What a great morning!!

One of the things that I love about winter break is mornings like today. We slept in as long as the dog, Casey, would let us. It is noon and we are still in PJs. In the background I hear the older two kids, Melissa and Brian, playing Mario Kart on the wii while Julia, the youngest, is reading aloud a book that we have heard many times before. Then she plunks on the piano - she has just started to take lessons. I was able to sip coffee and read the Sunday newpaper from cover to cover including the ads. Fortunately I did not find anything that I felt I had to buy but you always have to check!

Tomorrow we take delivery on a new freezer. We don't have one and I am looking forward to stocking up on sales. A month ago, boneless skinless chicken breast was on sale for $1.88 lb and I wish I could have stocked up. This week strip steaks are $3.99/lb and I won't miss this one! I hope that it is worth the cost. I know I will enjoy freezing peaches, strawberries, and blueberries!

We have some good friends, Joe and Jen, coming over tonight to eat and play games. With the busy-ness of the season we haven't gotten together for a while so this should be a lot of fun! Last night I roped Rick and Brian (and Julia for a short time) into playing Scrabble. It is one activity that I can whip Rick at (unlike video games, bowling, golf, etc., etc.). If you are interested, my score was 245 compared to 165 for Rick and 159 for Brian. Rick actually gave me the game as a Christmas present - He certainly regrets that decision....

For New Years we have no plans but that will be okay. Friday, we will have 12 people spending the weekend at our house. I have friends that I went to Purdue with and we still get together with the families 2-3 times per year. It is always chaotic but a lot of fun. These are friends that you just know you will always be friends with.

As I close - Have a Happy New Year!!

Brrrr!!!

Weather report from the frozen tundra --- 1 degree above zero with a wind chill about 10 degrees below zero. Michigan counties to the north have a blizzard warning - can you believe it?? Thankfully I was able to stay home after church and watch movies. After we made christmas cookies, Rick took the kids out Christmas shopping - I was thankful that my shopping was all done.

We had a very thoughtful message at church today. The short take is that we need to examine what idols we have in our lives - Money, possessions, approval, food, substances, etc. I was feeling a little guilty after spending a little too much for Christmas this year. I am feeling convicted to spend less next year and look for opportunities to give more. Hope the family will buy in (no pun intended!)

Elf Yourself

Today started early - 3am to be exact. I woke to the sound of ice pelting our bedroom screens. 3 hours later (after dozing on and off) we found that there was a 2 hour delay for school. The kids were excited and actually relieved that they would be able to sleep in but not have to make up the school day. Today was the last day of the semester and finals for my high schoolers. Julia had her Christmas party today and I was helping. Afterward I had the adventure of running a few errands in the ice canyons that had formed on the street. All in all it was an odd day.

If you have never been on the Office Max "Elf yourself" website check out this holiday greeting that stars our family at their finest... Merry Christmas!
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/R5zwTrnBGd5v2FfWevmK

My good friend Sara has been blogging for years and I decided to finally take the plunge. I am surprised at how easy it is to get started. I envisioned hours of frustration and no finished product. Of course with it being December, I should be doing a million other things.

I was able to do 90% of my Christmas wrapping done yesterday so I decided to look out the window at the snow, avoid the 9 degree temperatures, sip my hot coffee with chocolate-raspberry creamer (yum!) and compose my first blog entry. My children are at school and it is quiet... even the puppy is in bed and not barking. Sometimes, silence IS golden...