A Not so Normal Weekend & Week

Since my last post we've had a bit of an unusual week.  

Dave started a busy time at work which included working on Saturday and, of course, Saturday was when my body decided it was time to get a touch of a bug.  I basically spent the weekend on the couch.  The kids had to occupy themselves and take care of Jingle.

Monday morning I was feeling a little better but after running 2 errands, I was wiped out for the day. 

Yesterday, found me back to "normal" but behind on my work projects. I was able to make the snowman I needed for phase 2 of bulletin board at church and a small home project.

Last night was all about helping both kids study for tests and a quiz.  

Thankfully, today I was able to get the bulletin board update done quickly, so I could complete another project for a teacher and now I am catching up with you.

I know....this is boring stuff, but it is what life has been about lately....normal and not too exciting.  

The 1st Day of the Year

How do you make me a very happy person on the first day of the new year? You take me to Hobby Lobby.  

Dave, the kids and I headed about 45 minutes away to our nearest Hobby Lobby location. They dropped me off and let me shop while they went to a few stores that would interest them. After a wonderful time of perusing the store and making a small purchase (which is awesome for me), we all went out to lunch together.  

What a wonderful way to start the year.....family and Hobby Lobby!! 

Corralling the Bunny

It turns out our bunny, Jingle, is a very friendly little guy.

To make him more at home, we wanted to give him a little more room than his cage but knew it would be best to give him some boundaries.  So, after doing a little Internet research, Dave went out and bought this little "corral" for him. The kids being inside just makes me laugh.  I thought we were through with "play pens" a long time ago but what is old became new again in a whole new dynamic.  

These pictures were taken almost a week after Jingle came to live with us. 

Now, he has had to adjust to a whole new routine with the kids back in school. Emily feeds him in the morning and then around 9:30/10 I let him out for a few minutes where he tours both Emily and Matt's rooms. Then he is in his cage until the kids get home from school. Jingle then joins them downstairs in his corral for homework and play time.  

I have to tell you he is the sweetest little bunny and the kids just love him.

Matt wanted him to climb up the little ramp....Jingle wasn't interested.

A little hay always makes him a happy bunny.  

We've Had Snow

On Saturday the 29th, we got snow. 

It was beautiful....the kind of snow that clung to the trees and covered everything so nicely. It was like "walking in a winter wonderland" kind of snow, soft & fluffy. 

The kids would have preferred much more snow and it happening on a school day.  I, on the other hand, was happy I had no where to be and could enjoy the snow from the warmth of indoors. 

Christmas Catch Up

I know, I know it is 3 days into the New Year and I have to start by playing catch up. I couldn't just pass over Christmas without sharing highlights from that wonderful day. 

We stayed up late watching Polar Express but that didn't keep the kids from waking up early.....no sleeping in here.  Our tradition is that the kids come up to our bedroom and we read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2 prior to any Christmas presents being opened.  This year our tradition changed a little due to the ages and reading abilities of the kids - Emily & Matthew shared in reading Luke 2. It was such a wonderful "mom" moment to sit there and hear them reading the account of Jesus' birth to Dave and I. Wow! Time sure is flying. 

Now, I know what you are thinking. Just the day before we brought home the newest addition to our family, Jingle, our dwarf bunny, so was he a part of the morning tradition? You bet he was......Emily made sure he was included. After all, Jingle is a part of the family now.

Once we finished our reading, we came downstairs to start cinnamon rolls for breakfast and much needed coffee for me.  Dave started a fire and then we settled in to start the opening of gifts. Oh, and we declared the day "pajama day" seeing we were home for the holiday.

Matt, of course, got two Lego sets.  Its funny, last year he and Dave spent most of the day building one set.  This Christmas Matt built both Lego sets by himself on Christmas day.

Emily enjoyed playing Dave's new Wii Buck Shot game......Matt, of course, LOVES it too. 

Jingle was a part of the Wii play time too.  I think he was just happy that he wasn't in the game.

For dinner, we had our traditional meal of ham, potatoes & gravy, creamed spinach, sweet potatoes, cinnamon apples and rolls.  The sides were courtesy of Boston Market.  Yummy!

Our dessert is always the same, a birthday cake for Jesus.  We sang "Happy Birthday" and both kids got to blow out the candle as I didn't realize I used a "trick" relighting candle. 

Matt got close to the cake and I just couldn't help myself. He ended up being Rudolph the green nosed reindeer.

Of course, we couldn't let Emily get away with a clean face. 

It was a wonderful day and evening. We are thankful for so much this holiday.  We love the addition of Jingle and he is getting use to his surroundings.  Most of all we are thankful that Jesus, our Savior, was born.  We pray all of you had a very Merry Christmas.