Happy New Year!

We've had a busy holiday season so far. In fact, we've been so busy that we haven't even gotten around to sending our Christmas cards yet! This past weekend, we went to Indianapolis, watched Despereaux, took Zachary and Lauren to Toys 'r Us so they could spend some Christmas money, went to Oliver Winery, and watched an IU basketball game in Bloomington. Pictures will be coming soon, hopefully (right after those Christmas cards put themselves in the mail). :-) Have a safe and happy New Year!!

A house fit for a gingerbread family

As temperatures dipped to -2 yesterday, we stayed inside our toasty home and worked on this gingerbread house. Zachary and Lauren have always liked reading Gingerbread Baby, by Jan Brett. The artwork is quite impressive! We were excited to find the sequel, Gingerbread Friends, at Barnes & Noble recently. We think the gingerbread baby would enjoy this dwelling!

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful

Weatherman 1
Skeptical Forecast Viewers 0

The weather was just fine last night, but this was our view this morning! Zachary's Christmas vacation was extended by a day. It looks like they'll be having their school Christmas party in January. Even Lauren's preschool/daycare closed, which is a rarity! We're hoping our poor little tree doesn't snap with the weight of the ice. It has bent dramatically since this picture was taken. Stay warm, everyone!

Top Ten Things We Did This Thanksgiving

1. Visited with family
2. Ate lots of food (turkey, turkey, more turkey, and lunch at Red Robin today)
3. Bought presents for a Christmas family we're helping this year
4. Braved the mall today, which actually wasn't as crowded as we expected
5. FINISHED OUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!
6. Watched Bolt in 3-D at the movie theater
7. Read
8. Played games
9. Changed Lauren's earrings for the first time!
10. Watched IU basketball

Happy Thanksgiving!

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house
Everyone was tired of hearing me grouse
About all of the items I had signed up to bake.
Wouldn't it have been easier to go buy a cake?

So the kiddles cracked eggs, poured gunk and flung flour.
We had everything made within just an hour.
When the timer went off, we ran to the oven,
Tore open the door to grab the food we'd be lovin'.

Our mouths were watering when we pulled out the treats.
Carbs, cheese and fruit make good Thanksgiving eats!
Temptation was too great and soon the kids were yellin',
Mommy's eating a cranberry bar...but who's tellin'?

Crisis averted, we went off to bed.
Visions of turkey and potatoes were certainly in my head.
Thanksgiving morning we packed up the car
And headed to Grandma's; just an hour, not far.

We ate two huge meals that Thanksgiving day.
The kids still had energy but we were too stuffed to play.
We ate way too much but took time to remember
What we were thankful for this November.

Zachary was thankful for food, and Lauren, for rolls.
Olivya agreed with the results of those polls.
Natasha, at the wise age of ten, simply said,
"I'm thankful for family and friends," off the top of her head.

So, just as Natasha so sweetly reminded us,
It's not just the gluttony that's a Thanksgiving plus.
It's the time we spend together and the family we treasure.
That's something more special than calories to measure!

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Happy 5th Birthday, Lauren!