Snowing, sleeting, sledding

"He sends His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly, He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes." Psalm 147:15-16

The snow began to fall last night before the kids went to bed.  Sometime during the night, it changed to sleet.  But for kids who never see "that white stuff", it was still a winter wonderland for playing today.

Brent took them out to the hill on our street for sledding.  I made it out there briefly but I spent most the time in the house with cold hands, potty breaks, cold feet, wet clothes, etc.  I did snap a few photos though.

B coming down fast.

Here comes E!!

And then there's H...

My camera was slow taking C's photo so I got her at her crash.

The view from the top of the hill.

And then there was the snow cream Dad made.  Yum, yum!!

Going Wild at Five

We celebrated the twins' 5th birthday this afternoon.  They had four friends over for their party.  Everyone was talking about the possibility of snow.

We made elephant purses.  They turned out to be a little more involved than I was led to believe at the store but we persevered and finished them.

If you're going to feed kids cake just before dinner time, at least give them a somewhat healthy snack first.  Grapes, cheese, crackers, cheese balls and skittles were on the menu.  (I said "somewhat" healthy.)  The animal plates were one of the girls' favorite part of the party.

Happy birthday, E!!

(Anne Grethe called during the party.  She and Amilie got to hear us sing Happy Birthday to both girls.  They also talked to John.)

Happy birthday, C!!

I let the girls "sign" their name with a toothpick then I wrote over it with icing.  This is very close to how E signs her name.

And C's signature is very close as well.

Lot and lots of gifts...

and more gifts...

Looking at the jewelry boxes from Grammy.  "Now we don't have to put our jewelry in H's box!"

My friend, Kristi, was helping H and me make "Lau*ra Ing*alls" dresses and bonnets for the girls.  However, sick kids and unexpected surgeries prevented us from finishing them.  So Kristi did all the final sewing so they would have their dresses for their birthday.  They love them!  Thank you, Kristi!!

The weaving looms from H and B are so much fun.  E has almost finished her second potholder and C is close to finishing her first.

Five years ago a snow/ice storm came through while I was in the hospital with the twins.  We came home on slippery roads.  This weekend we're having another storm.  Thankfully, we're all home and sledding down the hill together.

Season Confusion

The warmer weather today confused one little critter.  Dad found him slithering around on our driveway.

It's not as big as it looks.  It was more like an extra long worm.  The kids were interested in watching it until I said, "Hummm, I wonder where Mama Snake is?"

Five

Five years ago this morning, Dad and Mom left for the hospital before the sun came up.  Pastor MIlls beat us there!  Dad sure was glad to have someone to keep him company while Mom was "busy".

By dinner time we had two healthy baby girls to hold.

And now they are FIVE years old!

What a blessing from God these two sweet girls are to our family!!!!

Sweet C with her "5" pancake for breakfast.

Blowing out the candle.  C got the birthday mug for breakfast then the plate for lunch then the mug again for dinner.

Sweet E had a "5" pancake for breakfast too.

Blowing out the candle.  E got the plate first then the mug then the plate again.  Twins do share more!

We made confetti cupcakes this afternoon.  They took some to church tonight to share with their friends and celebrate their birthday.

Happy 5th birthday, C and E!

We love you!!

It Wasn't My Idea...

...but it sure was a good one!

After the long spell of cold weather, a "warm" winter day was a welcome event.  So the kids decided to have a picnic outside for lunch.

They were very silly while waiting on their chef (that's me) to have everything ready for their "buffet".  B is doing his karate.  (He doesn't know karate.)

H dipping C for the end of their dance.

E trying karate with B.  This was much better with the sound effects.

Finally...lunch!  H and B are "serving" their sisters.

Yummy lemonade to drink on a "warm" day.

B can always find time to take a few shots at the basketball goal.  Gotta' be ready for Saturday's game!

Upward - Game #2

Today was "picture day" for Upward so we had to...I mean, we're blessed to...spend extra time at church today.  The kids were looking forward to their games even more today since they had played last week.

Unlike last week, H felt great today and it showed.  She had energy the entire time she was on the court.

Here's the one photo I got of her scoring.  She scored seven goals today.  I love this photo!

After H's game it was time for the twins' game. Last week was not fun for the girls so we had talked about it all week. This week was much better.  Both girls warmed up wih their team then sat on the bench waiting for intros.  (They are the two just to the left of their coach standing.)

When their names were called, they both ran through the spirit tunnel.  (E is right behind C.  I snapped the photo half a second too soon to see both faces.  They were both smiling big!)

Both girls joined the prayer circle to begin the game.

But then the wheels came off.  All week E had said that she would play if C played.  Ummm...I failed to relay that bit of info to the coaches.  And E was put on the court for the beginning of the game with C on the bench.  And E refused to play.  That was the end for her.

When it was time for C to play, she got up and did it.  There was a bit of hesitation but she got on the court.  And the rest, as they say, is history!

C throwing in the ball to a team mate.  She did this several times.

C guarding.  Her hands were up most the time...whether playing defense or offense!

Running like the wind!

E sat the bench but at least it was without Mommy sitting with her this week.  She's ready to play next week since C got stars and snacks...and E didn't.  (Plus Mommy has already emailed the coaches about the important "if C plays" info.)

And finally...it was time for B's game.  He's not real happy with the person who did all the game schedules because he plays last every week.  Here he is guarding a friend of his.

And B scored eight goals.  Thankfully, I got a photo of one shot.  H told him to try to beat her seven.  So he did. :)

And that was our Saturday basketball.  C spent at least 30 mintues tonight calling people to tell them she played today.  If you didn't receive a call, it's because she ran out of minutes (i.e. it was bedtime).

Now we're moving on to sewing dresses like La*ura In*galls would have worn.  Mommy is thanking God for good friends.  I just hope one particular friend is still a good friend after our sewing day Tuesday.

Let the Upward Games Begin

Another season of Upward basketball is upon us.  All the kids had their first game yesterday.

Dad is coaching H's team, the Lady Tigers, this year.  Despite a lack of sleep from a sleepover birthday party Friday night and still not feeling well, H played a great game.  She scored one goal and had helped several teammates get the ball to score.  She was on the court for all but 6 minutes and was tired last night!  (I'll try to get a better photo at the next game.)

The twins are on the same team, the Little Colts.  This is where they spent their game...on the "bench" with Mom.  It was a bit overwhelming but they are certain they are ready for next Saturday.  We'll see...

And Mr. B.  He's on the Junior Rattlers this year.  He scored several times and was a good leader for his team.  It's going to be a fun season for everyone.

On the Twelth Day of Christmas...

we remembered all the fun we had celebrating

the birth of

JESUS.

This was our first year to continue our celebration

after Christmas Day.

It certainly made us focus more on the REASON.

Just as the wise men brought gifts to the Savior, we want our lives each day to be a gift to

HIM.

Hopefully, next year we won't have illness to prevent us from all the other plans we had

for celebrating.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

we took sugar cookies to the couple who live on the corner of our street.

We had never met them but always talk about how nice they keep the flowerbed in front of the neighborhood sign.

So the kids drew them pictures and we took them cookies to say

THANK YOU.

Merry Christmas to the Ronans!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

Dad took B to church then came home so Mom could go shopping for the afternoon without anyone else.  Wow, I can get so much done when I'm zipping in and out of stores.

We also decorated sugar cookies and took them to three neighbors.

Merry Christmas to the Notts, Mabes and Mr. Smith!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

we took two girls back to the doctor since they are getting worse

while it's "running its course".

Thank you, Mr. Doctor, for giving us medicine this time.

Hopefully, we won't have to spend any more days of Christmas at your office.

We did bake some sugar cookies today.

Maybe tomorrow we'll take them to our neighbors.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas...

we stayed home all day with three sick girls.

But we had a fun day at home with games, puzzles, movies, hamburgers and lots of snuggling with the ones who didn't feel well.