A Birthday Note

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was the only one that wasn't struck with the flu, therefore I became nurse-maid to everyone. Mom was at the hospital bringing you into the world. She decided to stay longer after having you, because she didn't want to come home to a sick house. I managed to escape for a little while and walked over to the hospital with my friend to see you. She didn't have younger siblings, so she was nervous/excited about holding you. We had to put on gowns. I was 14, a freshman in high-school. It was Christmas vacation and we thought for sure you might be a Christmas baby. You almost were. You were the 5th boy and would prove to be one of the most determined, stubborn, loving, sweet boys in our family. I was the oldest and you were the youngest. You were my Joshy.

We miss you. We love you. We know you are close. Some things I have come to realize and know over the last two years : Life is short, The veil between life and death is very thin, We can still feel your love, Our Heavenly Father knows us individually, Family is important, Love is necessary for progression, We must listen and act upon promptings of the spirit, We need quiet time for pondering, and I REALLY know my Savior lives.

Happy Birthday Joshy. I made and ate lots of peanut butter cups, in your honor. They were your favorite. I miss sending them to you. I know you know how much we love and miss you. Give grandma a hug.

xoxoxoxo,

your sister in GA.

Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread House Construction

It's that time of year again...

When we gather our goodies

and construct our cottage, log cabin, two story, duplex, blizzard style gingerbread homes.

This year, things got serious and the competition a little fierce.

It was a step-by-step process.

And took some time.

They were all original and special in their own way(Andy's cool little snowman).

In the End, they each won their own prize...

Andy = Most roomy

Janelle = Most creative

Loved her fire pit...

Seth = Most Blizzardy

Cody = Most rustic

Kaitlyn = Most cozy

Ryan = Most pink/red

And his hands to prove it.

Alex came a little later but still constructed his very own masterpiece...

with a little help from his friend.

Great Job everyone!! Next year I'll remember the twizzlers and more frosting(right, Andy?!)!

Favorite Christmas Card

Goes to....

My brother & sister-in-law! Loved it!!!

Christmas Chocolates

I love Christmas. I enjoy the decorations, the lights, the activities, and the time off to spend with family, but one of my very favorite reasons I love Christmas is that it means it's candy-making time!

When we lived in West Virginia I had a friend who taught me how to make chocolates for Christmas. I've continued the tradition each year, adding a few favorites of my own. I send it out to family, friends, teachers, and enjoy some for myself. Everyone seems to have their favorites...

Cody's favorite = Truffles

Casey's favorite = Peppermint Bark

Ryan and Kaitlyn's favorite = Caramels

My favorite = Toffee Bark (new addition this year)

I really love them all! They are all packed up and ready to ship, so that my extended family can receive all of their favorites! I love that they love them. It means I get to make more!!

Christmas Pictures

This weekend we had a photo taking session in hopes of having a picture to go with our Christmas cards. It was a success for the most part. Everyone gripes, moans and complains the minute I mention taking pictures. Once we actually get out there it isn't as painful as they presumed it would be. It's actually fun. Well, for the first 10 minutes.

We started out with individual poses and then got into the group shots.

Some were serious.

But most were silly.

Next we had the head-shots which ended with Ryan in tears. Poor Ry just couldn't keep his eyes open and didn't appreciate the encouraging comments.

We tried several times.

But he just couldn't do it.

And then we got this one...It sent Kaitlyn and Cody into hysterics and Ryan into the house. We were done. This is pretty much how it ends every year.

We did manage to get one decent/normal one out of the bunch that we will send out in Christmas cards. I'll post it here on Christmas Eve. It looks slightly similar to this one...

Thanksgiving

We had a busy, fun-filled week of Thanksgiving activities. Andy, Janelle and Seth arrived a few days before and we played, shopped, had a few haircuts, and visited. We also took pictures revealing the new addition arriving in late spring, YAY!....

We offered several bribes in order for pictures to be done. Thank goodness I picked up a box of ding dongs a few weeks ago. They worked wonders.

We had to allow for consumption before the production...

Amazing what a little chocolate can do!

Later that evening we had a fire, roasted hot dogs and made smores. The weather was warm and perfect for an evening outdoors!

The boys could not stay out of the fire with their sticks. It was a race to see who could light their stick on fire first.

The next day we enjoyed Thanksgiving activities - coloring our tablecloth, thank you Target!

Our Thankful Tree~

(Left bottom blue leaf says covers, not lovers...just clarifying.)

The best dessert ever - thanks Janelle!

And what would Thanksgiving be without a little football for the boys.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week and are now counting down the days until Christmas break!