Kings & Queen of the Hill

There are so many posts I want to make before the end of the year but there are only a few hours left and I am certain I won't make the deadline. So instead I am posting this picture and a few random thoughts from our adventures in the snow.

1. The boys were talking about being King of the Hill. I love "our" boys because they shared the Kingdom - even with this little queen.
2. I cherish my relationships with my cousins. I am especially grateful for my cousin, Ryan. He is a great man and I would be blessed to find anyone so wonderful in my life (Joy - you are wonderful too!). We have known each other our whole lives and I am so thankful that we still keep in touch despite the miles and the great big lake in between. During our snow adventure Ryan ventured outside without the proper snow gear because he wanted to keep an eye on his boys. He encouraged fun, kept the boys warm, and carefully kept everyone safe without making a big deal of it. He even carved stairs into the snow mountain so that Queen Alaina could reach the top. Seriously, a wonderful person.
3. Not everyone eats snow - but they should. The Queen immediately began filling her belly with fresh crisp cold snow. She just wouldn't stop and when she fell over face forward into the snow she just stuck out her tongue and took advantage of the situation. It's a great life lesson that I am learning.
4. I love the snow - just love it - especially for how it makes everything white. It clears the visual noise - you can even see how it does this in the picture. It reflects light and it is makes me think of the word "clean" (I know not all snow is clean - there even is acid snow!) Most of all I love it because of this verse:

Isaiah 1:18 (AMP) Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though
your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red
like crimson, they shall be like wool.

And this is the thought I leave you with as we head into the new year.

Happy New Year!

Things to look forward to on the blog in 2011. . .

New Things

1. A Monthly Scripture Memorization Challenge
2. Book Club - Reading Challenge
3. Recipes from the upcoming cookbook (please don't ask me about the cookbook - it's coming)
4. Monthly Updated Prayer Requests Tab
5. Tutorial on the "Musts" for each post (Title & Labels)
6. Ticker Counter for upcoming babies and weddings
7. Updated Birthdays and Important Dates
8. New Winter Header & a New Look

Old Things

1. Pictures
2. Wordless Wednesdays
3. More Pictures

An Ambedextrous Artist

Discovering the silver lining is exciting.  Brachial Plexus Injury may have slowed Alaina's use of her arm but it certainly has not inhibited her in any way shape or form.  Not only has it given her great determination (and strong will) but now she is an ambidextrous artist too!  Cool!  Look at our artist go!

Family Fun

GG at Lindas for our first night of fun!!

Look at how full the living room can get!!!

This is my favorite picture of Alaina!!! or Alaina ballerian!

Grandma and her boys

GG with her men

GG with the ladies

Just love the sweater

Anytime you wanted to know where Sara or GG were, u found one, you usually found the other !!!

The cousins (I wish we would have gotten a picture with all of the cousins!!!!)

The sweater girls

Alaina was sooooo excited!!

Dancing again!!

I love this picture too!

oh Addie, just adorable!

The kids playing with moon dough! It was a big hit

Grandma

She has so many names - who is she to you?

Somebody likes her new carseat!

Addie Jane was all smiles on the way up north.

Christmas - An All Day Affair

We began early and ended late.  The girls were up by 7 (late I know for some kids but early enough for me).  Alaina was so excited she didn't know what to do.  Santa had been to our house and left two giant bags of presents for each of the girls; they had been good this year - listening and obeying their parents, using their manners, and tinkling in the potty!!

Alaina loved her new kaleidoscope

Ms. Addie discovered she loves peppermint!

We enjoyed giving and receiving presents.  Ooohhh la la - new cowgirl boots for me!  Dad is dawning his new running jacket.  I love his smile - Addie Jane has the same exact smile! 

Tender moments between Emily Ann and Addie Jane (and Lilly the frog too!).

Alaina playing with Angelina Ballerina.

 Amazing wrapping job. Dad was surprised that we gave him the helicopter he had his eye on!

Alaina was playing with her new kitchen pot on her own in the kitchen.  When we looked in on her she had on Papa's hat.  It was so darling.  We asked her what she was doing and she said, "I'm Papa-Man!".

Pete and Emily Ann laughing hysterically at "Papa-Man"

Mom was busy as a bee all day - cleaning up wrapping paper, handing out gifts, and lovin' on the girls!

2011 Christmas Exchange

This person BUYS FOR This person

1. Susie . . .  Sarah N
2. Paul P . . . Debbie
3. Paul N . . .  Ken
4. Emily Marie . . . Bob
5. Tracy . . . Lindsey
6. Tim . . . Baby L
7. Sarah N . . . Joy
8. Peter N . . . Carol
9. Emily Ann . . . Winter
10. Alaina . . . Peter C
11. Addie Jane . . . Ryan
12. Carol . . . Paul N
13. Ken . . . Paul P
14. Ryan . . . Emily Marie
15. Joy . . . Addy
16. Sara C . . . Joe
17. Isaac . . . Olivia
18. Adam . . . Susie
19. Linda . . . Jay
20. Bob . . . Faith
21. Debbie . . . Peter N
22. Peter C. . . Sara C
23. Addy . . . Isaac
24. Joe . . . Tim
25. Faith . . . Tracy
26. Baby L . . .Adam
27. Winter . . . Addie
28. Lindsey . . . Linda
29. Jay . . . Emily Ann
30. Olivia . . . Alaina

Social Media & Christmas!

Christmas Eve

(Double Click to Enlarge)

Playing with Blocks
Dinner at Picanos
A Visit with Steve
Haute Chocolate Pots
Church at Genesis
Visiting with Family

Holiday Fun

Faith and Mariah at the Elks Christmas party hanging out with santa!

Faith was bouncing up and down so much, thats why her cheeks are so pink!

Mariah wanted Faith to be in the picture with her, it was so cute

Faith and santa

Faith and Winter waiting in line to see the big man

Faith loved Mrs. Claus. (She was getting tired, her eyes always wonder when shes tired)

Faith and Luke walking in holding hands so excited for the christmas festivities


Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone after christmas. Hopefully everyone stays safe and healthy and we love you all!!