Happy Merry Christmas New Year!

I have been meaning to post a new blog for a while now but I have been so busy! So here goes...We had a great Christmas at my parents home in Battle Lake. Tina and Levi were there from Illinois and Levi taught Hali a thing or two about playing checkers. Leiton had a blast with his new car sets from them and is still now as I am writing this...(very loudly)!!! It has been nice having everyone on vacation and at home. I was able to sleep in today until 10! The kids were up at 6 however so it was not a deep sleep. I think it is about time we get back to the real world again. The kids don't start back at school until next Thursday so I plan on getting a lot of use of my patience skills. I have found out that Leiton likes to hit and Hali likes to yell...alot...I don't know where they got that from but shhheeeessh! I have told them I am going to be using punishments again which I haven't had to use forever it seems like. Normally they are such angels you know. Time outs I don't see working for them anymore so I think they have graduated to being grounded which I believe punishes me more than them. Anyway, I just think it is time for vacation to be over....ha ha. I saw my friend Julie and my parents at West Acres today for lunch. It was nice to get out of the house. Here are some Christmas pictures I took last weekend. Good times, good times.

Toothless

Hali lost the first of her front teeth on Tuesday! The other one is loose too so she may be toothless for Christmas! Poor thing wouldn't let anyone look at her. Wednesday at school changed all that. Now she is so proud and shows it off every chance she gets. It must be an honor thing at school amongst the 1st graders. I held the tooth in my hand and cried....thinking of when she first got her tooth and all that tooth went through the past 6 years. My baby is growing up.

My dad came to town the next day and took this picture with her.

Christmas card update!!

I can't believe it but it is true! I have ordered the Christmas cards online and they will be ready tomorrow! It is amazing how technology has changed and I don't even have to leave the house to order them. Be checking your mail boxes soon! Yeah me!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Good morning all! Today I am loving being a stay-at-home mom. After dropping Hali off at school I got a Caramel Mocha at Atomic Coffee (thanks to Jen and Barb) and I am inside where it is warm. Leiton has a bad cold and had a terrible time breathing last night. He is normally a snorer but last night...OH MY! Since the kids always make their way up to our bed during the night no one sleeps hence the 20 oz coffee this morning. I managed my way out of taking care of a friend's daughter who has the stomach flu this morning. That mess made its way through their whole family and although I offered to help her this morning I am thrilled that her daycare was able to take her since they all had the flu earlier last week. I could drop a couple of pounds however I think there are better ways to do it. Last night was my last night of bible study for a couple weeks. It was my first bible study and I was kind of nervous when I started but throught the weeks I have learned so much and it has really helped me. The study was on Trusting God even when life hurts by Jerry Bridges. I really enjoyed doing the homework and using my brain again! Its nice to have a night with the girls too. I can't wait for our next one to start in a couple weeks. Well I better get started with my second part of the day, reading the paper, getting Leit dressed and having some cuddle time on the couch before bringing Steve to work.

Darn its cold!

I enjoyed my morning reading the paper and after 3 cups of coffee realized I had let 3 hours go by. Hali had been playing PS2 Spyro and got to a new level while Leiton had been cheering her on the whole time. He is so patient. I heard him ask for a turn a couple times but still he sits oh so patiently. Today would be my day to get some last Christmas presents I have been putting off since I have to do it without the kids but it is so darn cold out! Why do we live in a place where it hurts to go outside? It is pretty looking out I guess. Cozy indoor days are good too. So there I answered my own question. ha ha. This picture is the picture I was going to use on Christmas cards this year. The background just looked so pretty. I have decided however that we will not be sending out Christmas cards this year because well....just because. ha ha. We have already received so many from friends and family who have it together this year. I on the other hand do not have it together this year. Forgive me please.

Out of shape!

After dropping Hali off at school today I thought I would catch up on some shoveling. Surprisingly it was much easier today than earlier this week. I believe all the pain I have suffered this week has produced some muscle! I felt pain in muscles I didn't know I had. It feels good! Maybe I will start working out again. I have had alot of energy this week!

Just think, this was only 4 months ago!

Homemaker what?

I believe I want to go back to work.

Hali's first soccer game this fall and Leiton's first day of preschool!