Military Ball!

We had a Military Ball on the 6th of January. It was on a Wednesday and I wished it could have not been on a weeknight. The Ball was a lot of fun. The Food was very good. I thought dinner started too late (about 7:45 and it was buffet style-luckily we were table 30 so we only had to wait about 10 minutes). I was so hungry. But after the formal part they had three country singers singing and they were really good. I would have loved staying for more of that but we had a teenage babysitter that had school the next morning and I didn't want to keep her out too late. This picture was taken after the Ball. We had professional pictures taken at the Ball, but we have not received them yet. I made my dress. I like how it turned out but I need to make some modifications to it (I didn't have time before the ball to make the modifications)

New Years Eve!

We had a really fun New Years Eve party at church. I was in charge so I had to go, but I would have anyway even with young kids. I brought blankets and pillows and laid Shirley down a little after 10. The other three were awake the whole time. We played games, had kereoke, and had lots of good food. The music was fun. It was fun dancing with the kids. Rilla enjoyed helping her dad vacuum after the party. We let our older kids stay up as late as they want on New Years Eve. Jem made it until 1:15 AM, Rilla made it until 1:30, and Walter made it until 2 AM.

Rilla's haircut!

Over Christmas break we built a fort in our living room/dining room and the kids, except Shirley, slept in it. Jem slept in the middle and must have been playing with his silly puddy when he fell asleep. Somehow it rolled under Rilla's head and got stuck in her hair really bad. There was no getting it out without cutting it. So I gave her her first real haircut. I am not great at cutting hair but it looks Ok. She is very cute with short hair. In these pictures she got Gil's work out gloves (that he does pushups in) and Gil found her trying to do sit-ups and pushups on her own.

Hutch!

I love my house, but the kitchen is a little on the small side and not a lot of cabinet space. So A little after I got here I bought a hutch of Craig's list. I added two shelfs and bought baskets to keep my stuff organized. They are for things such as tools, batteries, kitchen gadgets, potatos, extra cups, etc. I love having it all organized and out of view.

Christmas!

This was my favorite Christmas so far. We were able to make it a very spiritual one. What a wonderful day Christmas day was. After opening our presents we spent the morning playing together. We had Annalisa and her family over for dinner. I made a ham. It was a lot less time consuming than a turkey. I even bought the pies. I didn't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day. We had a mid afternoon dinner so we had plenty of time after dinner to spend more time with our children. I was so content and happy when I went to bed that night. I hope I can make all of them just like this one.

We gave service for the Salvation army the week before Christmas. We had Walter and Jem participate with us.

A few nights before Christmas we made a gingerbread house together. I think the kids enjoyed eating the candy more than making it.
The kids opening their stockings Christmas morning.

Jem got a crystal making kit and a crystal mining kit and was so happy.
Walter got a gig lego set. He loves legos.. I love building with him.

My grandma always makes her Christmas gifts. I love them. It sure makes gifts extra special when someone takes the time to make them. This time she made the boys hats, Rilla a hat and shawl (they are so cute), Gil knitted socks, and me a knitted sweater.

Jem with his crystal mining kit.

Walter building one of the houses with the lego set he got.
Jem making his crystals. He couldn't be happier.
Gil got a harmonica and is excited to learn to play.

Shirley's 2nd Birthday!

Shirley had his 2nd birthday at the end of November. It sure is amazing how fast they grow up. We didn't have a party (I don't really see the point when they are so young). We sang happy birthday after dinner and he opened his two presents. Since he can't have cake we made rice crispy treats (with canola oil substituted for the butter) and put two candles on the top. He talks quite a bit already and has already initiated potty training. I can't complain about that. He now sleeps in a toddler bed. He does love to pick on his sister, but other than that is a very sweet little boy.




Here are two pictures of hime when he was born and a few days after.