Spring Break

Doug and Michael at Wrigley Field
Michael at Ed Debevic's - giggle, giggle, giggle
Emily and Dana at the American Girl Cafe - notice the doll chairs :)

Emily has her Emily doll and her new doll which she named Maria - notice the hairdo in doll Emily's hair.

the octopus at the Shedd Aquarium
Emily and Michael with "Sue" at the Field Museum
Emily at the American Girl Store - notice the big smile - it never left her face

We just got back from a long weekend trip to Chicago. We left around 1:00 on Thursday and drove to Chicago. When we arrived there the kids went swimming and we got settled in the Courtyard Marriot by O'Hare airport. I had packed a dinner so we ate it on the way.

Friday morning we got up and took a shuttle from the hotel to the L station where we went downtown to Shedd Aquarium. It was exciting to see a dolphin show, sharks, a coral reef, and many other water animals. A highlight was seeing an octopus open up and move around. It was a great day! We ate lunch at the restraunt overlooking Lake Michigan. We were seated in a balcony overlooking the aquarium as well as the lake. We had planned to possibly go to the Museum of Science and Industry but we spent longer at the aquarium than expected so we walked over to the Field Museum (where our science center membership got us in free) and looked around there for a little over an hour. We then headed back to the hotel, swam, and then went to a chicago pizza place called Giordano's. http://www.giordanos.com/It was a wonderful restraunt - great pizza. We would highly recommend it if you are in the Chicago area.

On Saturday we split up. Emily and I headed to The American Girl Store while the boys headed to Wriggly Field with Uncle Craig. It was a little crazy getting to our two destinations, as the L was not running as usual due to construction, but after arriving at our two destinations it was fun. They boys were cold so they did not stay past the 5th inning. Emily was in heaven - we had lunch in the Cafe, saw a play, and shopped and shopped and shopped. She got a new doll, a doctor's kit, a flute (book, stand, flute, and case), and three outfits with accessories. She also got a hairdo for Emily and a new brush. She was grinning from ear to ear all day.

On Sunday we went to lunch at Ed Debevic's http://www.citybuzzchicago.com/index.aspx?Article=46 (click on the video to see the restraunt in action). It was fun. Michael giggled and giggled, and giggled. He really thought the waitresses were funny, and they played off his giggles which made him laugh even more. After lunch there we hit the road and headed home. On the way home the kids watched movies and slept - so it was a smooth ride.

Now school starts tomorrow so it is back to reality.

The Power of God

Our neighbor's house with their tree down

Yesterday we drove up to Terra Haut, IN (? about spelling) to get a camper which we had purchased on E-Bay. We knew it was supposed to rain and possibly storm, but we weren't too worried. We got there uneventfully and picked up our camper. We are now excited to use it.

It was on the way home that we experienced some situations which really made us feel the power of storms. We hit hail, hail, hail while crossing the bridge back into Kentucky. We drove in pea sized hail for a few miles. It was slow going, and the hail came down so much that it had covered practice fields at U of L, as well as accumulated a few inches alongside the highway, and inbetween lanes on the highway. We saw an awesome sight with a rainbow. It started at our car on one side, and finished on the other. Then as it moved, we could see cars drive through the rainbow and saw them become colored. It was an incredible sight - and I did not have a camera on me. When we got home, we discovered our neighbor's large tree had snapped and pulled the electricity off their house. It pulled the lines down across the street. Wow! What strong winds. We were thankful our trees were all fine as we have two large ones also.



wow! God kept us safe through the bad weather, wind, hail, and rain. God is a loving, caring God.

Thank you Grandma

Emily and Samantha in her new ice skating dress and skates
Samantha showing off her skating skills
Samantha the ice skater, Nellie the slumber girl, and Emily the cold weather girl

Michael in his new t-shrit from Grandma

Today we went to school and a package had arrived from Houston. In it was cotton for Michael's costume for the school play - BUGZ - and Emily's birthday present. Of course, grandma is always good about sending a surprise along for the non-birthday child, so both Emily and Michael has some surprises.

Michael got a t-shirt from NASA which he put on right away. Emily got 3 outfits for her American Girl Dolls, some body glitter and some money to spend when we got to the American Girl Place later in the week.

Easter Egg Hunt

Michael hunting for eggs
Andrew finding eggs - oh how fun!
What a handsome crew on a chilly Easter
A happy group after a successful Easter egg hunt -
they can't wait to get inside and see
what is in the eggs.

Easter

Dying eggs on Saturday afternoon
Michael dressed up as the Easter bunny
Emily dressed up as the Easter bunny
Smooch... brotherly and sisterly love on Easter morning

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

What a great day to celebrate our Lord's resurrection. Although it was chilly, it was sunny and it was day filled with quality time. It also brought new life right before our own eyes - yesterday mom was sick, sick, sick. She stayed home from Church (which likely had never happened on Easter) and was feeling much better after Church. Thus, we thanked the Lord for healing and new life within our midst. Although this was a minor thing, it brough new meaning to new life.



This morning Doug and I headed off to Church for sunrise service (6:30) HOlly, Gene, Andrew, Dad, Emily and Michael came at 9:00. Then Doug stayed for 11:00 service to play saxaphone while I headed home to fix Easter lunch. We were met at the door with the delicious smell of ham cooking - and then I worked on scalloped potatoes, cream of mushroom beans, rolls, jello jiggler eggs & bunnies, 7 layer salad, plain beans (for those who aren't as adventuresome) and a delicious angelfood cake with pineapple, pudding, and rasberries. We put birthday candles on the cake for Andrew and Emily, since they were only about a month away.



After lunch we went on and Easter egg hunt. I had gotten 100 eggs ready, so Emily, Michael, and Andrew found plenty. They were filled with money and candy.

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Let it snow, let it snow - if you make this image bigger by clicking on it - you can really see the snow coming down behind the kids. Wow! Who would have thought that we would have snow on Good Friday.



Wow! Here it is Easter weekend and we are having snow showers! Weird huh? We did not have snow at Christmas, and it was warm at Christmas so now when it is Easter (and Spring break) we have temperatures in the 20's and 30's. Yuck!

Yesterday I took the kids downtown to the Science center and to ride on the trolly. It looked like a blizzard outside at times - but of course the ground was too warm for it to accumulate (it was in the 80's last week).

Have a blessed Easter. Remember that Christ is the reason for the Easter season - He gives us new life. It is his great sacrifice that makes us who and what we are.

newspaper

Michael was in the newspaper along with some of his buddies. They were on the front page of the community paper where the little league is. Check out the following website for the article about the parade and Michael's picture http://www.voice-tribune.com/news/voicetribune/newspaper/20070405/p1a.asp

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday brought an Easter Egg hunt at Church. Since Andrew and Gene had come down to watch Michael play baseball on Saturday, they were here for the hunt also. Emily won the prize basket in her age group - WOW! A fun time was had by all!

opening day

Last Saturday was opening day for Michael's coach pitch team. Doug is coaching and look at the pictures to see why it is just killing Doug to be the coach. He has told Michael he will have to burn the uniform at the end of the season :)

Chapel and Baseball

Today Emily's class lead chapel. She was a "master" in a skit and did very well. She memorized her lines and was able to say them slowly and clearly. She also played Beautiful Savior as a duet (flute, clarinet) during offering. What is neat is her best friend plays clarinet and she plays flute. When I was in grade school I played flute and my best friend played clarinet. What a neat way to remember my childhood. I got to thinking back to playing some things with Nicci. Although we never did play any real duets, we did play together and were in band together from 5th through 8 th grade.


Michael started baseball practice last week. Doug is the coach of his team. Saturday is opening day at the little league field. The season will kick off with a parade on SAturday morning. Michael does not play until 6:30 on Saturday, so we will have plenty of time to do other things between the parade and his game. I will be working on things for the Easter Egg hunt at Church as well as taking Emily to a swimming lesson. Last year at the auction we bought swimming lessons - and we are finally working them in.

Thus, this week is a big week for both of our kids. It is a time for them to shine and show off their talents.

testing

well, today is the last day of achievement tests at school. :) I really get a work- out this week as I walk around and around the classroom. My voice also gets a work-out as 80% of the tests I give are me reading to the kids. I am so glad my voice has not given out due to allergies. Michael said they were easy, but boring. Emily said they were hard. Yesterday she took spelling and math. YUCK! she said. Will be interesting to see the results. Emily took an IQ test in addition to the achievement tests, so it will be interesting to compare the results to the one we had her take last year.

baseball

Tonight Michael started coach pitch baseball. It was the first practice. I got to see Doug and another dad coach 12 little boys (no girls on their team this year - although there could be). It is fun to see the dads run around, throw balls, avoid being hit, and just have fun. Next week Doug will start pitching to the boys - should be fun to watch. Tonight they just hit off the tee. Michael is playing with two buddies from school, which will be fun for him.

Games start on the 31st. They have practice on Thursday again, and then again next Tuesday and Thursday. Will put some pictures when I get them - our digital camera screen died so I can take pitures but have no idea what I am taking pictures of. We have a new one on order - will arrive soon I hope.

What's Up

Last weekend was a fun time - Mom and Dad came down on Friday. We had pork terayki stir fry for dinner and then played Disney Scene-It and other games. On Saturday morning Dad watched the kids while I went shopping with Mom for my birthday present. After lunch we went bowling and then went home to change. We drove down town to park, walked across the 2nd street bridge and then ate dinner at Rocky's. We did have about an hour wait, but we watched the river and visited outside. We ended up getting home 10:00 (after the time change) so it was bedtime for the kids. Dad, MOm, Doug, and I sat around the visited for a little while and then headed to bed ourselves. On Sunday we went to Church - both kids choirs sang. After Church we had lunch and then mom and dad headed home.

Emily riding her bike.

Michael riding his bike and helping take the training wheels off.

There he goes - but not for long. He will get it soon!

After they left we headed to Flicko's so the kids could ride their bikes. Emily needed to relearn after her accident almost a year and a half ago. Michael practiced with training wheels and then went for no training wheels. He has a long way to go, but will get it soon.


Then Emily and I headed to buy mulch, flower seeds, and miracle grow. Emily wanted to plant a garden, so I found a small piece of dirt for her to use. I mulched most of the flowerbeds - still need one more bag. I also trimmed some shrubs and just enjoyed the weather.


The past two days it has been beautiful! The weather has been in the 50's in the morning and the 70's in the afternoon. Wow! It is hard to go in from recess, as it is so nice. I have been shooing the kids outside after we get home at night - they have become reacquainted with neighbor kids. There is a 6 year old girl and 8 year old boy who live behind us. They have gotten along well. It is nice that they have friends near. It will make the summer go by much quicker.

The Weekend is here

Today was grandparent's day at school. This is always an exciting day, but I never know how it will actually turn out. I had 16 students with grandparents of special V.I.P.'s in attendance, and 5 who were adopted out to other families. In class I had the first graders read to their grandparents, fill out a biography (what was your favorite book, what state were you born in, what was your favorite toy...) and finally play math games with their grandchild. In addition we had lunch. I also showed off my SMART board by reading the grandparents a book and then having them take an A.R. test on the computer. I also had a map of the United States on the board and had them drag the state they were born in onto the map. Showing off our technology was great - especially since we have our school auction next week at school.

The kids are on the mend :) It is beautiful outside :) What more can you ask? I thank the Lord for a beautiful day and for beautiful weather. I also thank the Lord for grandparents. I had one child whose grandfather died on Wednesday. He was a little out of sorts today, as his grandfather had just died of cancer. He really was in my thoughts and prayers. I thank the Lord for health and for life. Although my parents or Doug's mom were not able to be in attendance, we had a special couple who filled in as grandparents. Mom and dad are on their way down here as I write this note. The kids will just celebrate grandparents day a little late.

STREP

Just got back from the doctor. Emily tested positive for Strep throat. Michael tested negative, but they are treating him anyway, since he is probably "working on it" as the doctor put it. Now we have 10 days of pink bubble gum medicine to take. Fun, Fun, Fun. I just hope nobody else get it, and that Michael can kick his feaver - as he is still running a feaver.

Surprise Birthday Weekend

Emily, Doug and Naomi
Naomi and Andrew playing with Elmo.
Dad getting ready to blow out his large birthday candles.
One, two, three, blow - and keep Naomi out of the way.

Well, this weekend was a great weekend. We were headed up to mom and dad's house on Friday to do some pergo style wood flooring (actually Doug and Dad were going to do the work - the rest of us were along for the ride) and Greg called. We were discussing when to get together for Dad's 60th birtday, and nothing seemed to work. Then it hit us - they could come for the weekend and really surprise mom and dad. We were on the south side of Indy so we had about 10 minutes to work out details. I called Holly and Gene at home, and on both cell phones and no answer! Panic time, as I knew I could not talk to them at mom and dad's without suspicion. Finally Gene called back and we made reservations for Greg, Jamie, & Naomi at their INN as well as asking them to make dinner reservations at Bucca DeBeppo for Saturday. I had to hang up on Gene as Emily started throwing up. She had had a headache on the ride up and we thought it was a migraine. After we got to mom and dad's house she seemed better and played games and ran around the house.



The next morning we went to Gene and HOlly's while Greg, Jamie & Naomi came to surprise Dad as he and Doug worked on the floor. Dad and Doug were at a good stopping point and took a break for lunch at Gene and HOlly's. Emily then opted out of lunch for a nap. We should have known something was up, but I guess were were just too distracted. Dad and Doug finished up the flooring and came back to Emily having a 102 temp. YUCK! There went dinner plans. We decided to just get take-out so nobody had to stay back with Emily. We ate a yummy dinner and celebrated Dad's 60 years of blessings. We all sat around and talked about memories of childhood and had a great time - no "discussions" :)



Well, around 10:00 we went back to mom and dad's (Emily had been upstairs watching movies by herself) and got the kids to bed. Doug and I were awakened by a "mommy" call at 7:30. It was Michael throwing up. He had eaten quite a lot of garlic bread so I know I will not want Bucca DeBeppo in any form for a long while. He threw up two more times and then we finally hit the road for home.



Today I am home with both kids. I am taking them to the doctor. Doug will be home this afternoon - I have the morning shift. Both kids have been having temps which go up and down all day - with or without tylonol. Kind of weird. They are feeling up and down. Emily's neck is hurting, throat is sore, and she is eating us out of house and home. Michael is tired, lethargic, and has a stomach ache, and no appetite (which is good since he was throwing up yesterday). He also said his throat feels funny when he eats. Hope the doctor gives me a miracle pill - but doubt it. I wonder if they don't have strep. Will see, I can call the doctor in 10 minutes to make an appointment.

Yeah! It is Friday!

Wow! Who would have thought a 3 day work week would go by so quickly. Having a 4 day weekend for President's Day was great - even better is now it is already the weekend. Wouldn't it be nice if every work week was only 3 days long, and the weekend was 4 days long? God did create the world for us to enjoy, and at times it seems we do not get to enjoy it as we work for 5 days and have 2 (maybe) off to enjoy it. Within those 2 days off we have to catch up from the 5 days of work. It is all a big circle. Oh well. I guess I will just keep working 5 and being off 2, and enjoy the time I do have off. I guess it could be worse, I could have been born in the 1700's or 1800's when work was really work. I can't even imagine how those people did it all.

Anyway, have a good weekend! We are going to go to a Sausage Supper at one of Doug's co-worker's churches. Sounds yummy. Then we will rent a movie - don't know what yet - and come home and do nothing!!!!

Vet

Angel Cake
Belle and Angel Cake


Today we took one of our birds - Angel Cake - to the vet. His beak had grown very long and we were afraid he would hurt himself and starve if it grew any longer. Well, of course the beak was a sign of some other medical problems. They took blood and came back to say that he was having liver problems. His liver enzymes were at 3500 - a healthy bird's count would be between 40 and 400. Yikes! Thus, now we have to give him medicine twice a day. His beak may grow long again, and in that case we will take him back to the Vet to have it trimmed. She also said the medicine may not work, and in that case he would not have too long to live. We spent $114 to find this out (after a $25.00 off cupon). My instincts were to just take the bird outside and let him go (it was over 50 today) and go get another yellow/green bird. Will see what happens - that may still happen if I get tired of giving him medicine twice a day. We found a new pet shop by our house and may go check on birds there.

butchering

Emily, Michael and Andrew playing in the snow - look at the cute snowman they built.
Grandma, Gene & Dad stuffing brats. Andrew is helping his daddy.
Grandpa and Justin working with the cooked sausage.
Michael and Naomi bond.
Emily and Naomi bond.

Butchering 2007 was a great experience for all. It was wonderful to have the whole family down on the farm. Dawn, Justin & Leyna came down for the day, and of course Lynn and Bonnie were there in addition to Grandma and Grandpa. We now have a freezer full of pork - mmm :) It sure smells good when I open the freezer - fresh seasonings in the bratz and beef sausage are quite aromatic. Nothing smells quite like fresh meat.

Memories of 2007 butchering include:
* Waking up to snow - enough for Emily & Michael to play in.
* Cold weather so we did not have to mess with dry ice :)
* Getting 4 hogs finished in 1 day :)
* Holly cutting her hand (and not being able to help out after that - hope she is doing better now.
* Mom making good lasagna for dinner, as well as all the desserts we had - of course would it be a trip to the farm without desserts?
* Red fleece sweatshirts was the girl attire - all three of us had red fleece sweatshirts on and none of us knew the others were going to wear them. :)
* Gene marking the meat correctly (or did he?)
* Playing psychiatrist & I'm going on a trip after getting the kids to bed. Crazy games, but we had a good time.

rain, rain, rain

Well, today it was actually above freezing :) My students were outside at recess without coming up and asking to go in because it was cold. They groaned when recess was over - just like normal:) The only problem is, now that it is warmer, the rain has started. It is supposed to rain tomorrow as well as all night :( I hope we are able to get outside for recess around the rain tomorrow.

Michael and I were both back at school today. It was almost too much for him. On the way home he said that he had gotten real tired during recess. He said he played basketball for a short while, but then got tired. He then proceeded to fall asleep. He came in and laid on the couch until dinner. He cried when I said it was time for dinner, so I let him just eat fruit salad - a whole plate full - and then he went to bed. Thus it was about 6:30 and he was down for the night. Hope he wakes up tomorrow morning with more energy. Pray for continued healing.

What's Up for the Weekend

Well, Emily went off to school today and I will not see her again until Sunday morning. She is going home with one of the Emily's in her class. Then she is going to Sydney's house for a birthday slumber party and after that she is going to spend the weekend with Sydney. Both Michael and I had planned to go to Indy with Doug for FLICKO's open house, but we are staying here since we are still under the weather. To find out more about FLICKO's, check out www.flickos.com

Michael is feeling a little better and woke up without a feaver :) Of course last night when I put him down for the night it was 101.5, so I am so glad he must have broken the feaver over night. :) Now he says his stomach still hurts, and he is not very hungry. I will have to watch it and see how he does. I am still very congested and coughing some. I also woke up a little dizzy, so I am sure glad I don't have to go to school today. :) Pray for healing and health! This is no fun! We need to be all better before next weekend when we go down to the farm for butchering time. :)

cough, cough, cough

Well, I have been out for two days with the crud. Finally today I am not coughing whenever I talk and having a sore throat. I should have been out on Tuesday, but there was already another teacher out and there was really nobody to sub. Thus, I suffered through (don't know who suffered more though, my students or myself). Yesterday I was at home and got a call from the school about 10:00 saying Michael was not feeling well. Doug picked him up (as I was on cough syrup with codine) and brought him home. He slept for 3 hours, was up for an hour, slept for two more hours, was up for about two hours, and then went down for the night. He was also running a temp of over 100.

Today I took him to the doctor, and they ruled out strep (as it was going around the school). I also had strep ruled out on Tuesday night. I am now over my feaver, but Michael is still running one. I guess we will be home again tomorrow. We had planned on going to Indy this weekend as FLICKO's is having an open house, but I guess Doug will go solo so Michael and I can continue to get over this crud. I just hope Emily and Doug do not get this crud.

The amazing thing is Michael's class had Chapel yesterday and Michael made it through Chapel. I did go to watch it (when I dropped the kids off at school I just stayed). He sang Jesus Loves Me as a duet, lead the Lord's Prayer, and had a speaking part in a litany. The kindergarten students also sang two songs. Surprising he made it through it all being as he got sick shortly after they got back from Chapel. He really did well with all his Chapel duties. We did get it on tape and hopefully can share it with family when we see you next.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

Well, we woke up to about an inch of snow. Of course the big talk of the news was whether we would have school or not. We did of course, which was good as today was school supply day for teacher appreciation week. I got quite a bit of good stuff brought in from my first graders.

The kids now are playing outside in what little snow is on the ground. We are supposed to get some more tonight. Will see if it happens or not. I hope it does, as I would like to have one good snow this year to have fun in. I know some of you are having too much snow - could you please send us a little. :)

Fruit Baskets

Well, I was surprised at Christmas when I got a fruit basket, and joked about feeling old, well for teacher appreciation every teacher and support staff member was given a fruit basket. I guess we are all old - or all live in fancy hotels :)

I did get the largest pear I had ever seen in my life from Korean student. In addition, I got some quiwi fruit, some oranges, some apples, some grapes, some peanuts, some peppermints, and a grape fruit. It all sounds so good since I am dieting. I do not have a scale right now (I threw it away as I was too frustrated with it last fall - I did not like the numbers I was seeing) so I am judging my weight loss by how a certain pair of pants fits.

Pray for will power as Monday was snack day and the teacher's lounge is full of snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Tomorrow is school supply day. At least that does not contain calories :)

R.V. and Boat Show

This evening we went to the R.V. and Boat Show. We heard an announcement that there was going to be a fashion show and cooking demo. (as it was ladies night) so of course that perked Emily's attention. On the way to the fashion show, we walked by a casting contest for kids. I urged her to try, even though she was hesitant. The woman at the desk, said come on, they will show you what to do, so she obliged and gave it a try. Much to our surprise, she ended up being the winner of the evening. She got 100 points and that won her a medal, a fishing pole, a target to practice with and a spot at the Kentucky State Bass Master's kids casting contest. Wow! It will be sometime this fall. Thus, she has plenty of time to really learn what she is doing. A friend of ours from school has a pond on their property, so I will talk to them about having her go out there and practice.

I also won a prize - the movie The Guardian. Sounds more like one that Doug would like, but will have to watch it one weekend night after the kids are in bed.

The movie, fishing pole, balloons the kids got, and coloring books more than paid for the admission price of $16.00. Of course the camera was in my purse, but it was dead, so we could not take any pictures of Emily or Michael casting or Emily getting her awards. Oh well, our memory will have to be good on this one.

We had been looking for some activitiy for Emily to do, since she decided not to play softball and swimming does not fit our vacation schedule very well, maybe fishing will be the thing :)

A Classroom Funny

Last week I was trying to teach my class about compound words. For some reason, they were having trouble grasping the concept. After 5 minutes of beating my head against the wall, one girl raised her hand and said "Father". I said, "No, fath and er were not words." She very seriously said, "Yes, fat and her are words, so it is a compound word." I laughed and said, "yes they are words, but would you call your father a fat her?" The whole class then laughed. "I said you might call him a fat him, but not a fat her. I then quickly said, I hope you would never call your father a fat him either." Wow! First graders sure keep you on your toes.

scrapbooking

Emily and I spent quite a bit of time this weekend scrapbooking. Doug and Michael were working on floors at Gene and Holly's house. Michael spent quality time with grandma and grandpa while Doug worked. Since Emily had a birthday party to go to, I stayed back with her. We watched movies and scrapbooked the weekend away. It was nice to sit back and relax, although now I have to catch up on laundry and all the other stuff that I neglected. Oh well. That is the way it goes sometimes.

Tonight I do have a great feeling! I finished scrapbooking 2006 :) Now my goal is to keep up with 2007 and spend time going back and finishing the years between 1998 and 2006. I have a good start on 2005 :) but still have some pictures to locate in albums and boxes. I sit back and laugh at myself now, as I got scrapbook stuff when Emily was born as a gift and I gave it away after a few years saying I did not really think I would have time for that or really enjoy it. Now I wish I had some of that stuff back, especially the good album I was given. Oh well. That is what I get for giving something away. :)

The kids have really gotten into scrapbooking, the only problem is getting 3 copies of pictures does get kind of expensive. I just picked up 160+ pictures from Walmart and have more to go as I realized I forgot a disk. Oh well. That is the way it goes. I guess they could have more expensive hobies. I just dont' know where we will put all the scrapbooks that they fill - they work pretty quickly.

100th Day of School

Well, here it is the end of January already. I am getting ready to celebrate the 100th day of school with my 1st graders. Wow! Where did the time go? Tuesday I will have my students bring in 100 of an item (m&m's, marshmallows, q-tips, leggos, Barbie shoes...) and we will do all kinds of activities with the items. In addition, we will explore the number 100. I wish we had done a 100 day celebration when I was in school - it is a lot of fun. Our Principal even dresses up as 0 Hero and leads the kindergarteners and 1st graders on a counting trip around our school.

School is not all we have been up to. This weekend was a girl's weekend. Emily and I spent the weekend scrapbooking and watching movies while Doug was helping Gene install flooring in their house. Michael went along to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some quality time. Emily and I have watched How to Eat Fried Worms, Hoot, and a BAbysitter's Club Movie. Today I think another movie is on the adjenda for after Church. I think I have almost finished scrapbooking 2006 :) All I have left is Christmas and I hope to finish that today. Then it will be beginning on 2007 and then the hard job - sorting and doing the years 1998 until 2005. It will be fun to relive the memories, but hard to decide what to take out of photo albums.

Other things that have happened this January include Emily playing intermural basketball. She is enjoying it. She especially likes guarding one of her best friends. It is funny to watch the two girls - they stick to eachother like glue. I dont' know what they care about most - sticking with one another and waving their arms around or catching the ball. :) Next week is their last game.

Happy 2007!

Christmas Re-Cap

middle - Playing Monopoly at mom and dad's house. Greg was the winner.

Right - two proud daddies - Gene, Andrew, Greg & Naomi

Left - Emily & Michael at alone creek



Well, here it is our first day back at school. It is hard to believe that Christmas break is over. We did many things over break - here are just a few highlights from the 23rd on:
* We traveled to mom and dad's house and spent time with Greg, Jamie & Naomi, Holly, Gene & Andrew, and Mom and Dad. We opened gifts, played games, ate, talked, and relived family memories. It was great to see Naomi again, as well as play with Andrew.
* Doug and I won the pinochle tournament!!!! We have been in 4th place for 3 years and now we moved to 1st :)
* Michael got the movie Cars, some cars to go with the movie characters, a Cars book, and Cars shoes. He also got the Curious George movie, Curious George books, Curious George stuffed animal, Curious George CD & a Curious George story DVD.
* Emily got clothes for her American Girl Dolls (she has 3 now), finger nail polish, American Girl books, and lots of books.
* Doug got lots of Cardinal stuff - including some World Series stuff.
* I got scrap book stuff, including a new scrap book suitcase.
* The kids and I enjoyed our time down on the farm. The kids walked down to the creek on their own and now call it alone creek.
* We were able to see Grandma and Grandpa's church with a finished remodeling. Wow! It sure was beautiful inside and out.
* While in St. Louis we were able to catch up with Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. What a great time to catch up.
* Doug installed pergo like flooring in our kitchen and refinshed our bathtub. Without any "helpers" it went pretty smoothly. He finished the trim up this evening and just needs to replace the trim on part of the cabinets to be done.
* We spent New Years back in Indy with mom and dad. We went to Holly and Gene's house, but all went back to mom and dad's at 10:00 as we were all tired.
* We watched the Rose Bowl parade and the Nebraska game at the same time - as Doug got a splitter and split mom and dad's cable.
* School started today at 8:30. I needed another day, as we had a full day yesterday, but oh well. One is really not ever ready to come back after a break.

The Day Before Christmas Eve

Today is a day of anticipation in our house. We are going to open presents, as we will leave later this evening to go to my parent's house. Emily and Michael are waiting and waiting. They keep looking at the mound of gifts and asking when Daddy is going to be home. He is doing a good deed - pulling up carpet at Church. They have to replace it as it was damaged when the flood waters came in earlier this fall. He will be home later this afternoon.

Seeing them wait brings back memories of me and presents as a child. I remember getting a rub-a-dub dolly when we lived in Iowa. That was a prized gift which I remember playing with in the tub for many years. I also remember getting the game Sorry from an aunt and uncle. Today Emily and Michael play on that same sorry game. I remember going to Galveston beach on Christmas the year we lived in Texas and had friends in for Christmas. I also remember getting sun glasses from an aunt one year and all of the cousins wore them and thought we were so cool. Christmas programs and plays also fill these memories as well as Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and Christmas trips. Childood memories are great - and they do help us relive the joy of Christmas. The true memory though should be of the gift of Jesus. Jesus is the reason we celebrate and he is the one we should remember and reminisce about. I hope to create Christmas memories of Christ which can be remembered in my children.

Merry Christmas to all of you. Jesus loves you and I love you! God's blessings to each and every one of you.

Fruit Basket & Christmas Break

Today I got to thinking. I received a fruit basket from a student. This is the first time in my whole teaching career that I got a fruit basket. Fruit baskets make me think of fancy hotels, busy people, old people, and impersonal gifts. I will keep the fancy hotel idea in my head - and think about my home being a fancy hotel - instead of a simple 3 bedroom home. :)

The kids and I had a good time at the science center. We got to see 3 different demonstrations. The kids thought the shrinky dink one was the coolest. Made me think of doing shrinky dinks when we lived in Iowa. We did them at Christmas time and traced pictures from coloring books. Mom then taped them to the windows at Christmas time as decorations for the next few years. What a fun memory. I will have to find shrinky dinks so Emily and Michael can do some more. They both were amazed at the plastic and how it shrunk.

Tonight I got our Christmas letters ready to mail. Of course they won't get to people by Christmas, but shortly thereafter. It is the thought that counts right? We are mailing about 55 so far - will probably do more as we receive more.

Tomorrow both kids will have friends over to play. I hope to wrap Christmas gifts for family members while they are playing with friends. On Thursday I plan on taking them to the bat factory. Michael has been wanting to go and we have not been for a while. Kids have free admission during Christmas break - so what a great time to go. Should be fun.

Christmas break

Christmas break began last Friday :) What a great time of the year! I look forward to this break - a chance to relax and enjoy the birth of Christ as well as do extra activities with my kids. Today I baked cut-out cookies and ginger bread cookies with them. I also made 4 batches of fudge and a double batch of party mix. I still want to do an almondbark pretzel thing I found. Then it is time to enjoy all the goodies :)

Tomorrow I plan to take the kids to the science center and then Wednesday they will both have friends over for the day. Then on Thursday and Friday I plan on working around the house - doing some painting and helping get the bathtub ready to resurface.

Saturday was a great day! We went to The Christmas Carol at Actor's Theatre. We then walked over a bridge and ate at a restraunt in Indiana. We had never walked over the 2nd street bridge, so that was a great experience. The weather was beautiful - almost broke a sweat walking over the bridge. After dinner we went back across the bridge - by then it was dark and the bridge was lit up with purple lights. We then went on a carriage ride. The coolest thing (Emily is still on cloud nine) is we got the Cinderella carriage. It is a pumpkin made of lights. What a wonderful surprise for her as she did not know we were going to do a carriage ride.

Sunday we went out to eat with some friends from church and then went bowling. After bowling we did an annual tradition - letting the kids shop at the dollar tree for family members. How funny to see what they pick out when given the chance to choose things on their own.