Ice Cream, Anyone?

OK, so long overdue, but worth revisiting! Back on December 22, yes, December 22, me and my sweet off spring were settling down nicely into routine when I hear a familiar tune.

It was a tune of sweetness that instantly took me to a more innocent time of my life. The tune that parents do not want to hear on those hot, lazy summer afternoons. The tune that sends children throwing whatever they're playing with and running to mom and/or dad pleading. Yes, that "ice cream truck" tune!

I NEVER heard this in Johnston and had really forgotten the sweet little man who so eagerly drives up and down the street playing the tune that beckons all of us outside for some special ice cream which is delivered right to you. I shook off the euphoric feeling and expressed my childlike excitement to my children, by grabbing them by the hands, poor unsuspecting little ones, and dragging them out the door. All in response to that tune. Snatching my wallet on the way, I quickly explained how the ice cream truck works. They were standing in a whirlwind of confusion as the truck pulled over-oh that sweet tune. They each picked an ice cream treat and they were so happy. We came back into the house to enjoy the ice cream and I was elated to have shared this childhood experience with my children.

I laughed out loud at the fact that it was almost Christmas and it was so warm outside, the ice cream man was still making deliveries. The past three Decembers-in Iowa-I wanted nothing to do with the frigid sweetness of an ice cream treat in December. Good to be home. . .

THE Princess Room

Here we are getting all settled into our new home and adjusting to our new activities. I have to share our first and most impressive update to the home. Alea wanted a pink room, so in one afternoon-before Christmas-that was accomplished. We had discussed painting a castle in her room and I knew just the guy to get that done. Greg's dad is quite artistic and I knew he'd be just the one to to a fantastic job! SO, below is the amazing and breath taking castle created and painted by Gregg on Alea' pink wall. She is really proud of her room and shows it off to anyone and everyone she can-even the neighbor. Thank you Gregg and Cassie for the visit and time spent on Alea's new and improved room-it's more than we all expected.

Alea on her stage (draw bridge) in front of the castle.

Posing in front of the castle.

Benton "helping" his Poppa paint the royal dwelling.

The Clog

Since getting new carpet, my vacuum seemed to have worse and worse performance. I have a bagless and usually I can vacuum the entire house before I have to empty it, so I continued this routine. I noticed that it was getting more and more clogged to the point that I dreaded vacuuming because it wasn't even working. Finally, with screw driver in hand, I took the whole thing apart and MAN the clogsssss that I found. I was discouraged to say the least! It was thick with new carpet fuzz. I got as much as I could out and just knew it was a lost cause. All of a sudden, my sweet, smart little girl said, "I know, I'll get Benton's tools" (they are all plastic). I wish I could have had her enthusiasm, but alas, I was thinking that a new vacuum was sounding like a great Christmas present. I went to change out the laundry and apparently I left the situation in good hands. I heard a lot of plastic hammer on plastic tubing sounds coming from the bedroom and by the time I got back Alea had pulled handfuls of fuzz from the vacuum hose!!! This was working, she is a genius and oh, so patient. Little by little, hit by hit, she got the biggest clog out of the vacuum. THANK YOU ALEA!

Slow progress, but she got it done!

Thank You Sid

Children are creatures of imitation! I saw this clearly after my children watched an episode of "Sid the Science Kid" (PBS Kids) about using a ruler or tape measure to measure distances. They were pleading with me to get them a ruler and tape measure so they could measure stuff. "This is good" I thought, "they are enthusiastic about measuring, how scientific"! I was in my bathroom fixing my hair and was shortly joined by my two little scientists complete with measuring instruments. They proceeded to extremely seriously measure many items in the bathroom, including all of our rears (haha). Who else would have gotten my children excited about measuring anything or the vocabulary associated with measuring? I tip my hat and say, "Thank you, Sid!"

SNOWAYITSNOW

What a shocker to get snow yesterday!! It was beautiful. The kids enjoyed dressing up all warm and heading out to play in the fresh, powdery snow. They acted like they had never seen snow before. Greg and I sat inside and enjoyed listening to all the giggles more than we would have enjoyed bundling up and joining them. Kevin, on the other hand, joined the kids in the romping around-in shorts, a T and flip-flops no less. Brrrr. . .

After the playing we made s'mores over the fire and enjoyed a relaxing day. Greg did finally go out and he and Kevin made a giant snowman which they proceeded to smash. I loved the peace and tranquility fresh fallen snow brings. Honestly though, what I'm enjoying more is a 40 degree day in which all the snow is now melting!! The best of both worlds.

Mmmm. . . it's "snow" good!

Big, beautiful flakes. . .

Lessons in snowball throwing!

Thanksgiving 2009

We enjoyed this Thanksgiving in a BIG way! We left from our home in the morning and returned to our home in the evening: tired, full and happy. We began the morning at Greg's families' house and ended at Callie's house. Two Thanksgiving dinners never hurt anyone ,right? Well, none of us complained but Alea did ask why we had to leave Nana's house to go have dinner at Callie's house. We were surrounded by family and wonderful food all day!

We were also joined by our faithful friend, Kevin. We were so happy he was here with us during this time of celebration! There is so much to be thankful for and I praise God for his faithfulness and blessing this holiday season.

Jon, Greg and Kevin

Thankful for "the game"!

Josiah, Benton and Gideon

Thankful for cousins!

August, Miriam and Alea

Thankful for dress ups!!!

This is the Bestest Popcorn Ever!

Too cute not to share. . .

My niece, August, is here for the afternoon and she came during "rest time". I have computer catching up to do and so I thought a good rest for the girls would be watching Bolt. Alea popped them some popcorn and they laid down on the kids old mattresses to watch the movie.

Conversation starts: August said "That was the best bite of popcorn I ever had", I giggled and said "Good". Two minutes later, "Aunt Erin, you make the most goodest popcorn!", Me "Why, thank you August". Two minutes later, "Aunt Erin, this is the bestest popcorn ever!"

All I can say is "Thank you Act II Butter Lovers for making me the best popcorn maker ever!" I didn't even make the popcorn, Alea did. . .