Grams is 92

 My Grama A turned 92 on January 14.  My Aunt Janice planned a fun party for her that day.  We had a lot of people come - some as far as Boise!  It was a fun day.

 My aunt told Grama that the present was a practical one and Grama said, "handkerchiefs..."  Sure enough, that's what it was.

 Here is the yummy chocolate cake.

 Grama was cracking up trying to blow out the candles.  She finally did get them after quite a few tries.  

My Grama is doing well and we feel lucky to have her in our home.  She brings a sweet spirit with her and I am grateful my kids are getting to know her.  What a blessing this has been for our family.

Happy Birthday Grama!

This N That

 Well, we have been up to this and that since Christmas.  Here's a quick update.  The kids were out of school for MLK Day so we went to Creativity Studio to do some painting.

 Jack and dad painted an army tank bank.

 Maddie painted a heart box that she is going to keep her jewelry in.

 Grama thinks all my kids are artistic geniuses...I agree.

Jacee painted a fairy.  The owner of the studio was fascsinated with her.  He said, usually kids come in, slap some paint on and there you go.  Jacee was so meticulous with hers.  She could have spent another 1/2 on hers but we rushed her in the end to finish so we could go.  Which reminds me, we need to find some art classes for her...

 We've also been to the kids workshop at home depot.  Race cars and tool boxes this time.

 Now that mom has a new computer (dad's old one) the kids get their own (mom's old one).  Maddie is making the space her own by making a booster seat out of the regular seat - where does she get this stuff?

 I have discovered pinterest and was determined to not only find fun things - but actually try to do some of the things I have found.  I have never known how to french braid - here is my first attempt on Maddie - not bad.  Thanks Pinterest!

 And here is my second attempt - not as good but fun!  My husband sure does love me.  What a good sport!

Another pinterest find - glow in the dark bath time.  The kids had a BLAST!  Of course the glow sticks did turn into light sabers fairly quickly.

And that's what we've been up to so far this year.

Copy Cat

I use to be a writer.  I loved English class.  I wrote a fabulous paper now and then.  I use to really care about being clever...now for some reason I don't.  As I got older and my life changed, my energies were focused elsewhere and some things just had to give.  So I guess the energy I used to use in writing was not to much a talent as hard work and I have traded that.  Those with a true talent for writing can write clever things while the timer is beeping on the stove signaling that dinner is ready, one child asking for help and another child just hanging on her.  I am not one of those.  So while I gravitate towards some of my favorite blogs with clever writing and wish I had the time and energy to write that way - I will settle for stealing ideas from the those blogs and call it good.  

One of my favorites if from my cousin Becky (is she my cousin?  second cousin?  Officially she is my cousin's daughter so whatever that is.)  We really have only spoken in person a handful of times, but I feel as if I know her.  And I feel as if I knew her in "real' life we would get along splendidly.  She is clever and talented and funny.  I'm lucky to be able to call her family - however extended.  

So, I am copying her latest entry - just filling in my answers.  If you want to read some clever writing - here is her blog.  Click here.

listening: to Jack play Lego Star Wars

eating:Dove Chocolates - love them!

drinking: DP of course...

weather: freezing

wanting: to do some home improvements...but where to start?

needing:to organize my recipes and try something new for dinner

thinking:  that my kids have grown way too fast...remember when they were all little and home all day?

enjoying:Pintrest...I've actually followed through on two things I have pinned!

wearing: my fuzzy sweats...they have John's approval

feeling:unsettled...when is the snow coming?  Are we going to get it from Feb - May?

The Party that was not a Birthday Party

 Sometimes Maddie is content to be at home with me, just the two of us and sometimes she is not.  The other day she announced she was going to have a party that was not a party.  She wanted pink cupcakes and to play games.  She made invitations and we took them around to her friends, and then they came.

 We started with cupcakes because Maddie had been looking at them all day and just couldn't stand it anymore.

 I had them all frosted but each girl got to put her own sprinkles on.  They actually did very well.  It's kinda weird to be at the stage where my kids don't douse their cupcake until it is just a pile of sprinkles.  My kids are growing up!

Maddie tends to get a little silly when her friends are around.  What do you do?  Most of the time I just go with it.  I mean - she's so stinkin' cute I just can't help but laugh.

It was a successful party and she is already planning her next one!

Yep, that's my girl!

 Maddie and I get to spend alot of time together since Jackson is in school all day now.  We run errands, we play, we watch movies.  I just love her spirit and individuality.  I think she's going to be just like me!  Here are two examples of her outfits on some of our errands.  Yes, I let her dress like this while in public.  We do have rules for church or if we are going someplace nice so there are times she doesn't get a choice - and yes, usually those times involve tears.  But when going to Costco or Target, I think it's ok.

Love you Maddie Moo!

The Hair Cut

 Jacee walks a fine line between wanting to grow her hair out or having a sassy hairstyle.  She does grow it and then just wants it cut.  We went to get it cut and afterwards she was twirling and whirling around and said, "I feel like me again!"  It is darling and I love it and I love her.  You are beautiful my sweetie!

Father of the Year

My husband seems to always be busy and this Christmas Break was no exception.  He was busy playing with our kids!  Here's a little preview of some of the activities he did this past week.

  Helicopter with Jack  (ok, so the helicopter is his but he let Jack hold it!)

 Battle ship and Guess Who and  Trouble

 Bug Maker and Grinder - don't ask

 Christmas Tree Game

 Chinese Checkers

 Shrinky Dinks

 More Chinese Checkers

 Just Dance 3

 Teaching Jack to Shave (this will warrant it's own post later)

Lego Star Wars

Yep, he's been busy this break - being a fabulous dad.  Thanks honey.  I have never loved you more.