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. . .

Long Awaited Pictures of Our Home For JONI

Our new home. . .

Is that a back porch and backyard??

Why, yes it is. . .

Living room-complete with tile, corner

fireplace, new flat screen TV, small

vaulted ceiling.

Master bedroom-

Master bedroom-that's the big screen
in the corner!

More Pictures of Our New Home

"Alea's" room-they use this as a playroom.

We're going to paint it pink with a princess castle!

Nice NEW CARPET!!

"Benton's" room-actually they share

bunk beds in this room.

Kid's bathroom-the curtain blocks

the beautiful tile work in the tub.

Dinning area-the table has a leaf in it

and we can still walk around it!

My beautiful, giant kitchen-with new appliances!


The End. . .

Oh Childhood is Bliss

While all the packing was going on, Benton had fun with the simple:

Yes, I Have no Bananas (Or Do I?)

Just thought I'd share this with who ever is interested:

Before we left Des Moines, I got some quite green bananas just sure that they would ripen up and we'd have fresh bananas, just like they always do. Well, a week and a half later, they were still too "unripe" to eat. I love bananas and I had to go buy some ripe ones just sure the green ones would be ready soon-nope. Days ticked by and still green. Seriously, they were Shreck colored. Every morning I'd check on the bananas and they were SO green.

With the packers en route, way to embarrassed to offer green bananas-of which had been green almost TWO WEEKS-to any friends and knowing they wouldn't make the trip to Amarillo, I had to do something quickly. I decided the best choice was to chunk (or chuck, depending on where you're from-Amanda) them in the trash. So, I just thought it was strange and wondered how unripe they were when they were picked . . .