Snowy wonderland

Wednesday morning we woke up to lots and lots of snow. It had started to snow Tuesday and didn't stop until yesterday evening. We ate breakfast to "let it snow, let it snow", and "Slay bells ring, are you listening...", (oh wait, are those two the same song?) anyway, Mike took full advantage of the white stuff. He is such an awesome Dad, he walked the kids to school pulling them on the sled. The sled was a BIG hit on the playground!

The tramp was ladened with snow!

It's so nice to have a good warm home to stay in when Mother Nature plays her April Fool's jokes all month long.

Happy Easter!

Getting one good picture of all our children is hard work especially at 8:30 a.m. I jumped in the shower while everyone was still sleeping and Mike had gone off to meetings. Charlie woke up first when he couldn't find my hair to pull no doubt. Then when he couldn't get into the bathroom to be with me, he woke up the rest of the kids. They all decided to sample as much of the candy left in their Easter baskets before mom could put a stop to that and feed them breakfast. Charlie was definitely on a sugar high, high, high! His new phrase is "after dinner" This goes for everything! for example, we went to the store and he spotted some motorcycles, he says "mom, lets go ride that motorcycle." I say "we can't Charlie, it's not our motorcycle" he says "after dinner mom! After dinner".
Sugar is sweet, but I think my children are sweeter. I do love them so, and I am so grateful for each one of them. What a wonderful weekend to celebrate with them the resurrection of our Savior. It was pretty low key and relaxed with a little extra sugar.


Such pretty girls. Eliza isn't very photogenic at all, what a ham



The boys got new matching easter ties. They look so handsome, I just love those two boys!


Isaac poured his own bowl of cereal... the cheerios came out a little too fast, they were all over the chair and floor. He and I shared a good laugh and lots of cheerios!
Charlie is my little Maestro, he loves to listen to music! Especially when it's just like the big kids on his " I pot "

Peas & Carrots

! I love a good prank or joke! So naturally, I LOVE April Fools Day. This year, I cut up and shaped orange tootsie rolls and added all the green balls from the Sixlets package. It looked so real! The kids loved it and have asked if I will do it every night, then asked if I'll do it again next year. I wish I had a better picture of the looks on their faces. , Peas and carrots, PRICELESS!

New

We recently did a lot of homework in an effort to downsize my laundry time. I'm shocked at what these newer machines can do.... however, they still can't fold and put away the laundry. New machines also make doing laundry a little more fun. Big boxes are still a hit! we are going on two weeks with these boxes, they are GREAT fun for my kids!

Lucky Day

It must have been our lucky day, this is the first all together family photo in about two years. Talk about a happy St. Patrick's Day

Wii are a happy family

Wii had a great weekend with Aunt Anne. Mike's aunt from Connecticut came out on Thursday for the weekend to play. Boy howdy, did we play!
Friday we spent some time with the kids before school and at lunch then she took Eliza and Isaac to swim (at the hotel pool)
Friday night we (Gina and adults) went out to a real authentic Montana restaurant Pine Creek Cafe the food was incredibly good and the live music was excellent!
Saturday Mike and the girls went up to Bridger to ski and board with Anne. Everyone went back to the pool later in the afternoon and the adults had a late dinner out.
Sunday we all went to church while Anne did her own thing... meeting up for lunch. Anne came in the house with her arms ladened with bags. She brought lunch and entertainment. She and Gram decided that we needed a Wii, so after a quick lunch, we set it up and played and played and played! Oh what fun, wii are so for Gram and Anne's generosity. Spring break will be a week of golf, tennis, and bowling tournaments.

before & after

So this week, we have been doing something new.... we're calling it a financial fast. For one week, we are fasting from spending, we won't spend a penny for 7 days. It's been a very rewarding experience! I feel amazingly relaxed and peaceful. It's almost as if going to the store or spending money makes me feel worked up and crazy. I enjoy the feeling of organization and calm. I'm not worried about what's for dinner, or more importantly, what I have to run to the store to get... a great experience I highly recommend to everyone.
Naturally, since we're not spending any money, a few situations have gotten too hairy. ( Mike, Isaac, and Charlie to be specific )
So on Saturday, I put on the Barbers hat, pulled out the clippers and scissors, and went to work. Whew! there were no tears and Mike even kissed me afterwards. I must admit, I enjoyed doing it.