Snowman

We LOVE our snowman! The girls went hiking through the woods behind the house to find some arms. The other pieces are part of a kit SANTA brought Mackenzie last Christmas, we've just never had enough SNOW to use the buttons, eyes, carrot nose, etc. Scott prayed for a foot of snow, so we got a good 5-6" instead of the 1-3" that were predicted at bedtime last night. Yea!

Frosty

Here's our miniature version of FROSTY the snowman.

After a few trips outside to play and sled, we were quite cold and ready to warm up,

but the boys managed to build a snowman for the girls to decorate. We weren't expecting enough snow to build a snowman, so we're just tickled to finally get the chance.

Truelove Trio

We had to get a picture of the kids in front of the blue cedar we planted the other fall. It's a

beautiful tree that reminds us of the NC mountains, especially now that it's covered in SNOW! Eric opened all the curtains and blinds first thing this morning, then turned on the floodlights, so when the kids woke up, they saw the snowfall and came running into our bedroom to tell us... "It's a blizzard outside!" Scott yelled. I managed to keep the kids inside until a little before 8am... a major feat considering their excitement. The kids squealed with delight while playing in the snow. What a fun day!

Snow in NC

Luckily Scott just took a picture of us instead of a video, as we both fell while trying to climb up this hill for the picture. We're SO excited to have a snow day... playing in the snow, afternoon naps, sledding, hot chocolate, fun and games. Even made some snow cream and built our first snow man. The falling snow was a beautiful sight. Our NC favorite is watching a bright red cardinal sit on snow covered branches. We even woke up to 7 deer standing in our backyard during the snowfall this morning... what a sight!

Our little ARTIST

Caroline's classmates call her an artist because she's always drawing, coloring and painting. She does a great job and really enjoyed her latest project.

Craft time

Mackenzie was pleased with the plate she painted. She LOVES to paint!

Pretty in Pink

Caroline looked so pretty when she dressed up to join Mackenzie's dance class this week. It was "Bring a Friend" to class day, so Caroline got to dance along since she's tracked out. She really enjoyed herself. She loves to dance and sing!

Basketball season begins

Scott's enjoying basketball this season, especially since he's on the Wolfpack team. His first game was a good start. Scott plays good defense, had a good block tonight, sets screens so teammates can dribble to the basket, he hustles and is a good team player. He's learned his position and plays in his zone. He bounces around a lot too. It's fun to watch him learn the sport.

Caroline in Camoflauge

Yes, that's little Caroline on her 1st hunting trip with daddy.

They spent Friday afternoon duck hunting together. She LOVED it!

Daddy-daughter time at it's best.

Kids Art

We had a warm day, so the kids and I started cleaning/organizing the attic so we can

get our Christmas decorations put back in there. I decided to take pictures of the kids

artwork so we don't have to store all their pictures in my attic. They're great artists and I've

framed some of their work to hang in the bonus room, but figured this would be a good way to enjoy the artwork long term without making clutter. Hope you enjoy this decluttering tip. Anyhow, this is a picture Caroline drew and colored with dots.

Duck, Duck, Goose

First duck hunt of the new year was a success. Check out the beaver hut behind Scott that is responsible for creating this swampland. The guys were up and out at 5am, ready for the ducks to fly in. Scott was ready to shoot his first duck and use his new youth shotgun. The gun is a little heavy for him, so he wasn't able to get it up and aimed before the ducks flew away, but Eric shot one woodduck before packing up to get Scott to Primary Activity day at church. The girls watched Eric clean the duck... Caroline really likes to observe. I think she'd make a good doctor. Anyhow, the kids ate up the duck and rabbit Eric prepared for dinner tonight: a wild game feast. We had canned green beans from the garden and boiled potatoes (also from the garden). We're excited that IF we had to rely on our own efforts for food, we could grow and/or hunt to provide for our needs. I owe my competence to parents who taught me to plant, weed and harvest a garden, as well as prepare (can/freeze) the produce. It takes so much time and effort to garden and especially freeze/can food, but we make the efforts so our kids can learn to work and become self-reliant. My mom said as much as I complained about gardening as a teen, she was quite surprised when I started my own vegetable garden as an adult. So far, my kids don't complain too much about the time and work, but I hope I can be tough and keep up the gardening when they're teens and complaining constantly. It builds character, I can testify to that. As a matter of fact, I worked so hard as a teen, that the work I do as a mother seems second nature. What a blessing! I remember the first dumptruck load of mulch Eric and I had delivered to the yard of our 1st home. We were spreading mulch for over an hour when Eric asked if I needed to take a break. I was in shock. I wouldn't even think about taking a break until the work was done... that's how I was raised. All those years of laboring alongside my dad on family projects, I was never asked if I needed a break. So, of course, I told Eric I didn't need a break because I really didn't need a break... endurance. I hope we can all press on in our duties, building spiritual/emotional/physical strength, so we can endure life's challenges well and even find joy in the journey.

Future Pizza Makers of America

So... Caroline's 1st career ambition was to become a pizza maker, which is why I had to get this picture of her making pizza dough for the 1st time. I made pizza calzones and she was SO excited to learn to knead dough. It's not something I do often, but hope to do more now that I have some children who enjoy the results of my time and efforts. Most recently, Caroline talked about being a lunch lady when she grows up. Funny how as a mom, we can wear so many hats: from pizza maker to lunch lady, nurse to therapist, educator and CEO. No wonder moms are exhausted! These busy days will pass too quickly, so I hope we can cherish these days and find joy in the work.

Planet Earth

Look what I made! My kids are so proud of me for drawing and sewing planet earth. I impressed myself at pulling it together with little time and effort. Mother would be pleased that her efforts to teach me to sew are actually coming in handy from time to time. I appreciate her efforts to teach me life skills. I realize now how much time and effort and patience it requires. Little Caroline wants me to teach her to sew this year. We made a small pocketbook last year, but I think she wants to do a more involved project with her now. I'm a little intimidated at the task, as it's not my forte, but I'm sure it will benefit her and I'm glad she's eager to learn.

Happy New Year

The girls loved the new year head bands their Aunt Lynda had for the annual New Year's Bash.
The adults stayed up late snacking, playing games, chatting and trying out karaoke. Most of the children played at the Simpsons with their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It was a late night. Our 3 children stayed up to see the ball drop. We were surprised! Hope you've set goals for the New Year to worked towards in the coming year.