10 days, so that's a relief. She LOVES it! And, when I pulled out the second bottle to put in the fridge, she got so excited that she had not one, but two bottles of it!

Of course, I don't like it when any one of us gets sick, but I must admit, my favorite illness are the ones that you have to take antibiotics in order to get better. I know antibiotics get over-prescribed, and people don't finish full dosage regimen (don't people know they are contributing to the oh so scary SUPER bacteria everytime they do that?! Sweet Hubby tried doing that once - he wasn't going to finish his complete prescription dose b/c he was feeling better so he was going to stop at day 8 of 10 - oh my - he heard about that from me...and won't do that again) - BUT - the reason I "like" antibiotics is that you start feeling better SO FAST! So, hopefully that's the case with Ms. P and we all sleep much better tonight...thank you PINK and thank you BUBBLEGUM!

shopping detours...

So, today I had to run a quick errand and somehow came home with the cutest spring dress for Ms. P! I wanted to get Ms. K a matching one, but they didn't have her size. So, this dress, once again reminds me that spring has got to be near (tee hee!) - since all of the retail stores have out swim suits already! I'm still looking for snow pants for sledding and always find myself in the swim suit department (I can justify a detour through the swim suit section in January b/c of our Hawaii trip this year! -tee hee-). So, back to my story - I bought a dress for this spring/summer for Ms. P and it came with a matching little dress for a baby doll. I just took a picture of Ms. P and her baby in their matching dresses and had to share! So much fun!

sunday sonshine

We were not able to go sledding this weekend, so we were bummed about that. Sweet Hubby has had a VERY busy week with work-stuff...and this weekend has been no exception, he's been working a lot. But, it's been a good weekend to lay low...Mr. G has a cough that is fine if he's inside, but flares up when he's outside in the cold air, and Ms. P has been fighting something since late Friday. (What was I saying earlier this week about January being the month to get sick?!) I'm waiting for Ms. K to come down with something...she'll probably get what Ms. P has, so I'm expecting by Tuesday she'll have cold-type symptoms of some sort. I *really* want them all to be well by this coming Friday, though, as they are having a fun event this Friday night at church for the elementary-age kids. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for health...they will be bummed if they have to miss it b/c they are sick.

So, this morning, sweet hubby started something new at church. He is now one of the storytellers for the elementary-age kids' worship time. He has to memorize a script and "perform" up on stage. A friend at church has been asking him for quite some time now to do this as she thought he would be great at it. He finally gave in! :) He's been so unusually busy this week with work that he was not able to put in the necessary time to memorize his script, so he was up fairly early this morning trying to get it all memorized. He said for his first time, he thought he did okay. He felt bad he was not able to put more time into memorization during the week...next time should be better! Mr. G & Ms. K LOVED having him be up on stage during worship, though. They thought that was pretty neat! He said that even if nobody else thought he did a good job, at least they did! :)

does your family need to take a trip to the dump?!

I'm really making an effort to recycle more this year. Early last year, we cleaned out our garage, loaded up a trailer and took a bunch of stuff to the dump. We had a trailer full of "garbage", and we also had a bin full of items considered "hazardous waste" that we took to a hazardous waste drop-off location. I could be making myself look really bad here, but did you know that you're not supposed to throw away batteries? Or paint cans? Or cleaning supplies - into your regular garbage cans? I always "knew" this, but rarely took the time to actually sort these things out of the garbage and take to the hazardous waste place. :( Now I feel so bad!

The other day, I saw a TEENY TINY picture on the back of the baby monitor (below the belt clip) showing a garbage can with a circle and the diagonal line through it (ie: do not put this item in the garbage). This picture is SO SMALL and kind-of hard to tell what it is - I really had to look close to figure out what the picture was telling me. (They need to make these types of do's & dont's more obvious, gee whiz!) It makes me wonder how many other electronic devices should not go in the garbage - even if you take the batteries out first? (b/c we now know not to throw away the batteries, right?!).

The floor of my pantry has become a mini-recycle center - and is covered in bins for various recycle-able items. I've got a bin for paper, magazines, plastic bottles/containers and plastic bags. I made a stop today at the recycle place to toss out old magazines/catalogs - which I used to just throw in the garbage (EEK - again - feeling so guilty...). I cannot imagine how many hundreds of magazines I've tossed into the kitchen garbage. :(

• If any of you want to collect your plastic grocery bags for me, I will take them to the kids' school. They have a big bin in the hallway for plastic bags.
• And, if you want to make a stack of old magazines/catalogs - I will take those to the recycle place as well when I take my stuff.

Just this morning, I used up the end of my shampoo bottle. I just about put it in the bathroom garbage - but instead set it on the counter and took it to my pantry "mini-center" and felt so glad that I didn't just throw it "away" to that invisible "place" (that really does exist...it's called the DUMP)...

Let me just tell you this - if you have not made a trip to the dump anytime soon - and if you want to get motivated to recycle this year - take a trip there and you will soon start changing your ways! I could not believe what I saw! It was shocking. Sweet Hubby & I drove away feeling SO GUILTY. It really makes you realize that when you "throw something away", it really does NOT actually "go away" - it GOES SOMEWHERE - to an actual place - a real location with an address and zip code. Yes, it's out of YOUR HOUSE, but it's not "gone", just somewhere else. It's so easy to have an out of sight, out of mind view of "throwing something away"...take a trip to the dump and that will soon change. You will SEE first hand where your garbage actually "goes" when you throw it "away". It also is a great place to take your kids to show them and to talk to them about the importance of recycling.

I think I sense a fun homeschool or family field trip coming! Pack your lunches, set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the aroma and seagulls flying overhead! :) (just kidding.....kind-of).

*If you do take a trip to the dump, take some cash with you...they don't take debit cards. :)

spring is near, right?!!

Tonight, since there were no clouds, we sat at dinner and marvelled at how late it was and that the sun had not set yet. I know we're not even one month into winter, but it still seemed so bright outside for some reason. It gave me hope! January and February are dreary months to me for a couple of reasons:

1. First and foremost, I love the sun!! Can't get enough of it.
2. I don't like cold temperatures and would prefer to not spend a lot of money on warm weather clothing. I'd rather sit inside by the fireplace and wait for spring.
3. It's the peak of cold and flu season...ugh! If I'm going to get sick, it's going to be in either January or February. Our family fares well from September until December, but once January and February come, it's like I'm just waiting for someone get sick in our family, and just wait my turn. Take a number - "NEXT!". We get the flu shot every year (we have to for Ms. K's sake, kind-of a requirement) - but that does nothing to protect us from stomach viruses (which most people confuse with the flu). Just because you throw up a couple times does not mean you have the flu...you probably just have a stomach virus not the flu. A stomach virus (throwing up) will not put you or your kids in the hospital, the flu can. In fact, you probably won't throw up with the flu...ANYWAYS - that's a different topic. Enough talk about getting sick! :) Those of you who know our daughter's health history know that I have, as a result of her condition, become a health (and hand sanitizer) nazi! I'm so sorry...thank you for graciously putting up me and my aversion to illness and germs!
   
   So - here's to enjoying later sunsets...(my favorite thing in the world!)...and warm weather...it's just right around the corner, RIGHT?! :)

jingle bells - HEY!

I was just thinking about the fun we had this past 2007 holiday season and can't believe it's already January, 2008. Time goes by faster and faster each year...it's just amazing! One of my favorite videos we took this past holiday season was of Ms. P singing Jingle Bells for everyone on Thanksgiving Day. You will notice Mr. G in the background in a skeleton costume trying to steal the show...Ms. P waivers for a moment, but then gets back on track and finishes up her song with an enthusiastic "HEY"! But the best part about this song, when you hear her singing it in person, is that the line that goes "Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh..." well - Ms. P says "Oh what fun it is to ride in a one MOUSE open sleigh" - it's hilarious!!

snow much fun #2

Ms. P's NEW inflatable Snowmobile! - (see "the tiny one" post)

Ms. K & I racing down a hill...wheeeeee

Sweet Hubby cannot resist a good, fast sled run

All of us scattered at various places on the hill...

Our good friends

Mom & Ms. K

Mr. G

Today after church we went sledding with some friends. It was great fun! And - Ms. P's inflatable snowmobile arrived in time to take it this weekend. It was funny to find out that another family we saw today had pulled sweet hubby aside to ask him all about it because they wanted to get some for their kids - so he told them the whole story of how we even got ours - tee hee! (see previous post titled "the tiny one" mystery). Ms. P wasn't in great spirits today, she was pretty tired from having friends over all weekend and not a lot of sleep - but she did quite a few runs on it all by herself and seemed to be able to keep her balance just fine. Mr. G & Ms. K continue to go higher and higher up the hillside each week, but so far there have only been minor crashes. Sometimes it's hard to tell how many "crashes" were on purpose?! They seem to think it's fun (Ms. K, especially) to go flipping over backwards off the sled...so who knows! We never see any other kids wearing helmets...but it makes me wonder if they should have them for sledding? Overall a great day and although we were busy managing kids and didn't get to chat much, I'm so happy our friends joined us this week - thank you!! :)

snow much fun #1

We watched some friend's kids Friday afternoon through late Saturday afternoon. They were all very well behaved and there were no tears the entire 24 hour period - I was so glad and proud of them all for how great they all were together. Even though the rest of our yard is muddy and mushy, they did all get to play in our snow igloo on Saturday morning- which sweet hubby has put so much time into - there were a couple nights last week where he was out there in the dark with all the patio lights on, even. We're so thrilled it hasn't melted yet!

make 2008 great

Two weeks ago, our pastor gave a sermon on making 2008 great. I took notes and thought I would share them. His message covered some basic concepts, but ones that are so good to remember on a day to day basis. Here is what he said:

1. HUMILITY is the ability to be comfortable in your own skin. To allow others to be who they are and acknowledge that I’m not the center of the universe. I don’t have to be #1.
2. LISTEN TO OTHERS. Listen to the counsel of others and seek out advice. Getting advice is important, there is nothing wrong with asking others for their opinion. Who or what do you learn from? Books, CD’s, the TV, or personal relationships? Make sure you’re getting advice from a credible, God-centered source. Make sure you’re plugged in and regularly fellowshipping with others.
3. SELF-DISCIPLINE. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing?! NO! On the contrary, anything worth doing is worth doing little bits at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks that are too large – break them down into “bite size” pieces.
4. DO THE "NORMAL STUFF". Do your part around the house. Do the dishes, take out the garbage, vacuum, balance your checkbook, wash your car. Keep it basic, but get it done.
5. WORDS. Watch what you say. Well spoken words bring satisfaction. I loved this quote: “You create your world by the words you say to those around you.” Tell everyone you meet something you like about them. We all hunger for affirmation. For every critique you give, verbalize 20 compliments.
6. BE INDUSTRIOUS. Think! use your brain (both sides!). Don’t be lazy.
7. ACCEPT CORRECTION. Accept those who correct you and truly consider what they say. Allow yourself to be critiqued. Accept correction with a good attitude. Don't get bitter.
8. OVERLOOK OFFENSES. Don’t harbor bitterness towards others.
9. KEEP YOUR TEMPER. People often quickly forget acts of kindness, but they will rarely (if ever) forget someone who loses their temper.
10. THINK AHEAD. An upright man gives thought to his ways.
11. DON’T BLAME your parents. If you didn’t have the best parenting growing up (and who did, honestly?!), and if your childhood bothers you or frustrates you, then (as an adult), take the initiative to “parent yourself” (no matter what your age). By the age of 24, we should be able to recognize areas we are lacking in, weren’t parented in, get help if necessary, and improve upon and take control of our lives and stop blaming our parents. It’s such a basic truth to remember that nobody is perfect – esp. not parents.
12. PARENTS: teach your children 1) how to work hard (live by example!) and 2) that life has consequences. Don’t shelter your children from consequences.
13. EARN all you can (keep 80% max).
14. GIVE all you can (minimum 10%).
15. SAVE all you can (minimum 10%).

sweet feet

This post might be silly...but I had to share. I'll just get right to it. I like patterned socks. I don't own a single pair of solid colored socks. Not that there is anything wrong with wearing solid socks, but patterned socks are just so much fun! Whenever I go to Target, I find myself making a quick detour through their $1 section right inside the front doors. I have noticed, that many times, they have some pretty cute patterned socks there - for kids and adults - for just $1. I like that section because it is current with the holiday or season. So, last week, I bought my daughter and I some various pink patterned socks (stripes, hearts, etc)...since Valentines Day is coming up. So, if you are ever in need of a new pair of patterned socks - check there!

chapstick thief

Our youngest daughter, Ms. P, LOVES (words cannot describe) Chapstick! She will get it out of our nightstands any chance she gets. Normally, when she finds a Chapstick, she will proceed to smear it on her lips until someone notices and takes it away. Yesterday was not the case. She came to tell me something. She said:

"There, mom (lifting up her shirt). That's better...that's much better mom...the chapstick feels MUCH better on my tummy. I just used a little bit. But, we don't put chapstick on our tummy..." (as if correcting - and contradicting - herself!).

Oh my - you should have seen the goop all over her belly! She suggested we use a diaper wipe to get it all off...that kind-of worked...the chapstick was totally ruined and had to be thrown away, so our stash is dwindling and the kind of chapstick we buy is very hard to find for some reason! The stores are always out of it! Hopefully she never tries that again!

"the tiny one" mystery

Sledding is so much fun this year! Our kids are at great ages for it and it's still so magical to them! Our first sledding outing was great, and our youngest, I'll call her Ms. P, was enjoying herself until she saw "it" - "the tiny one". What is "the tiny one" you are asking yourself? We had no clue until we got home from sledding later that day...

We were sledding along and having a glorious time until little bear started to get grumpier and grumpier. Was she cold? No. Was she tired. Probably - but not too tired to play outside. Was she hungry? No. We had been snacking on popcorn in the car. Clean diaper? Yes. Maybe she was scared? We tried taking her down smaller hills - maybe "the tiny one" meant the tiny hill?? Nope. Not the problem - she still wanted to go down the big hill.

You see, there was this boy. He had this sled. Okay - it was no sled - it was an inflatable snowmobile. Can you imagine such a thing?! How do people think of these incredible kids toys and where were these brilliant minds when WE were kids?! So - this inflatable snowmobile was "the tiny one" that Ms. P kept telling us she wanted all day sledding. I must admit - it was cute. And my daughters are ALL OVER anything that is cute and tiny. So - thinking that one of these inflatable snowmobiles would be suitable for Ms. P at least for another year or two, we googled online that night for "inflatable sled"...and finally found it - the EXACT one the boy had. Same red, orange and yellow flames on the sides and everything. It's really quite hideous...I must say. I would never have ordered one for my son when he was her age...I tend to prefer the more "classic toys" for my kids and not some inflatable snowmobile with red flames on it! Especially not for my DAUGHTER to ride! Oh my...if you ever see us sledding...please bear with this crazy purchase...but know that she will be having a blast - no matter how silly she looks. Yes, we let our daughter ride an inflatable snowmobile - WITH flames - for a sled! We are going out sledding with some friends Sunday after church...I hope the snowmobile is delivered SOON so that we can take it with us on Sunday! If so, I'll put up some pictures.

It's amazing how much you change by the 3rd child...the things you'll buy for your 3rd child that you probably would not have bought for your first...

a nice break

at Great Grandpa's Birthday party

(Ms. P's says "Party Animal")

If you ever want to watch ANY episode of Man vs. Wild, call my husband, you'll be his best friend and he'll pop up some popcorn and make sure you stay a while!

This is our first week back at school after Christmas Break. In addition to playdates with friends, we had a great break including attending a wonderful Celtic Christmas Concert - everyone enjoyed the incredible music - even the 3 kids! We will definitely make this a yearly tradition. All I can say is WOW!! It was incredible!

We started another new tradition this year of doing a a Birthday Party for Jesus with some friends. They came over to our house, we had yummy homemade potato soup and cornbread for dinner, followed by a gift exchange between the kids, followed by birthday cake and letting all the kids dip (and eat!) pretzels in white and dark chocolate with crushed up candycanes. YUM!!

I took my daughter and a friend to see the movie Enchanted - I LOVED it! I normally don't like to recommend things to people (especiall movies since everyone's tastes are SO different), but I thought this movie was really cute.

We had a fun break from school, but I must say that I am glad to be back into the routine of school again and feeling as though I have a purpose to my day and getting re-motivated to be project and goal oriented. I felt myself getting sleepier and sleepier as the break went on...not because I was staying up later (and certainly not because I was waking up earlier!) - but I think just that lack of schedule to my day caused me to get lazy. What a wake-up call I had this Monday - with a ton of snow on the ground and school back in full-force. But - I am so glad we're back in the swing of things once again...ask me next week how I feel...ha ha!

first entry

So - I am very new to this concept of "blogging" and am not quite sure exactly just how I really feel about it yet?! But, none-the-less, even if nobody else reads my ramblings, I really like the notion of keeping a journal of sorts, of our daily (or weekly and quite possibly monthly - depending on how crazy my life gets!) record of our family adventures. If nothing else, just for my own feeling of satisfaction of having things written down. I am most definitely a list person (is that Type A!?!) - and am so excited to have a place to keep a "list" of what goes on in our life - at least what is worth mentioning - or stuff that I want to remember. So - here's to hoping that adding yet one more task on my daily (or weekly) To-Do List will prove beneficial, if not therapeutic for me - HERE GOES!!