Decorating the Tree

Here are some pictures of the girls helping to set up and decorate the Christmas tree. They enjoy finding all the ornaments they have picked out each year, remembering the trips we have been on and looking at Grandpa's hand made wooden ornaments. I love our tree and all the memories the ornaments bring!

Love/Hate Relationship

Okay, I'll admit it. I have a love/hate relationship with winter. I hate cold, wet, slushy, dirty, icy snow and wind. Yes, this is where I live, so it is part of the package, but I don't have to like it. I am grateful that I don't have to go out in it that often, or for very long. I can handle being a mostly-stay-at-home mom and curl up with a good book and cup of hot cocoa - when I get the chance.

Here is a picture of our snow at it's highest (so far) this year. Notice it covers the "foot swing" and nearly touches the bottom of the regular swing. I never did go measure it, but it was a couple of feet or more.

But, I do love the gorgeous sunsets and the picturesque, snow globe days when I don't have to go out :)

Karate Blue Belt

Shawn achieved one of his goals for this year, which was to earn his blue belt in karate. This is the second style of karate that he has studied, so it is actually his 2nd blue belt. Congratulations Babe!

Passing off his katas.

Showing off some techniques.

Receiving his blue belt.

Striking a fierce-some pose.

Proof that karate is a good work out - or that Shawn sweats a lot.

School Projects and Snowmen from mid-November

Lydia and Evelyn had fun building some cute little snowmen in our front yard.


Lydia and her Joan of Arc sword from a research project and Medieval Fair.Evelyn with the fossil she made at school.

Veteran's Day

I was able to go to a very nice Veteran's Day program at the girls' school. The principal gave a nice speech about the history of Veteran's Day, recognized a few children of service men and women who attend the school, recognized the vets from all the branches of the military that were there and the sixth graders sang a few numbers. Veteran's Day was much more meaningful for us this year, and not only did I cry (shocker, I know), but Lissy was moved to tears also. She is a tender-heart like me :)

We are so grateful for all the men, women and families who have sacrificed to defend our freedom and liberties!

Let it Snow!

Here I go - trying to catch up. Early in November we finally got enough snow for the girls to go out and play in it. Personally, I don't see the appeal of playing in something cold and wet, but they seem to enjoy it!