Snow Mud Day

Today was a beautiful day! Finally saw lots of sunshine after a mostly dreary and cold and windy week. After a morning in church, playing basketball at the YMCA, and catching a movie (Big Miracle) we came home for some Sunday relaxation. The kids decided to go outside and play - and their choice of outfits made me laugh! Shorts, rainboots, stocking cap and baseball cap. But heck, they had fun!

Batman and Hearts

I got a day away today to sew with my quilting friends. I left the house at 8:30 and didn't return home until 3:45. I got quite a bit accomplished, too, and had a good time chatting with all my quilting friends. James stayed home most of the day with the kids, but then had to take them all to a birthday party in the afternoon. Quite an accomplishment for him, since he hates crowds and especially hates going into social situations where he doesn't know anyone. But the party was a great success, and the kids got their faces painted. Austin chose not to have his done, but of course Gretchen and Daniel did.

My little ballerina

Gretchen has been taking another ballet class at the YMCA during February, and she loves it! She's more focused this year than last, so she has actually remembered the moves and positions. I think this might be something she is going to want to stick with for a while!

My new hairdo

Happy Leap Day! Did you do something fun to celebrate this rare holiday?

I got my hair colored red today. It was time to hide the nasty gray hairs that kept sprouting up overnight! A hairdresser from church was offering half off reds this month, so I took advantage of it. And she did a fabulous job. I can't believe how long my hair is getting. I'm liking the long locks lately!

Our new little chicks

The chicks arrived at Big R last week, and I decided to let the kids each have two brand new baby chicks. They were only 3 days old when we bought them, and now they are a little over a week old. They each got a yellow chick, which will turn red, and a black chick. Right now they are living in my craft room, keeping warm under swing arm lamps and my space heater. They are doing well, and since the weather is getting better, they will be able to move outdoors when they reach about 6 weeks old, hopefully sooner!

Little House in the Woods

It snowed again, and it coated our property in the prettiest snow. I took advantage of the setting sun tonight and took some pictures outside. I loved how this one turned out - our nice warm house nestled in the snow surrounded by trees. Home sweet home!

It's Santa Time!

For the first year ever, Gretchen likes Santa! She has been excited to see Santa, and at three different places, sat on Santa's lap and talked to him. It's so fun to see her finally get over her fear of Santa. I of course didn't have my camera with me to capture her first successful visit with Santa, but I did get photos of the second two Santas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent the day at my Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving. Very small affair - just them, our 5, and my sister and her daughter. It was a nice afternoon, and except for the pumpkin pie, it was full of yummy food! We had a lot to be thankful for - the previous weekend my dad had been in the hospital having two more stents placed in his heart after having some very high blood pressure and pains on Thursday night. So we were all extremely thankful to have him there at the table with us.

I hope that you found lots to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. I know God has truly blessed my life with gifts beyond measure!

Beautiful Eyes

The challenge on I Heart Faces this week is Beautiful Eyes. I had a few different photos that I wanted to enter, but I finally chose this one of Gretchen. We had gone camping one weekend this summer, and in a little town near our camping area they were having a festival. We drove in for it, and I found a great little fairy headband for her that perfectly matched her shirt. I took this photo as we sat to have some lunch along the river. I love her beautiful blue eyes, and the sparkle in them when she smiles!

Please click on photo to see it larger.



See more photos of beautiful eyes at I Heart Faces.

Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa!

We celebrated Dad's birthday today. The kids painted a birdhouse village for him, and it turned out really cute! Dad loved it.

Water Play

We have not done as much water play this year as last year. The weather has not been cooperative for us! But we did find a nice little wading pool in our new town. It's in the main city park, and is right next to the big pool. But this one is perfect for the kids to just get wet - at the most, it goes up to their knees. The kids were very excited to discover it recently.

Daniel

Austin

Gretchen

My three musketeers!