A Night of Fun and Fellowship

We are so thankful for the blessing of fellowship. So often we realize that there are people in our churches that sit just a few pews away that we have never spoken to or know nothing about. Just taking the time to invite people over and sit around sharing stories, snacks and games can be so much fun and helps us to draw closer with fellow believers. This past Friday night we did just that. We invited some young adults over for fun and fellowship and had a really great time. We come from all different backgrounds, we share different interests, and yet, we all have a common bond in that we serve and love the same Lord. We laughed late into the night, ate way too many snacks, and finished the evening with a game that everyone was too tired to play. We had some "wild ones" in the bunch (initials M.P. :), one who was craving loads of frosting and hot chocolate (initials S.P. :) and one who may have experienced a chilling ride home (initials S.B.:) Seriously, we did have a nice evening and we're blessed to know that we have a church family that we can enjoy the blessings of friendship and fellowship with. Thank you all for some fun memories and a great cake!! :)

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is Grandma's Birthday and we want her to know just how special she is to us. Thank you for raising a son who has become a wonderful father. Thank you for making each and every "get-together" special. You always know how to make things fun and your kind and thoughtful gestures never go unnoticed. You have always had a giving heart. Thank you for all the trips to Madison. Looking back we are reminded of times when you dropped everything and hopped in the car for the two hour trip to get Hunter the care he needed. We're thankful to have a grandma and mother like you - generous, kind, thoughtful and a really good SHOPPER!! :) Happy Birthday!

Dreamin' of Hawaii

This week in social studies we studied the states of Alaska and Hawaii. Now Alaska was very easy to teach the kids about as they could relate to Alaskans pretty well,living in Wisconsin right now. Hawaii, however, was quite another story. It took a little more imagination and creativity to explain that state. They had a hard time believing that a state could exist without below zero temperatures and several feet of snow on the ground. So, we purchased some pineapple, cut out foam flowers and got to work making leis. Hunter actually got into this craft (very unusual since he typically despises craft time) until he had to wear the lei..not crazy about a string of fake flowers around his neck. Anyway, the thought of warm sunshine, clear blue water and eighty degree temperatures sure was nice while it lasted. Our new word...Aloha!!!

Our "Gated Community"

We came up a little "dry" this week when it comes to blogging news. The temperatures are below zero, we've been sick and all this while daddy is in Phoenix, Arizona on business! So I decided to tell you about our new gated community. No, Rick did not just get a raise. This "big move" all took place at the end of last month. The children have been the priviledged ones to take up residency in this exclusive location. Actually, this is all a result of mommy finally getting smart. Our eldest child is notorious for leaving piles of "junk" that he is looking at in different spots around the house, the middle child likes to practice her culinary skills all over the house (leaving the kitchen mess behind her), and the youngest, well he just needs to be "locked up" for mommy's sanity and peace of mind at times. So we now have gates at each entry way to the playroom, keeping all the piles, cookware and accidents in one space. The only trouble is, these priviledged children living in this exclusive space don't seem to realize that if you live in a "gated residence" it shouldn't look like the slums.:) p.s.- please do not worry, they are allowed out of this space whenever they choose. They can come out while the clutter stays in!!Oh yeah...I never thought I would say this, but, "Go Pack Go!!!"

A Fish Out of Water

First of all, I know what you all are thinking...do you have to share the bathtub shots with the whole world? And I say..."yes I do." Every child has to have his own little bathtub photo shoot (censored, of course)and it's much better to show off the photos now then when he is sixteen. Actually, these were the most exciting shots I could come up with this week. Besides watching the Packers defeat the Seahawks in a major snowstorm, our week has been pretty uneventful. Anyway, Hudson does love bathtime. But, these shots make him look so much more innocent than he really is. He has had several accidents this week due to his "daredevil" nature. He is so ready to take off and when he does...watch out!!! Like this morning, when we caught him already up almost half of the stairs...We are not ready for this!!! Have a great week!

"Creating a Racket"

OH NO!!! While preparing lunch today, I suddenly heard a very loud noise coming from the playroom next door. Of course, loud noises are not at all unusual around this house. But, this one was different. It was accompanied by little squeals of delight. I peeked into the room only to find little Hudson happy as can be...he had just discovered the toy drum and was beating away as proudly as can be. Now Grandma and Bumpa, "please do not get any ideas!" :) As we all applauded his performance, the beating grew louder and his smile grew wider. Oh great!!!! What have we started!? I just hope he doesn't find the cymbals next! :)

A Good Pair of Boots

Several months ago Kayla decided she might want to be a cowgirl. Hearing of this, I decided to give Mama out in Colorado a call and see what she could do to help Kayla out in her cause. Of course, way out west Mama came up with some boots and a hat...a perfect Christmas gift for an aspiring cowgirl. As Thanksgiving rolled around, Kayla suddenly had a big dilemna...now she also wanted to be an Indian...excuse me, Native American. So the challenge began to help her in her quest to be both cowgirl and Indian. I think we did it! Yesterday Kayla wore the perfect outfit. We called it Annie Oakley meets Pocohontas. I know...but, it's hard keeping up with such an aspiring little woman. :)