Third Pillar of Islam

My son never lets me down. He is more interesting than anyone I have ever met. We went to Target today. After we payed I pulled out a dollar bill for him to put in the tin box in front of the store. You know-the people who ask you "How you doin' today?" every time you leave Safeway or Target. I asked Ryan if he knew why we give the dollar. He looked at me with a silly Ryan face. I asked "Do you know what the money is for?" and he said "The Third Pillar of Islam?" I laughed. This seemed like such a cute and funny answer. I asked him what the heck he meant. He said "alms". So I looked it up when I got home. Who is laughing now? If you don't know what it is, look it up. This boy has so many levels. Peeling the onion, indeed.

Michele said I had to post this

When Em was little she went to a birthday party for her friend Leila (a Princess dress up party, of course). The "goodie bag" was awesome: a cute kid's cookbook which we started to use right away. One of our favorite recipes was for "nibble sticks"-a dough-ish cheesy, hot dog thing. Unfortunately, Leila's mother passed away about a year after she gave all the birthday guests this book. Every time we use it I am reminded of her- in a happy way. Now my kids are old enough to actually make the nibble sticks on their own. Michele said I had to take pictures and put 'em here-so here they are!

Here's to a better year in 2009-Tea Time

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!