Snow Days

A few outdoor activities we enjoy when the weather is above zero.

Who said parks were only for warm weather.  A swing is a swing any time of year!

Edwin is modeling the girls' hat while shoveling.  Grandma knitted them for the kids last year and everyone has worn it this winter!

My neighbor Paul came over after we received about 18" of snow overnight.  Edwin was at the hospital for the night and couldn't get home.  I was going to wait until James's naptime to tackle this project, but the neighbor got it done first.  What a guy.  I think he did everyone's sidewalk and driveway that morning.

The snow drift we found next door.

Edwin dug out a snow cave for the kids.

First Big Purchase

Grace wanted a toy guitar so she could sing, "Hey there, Delilah."  She didn't want it for a present, she just wanted mom to buy her one.  I told her she could earn her own money and buy it herself.  So, we made a plan and Anne wanted a piece of the pie too. 

Three months of work and savings purchased  ....

One pink guitar complete with shoulder strap and matching sunglasses

and.... 

One Lego cowgirl. horse and equestrian jumping rails.

The girls started recycling cans for five cents a piece.  They soon realized they needed to do much more work if they wanted to buy their guitar in this life-time.  The girls cleaned bathrooms, folded all the laundry, and did extra chores around the house.  Once the target goal was reached we filled out tithing slips and set aside our tithing.  Then we raced off to the toy store for our much sought after guitar.

This was a great experience for everyone.  The girls learned about work.  They enjoy the benefits of purchasing something they love.  And they also learned the value of money.  There was enough moneyfor some things, but not enough money for everything. The original $8.00 guitar they saved for wasn't as awesome as the $15.00 pink one they found in the store.  Edwin and I were happy both girls decided to pool their money to buy the pink guitar they really wanted and the Lego girl was a bonus. 

 I now have two excellent bathroom cleaners and they work for hugs and kisses!

 It is a good life. 



Anniversary Adventure

For our anniversary this year we opted to take the kids bowling.

Grace jumped with joy.

Anne used all her muscles to push the ball down the lane.

James and I did a little bowling too.

We enjoyed a little family adventure.

Christmas at Last

Everyone loves sprinkles....lots of sprinkles.

James enjoyed the festive treats this season.  Thankfully he has returned to eating food that doesn't contain sugar, chocolate, or marshmallows in it.  For I while I thought I'd need to start dipping broccoli and peas in chocolate frosting to encourage him to eat something semi-nutrious.

Family Christmas Eve Pajamas.

Grace with her new baby and cradle.

Baby was recently named Flower.

Anne's baby and cradle. 

She is using her finger to keep baby Sparkle from fussing.

Super Train Engineer James.

He enjoyed having his own set of markers....which he used to mark his Superhero symbol on his forehead.

We finished the night with roasted duck for dinner and  decorating gingerbread houses with our friends, Troy and Taivna.

Christmas is finally boxed up.  The remaining gifts have been mailed or delivered.  We have finished the last of the holiday goodies, and we are back to living our daily life.... and yes, I'm already gearing up for next year!

The Barbie Doll House

Grace asked for wood for her 5th birthday in November. A strange request for a child, but I told her repeatedly she could not receive a plastic barbie doll house.   She opted for the raw materials to build her dream Barbie house.  When she untied the ribbons she didn't seem very excited about this gift.  

Edwin and I wondered if we did the right thing.

But then the creativity started flowing.....

Grace spent the next several days drafting house plans for Barbie.  

The top floor is Barbie's room with a bed, a wardrobe for hanging dresses, a box for her shoes, and of course an amazing bed.

The second floor is the recreation room.  On the left is Barbie's TV.  The next room houses an amazing chandelier.  The room on the right is a soft chair for sitting.

The bottom floor is my personal favorite.  It is the kitchen with a table and chairs, forks, plates, bowls, and cups.  The kitchen comes with a stove and refrigerator. 

This little girl had the details planned out. 

The final product.... is a success!

Edwin finished the construction before Christmas. Three stories, a balcony, and an attic for storage.

Barbie has some prime parking space!

Now it's my turn to help Grace with the painting, carpeting, and decorating. 

We are beginning to gather our supplies and we anticipate that this winter could be full of creative snow days.

Here's to Grace and house plans!