Monday, January 26, 2009

January Blahs

We've nearly made it through January! I hate to wish away time, but this month is one that I can usually do without. It's cold. It snows. It's dreary. Ugh.

Our winter weather this year has really gotten me down. But, there have been some pretty snows and I like those. And it's getting lighter earlier and staying lighter later into the evening. A sure sign that we're working our way out of the doldrums! Yay!

I had planned a whole Rudolph weekend of sorts, but only got through half of it. My friends K, J, M, D, C and I spent the whole day making candy. We made orange, tangerine, lime, grape, strawberry, cherry, watermelon, blackberry, raspberry, lemon, pink lemonade, spearmint, wintergreen, and cinnamon hard tack candy. Yum! I laughed at us when it came time to make the cinnamon. We saved it for last since it's the most potent. As we poured each batch out (made 4 turns), we opened the door so the vapors could escape. M and I would actually go outside to escape the overpowering smell, walking to the front door to get back inside the house. The kids looked at us like we were nuts.

I've decided the other project can wait for February Rudolph day. :)

C and I will be out of town this coming weekend for the first dance competition and workshop of the year. I have a bazillion things to do to get ready, but I'm looking forward to the trip.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Okay -- just a couple more!

I have just a few more Christmas decoration pictures to share -- I promise this will be it for 2008's Christmas. Look out come December 2009, though!

the tree in the Living room




Gee, I miss Christmas already. I haven't taken anything down yet (not until after Ephiphany, so this weekend) and I miss it. :(


And since there aren't enough pictures in today's post, here's B2 with his State History Covered Bridge project:




Have a great day!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Hooray for 2009!

It's here! 2009 is here! So far it's been good. We partied at the home of our friends, R and D. Lots of kids and adults there, playing Totally 80s Trivial Pursuit, singing on Wii Sing, changing channels between Dick Clark, Elf, and some motorcycle record setting thing. I was a little lost on that one. It was great fun! Most of us got back together later on January 1 to share the New Year's Day meal of pork loin and sauerkraut.(and a bunch of other food) It was a wonderful start to the year.

B1 drove for about 1/2 an hour last week, but hasn't practiced any more. The weather has been pretty good, but he really has a whole year to get his required hours in so we're not pushing it. He hasn't been screaming about the need for speed so that's all fine. :)

B2 and his grandfather have been working on a covered bridge made of balsa for a state history project. It's due Tuesday. It looks very nice so far. They are painting tomorrow, and then it will be ready to turn in.

C has gotten back into the swing of things at the dance studio. The girls rehearsed last night and then had their Secret Friend Christmas party afterward. They ate and danced and partied until midnight. C and several others had rehearsal today too. Game on!

I am not ready for the kids to head back to school. I enjoy having them here at home, even when I am heading to work most days. I LIKE them being home. I also despise getting up at 5:30, which is how our day starts when school is in session. I am definitely NOT looking forward to that come Monday. I don't think I know one child who does want to go back yet. It's a universal feeling!

Happy New Year!