Treasure Hunt

Wii decided that this years' present would be a Wii. There wasn't a lot else under the tree, and we wanted it to be a memorable occasion, so we did a treasure hunt.

The last present under the tree had an envelope inside. The rest ensued as followed...

As you've opened this gift you thought you were done.

But there's one more surprise here for every one.

You need to earn the parts to know what to do,

Just keep on task to earn your next clue.

You'll go on a hunt, up, down and all around,

But don't open the gifts, leave them as they are found.

The first task is simple, we know you will win.

Pick up all of this paper and take it out to the bin.

You've found the first part,OH!!! but don't get to hasty.

To find your next clue, make some food that is tasty!

While breakfast is cooking, you need something to do.

When you open the closet, can you see even one shoe?

Hang the coats, stuff the shoes, keep all the boots stowin'

When you are all done open the boot of Rowan. (Rowan is our mini)

PJ's pillows and blankets so neat,

Gifts from your grandma are always a treat.

Write a letter of thanks, meant to inspire.

When your cards are all done, look where there is fire.

You've completed your duties, you are alomst done.

Just open each present and get ready for fun!

Quilting

Several months ago, Lisa and I decided that we were going to start quilting. We got started with the church quilt group on one design, and then went and started on our own designs as well. On December 23, we both finally finished our first full quilts. I wrapped this one up for David. It is going to be his "Snuggle on the couch watching TV" quilt. Lisa made hers for Keven, her hubby, to deploy with. They are both Patriotic, and obciously a different pattern. I think it is so cool that they turned out so nicely.

Christmas Eve with the Hollisters

Dave and I decided last year, that because we have to do so much driving to get Reiley to see his mom for visitation, that we just don't want to travel any more. It is hard for our van, and our kids. We also thought that it would be nice to have our house to ourselves for Christmas, but would also like to be with our extended family...so last year we met in burlington...it is a little less than half-way for us (a little more for my family) at Chuck-E-Cheese. The kids have a blast, as do their parents. We get fed, and there is barely anyone there, so we totally get to spread out.

Great Grandma Muriel got all the kids a guitar. Can you tell they are excited!

This is the adults after the present unvailing, checking out their stuff.

Before opening...see how we took up two whole table spreads

This is the kids putting on a show. Aren't they cute!

Drum Roll Please!!!

166. That is the number of shoes you will find in this picture if you look close enough. That is right...I am so popular that I got 83 people to leave their warm homes to venture in the snow and ice over to our home on Friday eveing for our christmas gathering.

I will post some more pictures and details soon!

Feeling faint!

We have been going through the crud in our home. Amira had it on Sunday, I had it yesterday, Dave, Arami and Reiley had it today. Maybe Maira will get lucky and skip it...anyways...Dave felt like taking a bath today. He thought it might help him feel better. Not so sure.

I was talking to a friend on the phone and he came and laid his head on my lap. I pointed out a new scratch that he had under his eye, then I noticed one on his nose and a goose egg on his forehead. Then he showed me how he split the inside of his lip from his teeth.

He remembers starting to stand up and feeling dizzy, so he sat back down, then, feeling it had passed got up again. The next thing he remebers is hearing a huge THUD, and thinking, "wow, this is a vivid dream, I can even feel it...it hurts" then he opened his eyes and noticed he was bleeding.

My poor husband totally fainted in the bath! I am sure that he is going to have a black eye in the morning, so don't believe him when he tells you the kids attacked him!

Thankful List

After reading a friends blog, I have decided to (finally) do a thankful list.

There are many many things in my life for which I am thankful, and I am sure that I will not mention them all here, but this is at least a start.

1. I am thankful for my husband. He is the most caring, compassionate, fun, loving man in the world. He loves me unconditionally, and supports me to be a better person. He definately fills in the gaps at home. He is always willing to help anybody in need and is the best dad in the world, just ask our kids. I am the most blessed woman on earth to have him and I feel so lucky that he feels the same about me.

2. My kids of course. I have four wonderful, loving children. Reiley is so kind and compassionate, always ready and willing to offer a helping hand. He has the most tender heart. Maira is such a nurturing soul. She is the one to call when you need a "mother hen". She is artistic, creative, and most of all, enthusiastic. She also has a very clear image of what is wrong and right (in her view at least). Arami is my snuggle bug. To quote her this morning at 4am, "Daddy, can I snuggle with you, I want to snuggle but Maira is asleep?" How do you say no to that? She is inquisitive and loving. She is one of the most engaging persons i have ever known. For such a small person, she has a huge spirit. Amira is the sweetest one year old in the world. She is always ready to give a hug and a kiss (just ask any baby smaller than her). She is funny and energetic. She loves to read and dance. I can't wait for her to talk, so that she can express herself even more. I love them all so much for different reasons and feel so blessed that I get to take care of them while they are here.

3. Adding on to the previous...I am thankful to not have to work outside of my home, and because of that I get to homeschool my kids. It is so gratifying to see the things that they are learning and to be such an integral part of that.

4. I am thankful to live in the most beautiful part of the world. Oak Harbor has the best of everything...nature, quant small town life, it is secluded yet close enough to big civilization.

5. I am thankful for my family and friends.

6. I am thankful for my body, and how it serves me. I am healthy, I can do whatever I want with it. I can taste, smell, see, hear, feel.

I really could go on and on, and maybe at some point, I will continue with more things, but I feel like, just as the original post by my friend stated, this is the season we should be paying more time and attention being grateful for what we have instead of being wistful for what we don't.

Family Portraits

We had some portraits taken by some friends of ours from church. Aren't they great!