January 2, 2011

Happy New Year's!

Happy New Year's!!!
After playing in the snow, we all came inside and I made us some yummy Italian nachos, a vegetable platter and some apple dip to dunk our apples into! We watched movies and played some wii games together all day long.
Mason helped me make some butterscotch haystacks (Jeremiah's favorite). He looks so cute in his apron gift from preschool!
Mason conked out about 10:30 pm. So did Dallas. I was amazed that Brooklyn made it all the way till midnight!
I am so excited for this new year! I love this time of year. It always makes me feel like a new person. I can begin again starting today and do better this year.










New Years Eve Snow!












New Year's Eve morning brought us our first big snow here in Akron. I was happy we were finally able to break out the kids snow suits! Dallas did NOT like getting bundled up. He wasn't very fond of the cold either but I'm not sure if he minded the snow. I loved the looks he gave! I love this last picture of the two boys in their matching snow pants. They are such sweet little guys and I can see how much they get along the more Dallas grows!

December 27, 2010

Christmas Day

Christmas morning we woke up and the kids looked in their stockings! I was so surprised that Santa brought me something since Jer and I both said we didn't want anything this year. Santa brought the kids toys to share since they were a little naughty lately. They got a tent and a Dr. set to play with. After stockings we got on oovoo to chat with my parents and the kids opened their gifts from them! They got clothes and books and fun things from them! They had to go and feed the community so we got off the computer and I made my traditional cinnamon pull apart bread for breakfast. Then the kids opened up their gifts from us! Mason got a leapster and game. Brook got a leapster game and a camera and Dallas got a learning puppy, talking phone and a pop up toy! For the rest of the morning we just relaxed, played with toys and Jer and I made dinner. I made a Texas sheet cake for dessert but my pumpkin pie got completely ruined. ha ha! Oh well.
We ate pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls. Jer always makes the perfect roast! Later that afternoon, Jer's family came to our house to give the kids their presents. Mason got some bottle cap pistols, brook got a game and Dallas got some keys! Jillian cracked me up when she crawled through the kid's tent!











Christmas Eve













Christmas Eve we went to Jer's mom and dad's house. Three of Jer's sisters were there. Jillian and her family, Shayla and Courtney. Amanda and her family were the only ones who couldn't make it since they just had a new baby a few weeks ago.
The kids had fun playing with Addison, we ate yummy soft tacos, watched a home video and played a little wii dance games. We had to leave a little early because someone was covering Jer's call for a little bit. When we got home, I made some pigs in a blanket and veggies for dinner. Jer read the Christmas story to us. Then we watched the first Christmas video and I read a story out of my 24 days of Christmas book. I really feel that Brooklyn is finally at the age when she knows what the true meaning of Christmas is. It was so nice to feel the spirit and share the little moments together. After that the kids put on their Christmas pajamas and the set out cookies, milk and a letter for Santa. The kids got to stand in front of the tree and say what they wish for this Christmas and we tracked Santa on the computer.

December 21, 2010

A Virtual Card

Just sending a Christmas Card to say Merry Christmas!
We hope you all have a wonderful time filled with the love of Christ and family togetherness!

A surprise!


Today Ma and Dad sent us their box! It was so nice! They sent the kids a bunch of books and all of these treats and some Christmas presents for under the tree. It made me think of that first Christmas I spent with my step mom Cathy. I think we bonded for the first time when she showed me her family traditions. We made Chocolate covered treats and fudge! It made Christmas that year not as hard for me. I still really miss my mom but I don't think you knew Ma, just how much that time spent with me really helped. I love you!