It's a Wonderful Life... and it's ours!

Oh, Have we been having fun at the Dahl House! We are so blessed!

Christmas was wonderful- The kids are at fun ages where everything was a hit- the gifts, the food... We played games, watched a movie and played with every toy they got. They gave us sweet gifts... and didn't get us up until 7:30! I thought that was pretty good...

The day after Christmas we hit Walmart for cheap wrapping paper (I 'bout ran out this year!) and were off to the farm to see cousins galore. All three of Jake's sisters and their families were there and the kids played together wonderfully. We opened gifts together and the next morning had cousin photos taken. It was a great visit and wonderful to see the sistas before they scatter across the nation again.
:(

Yesterday was the best day of our Christmas Vacation so far. We had a "Mystery Adventure" which soon came to be called "Family Fun" Day. We headed south without telling the kids our destination. Of course they always shoot for the moon... "I know- we're going to DisneyWorld!!!" No, not quite, but it could be JUST AS FUN!!!!

We brought them to the Children's Museum (their first time at this one) where we all played for three hours! Then we loaded them up and went out for pizza (it's been a long time, so this was a major treat). We then headed to a McD's for hot fudge sundaes and playland (Mommy escaped at this point and went to Borders for an hour). Then we scooted back downtown for a movie. It was a great day- and we all had a blast just doing fun things together. The kids said it was the best vacation we had EVER had. ( and WE DROVE THESE KIDS CROSS COUNTRY last summer?!?) :)

Today was an at home day. I worked tonight- and could tell it had been awhile- I felt like a rookie! We're laying low the next couple of days. Playing board games, watching movies together and reading books. It's a wonderful life!

Blondie

For quite awhile Noah has wanted "those blond lines that people have in their hair." I kind of thought the desire would pass, but it's been a year now and he still brought it up once in awhile. So when I was highlighting a friends hair we decided to save a bit of the "goop" and Noah now has the highlights he always dreamed of!



Seven going on seventeen? Maybe, but he is thrilled and I really think it's just a fun, "cool" thing for him right now. I don't foresee any piercings real soon! LOL

A Lasting Impression

I hope that homeschooling my children in their early grades leaves a lasting impression. I LOVE teaching them and seeing the lightbulbs of realization. I enjoy the hands-on fun stuff. So when we pulled out the clay to work with texture and form letters I was sure it would enhance Doodles memories of kindergarten.




I never imagined we would ALL remember this project for a very. long. time. ...



(OK, so the photo is flipped kind of funny, but you get the idea... )
"Can I leave my name out so Daddy can see it?"
"Sure." ---2 hours pass---
"Mommy- I made a ball out of the clay again and you can STILL see my name(on the oak Amish-made dining room table you just got a couple of years ago...)!!?!"

Oh well... It will probably fade and if not- we'll always remember kindergarten with Doodle...

Coasting Into Christmas

My parents came up this weekend and we celebrated Christmas together! We had lots of fun- the time spent was a gift in itself! We woke up Saturday morning as though it were Christmas morning and opened our presents to one another. The boys were thrilled to each recieve a football and broke them in with a snowy football game Eagles (the boys) vs. Redskins (Daddy and Grandpa). The Eagles came out on top, 18-24. Bella's favorite gift was a neat Strawberry Shortcake house, ahh the memories... and to think the dolls we once played with are now "vintage." Jake and I were both in our church's cantata Sunday morning which Mom and Dad were there for before they headed back home.

We are enjoying a quiet Christmas week. I even pulled out the scrapbooking- which those who know me best know ONLY comes out when the work is done- or at least managable.

Jake and the Bulldogs won last night!!! (a big WHOO HOO!!!) He was so excited- he said the guys did fabulous and beat a really good conference foe. I'm sad I missed it, but look forward to watching the tape- AND look forward to Saturday's game in Cameron... a "down the road" town.

So... Merry Christmas! We'll post photos soon.

We had a nice weekend at home full of holiday festivities. Friday night was our church Christmas Party, which is always fun. We had a white elephant exchange and I made out pretty well with a bottle of Victoria's Secret lotion (Though I had a day since then where I thought I smelled B.O. all day... I'm hoping it wasn't the lotion...). Jake had his first game as the official head coach, and unfortunately they lost. They got into foul trouble. Thursday's game is at home- I hope to get to at least part of it.

Saturday we baked cookies and made flavored cocoa gifts for our friends. It was a productive day. We also went to a friends house for pizza/coaches mtg. It was fun to spend time there. Sunday the kids and I decorated Christmas cookies and rested. We had Cantata practice in the evening. It went well with two dress rehearsals scheduled for this week. I am playing "Angela," a "forty-something" widow with a teenage daughter. She is saved and trying to witness to her father who is losing his business. The story has a great message and I'm excited to hear it with the music. (Jake has a solo- I love his voice!)
Today is spontaneous cleaning day. I have the wash going, but also decided to wash the kitchen floor, wipe down all the counters and do main floor windows as well. Mom and Dad are hoping to come up this weekend and it will feel good to have things fresh. (Fresh and Clean, Fresh and Clean... Two of my favorite words!)

I hesitate to even type this but (in a hushed whisper) we haven't been sick yet this winter. I figured this would be a bad year with Jake and Noah both in their first year at the elementary school... But so far (shhh...) so good... The closer we get to Christmas, the more I hope it just holds off.

Well, time to switch loads.

The New Bulldog Coach...

I've mentioned that basketball season has begun. Jake has served as the JV (10/11th grade or B team for you Minnesotans!) boys coach for... 6 years (?) now. Well, at the beginning of the season the head coach tore his Achilles and this week stepped down for the season. The obvious first person asked to fill in was Jake. He really hoped the previous coach would step in (he's very good and Jake REALLY enjoyed coaching under him) but chose not to, so my dear husband, in trying to do what is best for the boys, stepped up to do it. Not out of arrogance, not for the money or the countless extra time and duties that come with the head coach's position, but because he thought it was best for the boys. He really cares about them. He taught them as 6th graders and has coached them all over the past 2-3 years.

I know he'll do a great job. He knows and loves basketball. He played on a State Championship team in high school and had a very successful coach, who he learned from. I believe in Jake. The faith stretching I was talking of in yesterday's post comes from the small community we live in and the pessimist negative mean people who are always there to tear down. WHY DO PEOPLE DO THAT?!? He is my husband, and I take mean things WAY TOO personally!

I am going to try to look up and not out... To my God, then to my husband and not to others. Will you pray me through this season? =) I know the Lord is working on me through this!!!

Happy Birthday, Doodle!

You're six today. SIX! The morning you were born there was no snow. It was a mild winter to that point. I remember raking over the weekend, hoping it would encourage your entrance to the world, but no such luck. Grandma K came to stay with Noah, and Daddy and I headed down to the hospital. Labor started quickly after they broke my water and about four hours later, just after the doctor had checked how we were progressing I looked at Daddy and said, "Go get him again!" Before we knew it, there you were! I smiled, "Jake, it's a boy!!!" (Here's a funny little fact... We had an ultrasound done at the tech. college before you were born and both students AND instructor told us you were a girl! Then at the doctor's office I was sure I saw your "boyage" so was back to square one in feeling like I had no idea what you were going to be!)



I remember it being a beautiful sunny day, the sun pouring in the window on my face... God blessed us greatly that day! You take pride in being the "easiest baby" (to birth, anyway!) You were our smallest at 8lbs. 10oz. and longest at 22 1/2" (little worm!).

Doodle, you have never stopped bringing a smile to my face. You are just you- doing things in your own unique manner. You are my tender cuddler. You'll stop what you're doing for a hug at anytime... My precious boy... with indescribable eyes and a sweet spirit. I love you, Doodle James. Happy birthday, my love!

 

Here it is... but it isn't nearly as pretty in pictures... Can't wait to show each one of you in person! I kept the setting Jake picked out originally. Just wouldn't be right to get a new one!!! The top/left photo is the original diamond (about the width of the band). He decided not to trade it in and have it set in my mother's ring. 

Just needed everyone out there to know that we're OK. I've been trying hard to stay on top of holiday preparations and blogging has tended to be at the bottom of my "to-do" list. Today is a baking day. I'm going to work on Doodle's birthday cake- tomorrow is his 6th!!! Reflections on that can wait until tomorrow...
We're also going to make my favorite Christmas cookies- Chocolate Crinkles. I'm really not much for sweets, but these brownie-like creations are divine. Betty Crocker at her best.

Please pray specifically for Jake today. A decision is being made today that will affect him... And would really stretch me. Not in a bad way, but in a faith way. I can't share more now, but will when I can. Pray that the Lord's will is done. It's so easy for me to take my eyes off Him and look to all those around me. He's a faithful God and whatever happens, I will trust His leading.

Cards are out. Every gift that is bought is wrapped and tucked away. Decorations are in place. Baking has begun. Christmas music has been ringing through our home. Our advent time has been precious- a tribute to the attributes of Jesus. May Christ continue to be the focus of the season.

One short aside, I have promised some that I would post a photo of Jake's Christmas gift to me. My dear sweet husband totally floored me a few weeks ago while Christmas shopping and pulled me into the store he bought my engagement ring from almost 9 years ago. He told me he would like to "upgrade" my diamond for Christmas this year. (This being said to Miss Practical- especially in the gift dept.!) The thought had never crossed my mind. We spent some time in the store- me shaking like a leaf with a unbelieving grin plastered on my face. Well, yesterday the time had come to pick it up and I must say- it's beautiful. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, my dear wonderful husband!!! You're still amazing me 8+ years later... I love you!

After a two week recess...

... I'm back. We've had a whirlwind couple of weeks going to and fro the farm. It was lots of fun- we got to see all of Jake's siblings (6 kids altogether, none of which live in the same state!) and really enjoyed helping out at the farm. We celebrated my FIL's 60th birthday and returned Friday to decorate for Christmas! I have a few remnants to stash away and finish up, but for the most part the house is festive and now I have only to wade through 4 more loads of laundry!

My snow DID come, and then left again. It is now pouring and as dark as dusk outside. A wonderful day for candles and coffee. I hope to work on our pile of Christmas cards today. We have to write the letter yet and then they are about ready to send out. Our shopping is 95% finished with just some wrapping to "tie up" (ha ha). I'm striving to get preparations done early this year and committing to enjoying this season without feeling like it's just hustle-bustle and to-do lists!

We're looking forward to a family getaway this weekend as we attend the wedding of a family friend. Pool + cable TV + no cooking = a nice break in routine! Plus we get to visit Mom and Dad again to celebrate Doodle's 6th birthday!

I need to switch loads.
Until later...

A chill in the air...

It's supposed to start snowing tonight! Now, I'm trying not to get too excited, as often I get all excited for this first snow, and then nothing happens. I really don't get this excited for snow after January, but there's something fun about the first snow!

I think part of it is that I tend to get in "homebody mode" and snow means I don't need to focus on work outside- just inside. I more freely give myself permission to pull out scrapbooking. I love the feeling of having my family all home and warm in the house as the snow and wind are whipping around outside. I love coffee and winter in Wisconsin has coffee consumption written all over it. So I'll keep you posted (And I'll keep praying for a snow day... As the wife of a teacher Snow Day = Midweek Saturday!!!).

Our get-away was wonderful and the kids had a blast with Grandma. I am so thankful for my husband. He's a wonderful provider and protector. He's a thoughtful husband and a great daddy. He's a rock. My highs and lows come and go, and he's steady. I'm so thankful for him.

It All Adds Up

That said... Jake and I are getting away for the night! Jake's mom is graciously coming up to take care of the kids. Perfect timing as Jake starts coaching Monday... basketball season can be a long 4 months :)!

Together in Tutus!

Bella has been enjoying the luxury of a "sister" this week as we have taken in HM's daughter while she and her husband enjoy a cruise. They are expecting a baby in February! The girls are exactly one year apart and have been doing fabulously together. We're having a great week and pray that H and J are thoroughly enjoying the Caribbean. 
 

A day at the park

We spent a couple of hours at a beautiful county park. We did a "fun trail," climbed to the top of an observation tower, spent lots of time in the nature center (where of course Doodle's favorite was the ice shanty for fishing!) found a stone ledge, and hiked together in the rustling leaves.
 
 

Grandma's favorite book in fall has always been Cranberry Thanksgiving.
 
 

Road Trippin'

WHOO HOO! We're off on a road trip this weekend to my parents! I love road trips and we haven't seen my parents and sister/brother-in-law for a LONG time, so everyone is pumped to go. I'll post pictures upon our return.

A Job Done Well

For all you local blogging friends I need to highly recommend "on the spot" cleaning- owned and operated by the dear Tricia R. She came to clean our carpets yesterday and did a wonderful job. She came the day after I called, it was fast, really reasonable, and it smells wonderful!!! She does carpets, upholstery and also general cleaning. Let me know if you need her number!

An evil pest no more...

I set the trap at 1 and when Jake arrived home at 3:30 there was booty in the trap. My toes have uncurled and all is well.

A Great Resource

I found a great tool on Cooking Light's website called the Pantry Chef. I have had a gift subscription to this mag for at least five years and have really enjoyed it, but this feature is so cool. You choose the food you have on hand, then they give you recipe options! It made planning supper for this evening easy- Chicken with Rosemary Sauce it is!

An Evil Pest

OK. Yes, we bought a used vehicle. But I really think it's a pretty nice one. I truly try to take very good care of it- vacuuming it regularly (in a nearly OCD way) and running it through the car wash at least twice a month. But we have a problem that has now occurred TWICE. A disgusting problem that I hesitate to even share.

There is a mouse in the van. I know, I know, "there's never just one..." but in my very stubborn rodent-hating mind there is just one. I don't know how or why IT has chosen to be in the van, but we had this trouble this summer when we were out west. Yes there are crumbs a plenty- we have three children after all- and the darn thing could probably thrive all winter in what is jammed in the holes where the seats clamp in. (I do vacuum it- I do...) But why a mouse in the van I love? The quest is on to kill it and I will keep you updated. Meanwhile I will have to run errands with toenails curled into the bottom of my feet...

Piano has really taken off. Gaz (Noah) now heads to the piano without prompting and even asked if he could look ahead and try new songs "cause I already have the ones I'm supposed to do ready!" Our favorite thus far is "The Happy Halibut." He's able to play much better than I imagined he would at this point. How fun to see these abilities emerge from our children!!!
 
 

Faces in the Night

 

Jake and the kids carved jack o' lanterns while I was at work last week. They drew the faces, then carved away. Gaz (Noah) did his own carving for the first time this year! 

Just a little update...

We are all well in the Dahl house. I haven't updated for awhile, other than telling you I'm comparable to a frog and complaining about my blog. My apologies.

Noah is doing very well in school. Many more pros than cons at this point. He's adjusted well, has a great teacher and we even found out he has a knack for running! (definitely not inherited from his mama's lazy-bones!) He had to do a mile in gym class and came in at 8 and a half minutes... Then repeated it a couple weeks later, shaving four more seconds off! I went and watched the second time (a perk of being at home) and his stride was beautiful. Maybe I could give him the screen-name Gazelle. Gaz? The Gaz. hee hee.

Doodle is doing well, too. We're working hard at diligence (time management) and this week I bought a phonics supplement to his curriculum. He's been doing well with it, and I hope hitting the short vowel sounds will help him feel more confident in reading. I know we get to it in our curriculum eventually, but I hate to have the kid held back from reading when I know he's there, on the brink, ready to bust out into rapidly reading every box, sign and label he sees!

Bella is great- she's busy as usual- diving in head first to everything she does. She's been dressing up and imagining a lot- usually in the animal world. Most often she's a kitty named "Rose" or a puppy named "Cassie" who just mews/barks when she is spoken to. It's been fun...

I'm off to work. It's slowing down as the fall color fades, and I'm thankful for more family time.

What cute fuzzy creature are you?

You Are A: Frog!

Independent yet still part of a large community, frogs are unique creatures known for their distinctive sound and ability to hop. As a frog, you spend your days sitting on lily pads or climbing trees, searching for delicious insects to eat. While there are some frogs that aren't exactly cute, you are certainly not one of those!

You were almost a: Parakeet or a Duck
You are least like a: Groundhog or a BunnyCute Animal Test!

Ok, this helps a bit...

I changed some margin number and a font size, and at least now the title is legible. It's getting there...

I'm Throwing in the Towel

I give up. I have tinkered with that template, tried a new template, tried to follow advice from the help page and altogether have spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON THIS THING... I just give up. The Navigation Bar at the top of this blog is destined to block our title forever. Being borderline OCD I am considering throwing in the towel on the whole blessed blog...

Please Help Me Fix This!!!

Does anyone know how to fix the Nav Bar at the top of this blog? I don't even know how it got this way, but 1)I don't think I changed anything in the template and 2)It's driving me nuts! Techy friends out there... I NEED YOU!

Change in Plans

We were really looking forward to having Grandma K (my mom ) and Great Grandma Penny up tonight and tomorrow morning. However, at this point Grandma Penny is in the hospital with a bladder infection and dehydration... please pray for her as her body can't take a lot!

I got to see Noah in action in his classroom today as he was the "Star of the Week." He asked if I would come, and at this point I'll go in for everything I can... the time may come when he doesn't want me there and I'll eat up every chance to show my love and support. He has a great teacher and seems to be doing well his first year in the public school. More thoughts on that topic in another post... My "boys" are home now and I've got hugs to distribute!

Doodle and Jakey

 
Doodle got Jakey in the emergency room when he broke his leg and since then there aren't many photos (or moments, for that matter) that Jakey isn't in or around. 

Pumpkins in the Sun

 
Here is one of our little pumpkins with her pumpkin. 

Innocent Thoughts on an Amputated Leg (the dog's)

I guess we didn't explain the whole amputation process to our kids very well. I just told the little ones that we had to finish up lunch so we could head to the vet to have Mattie's stitches taken out.

Ellie: So then they can sew her leg back on? Cause it's better now, so they'll put it on again.

Dawson: NO! (thoughtful moment) But can I see her leg when we go to the vet?

Me: Well, they've thrown it away by now, honey.

Dawson: I bet when the garbage men came they were like- "Oh, gross, there's a leg!"

Me (in Dawson language): prolly, Daws, prolly... :)

A fun photo meme!

Borrowed this fun meme from Mama! All you do is go to Google and search their images for pictures to match the following:
*Where you were raised*
*Where you are now*
*Your name*
*Your mama's name*
*Favorite food*
*Favorite drink*
*Favorite song*
*Favorite smell*
Let me know if you played along! I'd love to see your pictures!

Born and raised Wisconsin!






I am in the northwoods of Wisconsin.





My name is:
Molly








My mama's name is Kathy (mom... I didn't know you had posted this!) :)






Favorite Drink: YUM!!!






Favorite food: (goes with the theme of the weekend)






Favorite song: (How about a favorite artist?)



Favorite smell: Fresh cut grass

Scrappin' Again!

Well, he did it again. My DH packed up the kids and headed to the home ranch and left me home to eat taco dip and scrapbook. Oh- I mean work. Work. :)

He left yesterday at noon and I headed to work early- before two- to get some extra hours in. The time went so quickly that I volunteered to go in early again tomorrow. The work is easy, it's not taking time away from my family and we are SUPER busy tomorrow- so it will be a win-win situation. I hope to get tomatoes canned before I have to leave. Cold pack or juice- that's the big question!

Here's the best part of the weekend... my college bud HM came up last night and we scrapbooked until 3 am! Now, I can't divulge how pitifully few pages I got done in that 5 hour block of time- but I think I was just getting my scrappin' blood flowing again because today went much better. I'm up to 8 pages for the weekend. AND COUNTING. My goal of 30 was a bit far fetched, but at least I've started for the year. So many pictures...My goal would be to do all of 2005 and wrap up the loose ends on my 2003 and 2004 albums this fall/winter. That would probably require a miracle and/or a maid, nanny and chef. On second thought... I've got all of my empty nesting years to "catch up" and only one short season to LIVE the memories. I'll live 'em while I can! Can't wait to see you, kiddos- Mama loves ya!!!

Photo Updates

Our first photo update is Doodle and his first missing tooth! He was very excited! The new tooth was not waiting for the old- it was already coming in behind it!

Some of you are aquainted with our sweet Mattie. Her nose got her into trouble this summer and her leg was terribly hurt in an ATV accident. After much vet care, four pins and many x-rays there were still loose bone fragments in her paw and the vet recommended an amputation. She's back home and doing very well. Still the same sweet Mattie!

We had the chance to go horseback riding yesterday. It was a beautiful fall day to do it. Here's my favorite photo of our flirtin' cowboy:

And finally, what is fall without jumping in a pile of leaves. Here are our bookends enjoying fall to it's fullest:

Retirement of the Coach

Soccer is over!!!

As a mommy, I love soccer. I love the fact that my kids love the sport. I love getting out of the house and watching them interact with other kids. I love watching their little bodies run around the field and their bright eyes dance when they do something well- and they know it!

However- this season my role of mommy shifted into that of coach for the other 8 kids on the team. Don't get me wrong- it's a volunteer organization and I am happy to have been able to do my part. I just didn't volunteer to be the head coach this time around and so resented that part of it. It was a boundary thing. Coaching #2 meant I didn't see #1 play until last night- THE last night. For. 5. Minutes. It meant our 3-year-old just kind of floundered onto and off of the field... Not really knowing what to do. There were rewards- as I got to hear calls of "Coach Molly!" and got tackled on one occasion by a big team hug gone wrong. The kids were precious, and I'll miss them. But...

I am looking forward to watching both of the boys in the spring. And skipping if we need to. And being there for Bella on the sidelines when she has to go potty. I'll appreciate my spectator role in a new light... And in a different season I'll be happy to slip on my coaching shoes again.

We enjoyed a wonderful family weekend. Daddy and I had a date Friday night. Saturday morning we loaded the bikes, kids and a picnic and headed southeast to a beautiful trail. We biked 13 miles... Bella in the luxury of the bike trailer... joined by Doodle after 7 miles. The weather was downright summer-like! Sunday afternoon we went apple picking with friends- another gorgeous day!  

This one just may end up in Christmas cards, remember you saw it here first, folks! 

Family Fall Photo... our thrilled 7-year-old (he wasn't as miserable as he looks), mama, bella daddy and doodle. 

Thank You, Lord.

Lord, I thank you for the day this week that You brought Jake to school early, and the opportunity I had to curl up next to my eldest and read Your word together, he in his Bible, and me in mine. Thank you for the verses shared-- he sharing his and me sharing mine. You knew how much I miss him during the day and what a treasure those moments would be. Thank you.

Thank you for waking the younger two just moments before we left. Thank you for their hugs.

I know that You knew the moment the door clicked shut that I didn't have my keys in hand. You also knew the door was locked. Thank you for your grace. It is usually so like me to immediately point a finger and find blame, but only in You can my reaction be what it needs to be... Extending grace because you gave it to me.

Thank you for the moments that followed when all four of us tumbled through the rain to the shed, only to find that the spare key wasn't where it should be. Again, thank you for the grace you gave when the words, "The last time we were playing with it, I think we had it..." came from the mouth of my child.

Thank you for the moment we all stood together and prayed. My children need to see my eyes turn to you in trouble. Thank you for your grace... On my own I'm so much more prone to start problem solving rather than turn control over to you.

It was a cold morning, Lord, and I knew we locked all the windows the night before. I knew. Yet after about 15 minutes of contemplating and door checking, attempting to pick locks and praying, You brought us to one lone window, which was easily accessible- its screen was easy to remove and lo and behold, it wasn't locked. Thank you, Lord.

Thank you for Your Spirit that brought us to prayers of Thanksgiving together as we headed off to school at last.

Your grace is sufficient. You supply us with all we need. Thank you, Lord.

This morning we worked with fruits and veggies in school. We talked about order (first, second,etc), "What's missing," and even alphabetical order. Here's our Doodle with his ever present "animal blankie-cape-tent," one of the perks to homeschooling! 

I haven't posted a photo of our eldest for awhile. He wouldn't appreciate the fact that his lips are all funky in this one, but he's such a handsome dude! 

Dressing differences...

On the lighter side of posting,

Last night I was setting the table and in doing so realized every member of our family has a different favorite salad dressing! As I was juggling all 5 bottles I mused... "Jake loves Jimmy's Thousand Island (the imitations don't compare), I'm a bleu cheese girl (the chunkier the better), Noah only likes Italian, Dawson only likes French and Ellie would eat Ranch on everything, given permission."

What about your families? (a deep topic, I know...)

Tagged!

Thanks, Tam!
First the rules:
If you've been tagged remove the blog at #1 from the following list and bump every one up one place; add your blog's name in the #5 spot; link to each of the other blogs for the desired cross pollination effect.
1. I Have to Say
2. Messages from Mama
3. Farkleberry Juice
4. Anderson Adventures
5. Doodles from the Dahls

Next: select four new friends or favorite bloggers to add to the pollen count. I can't remember who's already done this, so ignore it if you did. And, as always, if you're too busy or you just don't want to, feel free to abstain. I tag the following:
Ellie
(The rest of my blog friends would be tag-backs, so I will refrain)



What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was in the beginning of my sophomore year at UWEC with a psychology major, dating the wrong guy too seriously, and getting very excited to study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland in the spring semester.

What were you doing 5 years ago?
I was at home with my 2 1/2 year old and 9 month old boys. We were living in Sand Creek and raising boys with the rest of the inhabitants (there were not many girls born in that village!). Life seemed really simple during that era.
What were you doing one year ago?
I was teaching first grade to our 6 year old, and had a busy 4 and 2 year old running about as well.

What were you doing yesterday?
We doubled up on kindergarten in the morning (anticipating caring for TWIN infants for the next few days!), then I tossed Bella and Doodle in the big stroller and walked to the library with them. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon... One of the last of summer and I relished being outdoors!

5 snacks you enjoy
1. Nachos with ALL the fixins!
2. Wheat Thins and Ranch dressing
3. Veggies and dip
4. Potato Chips and french onion dip (notice the dip theme)
5. Apples right off the tree

5 songs I know all the words to
1. Who Am I (Casting Crowns)
2. Sweet Baby James (James Tayor)
3. Closer to Fine (Indigo Girls)
4. He's Alive (Ray Boltz, Don Francisco- thanks to my kids obsession with it!)
5. My Kind of Girl (Collin Raye- Jake and I do a mean duet to this one!)

5 things you would do if you had a million dollars
("I would buy you a K car, a nice, reliant automobile!")
1. Pay off all debt
2. Buy Jake a big ol' truck
3. Travel 'round the world with my family
4. Help my parents retire
5. Install a hot tub (no, HAVE a hot tub installed!)

5 things you like doing
1. laughing with my husband
2. hiking with the fam
3. scrapbooking (this one withOUT the fam... well, without kids at least)
4. taking road trips (especially with a Cafe Mocha in hand!)
5. organizing

5 bad habits
1. procrastinating
2. chewing and biting not my nails, but the skin around them (I know, it's gross saying it, but I do!)
3. spreading myself too thin
4. letting too much time pass between visits with long-distace friends
5. overlooking ways I can help my husband

5 things I would never wear again
1. tight-rolled jeans
2. moon boots
3. doily-collared dresses
4. spandex
5. poofy sleeves

5 favorite toys
1. scrapping tote, and the organization it brings to a pastime I love.
2. digital camera
3. bike trailer/stroller
4. cell phone
5. computer

Last week we read the story "The Gingerbread Man." Yesterday we got to take it a step further and made gingerbread cookies. We talked about sequence, measuring, and following directions. What a fun treat! 

Say What!?

After receiving last month's electric bill (yikes!) I sat the kids down and reminded them that we need to work together to save money. We talked about turning lights off when we're done with them, so when I saw the basement lights on this morning I asked Bella to run down and shut them off.

She turned to me sweetly and said, "Cause we have to work together to save 'allestricy,' right, Mom?"

Yep, kind of.

Overheard

Maybe something is sinking in...

Bella to "Jakey" the stuffed animal(definately in a "mommy" tone):

"I love you sooooo much that I am not going to let you treat your sister cat like that! No hitting!"

My baby boy has a loose tooth! How can it be he's at this stage already?