COOKIE DECORATING!

So every year I swear I am not gonna do it-such a pain to make the special dough, chill the dough, roll it out, push & smack the cutters for 3D cookies...but every year I do it. My mom did it every year & I just feel sad if I think the tradition died when she moved on. I am smart, though. I have been training Emily to do this with me. This year I can honestly say she is 100% trained. We literally had two stations-she made half the cookies completely on her own. Then we all decorated them & watched "White Christmas" of course! "Mandy, there's a minister handy..."

Ryan & Ambee



Erickson & Madison



Crazy Eyes Em & Gnette



The chosen ones-to leave for Santa on Christmas eve, made by Emily. Where did she get her crafty talents, I ask again?

Goodbye to 2008

Not the best year for our family all around-but as I think back on this Christmas time I am trying to put a light on all the really wonderful stuff...and here are some happy pictures to help!

OH good-more electronic SCREENS!




Look at that loot. Santa must be loaded! In more ways than one...




Our adorable new Henry & adorable parents (please note candy cane in little fist)




Too bad our kids have absolutely no hint of personality







Here is to a better & brighter 2009 for everyone. Amen!

Ry guy & the Hen Man chew the fat at Christmas time....

Tree Day '08

This is year two of our beloved Christmas Tree Patch being gone. We went to the new place where they have a gigantic (and old) Santa. It was a bit too sunny, but here are the giant children in front of the Santa....



After we picked out the tree, Billy had to walk across the street to the ATM because they only take cash...the kids waited and enjoyed some free (ha ha) popcorn while the tree guy tied the tree to the car.
Is Ryan's hair red enough or what?



Holly Hippo Days!

Happy Turkey Day

The Feast




Ryan & Elmo




Ken conquers the Potatoes

Crafty Daughter

I am not a crafty person. My grandmother was crafty. Her sister was VERY crafty. My sister Julie is quite crafty. Me? Not so much. So when Emily tells me she needs to go to Joanne's or Michael's to buy craft supplies, I am confused. You need WHAT? Green felt, red felt, yarn, glue gun, wha?? So her daddy took her to Michael's. I guess she knew just what she needed. How does she know these things? I have no idear. She came home & started doin' something. When she was done, I couldn't believe it. Dad couldn't believe it. We don't need our store bought advent candy holder felt thingee this year! Double click on the last picture to see the detail. Maybe it's just cause I am the mommy, but I don't think so. It is beautiful....and she just turned 10. You go, crafty girl!!

My dad hates "buzzard" on Thanksgiving.

In & Out, anyone?

Groovy Birthday to You, man!

The calm before the girl storm. Emily chose mix & match stuff to create a Hippie atmosphere...



During the girl storm: mom's cheese lasagne, garlic bread (yes, the entire loaf) and Sprite, of course!



Gabby & Em at the Hippie Fireside



My little Hippie-10 years old and full of Flower Power!!



The Ice Cream Cake......



Happy Birthday to the best girl in the world, ever. Ever.

Cutest baby 2008

We have the winner..with his groovy dragon!

Emily is TEN years old

When did this happen???

A report by Emily, age 10 (almost)

Current Event:
Barack Obama’s Grandmother Dies
Emily, Nov. 3’08

The day before 2008 election, Barack Obama’s grandmother dies after a long time of putting up with cancer. She died in her apartment in Honolulu. Barack called her Toot since he was little. She had mostly raised him, and helped build his character. Obama’s mother was white, and his father was black so his Grandmother was white. Barack did not collapse when he heard about her dying, but he took it maturely because he had seen her and said good-bye before she left, and he knew that she was going to die soon. This is important because it shows that in a terrible situation, he would not panic, he would take it responsibly and handle it in a calm manner.

A Pretty Good Halloween

Emily & one of her best friends, Gabby, were a big hit at school this morning: not just for being dressed as Mimes, but for acting the Mime thing out all day!





An old friend had the best costume I have seen in a while. Please note name tag: "HELLO My Name is......The Devil"



Then Em & I enjoyed an old fashioned evening of trick or treating-a cloudy sky at dusk, a bit of wind, falling leaves, silly friends and shouts of "Trick or Treat" everywhere. Then the cherry on top was a small crowd of Trick or Treaters at our own door later: just what Ryan had been hoping for.



Could not ask for more.....

Ryan's Phineas & Ferb Halloween Bash

Ryan had worked for weeks creating the atmosphere for his latest party. Many decorations were hand done and the evening was very carefully planned. Here are just a few photos.

Safeway Bag Ghosts!



The animated Front Door Knockinator




Mantel Display (much cooler when all lit up)




WAY too much orange food...



Native American, Speed Racer & Mimely



The Redhead and the Bonehead



And my personal favorite, the Giant Baby Head

MIMELY!

This girl cracks me up. She won't talk for hours at a time, rehearsing for her Halloween Character......

TOUGH JOB.......

But SOMEONE'S gotta do it!! =0)

Patch!

Today was Pumpkin Patch day. I am so glad our kids do not feel like they are too old for our traditions. I know some day they will be like "Mom-REALLY. The Pumpkin Patch???" I enjoyed this trip even a bit more than all the others before, because I know our future trips to the Patch are numbered.

BOO

Henry & My Little Helper

I started the new part time nanny job last week. On Thursday, Em had no school so she was a huge help. She just loves taking care of Henry, and she is already good at it. At the end of the week, I gave her a big tip for all her help. Then we went shopping at her favorite place: Limited Too! It was fun to have time alone with her, and it was also great to get a minute to do something else while she held the baby!