party

These three got all dressed up to attend a New Year's Eve dance in Arlington.  They were very excited, chatting away while waiting for their ride.

We're about to start all our fun at home.  There's little smokies and meatballs in crock pots.  Along with a couple dips. 

I'm about to start the chocolate fountain up then all that's needed is to locate the recipe for donuts.  Food with Wii and games and family.  It's going to be a fun night!!

blessing day

 Sunday was Harley's big day.  She was blessed in the same dress as her mother, and her two aunts. ;)

 Lots of family gathered for the big day.  After church they all came over to the house for lunch and visiting.

 

Her Great Grandma Shuldberg made the blessing dress many, many years ago.  I was hoping to get a picture of these three together. 

Christmas Day

The kids let us sleep in till 6:30.  Not too bad.

 Adam was so much fun this year.  Every time he opened a gift he would yell, "Yahoo, yahoo! That's what I wanted! I love it!" When he opened a gift for Harley he danced around yelling, "Harley got a shirt! Harley got a shirt!"

 I love being able to catch their excitement.

I worked on this denim blanket for weeks for McKinzie and Geoff.  Once I finished cutting all the edges my right thumb was numb for 1 1/2 days.  I think it's kinda cool that it's made only from Brian's jeans.  I have a denim quilt made out of my dads jeans and I love it.

 I had a friend of ours build a workbench for Brian.  It folds down so I can still park in the garage. ;)

 All night long we had thunderstorms go through.  By the end of Christmas day we had snow.  The kids loved it!  It was soo cold though. 

 13 days old.  She has many ruffled bottoms. Too cute!!

We also received a hot cocoa maker for Christmas.  Karlee made hot cocoa all day.  She's definitely the one we ask now when we want hot cocoa. 

Christmas Eve

Early in the morning Carson asked me if I had something to help him sleep.  I said I did and he smiled.  I asked him why he needed something.  He told me he wanted to go to sleep fast.  Around 12 Mason asked me if he could have something too.  :)  These two boys were so excited and they had hours to go. 

 The boys made these ornaments at Cub Scouts last week, thanks to my assistant Chrissy!

 Christmas Eve was a very nice, rather relaxing day.  After the house was tidy, the laundry in motion, and the tenderloin in the oven I started to work on my last Christmas gift,  a flannel blanket for Harley.  Well...my machine died.  Luckily I already had a couple of items already finished to give her.  Brian took it apart and with all his "experience" with sewing machines, he couldn't save it.  I truly am disappointed.  My plan was to sew it into the ground before I bought another.  So this week I'm going shopping!  WAHOO!!  A new sewing/embroidery machine here I come!!

 Shortly before bed we sang a few Christmas carols then Brain read from the Bible about Christ's birth. All the kids chose a gift to open.  Adam (and I'm sure Harley) got a book from his Grandpa Dave and Grandma Roberta that they recorded.  I think they did this last year too.  A great idea!

All four of these kids opened their presents from Grandma and Grandpa Shuldberg.  They were spot on!  They all loved their gifts! Way to go Grandma!!

This poor kitty gave us a scare this past weekend.  For about two days he didn't hardly move.  Seriously, one spot all day.  Brian and I took him to the vet and he had a very high temperature.  They gave him some meds and by Sunday afternoon he was getting up and acting like himself.  I'm soo glad he's better.  WE  would sure miss Oscar.  (Oops!  I need to cut off that #4 tag. It's a new tree this year.)

Around 9:30 I gave the boys a natural sleep aid and I was shocked at how well they went to sleep.  They never came out to tell me they couldn't sleep. Nor did they play in bed.  I think every year I'll make sure I have something on hand. 

annual picture

 

 

 

 We HAD to do a crazy one!

 

piano recitals

 The boys first ever piano recitals was last Saturday.  They both did a great!  They both played one Christmas song and one non Christmas.  Carson played Jingle Bells.  It has been fun to listen to him practice as he would sing along.  He's only been playing for maybe 2 months.

Mason has been playing since Spring, I think.  He has advanced rather quickly.  He's not excited to practice, but is willing and it really shows when he goes to his lessons.  He played Little Drummer Boy and it sounded AWESOME!! 

The main reason he started piano lessons is so he can hopefully be in percussion next year.  The knowledge of a keyboard helps his chances. 

holiday treats



I tried a new treat this year. I took it to a cookie exchange party.  They were fun to make and eat!

I also made sugar cookies again for the boys class parties.   Mason helped with cutting them out.   He really enjoyed it.  I'll have to have him help next time too.

 Karlee made this marshmallows to give to friends with some hot cocoa packets.  She stuck a mini candy cane through the marshmallow.

The class parties were fun.  They both had pizza and came home with treats.  Success all the way around.  ;)

gingerbread boy

Today Carson's class did a play about the gingerbread boy.  It was very cute.  They all did a great job.  Most kids had aprons and rolling pins and bowls. Mrs. Adama even put flour on their nose and cheeks to look more authentic.  

 

 

It made me smile to see everyone using cell phones to record or take pics.  I'm no different.  I was recording with my cell phone in one hand and taking pics with my camera in the other. :)