a little *w*o*n*d*e*r*f*u*l*

We had ourselves a little getaway last weekend+++ ... and it was *w*o*n*d*e*r*f*u*l*. Nothing exotic or tropical ... but wonderful just the same -- simply because I desperately needed a break from it all. We played lots of games ... and Clue quickly became a new family favorite. These two are playing Othello ... it's a clever game ...
Little Dude became more proficient with the spoon ...
Little Dude positioned himself on this couch here ... plopped the hat on ... and then somehow told Daddy he was looking cute and ready for a picture ... so Daddy took one with his phone. Also, when wearing this shirt ... he frequently point to it and says "bus" :) And the way he says it ... and his tone ... well, it sounds like he has been sucking in helium -- says Daddy.I even picked up my knitting needles ~ after two years off ~ and made a little purse :) Both girls want it ... guess we might need another little getaway so I can do more knitting ;)More stuff happened, of course ~ like cooking and dishes {thank you Halo!} and laundry ... and sleeping and reading and a little sledding ~ but I only turned on the camera a couple of times. And yes, all four of my kids have a thing about cowboy hats.

Oh ... and one more thing ... MY FOOT! One night after supper ... Halo asked if she should throw away the leftovers. The "leftovers" were rather substantial ... so I said,"Throw it away??? My foot!" My response was met with gales of laughter all around. My foot??? Did you say my foot??? The kids thought this was especially hilarious. So ... now Buddy has adopted MY FOOT as his new catch-all response ... and frankly, it's gettting old. Be careful what you say, I guess ;)

a little snowflake

I don't really love winter. I could probably get along just fine in the South ;) But I'm here ... in this cold, snowy land ... so I was pondering, albeit briefly, what is good about winter. Here's what I came up with ...
1. no yardwork -- unless you count shoveling
2. you can make your own parking space -- if there's room
3. cute hats to conceal crazy hair -- and we've definitely got some crazy hair!
4. snowflakes -- aren't they fascinating???
This here snowflake landed on Little Blondie's coat while he was in the Target shopping cart. "Look," Buddy exclaimed ... "It's just like the ones you make!" {I enjoy making paper snowflakes with the kids.}
Of course sledding and other outdoor activities are fun too ... provided it is relatively warm outside -- like 30 degrees at least for this wimpy mama. Okay ... maybe 28.

What do you find redeeming about winter???

a little hat-making

It was "crazy hat night" again at Awana. Every year, it seems that one of my kids ends up with a hat that obscures their vision ...
Halo's first design plan failed and so she resorted to a gift bag adorned with crepe paper ...
I got in on the action too. I just can't resist paper and scissors ...

a little 35!!!

Happy Birthday, Mommy! This post is a little dated as this birthday was in 2010 ... several weeks back ... but you all know how December is ... insane. Anyway, I still wanted to share the birthday banners my kids made me :) I can't believe I'm thirty-five now ... I'm growing up so fast! It was a happy day ... it began with breakfast prepared by Halo and ended at my parents' place for supper. A blessed day :) I just love Little Blondie's sweet expression here ...