Happy Day After Christmas!

Sam's first picture with his new camera...big surprise that Jenna's the subject!

Someone loves Hannah Montana...guess who?

We took pictures of each other taking pictures...I'd love to show you the picture he took of me but, I can't seem to find it...wink, wink!

Only in this house would we watch the yule log on TV two feet away from a real honest to goodness crackling fire...we are so seriously odd!

Hope you all had a great Christmas...we sure did! Family, food (really, really good food), fun and snow! So, we're spending today digging our way out of wrapping paper, easy opening packaging (yeah, right!) and cookie crumbs. Still in our PJ's watching Ratatouille...aahhh, that's the life!

Hey there! Miss Me??

Sick twin A and Sick twin B

(Note: Before twins are born they are known to medical personnel as twin A (Sam) and twin B (Jenna)...I'm sure you were just dying to know that!)

Trust me, he sang...really!

Not really sure what happened to Mama snowman...maybe she was just too short for the little peep hole?

Time: 11:00 PM, Temperature: 35 degrees and yes this crazy fool has on shorts and no socks! I guess you'd have to be crazy to be married to me so, I really shouldn't be surprised. Note: he obviously didn't want his picture taken (big surprise) so, I locked him out and clicked away...I'm sooooo nice!

Sorry, I've been kind of MIA lately but, my multi-tasking skills stink and that makes Christmas much more challenging! To start off with Sam was sick and then Jenna got some sort of mini version of it (God's way of giving me a break). So, I decided to do as much shopping on-line as possible...that is fine but, then there is the stress of whether it will get here in time. The last package arrived TWO days ago...what was I worried about? Then we had the holiday music concert at school...my kids LOVE music class and trust me when I tell you that LOVE can not be emphasized enough! Jenna was an elf and Sam was papa snowman in one scene. It was a great program due in part to the fact that their very smart teacher started teaching them the songs in October! Emotional note: Sam sang every song and did all the "action" stuff, front and center. This is something that wasn't even in the back of our brains during those years we just prayed he would talk...this is is favorite class and I'm so very grateful for that! Sorry about the bad quality pictures from the concert but, our video camera is eight years old and it has issues. Why didn't I use my other camera? reference my previously mentioned multi-tasking skills. After the concert came the compiling of teacher gifts/treats...all fifteen of them! Yes, it takes a village...oooohh, I just quoted hillary (eeeks!). Please take time to enjoy the photo of my crazy husband...I think the diet he's on is effecting his brain. Enjoy you last minute shopping, wrapping, baking or whatever you're up to.

Christmas shopping detour...

Hello...Here's a post without a picture (eeegads!). I saw this re-run of a post from last Christmas about a re-called toy. Wow, that's a lot of "re's" for one sentence! Thanks to the television writers strike and Chinese manufaturers they are just part of our every day vocabulary whether we like it or not. Anyhoo, check out this link from my favorite website (The pioneer woman) it provided a well needed chuckle...enjoy and happy shopping! http://thepioneerwoman.com/2006/12/tanner_the_barb.html

The Christmas tree decorator...

Since Sam is sick Jenna took over the Christmas tree decorating. Truth be told she usually told him where to put the ornaments anyway so, it always ends up being her "design" in the end. Please be sure to check out the new links on the right to some of our favorite photos from 2007. Happy holiday shopping everyone...I'm off to shop online. I have a sick little boy watching cartoons on the couch who is in no condition to be schlepping through a mall.

The Christmas Tree

Okay, guys lets go find a tree...

Gee, there sure are a lot of trees out here...

We like this one!

YEAH!!!!!

Dear God, please let this one be easy...

Whew! glad that's over...

Let's get this thing out of here!

twin help rocks!

Rewind four years to the first year we lived here. We thought we should do this "cut your own" Christmas tree thing...we had no idea what we were doing! It took us forever to find one we liked, it was at the FAR END of the farm, Rick was not dressed appropriately (big shock), the tree was extremely unhappy about being cut down and threw a fit, it took Rick forever to get it down and the old rickety saw supplied by the farm was not helping. It was, of course, COLD and being that it was taking so long the kids started to freeze and wanted to go. We couldn't leave Rick alone to finish the job since he looked like he was about to pass out at any moment. And then after it was finally free we had to drag it out...it was HEAVY! Let's just say it was not a pleasant experience. So, the next year we dressed better, brought our own saw, and a sled to pull the kids and/or tree. After arriving at the tree farm we saw the rows of ones already cut and decided to take a look...bingo, we found the perfect tree, paid for it and left in record time and everyone was happy! Now for today, we headed to the already picked area and didn't like any of them...Rick got that terrified "deer in a headlight" look and we headed out to cut one. We found one right by the entrance, it cut very easily and we were out of there...we have one happy dad in this house and an awesome tree that the kids love because they got to pick it out!

Good Morning...

Hi! This is the gingerbread wreath the kids and I made for our kitchen. It turned out pretty good with only one casualty...breaking the head of an angel can't be good. Sam isn't all that into the decorating part but, he is the cookie cutter king and Jenna would much rather play with the dimensional paint...they make a good team.

REASON #1001 Why I won't be Mother-of-the-year:

So, Jenna had Girl Scouts last night which we had to drive through a snow storm to get to. Okay, it was only three inches but, still I would have much rather been sitting in front of the fireplace watching Rudolph. Anyhoo, I spent the hour entertaining her twin brother while waiting for her who, by the way, was tired and wanted to go home which he did not hesitate to express every FIVE MINUTES. Want to know why he was tired? Well, I'm going to tell you anyway...he had TWO field trips yesterday morning. He went to the LeSueur museum and he got a tour of the Pizza Ranch restaurant where he got to make his own pizza for lunch (pretty much his dream come true). So basically I'm crabby by the time we pick her up and she is on a sugar high from the brownies they had for a snack when this happens. She lets out a belch that you would think came from a college kid who had just broken the world record for how many beers you can slam in three minutes. Honestly, I think the windows rattled. The girl scout leader just looked at me and smiled. Why is that a reflection on my parenting skills, you ask? Well, she has possesed this "skill" and I used that term loosley, for quite some time and when she was five we actually thought it was cute. This, people is why you do not laugh out loud when they do it at home because then they do it in front of OTHER PEOPLE. On our way to the car I asked "you don't do that at school do you?"...she said no but, the look on her face said "yes I do, and proudly". At least she said "excuse me".

Stuff

Remember a few posts back (okay, like a month ago) I told you about Miss Elsie Flannigan's Pez dispenser Christmas tree? You have to admit it's one of the most original ideas you've heard in a long time. Well, here's a picture of it...pretty cool! I think I need more Pez dispensers so, I can make a tree...Hey, Rick whatchya think???

Just getting back into the school week after having Monday off for a teacher work day. They needed the day to work on REPORT CARDS....ooooohhhh still sends shivers down my spine when I see those words. Luckily for Sam and Jenna they're only in second grade, not a whole lot of drama in second grade report cards. As long as you're not eating glue and throwing erasers at your classmates you're on the right track. We went to Macy's eighth floor auditorium to see the Nutcracker display with Grandma...VERY COOL! I know you can't tell by Sam's face but he had a great time (they both did). Gotta love a victorian guy sitting on a clock and a dancing pig...I hope they never stop doing this display, it is one of the best parts of the holidays! After all does anything say "happy holidays" more than a dancing pig from the Nutcracker...I don't think so!

First Snow!!!

Those are some rosey cheeks!

This was Sam making a snow angel but, I being cold, was a little to slow to get the shot.

Not really sure what was up with this...I said "Jenna, look over here"...so she did.
Apparently I need to be more specific.

The first snow you can play in is sooooo much fun! They still need to build up some tolerance to the cold, they lasted about half an hour before they were asking for hot chocolate. Hot chocolate by the fire...perfect ending! I know the photography isn't exactly up to par but, I too need to get used to the cold...it was freezing!

Happy Birthday, Jules!

Happy Birthday little sister!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my favorite sister a very happy birthday! It's not every day you turn twenty nine (consider that part of my gift to you)!

"Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles, collect rocks, rainbows and roses, smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, build sandcastles, say hello to everyone, go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites, have a merry heart, talk with animals, sing in the shower, read childrens' books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance, laugh and cry for the health of it, wonder and wander around, feel happy and precious and innocent, feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, give up worry and guilt and shame, say yes, say no, say the magic words, ask lots of questions, ride bicycles, draw and paint, see things differently, fall down and get up again, look at the sky, watch the sun rise and sun set, watch clouds and name their shapes, watch the moon and stars come out, trust the universe, stay up late, climb trees, daydream, do nothing and do it very well, learn new stuff, be excited about everything, be a clown, enjoy having a body, listen to music, find out how things work, make up new rules, tell stories, save the world, make friends with the other kids on the block, and do anything else that brings more happiness, celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation, communication and life energy to...all living beings on this planet."
-Bruce Williamson

Photography by Sam

Sam loves to take pictures. If you have any doubt just ask my Mom and my Sister who have developed rolls of film and are "surprised" to discover his "talents". He took these pictures, not too bad...the hockey picture is of my cousin Matt. Sam was getting restless during the third period (not so many goal celebrations going on) so, I let him take some pictures. He did pretty good at deleting the ones that were blurry (and there were many)...digital makes learning much easier (and cheaper). It's not his fault that the picture is dark, I wouldn't let him use the flash...no need to blind the players (the ref's maybe but, not the players). So, guess what Sam is getting for Christmas? I would love to tell you but, you'll just have to take this post as a big hint because my kids have a habit of reading over my shoulder. I'm off to finish decorating the house...hopefully I'll post some pictures of it tomorrow. Have a great Wednesday!

Change is hard...

We are having some trouble convincing Sam that summer is over but, I guess since there's no snow what can it hurt, right? Notice the different colored gloves...cute, huh? We are barely into fall and he's already lost one and Chayley chewed the other, at least it left him with a "pair"...sort of. Lets see if we can break the record for number of cheap "fits all" gloves worn in one winter season! We're off for our final Thanksgiving dinner of 2007...have a great Sunday.

Ready, set, decorate!

Bet you thought I was going to say shop, didn't ya??? Come on people, first things first! Rick is so anxious to hang the lights he can barely contain himself. For some strange reason he isn't exactly thrilled (trust me when I tell you that's an understatement) to climb on the roof of our two story house...silly boy! Guess who gets to hold the ladder...yup, you got it, me. Does anyone see a problem with that arrangement? I'm not sure why but he seems to think it's safer for him to be on the roof than me...okay, so grace isn't exactly my middle name but, I could try, couldn't I??? I made some ornaments yesterday inspired by Pottery Barn, Better Homes and Gardens and Ali Edwards. It's just rub-on letters on clear glass ornaments (Michaels) with a little fake snow (Michaels) and real evergreen sprigs...EASY! My Mom decorated the sled...TOO COOL!!!

Thanks Mom for an AWESOME Thanksgiving dinner. YUUUUUUM!!!

So much to be grateful for...

There is so much to be grateful for but, for me it starts with these two. Happy Thanksgiving!

Boys can be fancy too!

Just in case you were wondering, Sam can be "fancy" (that's what he calls it) when he wants to be! He is extremely excited that he gets to have TWO Thanksgiving dinners 'cause he loves turkey. That's 'cause he's a skinny little munchkin that can gain a few pounds and it's a good thing....me, not so much!

P.S. In honor of the passing of Mr. Whipple, squeeze a little Charmin today!

Hey! Look, I made something!

I know I'm supposed to be working on Christmas stuff but, this was on my table half done so, I had to finish it. Trust me when I tell you that this is only some of the "outfit" pictures I have of our little diva. It's nice that all of my old dance costumes have a new life (thanks Mom for saving them), the wigs and purple boa are from Aunt Julie and the floppy hat and fur collar once belonged to my Grandma Siefert. I bet you didn't know that a visor upside down makes a crown???

Windy Wednesday...

The poor little pretty pooch she really misses Rick! She just kind of mopes around when he's not here...such a daddy's girl! Just for the record, we miss him too!

Honor...

(That's Dad on the right)

As a very proud daughter of a WWII veteran I would like to thank my Dad for his service to our country on this veterans day. We owe our freedom to all that veterans sacrificed and endured and for that we are all so very grateful...THANK YOU! Please keep in your prayers the families of those who didn't make it home and all the service men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

"The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission" - John F. Kennedy

For anyone interested in learning more about the 96th Infantry Division Deadeyes (where Dad served) just click on this link.http://www.96th-infantry-division.com/

This, that and there's always next year!

We'll we didn't freeze at the football game, it was actually a great night for a game...unfortunately it turned out better for Glencoe-Silver Lake than it did for us but, only one undfeated team would be left after the game and we were not it. I think it was the "snazzy" purple football "coats" Glencoe was wearing on the sideline. Come on this is Minnesota...tough it out! I say this after I litteraly layered clothes on my kids to the point they kind of waddled but, there was no way I was gonna hear "Mom, I'm cold" five minutes after we got there and I didn't! Congrats to our team for a GREAT season...11-1 is something to be really proud of!

We are soooooo happy Rick's home even if it is for only a couple days and then back to Idaho. Is it wrong to be jealous of a cheese plant??

Congrats to Rick who is 3-0 in his fantasy basketball league...I'm so excited I'm just jumping out of my seat, I am!

I just got an e-mail from Hobby Lobby, they are recalling some sort of halloween basket thing because...get this, they have lead paint and were made in China!!!! I got this e-mail after I spent the morning trying to come up with a birthday gift for a one-year-old (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AIDEN!) and could not find one toy at Target that was not made in China. First toys and now this madness has invaded my "Happy Place". Barnes and Noble is rapidly becoming the only place I shop...nice that they have Starbucks too!

Happy Saturday...Bye!

Hmmmm...

You just can't make this stuff up. It makes you wonder what the story is behind this...let's hope it was a high school prank. I choose not to believe it could have fallen off someone's truck without them noticing but, you never know....and to think before this story I was left to wonder why there is always ONLY one shoe in road. Happy Friday!

P.S. Go Giants...the kids and I along with Grandpa and Grandma are off to watch LSH FINALLY beat Glencoe tonight. Say a prayer that we don't freeze!

Happy Wednesday!

This face say's "Please throw it, please, please, hurry, hurry...come on you silly human, throw it"!

Hi!

These are some photos from last weekend. Chayley got to play frisbee A LOT because Rick is in Idaho this week and he feels bad that when he's gone I'm the one who has to throw the frisbee...it's not good. I acknowledge my inability to throw a decent frisbee but, at least I don't hit the house. We have "frisbee marks" on every window on the back side of our house. Why, you ask, well someone thinks it's funny to scare the crap out of me by randomly hitting the kitchen window. At least that's what he says, maybe he's not as good as he thinks he is...at least I never had to get out the roof rake to retrieve the thing off the roof...of course I couldn't get it that far if my life depended on it. I guess it's a draw. I'm off to retrieve the dead bird that just hit our picture window...I hate it when Rick's gone! Have a good day!

P.S. Any advice on how I can get a good action shot of my dog catching the frisbee???

49 Days until Christmas!

Christmas 2006

I don't mean to be a scrooge but, is it really necessary to skip right over Thanksgiving straight into the Christmas season? I love Thanksgiving...family, great food, fun parade and most importantly a time to reflect on how much we all have to be greatful for. A week before Halloween I had to move past the Christmas display to get to the costumes...does anyone else find that WRONG???? Now, if we were skipping over Thanksgiving to "celebrate" the meaning of Christmas that would be one thing but, it's not...it's about the gifts. It's about the fact that our entire economy is based on the holiday shopping season (huh?). I love buying gifts for people but, I am the ultimate procrastinator so, starting the shopping season early will do nothing for me...twenty days, 49 days really doesn't matter much to someone who considers it a success to be done two days before Christmas eve. And my response to all those Christmas eve shoppers they show on CNN...you rock!

In honor of the early shopping season I am including a passage from "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Linus say's it all...

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."
"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."
"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

Happy Shopping!