Our Christmas Review...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

We started the season off with the traditional Winter Park Parade. We had a fun time with Nana (Papa had a golf game scheduled :-) ), Brett, Jenny, and the boys. It was rainy and cold when we arrived, but it stopped in time for the start of the parade.





It's beginning to look (not so much) like Christmas...

Because of our plans to go to Pa for Christmas, we celebrated with Brett and Jenny a week early. We had a very yummy meal that my parents prepared, opened presents, and had a fun time watching the cousins play. Then, it was time to go home for Cory's surprise to Ellie. She had been asking for months to go camping, so Cory had prepared to set our tent up in the playroom for an indoor camp out (in). All was good, until Cory wakes up at 2 am, with a flu that would last up until a couple days before we left on our trip. With a bottle of Lysol, a ton of bleach, much prayer, and the Lord's goodness, no one else caught it.



Cory recovered and we quickly caught up on getting the van ready, packing for 5, getting Christmas presents ready, etc. We had a nice pre Christmas dinner with mom and dad Anderson. I forgot my camera so all of those pictures are on their camera. By the way, they are in Kentucky as I write, awaiting the arrival of their 10th grandchild. Jason and Casey (Cory's sister) are expecting their first baby. They were expecting him by Christmas, still no baby. Cory claims he is going to be their anniversary present, which would be tomorrow. Please be praying for them as they prepare to meet their little boy. This was a busy year of babies... the twins, Jonas (Cory's brother) and Brandy welcomed Kayleigh on Dec. 18th, and now we look forward to the birth of Lincoln Neil.


Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...


Ok, off to Pa we go.... We traveled to go see my grandma this year. She is 85 years old and is now having dialysis treatment 3 days a week. She was very thankful for the visit and we were so thankful to have the time with her. Ellie told us, a couple of times, that her favorite part of the trip was seeing Grandma Great.

It didn't snow much, but Ellie was quite content with the little snow that did fall. She made her, much anticipated, snow angel as soon as we went outside. We took her snow tubing at a resort in my grandma's town. We had so much fun! I was wondering if she would be scared, because the tubes were going down so fast and the slope is much steeper than it appears in the picture. Nope, she laughed the whole way down and when we reached the bottom she said, "That was fun, can we go again." The girl has no fear when it comes to adventure.







Deck the Halls...

Ellie and I decorated a gingerbread house for our table centerpiece...





Merry Christmas!

We enjoyed Christmas Eve service at my grandma's church. Then, we woke up Christmas morning, read the Christmas story, enjoyed opening presents and spending time with all the relatives.









We're back and I'm excited about getting back in the routine. We are going out tonight as a family for New Year's Eve. I will post pictures soon.... Happy New Year everyone!

Better late than never?

This is a very late response to my friend Brittani's tag... these are quite random, as to try not to repeat from answers that at least 10 other friends have filled out.

15 things I'm not afraid to admit (15 things you may not know about me)....

1. My most favorite thing to do is spend time with Cory. I throw a little fit when he leaves for work :-) and I can't wait for him to come back home.

2. I absolutely love "staying home" with my 3 girls!

3. I love rocking chairs! I always want to "steal" the chair that rocks when I am at my home... or anywhere really :-) It is for this reason that I have been afraid of rocking my babies... too much.

4 I am really working on finding sales or just not making purchases that aren't necessary. This is something I haven't always been consistent at doing.

5. I have a hard time falling asleep without Cory. Ha! I guess that would be good thing. This is fresh on my mind since he is away for the weekend.

6. I get frustrated between the hours of 6-7:30ish p.m. (waiting for Cory to get home, babies are fussy, trying to cook, Ellie starting to get tired, etc.)

7. I still love to sleep in, but it very rarely happens.

8. I drive a mini van- and I love it!

9. I almost always change into PJ's when I get home. I have a hard time being comfortable otherwise.

10. I usually stay up way too late at night. This is the only time that I have to read, spend time with Cory (alone), "me" stuff, think, breathe...

11. I am not a pet person-I never really have been. I agree with Amber, " I am Dump truck, I'm disgusting" Our poor kids, no pets.

12. If I don't write it down on a "To Do" list, it is most likely forgotten.

13. If it weren't so expensive and probably unstable, I would travel all the time (with my family of course).

14. I get really annoyed with the, "Mom, find me" game. Especially when it involves destroying my bed after it has already been made. Yes, this just happened.

15. I think this is the first time I have fully completed one of these surveys.

Happy Friday everyone!! Before you go... check out the poll to the left!!

Celebrations and Picnics!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!




My parents celebrated their 42nd Anniversary on November 12th. They celebrated together earlier in the week. Then, my dad (all on his own :-)) planned a family night on their anniversary, as a surprise to my mom. We had such a sweet time with them. These two have been such a great example to Cory and I in our own marriage. We love you Mom and Dad!

Fast forward to today...

Ellie's preschool had a Thanksgiving picnic. They moved it inside because of the cold weather. Ok... I hear you northerners laughing :-) Ellie was so excited to have me at her school to have lunch. She also thought it was so fun to have lunch with her friends. Here are a few pictures (including one with Miss Sarah).




Oh when, oh when... will I ever get a good picture? When we arrived home (after the picnic), I tried to take pictures of the girls. We have one of Ellie smiling and one of Ava and Claire smiling... and a bunch that well... Argh! Now.... for fun, let's play a game, which one is Ava and which one is Claire? No cheating, Cory!





Ava and Claire are 6 months old now. I suppose I will do a separate post on them soon!

Take a few minutes to watch this short movie...

A reminder for me to pray daily for our nation and our leaders...

Album of Casey's shower



Make a Smilebox photobook

Movie Night

Last night was movie night! This is something I am going to attempt to do weekly. This gives us a chance to do something at home as a family, and helps me involve Ellie in the kitchen and shopping. The little girls were a bit fussy during the movie, so I can't really give you a review. Speaking of which, please pray for Ava and Claire... they both have pretty nasty colds. Ellie and I did enjoy cooking together. I look forward to more of these fun days.

Our first pick, the new Tinkerbell Movie!




We made Lost Boys Stew (Chili), green Tinkerbell pudding (pistachio pudding), and pixie dust cupcakes. Ellie really wanted pink cupcakes :-) Such a treat for her because we very rarely make sweets here :-)

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Happy Friday, everyone! I don't know about you, but I always look forward to it!

Our Trip to Kentucky...

On Friday, Grammie (my amazing mother in law), Ava, Claire, and I loaded up our bags and headed to the airport for our trip to Casey and Jason's place. I have to throw in a little story here. When we were checking in at the airport, we noticed that our seats were separated, so we quickly asked if they could seat us together. After we thought we had all of that settled, we were told that the seats we were given did not hold enough oxygen masks for the 4 of us. They told us to go ahead on the plane and they would work it out. Now imagine this, we were one of the last ones on so, of course, the whole airplane appears to be given us one of those "oh my goodness...this should be great...2 babies to scream" looks. Are you getting the picture, yet? As if my face wasn't already bright red (from all of the attention this was causing) we were met at our seats, and the lady from the gate was explaining (for about 2 mins) that it would be o.k. to sit there. By this point I was just afraid to even look at the lady sitting next to us at the window....and would you know....that she looked at me with this big smile and said, " I have triplets!" Haha...how funny is that? The girls did great on their first flight!

Alright, so we arrive in Indiana and head out for our 2 hour drive to Louisville to set up for...

Casey's Baby Shower

We had a great time celebrating the upcoming arrival of Lincoln with Casey (Cory's sister) and Jason. They are so excited to meet this little guy and I am so excited for them. I had a wonderful time getting to know their sweet friends and family. What a great day! I love you guys! I can't wait to meet little Lincoln soon! Here are a few pics from the event!







While we were away, Cory and Ellie were having fun on their own. On Friday they went to Trunk or Treat at the church that her preschool is held. After that they met up with my parents for dinner and then they were joined by the cousins. Apparently, the Gator cheerleader outfit gained her a lot of attention. There was even a trunk decorated with Gator stuff. Here are a couple of pictures of their fun together!

"I am a Wife"

Ellie came running into the kitchen this morning donning this lovely outfit. When I asked her what in the world she was wearing, she says, "I am a wife". Really?! That makes for some encouraging words in the morning for a stay at home mom. After leaving for a few minutes, she came back with the next outfit and says, "I am Parrah, that is Barbie in Spanish, like Africa." What!? Apparently she heard Cory and I talking about Africa yesterday and I am going to choose not to interpret the rest of her silliness from this morning. Oh! I love this 3 year old girl.

On to what I had planned to blog today...

For a few months now I have been reevaluating things ( my role as a mom and wife, love and compassion for people, where "our" money is going, my place in the world, what matters for eternity, you name it...) Yesterday I was really having a battle with the Lord over my capabilities in ministry. I tend to get these ideas in my head of the way I should do things and if I can't see myself doing them the way others do, I just throw out the whole idea. Somewhere along the line, I have created this insecurity that has been really numbing. Last night I took over Ellie's story time for Cory while he was at his small group. They are reading through a children's Bible and the marker was on "Moses and the Burning Bush."(Exodus 3&4) Because of Moses' doubt in himself, he asked the Lord to send someone else to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The Lord said to him, Who gave man his mouth? Who gives him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Hmm... I don't think it was just coincidence that it was my turn to read the story.

Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Just some of my thoughts on what I am learning....

Thursday in the Kitchen...

Ellie and I had a fun morning doing some activities from her preschool books. We had a cooking lesson making donuts out of biscuits. I am really starting to appreciate this age that she is at. We have so much fun together! It is really nice when your children realize that they will have more fun when they begin to listen to you.

We also practiced making these little treats (below) for an upcoming family baby shower. So Yummy and so Easy! Mmm... it gets me in the mood for fall.... even if it is still in the high 80's here.

Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Unwrap Rolos. Place pretzels on baking sheet. Top with Rolos.



Bake 3-5 mins. until the chocolate just begins to melt.

Remove from oven, place on cooking rack. Squish in a nut (almonds, walnuts, pecans)



Allow time for chocolate to harden and Enjoy!



Why didn't I post pictures of the "littles" yesterday? This is what I come up with just about every time I try to take a picture. Ellie just cracked me up with her frustration over her sisters not holding still. Look at this cuteness!

Ellie-isms

Because I haven't taken the time to write memories for her...

~ You wake up every morning ready for a new adventure. You ask me everyday, "What's today? Are we going to dance class, or preschool, or grammie's house, or Nana's house..." And list every other person we know.
~ Almost every time we get in the car you ask to listen to the "Bible story songs".
~ You are such a sweet sister. I often hear you telling them, "I know... it's o.k. sister... mommy's going to feed you." When it is time for them to take a bath, you have made it your job to set out the towels, soap, lotion, etc. You transitioned very well into your big sister role.
~ You love to learn. Doing "preschool" with mom is on the top of your list of things to do. You are often heard back in your room reading books out LOUD. You can write your name now and do a very good job at it. You have a love for puzzles, and put together 45 piece puzzles without a challenge. You are quite artsy with your coloring and drawings.
~ You are pretty shy when we are out in public (church, out with friends, etc). You can't wait to get somewhere but you have assess your surroundings before you are comfortable with them.
~ When you are offered a food you don't like, you very nicely say, "I don't love it." With a face that says, I really hate this.
~ You have a fear of putting your feet in the sink. When mommy puts you up on the counter to do your hair, you say, "I never, ever want to put my feet in the sink."
~ You just switched over to calling your daddy and I, "Mom and Dad". I have to say this makes me kind of sad. You have really grown up on me overnight it seems.
~ Speaking of which, you find it really funny to tease mommy by saying, "I'mmm.... getting biggerrr!"
~ You have such love for your daddy. You love to spend time with him. You ask me throughout the day what he doing while he is away at work. Every night you two have a routine of racing from the living room to the bathroom (to brush your teeth). Mommy has the job of saying "on your mark, get set, GO!" I love hearing your giggle while daddy is helping you get ready. You end the day by having a special time together at bed time reading your Bible.
~ You have a love for your family and relatives. You often ask about family members, even the ones that we haven't seen in a while. You are also thoughtful of your friends. When we are in the store you usually ask if we can buy something for Abbie or another one of your friends.
~ You look forward to going to church. When we ask you what you did in class you reply, "learned about Jesus."
~ You love to dance! This is your second year in ballet and tap. You have really come out of your shell this year. It has been a lot of fun watching you with the other little ballerinas.
~ You started going to 3 year old preschool this year. You are really enjoying getting to know your friends there. There are 9 kids in your class and you have memorized all of their names.
~ You have been a dream come true for your daddy and I.
~ You never allow a day to become boring.
~ One of our little games is to say, "III... looovvve...YOU!....

I love you little miss Ellie! It has been an amazing 3 (almost 4) years with you!

A little of this and a little of that (last week's happenings)

Last Sunday "the girls" (I could write a whole other post on that phrase) had a little shower for our lifetime friend, Kris! She and her husband our expecting their first little one in December. I could not be more excited for them and I can't wait to meet baby Noah! Unfortunately, I didn't get the pictures that I had planned on taking but here are a few of the decorations.
Kris, I love you, and here's to a quick last couple months!

Brandi, I had such fun running around with you. Thank you for teaching me how to make diaper cakes. Isn't she great?!




Randomness from last week:

Here's a little fun project idea that Ellie and I worked on. Such a great way to "recycle" broken crayons.

Step 1: Take the wrapper off of the broken crayons.
Step 2: Line a muffin-tin compartment with at least 3 paper liners (so that melting crayons will not seep through).
Step 3: Have children place crayons in the liners, about 2/3 full. Bake the crayons at 350 for about 10 mins.
Step 4: Children can enjoy their new circular crayons. Math/Science lesson: that liquids take the shape of their container, how heat causes change. :-) How's that for nerdy? If one is going to homeschool, they have to get used to it at some point.

Ellie wrote her name... not so easy with these crayons.




Don't you love when a 3 year olds state the obvious. The other day I overheard Ellie and Cory playing... she said, " Daddy you have pillows all over you." Hmmm.... how did those get there?



I will leave you with a twin blog debut... They are R-O-L-L-I-N-G over!! Usually that would make a momma happy, but that means crawling is next! Yikes! Here's some pics, not the best, but hey...






Until next time....