Life Happenings

The kids' school puts on a fabulous Christmas program with lots of music. Lauralyn was a shepherd and had a speaking role, while all the kids sang.

Then, at the beginning of February was Spirit Week, and each day the kids had to dress in a different theme. Here they are going as Disney characters. Not too bad for digging through our dress up boxes! Daniel even won for his class with his costume (thank you Nanut). I personally liked Lauralyn as Cruella Deville complete with a skinned dalmatian, and Kristin was a beautiful Belle.

Grandad has visited each month this winter! What a treat!

Isaac has had several opportunities to play with his best bud, Jefferson. I am so thankful for their friendship that began when they were 5.

There have been unsuccessful photo shoots...

Isaac has be a joy (most of the time) to homeschool. We have done a lot this year. One book we read was Unbroken, that told the true story of a WWII vet's harrowing journey through plane wrecks, being stranded on a rafts for over 40 days, and being a POW for several years. Here are some of his LEGO versions of what took place.

And finally, I caught Daddy and Daniel being computer nerds together.

Lauralyn turns TEN!

It's hard to believe a full 10 years has passed since Lauralyn's birth. She's a chip off the ol' block and would rather be at the barn than anywhere else. I am glad we have this common interest and can share our love of horses.







For her special day, Lauralyn requested a slumber party with her 3 closest friends, AND no siblings. So, I sent the other 3 older kids off for the night to Granny's and the Cullens and we proceeded to have a girly fun time. Joshua got to stay for the party since he is so cute ;-)









The above book is the FOURTH copy she has been given. Everyone knows Lauralyn is a "Horse-Crazy Girl."

I am so grateful Lauralyn is my oldest daughter. She blesses me with her responsible nature and I look forward to seeing her grow into a young woman over the next few years. 

Kristin turns 8

With a birthday 6 days before Christmas, it's easy to have your special day get lost in the holiday excitement. For birthday number 8, Kristin had one of her BFFs (Ashlee) spend the night. They "baked" and had much fun. 








The following night, was a special date night with Mommy and Daddy. We had Mi Casa for dinner, and then went to Hanes Mall for her first trip to the mall. It was insanely busy being the Saturday night before Christmas, but we managed to get to Claire's boutique where Kristin bravely had her ears pierced and then on the Build-a-Bear, where she built her bunny she appropriately named, "Claire."



It was a sweet time for us to spend with our quiet girl. She barely spoke the entire evening, taking it all in. We had a wonderful time, and the earrings are lovely! Kristin is growing in leaps and bounds. We are blessed to have her as our youngest daughter.

Holiday Rewind 2014

Looking back at Halloween and Christmas...

AND it's winter. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

After a fairly easy winter thus far, we finally got hit with winter weather. Two inches of snow that turned to ice. No power out, perfect for sledding, my kind of winter weather. Except for school being out most of the week.

Yet, this week has flown by, and so has the month of February. A mere 10 days away from March, I feel like spring is in view. However, I'm afraid this won't be the last of the frigid temperatures and snow. 

I do appreciate at least getting to use Joshua's (hand-me-down) snowsuit. How CUTE is he???









And here is the rest of the crew... lots and lots of sledding over 2 days.