Last Day

Today is Micah's last day with us. His flight leaves tomorrow morning to take him back to California. So we went out to Perkins for a farewell lunch
We all had such a fun, silly time eating and taking pictures.
The food was yummy too.

Jonah was happy to be getting out of the house again after his rather severe case of Chicken Pox.Next we decided to take Micah for a walk across a frozen lake... a new experience for him. We went to Lake Orono but didn't make it all the was across. It was cold and snowing and he was slightly freaked out by the whole Idea.So we came home and the kids watched a movie and then went out sledding in the yard until it got dark. It was a fun last day and they all went to bed a little sad and a little happy.

Snow Balls

Today the kids all went outside to make snowballs. It was lots of fun.

We have this contraption that makes a perfect ball.
Micah had fun making them for Jonah...
And throwing them at Josiah. They also did some more sledding and digging and we tried to make an igloo but the snow wasn't sticky enough. Then we all went to see a movie... Alvin and the Chipmunks. Jonah and I only made it through about a half hour but David and the kids stayed and all came home talking and singing like they had swallowed a helium balloon.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas 2007

Here is what we did today.... After everyone sleeping in till almost 8:00am we started out the morning with some home made crepes with lots of whipped cream on top.
Then we gathered around the table to read the Christmas story from God's Word.
David read the account from the book of Luke. By then the kids were ready and waiting by the tree excited about the giving... and the getting!





They were all excited with lots of smiles and hugs and words of jubilee.










Here are the boys with their new light sabers.
And Mommy got a gift card for Caribou Coffee!! Whoo Hooo!!
Mommy and Daddy just had a great time watching all the Joy go around.

Then... it was time to go OUTSIDE!




There was a beautiful snow falling all day but that only added a magical element to the fun.
They had so much fun just being together... And of course, eating lots of snow!
Daddy got in on the fun.... but seriously, I think it is time to get the man a real snow board... He has gone as far as he can on the kids plastic one.
After a few hours and lots of rosy cheeks, it was time to pack up the sleds and come inside.
Every one relaxed in their own way. The big kids played Play Station. Josiah was so excited to get a set of remote controllers so now he can play with 2 people.Jonah decided to spend some quality time with his trains.And Daddy decided to spend some quality time with Mom's new Christmas present.... The Homedics Shiatsu Massage Cushion. He has decided that it is the best present he ever bought me.
It was a beautiful day of celebrating the gift of Family and the beauty of God's creation.

Micah

My Nephew, Micah is here visiting with us for Christmas. He arrived last night after braving his fist ever solo Airplane flight. He was quite the brave 10 year old and managed the whole adventure just fine.

Josiah and Siri were so excited. They took a nap yesterday so they would be able to stay up til he got here. With the flight delay and a winter storm slowing down the roads David and Micah finally arrived home at 12:35 am. They were all tired but warmed up in front of the fire and had a snack before getting to sleep at about 1:30am.

Micah wanted to get outside and play first thing this morning. So with a chilly 9 degrees outside they bundled up for some digging and sledding.
The first round was fun but after a short time they were cold and came in for some hot chocolate. When Micah finished he promptly bundled up and went back outside for more sledding with Uncle David.They had a great time. They are all begging to go out again already. What a fun way to enjoy a beautiful Christmas Eve.

Christmas Craft

Now that the kids are feeling better from their Chicken Pox episode....
It was time for a little Christmas Crafting. We made a fun Christmas paper chain with red and green construction paper.
But before we put it all together, a name is written on each strip. Mostly names of Aunts & Uncles, cousins and friends who live far away.
After putting it all together we hung it up next to the kids beds. Each night at bedtime, they each tear off a ring and read the name. We then pray for the person. It is so sweet to hear them pray for their friends and cousins. They pray mostly for the things that matter to them at bedtime... that you will sleep well and not have any bad dreams... and last night Siri prayed that her cousin would "Rest in Peace".

Adventures in Chicken Pox

Yes, you read that title right... we have the Chicken Pox. I have to say that it did not come as too much of a surprise when Josiah and Siri started getting it. We knew that they had been exposed..... The surprise came when David got it right along with them!So... I went out and got all the recommended stuff. Oatmeal bath, lavender oil, Sea Breeze, itch relief cream. I ending up making a mixture of all of it in a spray bottle and I am like the little running spray dispenser. The kids are hanging in there. Distraction seems to be the main strategy. Siri and I did this 300 piece puzzle yesterday. I went to the video store and got lots of stuff to watch.
Siri seems to have the worst of it. She didn't get that sick but started breaking out almost immediately and now is quite uncomfortable.Josiah and Daddy are doing really well. They got sicker in the beginning. Josiah did not break out as bad and the ones he has are not bothering him too much. David is still getting more spots so we will have to see how he does but he is not a complainer so it is hard for me to tell.

Oatmeal baths are the recommended treatment. They seem to serve more as a fun distraction than anything else but it is a treat for them to play in the "big bathtub".

As you can see by Siri's back, she is at the worst stage. Very itchy and painful. I think she should be over the hump today though and we are hoping for a better night sleep tonight.She did manage a nap this afternoon which is why I found time to write this entry.As for me.... I am a little bit frazzled but hanging in there. I am expecting that Jonah will be getting it in about 10 days or so. Here is what I have learned for maintaing my sanity....

Coffee is a necessity, getting dressed is optional and

words of sympathy are welcome.

First Winter Snow 2007

This week, we had our first good snow of the season. The kids were so excited. Every day, now, they are begging to get out there and play. They like to play on the snow drifts and sled down our hills. Last year, Jonah did not like to go out in the snow but he seems to have had a change of heart this time around. He especially loves to eat the snow.. While we were outside the other day, our neighbors came over to join in the fun. They are very sweet girls and the kids all played together for hours. They made a train with their sleds and tried to come down the hill like a together. It was fun to watch them. I am sure there will be many more days like this to come, but there is something a little extra special about the First Snow.

Gingerbread Spice Tea

Yesterday, My friend Lisa's children picked out this tea to bring me as a gift. I woke up on this cold wintry morning and made myself some. I added a smidgen of sweetener and a touch of cream and sipped it form my mug that Kristi made me. What a delightful and yummy experience. If you like the taste of gingerbread.... I highly recommend that you pick some up the next time you visit the market. Then cuddle up next to the lighted Christmas tree and have a quiet holiday moment!