Christmas Letter 2007

Well, it seems to me, after perusing my own blog, that my life is really quite boring. I don't have amazing travelling adventures or an overly cynical viewpoint on life. I don't spend too much time kevetching about things going on around here (and that makes for interesting reading).

But, to tell you the truth, to live this mundane life is fabulous. I have a wonderful hubby who brings home the bacon so I don't have to go to a job every day. There are 3 amazing children in my home who make me belly laugh at least once daily and who snuggle at the slightest whim. And, if all of that isn't good enough, I get to homeschool my children and sit in awe of them as they grow and learn.

So, how was my 2007? Similar to 2006 and probably pretty close to what 2008 will bring but absolutely joyful!

For those of you who like the details, I will say that the bakery is going along quite well. Hubby has 2 full time employees (a baker and a decorator) that allow him all kinds of time away from the shop. And that is great for me! We love having him home more and more. He's also figured out some ways to make money in the stock market and he just loves crunching the numbers and doing the stats so he's happy, too...except when the market does something it's not supposed to do. And it's been doing quite a bit of that this year. However, I told him that if he gets an ulcer, he earned it and I won't feel too sorry for him!

As for the kiddos, they are everchanging. Bug started kindergarten this year and it reading like a pro but his handwriting is atrocious. We're going to start hitting that a bit harder 2nd semester! He goes to a public school program designed for homeschoolers one day a week and he just loves it, being his mother's social child! I'm not sure he has a favorite subject because, so far, he just enjoys everything. And I like the day "off" of teaching.

Peanut is 3 1/2 and a homebody. She is most certainly her father's daughter. I love to watch her because she plays contentedly alone and has the best of times. But she hates the days Bug is gone to school. He is her very best friend and she can hardly stand for him to be gone so long. Of course, when he's here they fight and bicker then quickly make up again to go on to the next fun thing to play. Thankfully, I stay out of most of those fights.

And little Kiki is a dollbaby. She is loved by her brother and her sister but especially her Papa. There is just something between Kiki and her daddy that I cannot explain but they love each other. It is so precious to watch. I'd like to say she's growing like a weed but she's tiny despite the fact that I try oh, so hard to fatten her up.

And so was our family in 2007. I do pray that God blesses your families the way he has blessed ours. We are thankful to Him for what He has given us and we certainly do not deserve it.

Gingerbread House Time, Again...

Every year, as is our family tradition, I march the troops to the Bakery and we decorate a gingerbread house. This year was no exception. Each child got a side and this mama got the front. Needless to say, I loaded up my sid with all kinds of chocolates and I fully intend to eat them all! Papa did the hard work helping while I took the photos. Someday our house will be decorated with lovely aplumb but right now it's just fun for them to slap the candies on the house.




Every year, as is our family tradition, I march the troops to the Bakery and we decorate a gingerbread house. This year was no exception. Each child got a side and this mama got the front. Needless to say, I loaded up my sid with all kinds of chocolates and I fully intend to eat them all! Papa did the hard work helping while I took the photos. I love having a papa around!

Sledding--

We have the perfect sledding hill very close to our house that our kids love. And I mean they LOVE it! As soon as they see the first lonely snowflake come out of the clouds, they don their winter coats in anticipation of sledding on that hill. They'll try to walk around all day in their snow boots just to remind me that they want to sled.

Finally, their chance came and Bug cried like a baby while Peanut trooped up the hill with sled in tow for every run. Thankfully, we'll have more snow so he can prove that he really is a man...I hope.

Straight No Chaser

I seriously love this. I love this. I've listened to it so many times and it's truly hilarious! Remember how great the eBay link was? Well, this is better! You MUST watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Quick Christmas Photos

It's been way too long....

Well, since it's been so long I hardly know what to say. Kiki has turned 1 year old and I have 2 torturous months of pregnancy left. Homeschooling is wonderful and I am really loving it. It's just so much fun to actively watch my children learn new things. On Wednesday next I get to scrapbook and I've ordered and organized my photos for that. Hubby has the new car itch (and he really does need a new car) so any day now I'm expecting him to show up driving something I've never laid eyes on before. Yes, he does that. He up and buys cars and then brings them home. Thankfully, he has impeccable taste.



Now, does anyone want to come and clean my kitchen cabinet doors? That is my next looming project.



Here are some mostly-up-to-date photos for your viewing pleasure. For those of you who have spent any time at our house, you will recognize the front yard where that stag is lounging. Truly, it was amazing to be so close to it!