Snow Day

We woke up to about 5-6 inches of snow. Chris was already out plowing. I got the call that school was closed but that I needed to be at a meeting at 10:00. The kids and I headed into town. They had their Kindles, so they were occupied. When I was finished we had lunch at Basil Boys. Then we came home and the kids played in the snow until supper time. A kind of funny thing happened when the Schwan's delivery truck got stuck in our driveway. I felt so bad for the driver, especially since we don't get Schwan's delivery. Sorry, Cheryl!

Art

I was in Maelle's art class today. She was painting a clay owl she had made. I thought she looked so cute in her paint shirt. I had to get a picture. I don't think she knew I was taking her picture. She was really concentrating on her artwork. 

Waiting

This morning I left to go get the kids from Sunday School. I was gone for about 20 minutes. This is what we saw as we pulled into the driveway. Our sweet little puppy was waiting for us on the front porch, out of the falling snow.  He didn't move, and I was able to get this cute picture of him. He is such a good dog. We just love him. 

On the Dot

Michayla met us at church and came over for supper. We had delicious pork carnitas tacos. Then we played some games, including a new game she brought over called, On the Dot. Marcella told me about it when she was here last weekend. I'm glad we got a chance to play it. It was very fun!

Harp

It is so wonderful that so many of the students at our school have developed a genuine interest in music in the last year or so since Mr. Simon joined our teaching staff. Maelle is no exception. Last year she expressed interest in learning to play the harp. For Christmas, Santa brought her this beautiful 12 string harp and sine then she has been teaching herself how to play. Today in music class it was Choice Friday. Students are allowed and encouraged to bring a musical instrument to play or sing something for the class. Maelle has been wanting to share her harp with Mr. Simon and her classmates for weeks. Today was the day. She showed the instrument and played a song. I was happy that I could be there when she shared her special gift with her teacher and her class. 

FPU

I am so excited! Tonight was our first class of Financial Peace University. We have been following Dave Ramsey for about 18 months and it has had such a positive effect on us. Some would say I'm a little obsessed with Dave Ramsey, but I have seen and heard about so many lives that have been changed by following his simple plan. Also I just enjoy listening to him and his views on handling money. I'm looking forward to the next eight weeks of the class. 

Wreath

The barn looks so nice with the Christmas wreath on it. I love having it up there. I'm not sure how long it will stay up. Chris is the one who puts it up and takes it down. I will continue to enjoy it until it's time to put it away until December. 

Hufflepuff

If you are a Harry Potter fan you understand the importance of house association and house loyalty. Maelle is a Hufflepuff. When we were at Universal Studios this summer it's all she talked about. For Halloween she dressed up as a Hufflepuff prefect. While in Dayton for Christmas she received a Hufflepuff outfit for her AG doll and we talked about the fact that she doesn't have a Hufflepuff scarf. Well, it didn't take long before the beautiful hand knitted scarf arrived in the mail addressed to one very happy Hufflepuff. She loves her new scarf. Thank you, Mutti!

Winston

I just thought Winston looked so cute next to his giraffe toy. Poor little giraffe, just like all of Winnie's other toys, all the stuffing has been ripped out. Winnie still loves it, though. 

Gymnastics Meet

Maelle had her first gymnastics meet of the year. She did pretty well today. She got all red ribbons (2nd best) except for beam, on which she got blue (1st). She really seemed to be enjoying herself and putting forth her best effort. After the meet we went out to eat at Applebee's. It was a fun day! 

January Thaw

It was 60 degrees today. We were able to get out to the hives and check on the bees. Sadly, we are down to four living hives. I'm not sure what happened to the other two. We also gave the pigs some fresh hay and fresh veggies. They were in heaven. This weather makes me ready for spring. 

Marcella

We are so fortunate that Marcella and Michayla are so close now that they are in Michigan. Tonight Marcella came over to hang out, and to spend the night. We had fun playing games and laughing. I love when the girls come over. Wish we could see Marcella even more!

Friendship

I spent the evening with my good friend, Rebecca. So nice to have this time to catch up. We just don't do it often enough. Thanks for an evening of good food, good company, and lots of laughs! 

Dentist

The kids had dentist appointments after school. Thankfully neither of them has any cavities. However, they both need to brush much better than they have been. Maelle is usually pretty good about listening, so hopefully she will apply what she learned today about better brushing. I hope Benny will do the same. I need to check their teeth after they tell me they have brushed well.

Fun!

It was really icy and foggy this morning, so school was canceled. We made a list of the things the kids needed to accomplish. The list included reading, cleaning, something productive, and something fun. I think most things on the list were accomplished, especially the fun. In the afternoon, Benny's friend came over and the three of them were playing in the basement. I'm not sure what exactly it was they were playing, but it included Nerf guns, American Girl dolls, Harry Potter, digital sound effects, and play food, I think. It was old-fashioned, imaginative play at its best. Its nice to know that they aren't too old for that yet. It sounded like they were having a lot of fun. 

American Girls and Chris

I came down the basement stairs to talk to Chris, who was sitting in his spot on the couch watching the news. Maelle must have left her dolls on the couch. Chris didn't think anything was out of the ordinary, but I thought It was a funny sight to behold. 

Spoiled!

Winston likes to be comfortable. A lot of times that means sleeping on our bed. Sometimes it means sleeping smack dab in the middle of Chris's pillow! 

Bread

We had gotten out of the habit of making bread every week. We resolved to start doing it again this year because it is healthier than just about anything we could buy. We've been doing pretty well these last few weeks. This is the delicious Rustic Crusty bread ( I like to call it Rusty Crustic) that I made this morning. I plan on making two more loaves tomorrow. 

Benny's Turn

The good news is that Maelle is feeling better. I took her to the doctor today and he said it is likely a virus running its course. Not much we can do but give her plenty of fluids and rest. She seemed a lot better as the day went on. Unfortunately Benny started having a headache and was not feeling well this evening. At least it's the weekend. I am praying everyone is healthy by Monday. 

My Girl

Maelle is still not feeling well. Her fever is down, thankfully, but she is still not quite herself. This is what has been going around, and I'm so sad she caught it. She did a lot of resting today, so I am hoping she will wake up feeling better in the morning. Poor girl. 

All of Us

We were all cuddled up on our bed tonight. Thankfully I thought to get a picture of us. I just love these three special people so much, and I am thankful to have them in my life. I couldn't be more proud of them. I am so very blessed. 

Boy's Best Friend

Benny really loves Winston, and I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual. 

Board Recognition

Tonight was School Board Recognition at the monthly Board meeting. I got some really cute kids to help me present some words of thanks as well as some gifts to our wonderful Board Members. Maelle was one of those kids! She held up a poster signed by all the staff and students and passed out gift bags to the Board. She also wrote a personalized thank you note to the President of the Board. We are so lucky to have such an invested and supportive group of people leading our district. I am so proud to be part of all that our district provides for the students of Tecumseh. As a parent, there is nowhere else I'd rather educate my kids. Thank you, TPS Board of Education, for all that you do! 

Verizon

We went to Ann Arbor today so we could go to the Verizon store. Unfortunately we have completely lost faith in our local Verizon store. While we spoke with the knowledgeable and helpful sales rep, Maelle and Benny took turns playing with the Virtual Reality glasses. I captured this shot of Maelle. I'm not sure what she was doing, but it was funny. We had lunch at Applebee's with some gift cards I got for Christmas. Then we came home a took a nap. It was a wonderful day!

First Reconciliation

Maelle made her First Reconciliation today. She wasn't nervous at all and knew just what she needed to do. Benny also had his basketball tournament today. His team won both of their games. He even scored a few baskets. We celebrated both kids' accomplishments with supper out at the Tecumseh Brewing Company. It was a busy, but memorable Saturday. 

Feeding Time

I had the pleasure of feeding the pigs tonight. They are always so happy to see you coming with feed bucket in hand. 

Game Night

It's not often that Thursday turns into game night. Michayla came over tonight and played Suspend with the kids while I made Chicken Marsala. After the kids went to bed, we played Blokus and Farkle. I think I should hit the casino pretty soon because my dice throwing skills have been amazing lately. It was a fun evening. 

Chess Match

While I went to pick Maelle up from gymnastics, Chris and Benny played chess. We played a few games of chess over break and both kids really enjoyed it. Not long after this was taken Chris had Benny in check mate. Despite this fact, they both ended the game with a smile. 

Before Only

Maelle got some new curlers for Christmas. We put them in before bed last night. When she woke up she reluctantly let me get a picture. As soon as we got them out she ran upstairs to get dressed. I didn't have a chance to get an "after" shot. It looked cute, though. 

Winter Bees

Today Chris and I covered the six living hives with tar paper. Chris also built wind blocks for them. This should help them make it through the next three months, the toughest of all months for northern bees. It was great to see live bees in and a few out of their hives. Good luck, girls! Hope to see you in April. 

New Year

We had a nice New Years Day at home.  Chris made soup and we all played some games together. Right before bed, Chris and Maelle had a jam session on Benny's drum set. Happy New Year!