Check Mate

William and I saw this Mario chess set at Barnes and Nobles and decided we had to get it for Nathan. We gave it to him for Christmas. We never thought he would actually play because chess is a little hard to understand. We thought it would be more of a collector's item for him. But when he got it he couldn't wait to play. William taught him the rules and they played a few games. The next thing I know, Nathan is teaching everyone else how to play. He even convinced Rachael and my mom to play with him. Amazing!

Real Life

Well a new year has begun. The holidays have been great. We have had so much fun! Now it's back to work...


there are dishes to do...
laundry to catch up...
and those dreaded school reports that are due.(which I did finish) Not to mention that I have to sit down and write out assignment sheets for the next semester.
We have spent the last few days being very productive. I helped Lydia go through all of her toys and old clothes. I am very proud of her because she got rid of a garbage bag full of stuff. It's amazing how much paper she collects. Anyway, everyone deep cleaned their rooms and we got Christmas decorations put away. Well, all except the lights outside. They can wait a few more days until it's not so cold!! I'm hoping one more day of cleaning and organizing should do the the trick and then it's back to school. Of course, the children are hoping for a snow day. Somehow they keep forgetting that snow days don't apply to us. (: We will start back to school whether it snows or not. But that doesn't mean that we won't take time to enjoy any snow that we do get. (if any)
How I wish I could live in blog world forever. For in blog world there is never any real work to be done. No jobs to go to. No school that has to be done. No house that has to be cleaned. Only perfect families having fun. And creative people who are always so talented. Who seem to have all this time to sew, knit, crochet and cook. They travel and see the world. Lives of blog people seem to be so simple and yet so inviting. Yes, blog life is where it's at. Too bad we all have to come back to the real world sooner or later! Have a great day everyone.

Maddie was here!

Don't let this sweet little face fool you...







...chaos follows her where ever she goes. She keeps her grand mommy quite busy!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!! We made it to midnight and then it was straight to bed. I wasn't feeling too well so it wasn't as festive as it usually is.
Several of my friends write family newsletters at the end of the year telling what their families did throughout the year. I love reading them! Sometimes they make me feel bad because what we did pales in comparison. I thought about writing one for our family and then the more I thought about it, I realized this blog is my newsletter. The only difference is that you get to read about it as it happens instead of me summarizing it at the end of the year. I have really enjoyed doing this blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading it as well.
Don't forget to leave comments when you have time. They are always appreciated! Now let the new year begin...

Last of the Christmas Photos

Maddie with Santa. She cried.
William's mom, Marian, came by earlier in the week while we gone. The day my money was stolen at Clementine's actually. Samantha and Lydia were here to greet her and give her the gift we bought for her.
William doing the Christmas dishes. I told you I had a photo for those of you who couldn't believe it. lol It was so dark so I had to lighten it so you could see it. That is why it has the odd color.
Maddie's first Christmas. Rach posted this one already on facebook so I am not guilty of breaking any promises. (:
A worn out baby from three days of celebrating.
And can you believe this is the only picture I took at William's dad's house. I was so tired and just not in the mood to take pictures. Maybe Kyla will post some and I can copy hers. (hint hint kyla)

Christmas Day

My gift to the children this year was my promise not to turn Christmas into a photo op. I'm afraid after many years of scrapbooking that I am guilty of this. I promised to go easy on the video taping and the picture taking. And I promised not not blog any of it!! So, enjoy this wonderful art piece from one of my favorite artist, Tasha Tudor. It reminds me of my four children.
I did video Maddie because it was her first Christmas and I wasn't going to miss that. And i did take a handful or two of photos but I didn't make anyone pose for me.
We had a wonderful Christmas. Rachael showed up at our house at 7 am all dressed and ready for Christmas. We were all still asleep (and enjoying it) but we all arose slowly and gathered to open presents and then enjoy a BIG family breakfast together. William even did the breakfast didhes. I think it is the first time he has ever washed dishes since we've been married. And, yes, I do have a picture of that!! The rest of the day was spent playing games and napping. And of course eating..i can't forget that! It will take forever to loose the weight we put on this holiday.

Eleven Months Old

Yesterday, Maddie turned eleven months old. She is walking around the house holding onto everything. Occasionally she will forget and stand on her own. I don't think it will be long before she is walking on her own. She has her two bottom teeth and is now cutting her two top teeth. She's a super fast crawler. She is like a little puppy begging for every one's food and she never seems to get enough. I know she has breakfast at least four times while she is here at my house because we all have to share with her. She is simply adorable and we are so glad she is in our lives!!! Oh, and she can say hi and bye with a wave for both. But only if you are not trying to get her to do it. Otherwise she will just look at you like you are crazy and make you look silly in front of every one.

Best Gadget Ever

We are absolutely enjoying our new cookie press. It is SO EASY to use. All these years we haven't attempted making cheese straws or cute cookies because we were led to believe it was a lot of work. Well maybe the people who told us these things just didn't have the right tools because this was simple and FUN! And best of all, they tasted GOOD!! I have recipes if anyone needs them.
And here's the BIG news....we conquered divinity!!! The bad news is that we have made two batches now and I can't stop eating it! The good news is that I am no longer dependant on Pastor Carol's yearly Christmas party to get some!!! The second batch of divinity actually looked better because we cut it in squares but I didn't get a photo of it.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve at mom and dad's.

Merry Christmas

We wish each of you a very merry Christmas. Let us be thankful for the greatest gift we could ever receive, our Lord Jesus, as we eww and aww over the many gifts we will open on this day. We are so blessed! Thank you for being in our lives. We are truly thankful for each and every one of you.MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! (pictures will be posted later)

Vroom...

faster grandfather, faster!!!

4 days till Christmas