We Had A Wonderful Christmas!

We all had a wonderful Christmas.We woke up and the girls opened presents here first. We really enjoyed spending time with Dad and watching the girls and their excitement! The girls were thrilled with all of their gifts! They played for awhile and then got ready to make our rounds for the day. Next stop was Grannys..We spent a few hours at Granny's. She had another wonderful meal. The girls were blessed to receive more great gifts. Michaela got the cutest baby doll. Raegan loved all of her new clothes. She tried them all on.
This was one of Raegan's favorite new outfits!! I love the new boots. Her vest is beautiful!


Taylor bought Michaela this tinsel headband for Christmas. It had Christmas lights in it!


Taylor gave Raegan this hat for Christmas. She got a lot of "teacher stuff" for Christmas. She wanted a dry erase board.

We went to Tommy's Mom's next! (a.k.a Grandma "D") We had fun seeing everyone. We all sat down for photo's. This was one of our first family photos. We are always scattered about!

Tommy and his sisters. Raegan looks just like her aunts! It was so nice to to see everyone.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Raegan was so excited about her concert last night. She couldn't wait to get dressed and do her hair all by herself!!! That was a battle I had to pick! She did look beautiful. She has really come out of her shell. There must have been 600 people there at least. She showed no signs of stagefright. Michaela, Taylor, Tommy, Grandma D, and I beamed with pride!

Christmas Caroling!

After school today, we went Christmas caroling with Raegan. Michaela and I had fun with Raegan and the other "SCA Representatives." It was a perfect day to walk downtown to add some holiday cheer! We went to the bank, post office, an assistant living home, and a few businesses. My favorite stop was the post office. Today is the busiest day of the season. The look on the people's faces was priceless when all of the children came in and started singing. Even the most impatient customers perked up! The children had fun. Michaela kept up with the big kids. We came back to the school for cookies and hot chocolate. We watched a few minutes of The Grinch! I checked out the classroom. Raegan's SCA leader has taught school for 39 years. She is wonderful. I was like a kid in a candy store. I had my hands on all of her books! She was thrilled to share and let me explore. I walked away with so many great ideas! We are blessed to have her in Raegan's life.

Raegan held onto her little sister's hand! Too sweet!

Preschool Christmas Play!

Michaela did a fantastic job as a horse! She walked right out with the other children and followed them down the aisle. We had the lights dimmed and white lights outlining the "runway and stage." She stood near the other livestock. We had a donkey, sheep, and cows,too. She was the one and only horse! We were very proud of her! The children sang...Away in the Manger, Joy to the World, Rudolph, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells!

She had a hooded sweatshirt on. It had a brown and black yarn mane and tail that ran down her back. It kept falling off her little head! After the show she went for cookies and to see her "friends." She was so happy to see Amie and Becca! It was an adorable show. I have know doubt God was pleased with all of his little children sharing the best story ever told! All of the children were so precious. I am sure God and many others beside him were smiling while watching our show....our little horse surely gave them all a chuckle!

A Gift From The Heart!

While Taylor and I were busy decorating the Christmas tree in the dining room, the younger girls were busy making gifts. They made ornaments for their teachers. I was really surprised at how well Michaela did stringing all of the beads. They made adorable wreath ornaments. I was so proud of them. I love homemade gifts. Teachers really cherish a gift from the heart.
I didn't take a picture of the finished masterpiece! One may appear as a gift....Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!

Gingerbread Train???

Saturday was a fun filled day! Taylor had her first basketball game. They won! I went to the Farmer's Market early to set up. Kim met me there and stayed to take care of things there while I handled the preschool duties, I picked up Michaela and Raegan at Granny's and headed to the railroad tracks. We met there to decorate the preschool float. It was freezing! We had fun in the parade. We bundled up in blankets and threw candy. We went to visit Nana at her church after the parade. I take the kids by every year. They decorate gingerbread houses. This year they got a gingerbread train! Michaela decorated gingerbread men and trees. She really had fun!

Raegan loved eating all of the cookies and treats they had there!


They had fun with their cousins, too!


Rotten!!!

This isn't the finished product! It was picked at before I could get a good picture. The girls had fun. They love going there every year. They love spending time with their family the most! It was nice to see Aunt Debra and the boys. Nana was all over the place helping everyone. The church always does a wonderful job! Thanks Nana for having us!

A great day for business!

Kim and I had a great day at the new market today. It was our first time and we met a lot of new people. They were all so helpful. The weather was beautiful. The sunshine felt so nice. We froze last week. We used our name for the first time today. The customers loved it. My Mom got us this chalk board and black easel. Check out the maganolia flowers under the chalk board. We had lots of free samples to try. We had new products this week and my favorite.....business cards made by my husband! Beautiful!

Don't get me wrong, this is very hard work. For all of us.Especially, our families! I do believe God is opening up doors for Kim and I. I have no doubt he hasn't already done so. We are just now getting to them. I can't wait to see what is behind them! It is all very exciting to me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We want to wish you all a Happy and safe Thanksgiving! We are looking forward to relaxing and spending time with our family. We are so blessed, we get to celebrate for several days!

I made this cake for the first time for a friend. Her birthday is was this week. Not crazy about the colors.

Giving Thanks!

Our church collects food every year for local families in need. The Youth Group helps seperate the food and deliver it. I had never helped do this before. I have sent food in, but never been this hands on. This was such a wonderful outreach for all of us to see. A group of us met last night at the church, loaded or cars, had a blessing from our awesome Pastor and headed out to make some one's Thanksgiving a little easier. Our church delivered around 20 meals. We delivered 2 very full sets of meals to 2 families. They even received soups, pastas, etc.. The look on the families faces was priceless. They were both so appreciative. I got back into the car and Taylor had tears in her eyes. It is very humbling. I reminded her that this is our job....helping others. Life is not about Gameboys, and toys that they will forget about next month...she got it! Raegan was eager to help for the next house. She insisted on carrying the turkey! I was so proud of them. They greeted them with a "Happy Thanksgiving!" It also really brighten the families evening to see little faces and a little girl so eager to hand them a big turkey! I will be sure to take them again next year!

We sponsor families for Christmas at our church, too. Raegan will have to sit that one out. Wouldn't want to have to get into all of those questions, yet!

Pilgrims and Native American Indians!

Michaela made this beautiful fall tree at school. I love it! She is learning so much. She sings little songs to us and says her prayers...so sweet! She always looks forward to seeing her friends. She still runs to the puzzles first thing in the morning.

This has to be the cutest turkey I ever saw. Michaela's class made these and used them as table decorations for our Feast last week. That was a huge success. I loved meeting all of the new families. Especially all of the older siblings. We have a wonderful group this year.

Michaela's place mat. Nothing like a hand print turkey. I love these!

Raegan has been learning about Native American Indians and Pilgrims. She has been coming home with all kinds of interesting facts.

The Pilgrim Sisters! This is what both girls wore to their Feast. Raegan had hers in the middle of school. She had fun. Her class made jello for "THE WHOLE FIRST GRADE!!" She was impressed at how much jello it took to feed them all.

Farmer's Market!

My cousin, Kim and I are one of the new vendors at Winter Farmer's Market! What an answer to prayer. I am confident this will lead to wonderful opportunities.We had a great time. We met a lot of new people and will be there until April. YEA!

We had applesauce cakes, specialty fudges, cupcakes, pumpkin rolls, lollipops, specialty brownies, and this cute cake! (other goodies, too) God is so good!

Her New Smile!

Raegan finally lost her tooth today at school. She was eating a piece of popcorn during afternoon snack and out it came. It was so ready. The adult tooth is half way up already. Thank God I didn't have to mess with it. I don't do teeth. She is the brave one in the bunch. Just like her father. The Tooth Fairy is set to arrive tonight!

Making Choices!

We all had off school today. We needed an extra day to rest. We have all been fighting something. We have colds and sniffles. Michaela had a fever last night. It didn't last long. Tommy, Taylor, and I have been achy. Sore throat...It is all over the preschool and school systems.. Raegan feels great! We seem to be a little better today. I don't have much of a voice which has been challenging with 3 girls on a day off from school. Thank God I can still give them the "mom stare" when need be.

We didn't let that stop us from heading to cast our vote. I took Raegan along with me. She was so eager and proud to go make her mark in history. She was able to participate in the KIDS VOTE! She was proud of her choice. I had to remind her on several occasions that this was a private personal choice....well check out the sign!!! Need I say more. Move over Sarah.....Raegan is ready to take charge!!! I walked through the building covering her mouth...giving her the stare...reminding her to keep her choice to her self....Raegan...Raegan...Raegan! She is so outspoken...That girl will be an amazing leader one day. She ran out of the building, "Here Mommy take my picture by the McCain sign. Maybe we will meet him one day."

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was full of parties this year. Michaela and I celebrated at preschool Thursday and Friday. The children looked great. We had lots of princesses this year. Michaela was Tinkerbell the first day and a pirate on Friday. She didn't like her hat too much. We had games for the children to play and party food to enjoy. She played pin the nose on the pumpkin, she did a pencil walk (just like a cake walk) and dug for a trinket in a huge box of macaroni. We had Mom's that helped at each station. They even got a tattoo. She had fun. This was her first party!

She is showing off her new tattoo! After Michaela's party we headed to Rosehill to catch Raegan and her friends parade through the nursing home. Grandpa was able to see Raegan and her friends for a minute. We were thrilled. He was very moved to see all of the children. All of the residents were excited to see the children. It meant a lot to them. Granny, Michaela, and I went to Raegan's party after that. We made fall ornaments and enjoyed her and her friends. It was a busy afternoon, full of fun!

We went to Granny's for dinner and got ready there.

Taylor and Raegan were hippie girls! They were so funny! Taylor carried her guitar. The adults loved it. I can't tell you how many people stopped to take their picture. The girls couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

The girls had a blast. Mom, Doug,(her boyfriend) Tommy, and I had fun, too. We loved watching them. Michaela loved carrying the flash light. She would find leaves and rocks along the way. We were going through her basket this morning and found some mixed with her candy. It was a great night!

Happy Birthday, Michaela!

Michaela turned 3 yesterday! We had a wonderful day. Tommy had off today and he took all of the girls to school. That is a big treat for them. Michaela brought in cupcakes to share with her friends at preschool. We were both such touched by all of the birthday greetings she received when her classmates saw her. Some made her cards. Her best buddy, Harrison, gave her a stuffed monkey, stickers, and a barrel of monkeys.

I love this picture, She is praying before snack.

Mom and Granny had dinner for us. It was so nice. Tommy and I packed everyone up and headed up to Granny's house for a little party. They had balloons waiting for Michaela. My Mom's boyfriend was there, too. They have been togther almost a year now. He is wonderful and the girls and I approve. He gave her puzzles, which is one of her favorites. Michaela loved all of her presents. She had a wonderful birthday.

We are all so tired of cake....We made ice cream Sundays for dessert instead. Michaela was worried about the fire on the candle. Granny helped her blow it out. We had a relaxing "party." Michaela is such a blessing. She is so loved! We are so thankful our girls are surrounded by love.

Preschool Appreciation Sunday!

We celebrated 10 years of God's blessings this weekend. We had Preschool Appreciation Sunday. We invited our new families (32 this year) along with some of our alumni. We asked some of the alumni to participate in the service if they were affiliated with our church. We don't believe in pulling people from their churches. We believe in inviting them to Christ. I had some of my students from my very first class. I was so happy to see them. They towered over me. Some of them were ushers, readers, some preformed children's chat,some were acolytes...The teachers recognized the alumni and new families by giving them a purple carnation. We also had a short video of old photos of the last 10 years. We only showed a fourth of my students. We would be there for hours if I shared 10 years worth. We had a covered dish luncheon after the 11:15 service. Taylor read a scripture. She did a fantastic job. Calm as ever! I love my job. It is so rewarding. I am so humbled by all that God has done for our program. We have a lot planned for this year.

We invited the alumni to help us sing This Little Light Of Mine! Check out the older kids faces. They had fun. Raegan is in the flower dress in the front. Michaela is in the front in the middle. The church was packed. We all wore purple. It was a beautiful sight!

Winnie!

Taylor had a riding lesson this week. She rode Winnie. Her instructor, Sam, thought it was time to take her off Sheena. Winnie is much smaller than Sheena. Winnie is full of spunk! She is very laid back, but has a one track mind...food! She wanted to get back to the stalls were it was warm and eat. She gives Taylor a harder time when she rides her. Taylor has worked with her before. Taylor can be too submissive with the horses. Tommy went with us this week. We all teased Taylor and told her to pretend the horse was Raegan... Riding is on hold for a few months. Her instructor is expecting her first baby in a few weeks. We will resume in March-April if the weather is good. Taylor has created a horse account. Her left over birthday money went into it. She is saving for spring lessons. Her goal is to SUB LEASE a horse. It gives her access to a horse 3 to 4 times a week. She is saving for that. Tommy and I wouldn't want her to start that until the weather gets warm. We also want her to save and work towards her goal. She will appreciate it more. I am so proud of her. She hasn't given up. She sees that riding is hard work. She is determined.

Tom's Baptism

On Sunday, Tom was baptised. We were all thrilled that he decided to make that decision. My family went to his church and supported him. It was very moving. We went back to his house to celebrate with a delicious lunch. It was one of Tommy's favorite meals. It was nice to spend time with the family.