The Game of Life

Abby got to choose the activity for Family Home Evening on Monday.  We played Life and had just played it the day before.  It is a family favorite.  Sometimes the girls just get the board out and don't play the game, but use it like a toy and drive the cars around.  We all had a good laugh when for the second time in a row Sammie had more kids than what fit in her car.  She was beyond excited.  It had us all thinking a little bit about how the real winners aren't those with the most money, but really those who value family.

Cookies!

Sammie and Olivia made the most delicious chocolate chip cookies this weekend.  They pretty much did it all on their own but no one is brave enough to take the cookies in and out of the oven, so I handled that part.  It is do fun to watch my kids become independent at things like this.  They were very proud of those delicious cookies.

My Mom Had a Birthday

I won't say which one, but you can figure it out.  My mom's birthday was on January 16th but since we were all going to be home for Christmas, we decided to throw her a surprise party.  She was definitely surprised.   She and my dad took my girls to a movie and the rest of us got to work as soon as she left.  We had collected old photos and put out all of her favorite candies.  Dianna made delicious cakes.  Carrot cake and Chocolate.  The grandchildren all sang her a song and each of us got her a Pandora charm for her bracelet. 
My mom is one amazing person.  I am so blessed and grateful to have her as a mother.  She has become one of my very best friends and I love spending time with her.  She is someone I can always confide in.  She has always encouraged me to be the best I can be.  I love her optimism and she is always learning something new.  Her latest hobby is water coloring and she has done some really beautiful things.  She is beautiful inside and out.  Love you mom!

and her latest artwork achievement:

 

Fog Delay

This is what a 2 hour fog delay looks like.  We haven't had fog delays in a few years and we have already had a number of them this year.  The kids enjoy a slower morning before heading off to school and a shorter school day.  It's funny that this is what winter feels like to me.  A cold, wet, foggy morning.

Lots and lots of Christmas pics

I just wanted to remember the beautiful Christmas we had.  Tyler and Brittany came up with their kids on Christmas Day and we enjoyed dinner together.  Tyler surprised us with a visit from Buddy the Elf.  My mom always makes a beautiful table display.  Our stocking looked so cozy by the fire.

Christmas Eve baking and cooking

Christmas Day in new pjs and opening presents

 Christmas Dinner with Tyler and Brittany and Buddy the Elf.

Building a Snowman

Sammie and Abby were completely set on building a snowman, but it was more difficult than they thought it was going to be.  Snow is cold and doesn't pile up that easily and no one was helping them.  They made this little guy and enjoyed the falling snow all around them.  By that evening the ground was all covered in snow which is an exciting thing when you never see it where you live.

Snow!

Just some pictures of sledding and playing in the snow.