Be careful what you wish for . . .

Hmm . . . seems as though I was just complaining about wimpy snow and look what we have now! First it was the arctic storm that came through and gave us well below zero temperatures and now it is the snow and sleet. Take a look at the piece of ice that Marney is holding. It is fun!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's a New Year and Almost a New Month!

Where, oh where, does the time go? It is amazing to me that January is over! When I was teaching I always found January to be the month that just sort of dragged; not so this year. Of course, I started the year with many, many New Year's resolutions all of which are keeping me way too busy so we are operating under the status quo and then some. I have been less than successful on some, but have experienced enough success to plug away as the new month begins.

The kids are doing well. I thank God everyday that they are healthy, happy, and loving, and I thank Him for the blessing of them as I feel so unworthy! I also pray every day, many times a day, for patience, so they are just kids at that! They loved this snow--what little there was, but the next week brought lots! We all love it!

Christmas photo time . . .

I love receiving photos from friends at Christmas so I feel obligated to make the effort as well. I must say that the task becomes a bit more complicated with each new family member; but thankfully, Aunt Diane was a willing photographer and continued to take pictures as I continued to shout orders at everyone . . . and I was rather pleased with the results.

Christmas photo time!

2, 4, 6, 8 . . . Who do we appreciate? . . . MOM!

This is the chant that I taught my kids on Sam's birthday! Shameful, isn't it? Whatever it takes to feel appreciated!

How about this cake! The kids and I still like to make "Funfetti" cupcakes for their school treats, but who can beat the Giant Eagle Bakery when it comes to fun cakes! Trucks and dirt! Does it get any better than that for a 4 year old boy who likes to call himself "a big man!" (That was the influence of the high school boys at the preschool last spring!)

Marney turns 8!

Eight! Next week, Sam turns 4 and my kids will be 2, 4, 6, and 8! Eight! Where is that baby I brought home from China in 2000! When I asked Marney she said, "I am right here in front of you, Mom!" You know, it is not easy being retired and staying home with my babies, but oh my! they won't be babies long. I am so grateful for opportunity.

WE LOVE HALLOWEEN!

My kids, like most kids their age, love to dress up. This fact makes Halloween rank way up their in holiday status pretty darn close to Christmas!We started the evening visiting Grandma in the hospital and then stopping at a few of our friends homes. Then it was to our house for dinner in the foyer--we did not want to miss anything--and passing out the candy. It was a very raining night in Western Pennsylvania and as I watched the drenched parents accompanying their kiddos, I felt very blessed to have such easy to please kids. I think that they enjoy seeing all the kids show up at our doorstep as much as they do collecting candy.