Here Comes Another One

Wow, didn't do so great on my 2013 resolutions that I had planned. It's crazy, and sad, how time gets away from us. I so want to feel more productive this year and not have regrets of wasting the time that is given to me. Three words came to mind when thinking of what I want this next year to be like: purposeful, patient, and present. There are many things I would like to implement or accomplish (from last year!) ~ PURPOSEFUL. I need to learn how to be more patient with others, mostly my family ~ PATIENT. Doing these two things will help me feel more present in my life and enjoy what I have right now ~ PRESENT. I am grateful for what has been given to me and look forward to what is in store this coming year! Happy New Year!

Psalm 118:24 ~ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

December so far....

Cool guy dental check-up

Last nice fall-like day

Tree aglow

Working men warming by the fire

Gingerbread Party with co-op

Shooting at Bass Pro

Crying baby Santa visit

Santa got up out of his chair and brought the girls (13 & 10) in for this pic. They were so embarrassed. It was great!

First winter snow/ice (18*)

Lights at Rhema

Papa's Farmers-In-Training

A Night Out With the Smalls

This was our first time eating out with the two youngest, and they were a hoot! We celebrated DrH's birthday and baby girl received a new doll from Nana, the first of many I hope. I sure miss that stage with the older girls. We ate at Caz's Chowhouse (yum!) and then stopped by Mod's for gelato and coffee.

First baby for her ~ thanks Nana!

He wanted his picture taken EVERYWHERE

Again

Again

And again

Mod's sits next to the Philcade Building (era 1930s) and we were able to dine in there. Little man wanted to explore.

Happy Thanksgiving ~ 2013

Photo Credit: bing.com/images

Last year on Thanksgiving Day we were at the hospital welcoming our newest baby girl. This year we are looking forward to enjoying that wonderful meal we missed out on. Wishing you a wonderful time with friends and family today!

Fall (and Spring!) Window Cleaning

This is the time of year I like to get the outside of our windows cleaned ~ not too hot and not too cold. I missed all last year due to pregnancy and new baby. We don't really have many trees around our house, but we do get a ton of pollen, and the windows get filmy and cloudy on the outside. My method is simple and quick: newspapers and a water/vinegar mix.

One gallon of warm water plus 1/2 cup of white vinegar is a solution I've used. The newspapers work well with leaving no streaks. Stay away from colored ink, such as the comics section, and note that your hands may get black on them. I also use them for all my glass inside the house. This is the best cleaner I've found.

Don't forget to take the screens off and brush them with a broom or, if you're feeling ambitious, use a rag with soapy water and wash. One more tip: avoid washing windows when the sun is hot and shining. The window cleaner will dry too fast and you will end up with streaking.

Our Garden Spider

Not a spider fan here, but we have enjoyed watching this beautiful one for the last eight or nine weeks on our backyard patio.

She decided to build her web attached to the house and connecting to some bushes close by. Every morning she rebuilds her house. She has been through the heat, a few stormy nights, and now the freeze. We read they usually make it through a couple of frosts, and then they're gone. 

There are two eggs sacks that she has tucked into the bushes and are well protected. They each can have up to 1,000 babies inside. As a girl growing up in the 80s use to say, gross me out! The sacks will weather through winter and come spring should hatch. We'll see. Neat for the kids to watch the process.

Halloween ~ 2013 Edition

Carving pumpkins. We had five total.

First time to carve! Another holiday pic where daddy is in scrubs. I think this happens every year.

Oh yes, so cute 11 months!

Turkey, Dragon, Police Officer

Bee (ignore the teenage attitude!) & Minnie Mouse

Made it home in time to hand out candy

Oldest daughter made this at grandma's

6-year-old's newest best friend at papa's house