No Gifts This Year....

We talked to the kids early this year about gifts for Christmas. They usually get SO MUCH, between us, Grandparents and others. Not only do we not want gifts to be the focus, we've always emphasized having traditions and being together as most important. On that note, we told them this year that they could give us a few ideas for gifts or we could take a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge. It was an easy decision, one that surprised me. They all opted for The Lodge (aka Great Wolf Flodge by Franchesca in her younger, years). We told them they would still find something in their stocking and we would still have our traditional Christmas Eve gift to open (always new pj's). The kids were very surprised (and pleased) to find NOT jammies wrapped up for the eve gift, but something that each of them had requested on their wish list this year. They were also very impressed that SO MUCH could be jostled into a stocking. They are super excited to go and it should be great fun with Solomon old enough to really enjoy the water this time. Waiting until January has been a good lesson in patience and delayed gratification. Here is a pic from Christmas Day.

Updating

I've been having a bit of trouble with my laptop and I have been online for 6 hours now (thanks to our stoneage dial-up) updating Windows. With all this time to wait, I've been playing with the settings(or template?) on this page. Do you like the changes? I was so inspired by the changes on the dashboard and also the colors on one of my favorite blogs to visit. I'm not a huge blue person but one of my favorite people in the world is-Adrianna. Everything is about blue. Any decision to be made must be first filtered through the blue sifter if possible. She saw the car she is going to own when she is "grown-up", it was in the Meijer parking lot. When I asked her to describe what type it was all she said was "a really good blue". She has remarked lately that she "wishes her room was blue". I know the house is already 5 years old but it feels like we JUST painted it purple. Nonetheless, I've chosen blue for bits of this blog page. It feels Springish to me, full of hope and newness (if anything can in January in Michigan).

More Hand Made Gifts

Here is Adrianna sporting that new hat made by her sister. She also made these hats for AJ's babies (including the doll AJ gave to Solomon, so she decided to part with the one for him). Franchesca is really an artsy, crafty girl. She is also super thoughtful. She has a stack of things waiting to be given away.

Gifts From the Heart

AJ has really been wanting a vest like her Mom and sister and in her wildest dreams, it would be blue. We found one, she loves it.

Not knowing about the blue vest, Franchesca worked late many nights hand making gifts for all of us. The adorable hat for Adrianna matches the vest perfectly. Below is her typing Nathan's black scarf on properly for him.
Adrianna also gave of herself this year. She has the Bitty Twins from American Girl and Solomon often asks to play with the boy. Below is what she wrapped up for him for Christmas, including a perfect sized box which doubles as the baby's bed. She also included a book and the baby's pj's and day outfit. The purple pillow she wants back:)

From Our House To Yours

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hustle and Bustle with No Time to Blog

Life with 4 children is always busy but this time of year leaves me feeling frantic. Things I need to do, things I want to do, things others want me to do along with baking, buying, wrapping, decorating does not leave any margin of time for blogging about all that is going on. We decided to try to simplify a few things this year and I will probably look back at the season and feel like it did indeed feel somewhat easier but in the midst of it I sure feel like my head was sometimes spinning.

Doug has been busy and cold at work everyday. He is definately ready for a holiday break as you can see...

We were so surprised and thrilled to have a pop in visitor, (who happens to also be related) home from college, brave the high winds and snow on Sunday to spend time with us...doesn't she remind you of Franchesca? They are both bookworms and have very sensitive stomaches.

One of things we like most is seeing people that we just don't get to see often enough. And all the candy and cookies.

Eagle

Last night we enjoyed attending an Eagle Court of Honor for a Scout who has earned his Eagle Scout, the highest honor one can earn in Scouting. Nathan's troup had a pretty large part to play in the ceremony including color guard and a candle lighting ritual where each boy explains 4 parts of the Scout law. I must say that Nathan did extremely well at handling the pressure of public speaking (surprise?) with only a little polishing needed (twisting his hair and checking his belt buckle once). Although he seems a giant at home, he appeared scant next to the older boys who have not only height on him but bulk as well, not to mention a more "mature" sound to their voice. It was good for me to see him in this light as he seems to be growing up much to quickly. We were very impressed by the statistics of Eagle Scouts and the "other" scouts left very motivated to press on for their own.

Santa and Rudolph

Yesterday the girls were locked into their rooms and were firm about not letting anyone know what they were up to. After about 45 minutes, they came down to reveal their new identity. Adrianna was in a laundry basket that was attached to Franchesca by a robe string. That was the best prop they could come up with for a sleigh from their rooms. Can you guess who is who?

Under Pressure

"The Most Wondeful Time Of the Year" can certainly become busy. For the last few years, we have set out on Black Friday to search for and cut down our tree. For a variety of reasons, including the accumulating pine needles, we decided this year to wait. Until 5:30 last night, we were still without tree. Only because of a last minute cancellation were we able to find time for "the hunt". We left our house at 4:30, knowing we would have limited light by 5:30. We drove to our favorite farm in Ganges only to find out that they closed at 5:00. This gave us 16 minutes to find our tree. We all took off running in different directions, spurred on by the challange. Soon voices were calling out "I found it", "here she is", "no I like this one","Nathan tripped me," "my shoe needs tied", "Nathan pushed over a tree", "my shoe came untied again", "it's GOT to be 5:00 Babe". I stopped and looked around and pointed to the best looking tree that was in my field of vision, not even knowing what the OTHER side of the tree looked like. Nathan trotted up to tell the boy that indeed, we had found our tree while Doug began sawing. It's amazing what a little pressure can do for decision making. I'll post photos when we get her up.

The Need for Green

It came early this year. Actually, it never left. My longing for the feel, the scent, the touch of life. Can hibernation actually be in the catagory of "possessing life"?

Aaaah. To see life again.

Good Choice

Yesterday the girls were attended a fun birthday party for their friend O. at the local indoor ice arena. Adrianna began the morning in jeans and short sleeve shirt. When admonished to dress a little warmer, she came down in a thin but cute long sleeve shirt. All the wisdom in the world couldn't convince her that it would be cold at the ice rink. She simply replied "well, I'm hot right now". Both the girls were strongly encouraged to bring their winter coats, hats and mittens but AJ insisted that the black (cotton) snowflake sweater would be more than enough to brave off the cold. Once we had loaded all the gear into the(cold) van, buckled in, and were driving down the driveway, she started complaining about how cold she was. I smiled at her and explained that this 27 degree temp that she was now experiencing would be needed to keep the ice frozen at the rink. As I backed up and opened the garage to let her in to get her winter coat I felt thankful for all the lessons that nature teaches us.

Here is a picture of her newest tooth coming in-the one we thought must be missing for all the time it took to show itself. Also present are the 2 loose ones on the bottom that are just hanging there by that miraculous "glue" that holds a tooth in until it falls out in ones sleep.

Fun With Dad

Recently Doug and I had a huge list of things to do and decided to split up, (boys with boys-girls with girls) and get it done. He headed off to Rivertown Crossings to buy sub-zero sleeping bag for the upcoming campout for Scouts. (Scouting does not recess for cold weather). While they were at Dick's, the boys did a little rock climbing. Nathan made it to the top and rang the bell. Solomon never flinched or wavered. Around 15 feet he just let go (he was tethered to the boy on the ground) and looking at his helper, said "I'm all done".

Stealing Blogs??

I've talked to a few people lately who are considering buying a new camera and I've referenced a post in one of my fav blogs to follow and will now attempt to cut and paste that into my blog. Is this legal? Being new to Blogland, I've never considered searching out what the blog rules and regulations might be as I've been too preoccupied with finding my way around. Perhaps the Blog Secret Police will be knocking on my door during the night and whisk me away to the a scary dark interrogation room, until I confess my involvement in a global Blog conspiracy...I'm sure R. won't mind sharing her wealth of knowledge. I also hope to share her thoughts of "chopping of heads" (sounds conspiratorial doesn't it) in another blog.

The following is my "stolen" information:
New camera for Christmas?
I came across the specifications for this camera and I thought that it was blog-worthy, especially this close to Christmas. Sony's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 is a fantastic little camera. It's really small, has a large screen and image stabilization, and it has remarkably low shutter lag. It's priced at just a little over $200 and it even comes in pink :-)Most people that I talk to are frustrated with their cameras because of long shutter lag. Shutter lag is that obnoxious time between when you press the button and when the camera takes the picture. It's usually enough time for someone to step between your subject and the camera or for your kid to run away, leaving you with an image of someones backside or an empty scene.Shutter lag is caused by the camera's need to auto focus. Every camera, no matter how nice, will have shutter lag--especially in dimly lit situations. A good rule of thumb for photography is to try to take pictures in situations with plenty of light. Try turning on lights, moving closer to a window, or doing an activity outside. Anything that allows more light will help. If you are going to do a project with your kids, and you know that you want to take pictures, look for good light. Truthfully, it isn't often possible to change these things or to plan ahead, but when you can ading more light will make picture taking less frustrating.If you are looking for a new camera give this one serious consideration.

Overcoming Fear (paralysis)

Today, instead of our usualy weekly piano lessons, the kids had a group lesson with other students who study under Mrs. Koeman. The teacher had split everyone up according to age, which Franchesca was very uncomfortable with as she is unfamiliar with most of the other students. We talked to Mrs. Koeman and agreed that joining Adrianna's group would probably make her more comfortable and make the group lesson much more enjoyable.

This morning upon waking, Franchesca's tummy hurt and she felt sure that she could not participate or attend piano today. Luckily Nathan's group went first which gave us an extra hour to let tummy's settle down and talk through other difficult activities such as going to the dentist, getting blood drawn, getting shots, etc... Solomon out nowhere brought me a book to read and had picked out a story on a moose having lot of "what-if's (worries) and how when he spoke the truth into them, they disappeared!! What perfect timing. I knew Franchesca was hearing the story although she was trying to make herself feel as ill as possible on the couch. Soon she was sitting up looking at the pics and her tummy had started to feel better. When the story ended with Bruce Moose conquering his fears, I plunged into my "assuming the sale" technique, talking about what we should wear to the lesson, what to do with our hair, etc...

Although she couldn't eat anything before we left, Franchesca bravely gathered her music and we headed down the driveway 15 minutes early at her request. I've learned that knowing more details about a new place helps her a lot and she wanted to be the first one there to have time to assess the situation. I could tell by her face that she was really close to caving in to fear but with some distraction in the form of a crossword puzzle on George F. Handel and seeing 3 nice, new girls who smiled and giggled she began to relax. After introductions, the girls were asked to play a piece of their choosing for all to hear. Franchesca confidently approached the piano and successfully played Minuet in G to a round of applause. This was followed by a study on Handel's Messiaah and cookies. What better reward for acting as David and slinging the stones in Goliath's face?

Vegetarian Thanksgiving?

I always have people ask me what I eat on Thanksgiving (since I don't eat turkey). I always ask them what they eat BESIDES turkey and the conversation usually takes a turn. We always have lots of our favorite traditional foods that we grew up with and yes, I do roast a turkey-if not the whole bird, then at least a good sized breast. Until this year, only Nathan, Franchesca and myself did not partake in the turkey. While we were recently on vacation, Solomon issued the proclamation (to his aunt) that indeed he had become a vegetarian. His willpower proved strong at dinner this week when chicken taco's were served, something that had become one of his fav's. After he devoured spanish rice and a little cheese on a tortilla, he held his plate up and said "see, I told you I was a vegetarian!".

Tonight, we sat down to feast on turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes, and my favorite: cornbread sage dressing (not to be confused with stuffing as that requires being stuffed in "the bird"). It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the "green bean dish" (no casseroles here) and of course my Mother's glorious dinner rolls. We've also added a new twist on the old cranberry relish and added a cranberry mousse for some color and tartness. Solomon literally had mashed potatoes for dinner- plate after plate after plate. We told him that the gravy was TURKEY gravy yet he just smiled and continued to spoon it in. As we reclined by the fire afterward, we kept hearing something tinkling in the dining room and discovered it was Solomon who said he was "trying to get the chicken off the turkey phing". A photo of the "turkey phing" follows. Apparently he changed his mind. I think calling it chicken helped justify his decision.

Goal: Marshmellow Shooter

Nathan has been selling popcorn for Boy Scouts for the past month. When he discovered that prizes would be awarded, be became even more motivated. One night we all packed into the van, including all the popcorn that we had and went around the neighborhood selling popcorn. With much success around home, we started driving all over, to ask people we knew but had not seen in some time. Last week he turned in his order form, this week the Scout Master gave out HIS prizes (see photo below). This, in addition to the marshmellow shooter that will be coming from selling over $500, left one 11 year old boy very happy.

Acrostic sampler

The kids have been having fun working on acrostics, especially ones with their names and those of others. Guess who the author is by their topic.

Wiggly
On a hook
Round
Muddy

Frisky
In the water
Slimey
Hey, where's my worm?

Dirty
Outside alot
Understanding
Great

Big berms
Mega jumps
X-rays for Nathan's arm

Fast reader
Really nice
Artist
Niter (knitter)
Creative
Hinting
Enthusiastic
Subway lover
Crocheter
Athlete

Gymnast
Reader
A great friend
Crafty
Enchanting

Coffee with a stranger

Several weeks ago, Franchesca and I took the Amtrak out of Holland to Chicago. We had a nice ride in and thanks to the free trolley, we were at Chipolte's eating amazingly fresh Mex by 11:30 a.m. Then it was off to American Girl where a person can easily spend an afternoon (and a ton of money). After buying Nellie's pj's for girls and hitting a few other stores I really needed a good, hot mocha. I innocently sat down next to some unknown guy, who happened to be tall, dark and quite good looking. Franchesca, who was toting her new digital camera, didn't miss a beat and being the good reporter that she is, got it for all the world to see. She promptly reported my frolic to Doug when we returned.

He is made totally out of Lego's.

We've been experiencing technical difficulties...

Under the direction of my tech guru (who is also my photography mentor), I've learned to resize my photo before posting. This is due to living in the last place on earth that will have high-speed interenet access, (otherwise known around here as The Frozen Tundra). What follows should be that shot from Florida. When I get really good, I'll show a shot from 15 years ago (that I will have first scanned, then posted) and then a now shot.

Entering the Blog Zone

Welcome to our blog! After much pondering, I've decided that a family blog will be a good way to share our happenings with friends and family, and get me journaling about our life. The idea does seem a little overwhelming. With so many different aspects of our life, what will we blog about... Learning at home? Doug's portfolio of homes that is working on? Just the kids? Day to day living? We'll see how it develops. Because I have what I consider a "tech disability" it will probably take me some time just to figure this whole blogging thing out.

I'll begin by trying to add a photo of our recent trip to Florida as we celebrated 15 years of marriage. It was a nearly perfect trip with amazing weather and lots of down time for reading on the beach, collecting shells, playing backgammon and exploring the island in our little silver PT Cruiser convertable while listening to Christian jazz (think about that one). Thanks again to all who so generously contributed to our investment in our marriage.

As my dial-up allows, our blogging adventure begins...