Britt

Brittany just got her YW medallion. We are so proud of her hard work and all of the effort she put into this. I have to say, I think the fact that she would be unable to take drivers ed until she finished was a big motivator. So watch out, she brought home a permission slip for drivers ed this week.

Samuel D AKA "the destoyer"

Sam loves to push thing around, paper, books, toys, etc. When given a toy, he will push it rather than play with it. We had just finished the hardwood floor in the basement and Chris had painted the ceiling. I wanted to finish the trim and so I told Chris to leave everything out for me. I went downstairs to paint with Samuel and I immediately heard the little neighbor girl that was over say "Oh no, baby painting." I turned around and saw that Sam had pushed over the paint can that had a loose lid and paint was all over our new floor. After quite a bit of chaos, we got most of it cleaned up and are left with a hilarious memory of little Samers.

Gracie Girl

My mischievous girl is my best helper. I was feeding Samuel and needed to shower so I asked Gracie to just come and stand by him while he ate so that I could hop in the shower. Usually Gracie is upstairs within two minutes to ask me to ...come downstairs, play game, help her go potty, etc. After my two minute shower it was blissfully quiet, so I dried my hair too. As no one came up to interrupt me. I have to say I kept the drier on for quite a while and enjoyed the peace. As soon as I turned off my hair drier, I could hear

Gracie screaming hysterically that she needed help. I thought something was wrong with Sam and ran downstairs to find Samuel, just fine but screaming in his high-chair and Gracie buckled into Sam's baby car seat with the strap around her neck, balancing on her toes so that she wouldn't be chocked by the strap. Her poor little face was tear soaked and bright red. She thought it would be fun to crawl into The baby carrier and couldn't get out. Poor thing

Our first snowman...

Gracie is my little snow bird. She has always loved the snow. She is the first one to want to build a snowman, make snow angels, go for sled rides. She and I are kindred souls in this.

Last week we had our first snowfall. Gracie could not wait to get outside and play. We borrowed Grandma's sled (yes, I still have it). Loaded it up with Christmas goodies, and took a starlit ride around the neighborhood delivering treats. We didn't get our snowman made, we are waiting for the next big snowfall to do so. We did stop and plop down in the middle of a neighbors untouched driveway to make snow angels. I don't often get to have one on one time with any of my children, so this felt especially sweet to me. I felt young and free. In case you're wonderng, my back is still hurting and the blister on my ankle is taking forever to heal. It was worth it!!!

quirks

Rules: Link to the person that tagged you; Amy
Share 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.Tag 6 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog or email.Let your tagged peeps know once your entry is up.Okay, here are my 6 non-important quirks:

1. I do a paper route, and I love it. Weird I know, but I love the time alone. I spend the time praying, listening to church tapes, talk radio, etc. I feel empowered, and blessed to be able to help my family financially.

2. I don't like being told I have to do something. If I feel pressured to be anywhere, I suddenly don't want to go. I am like a little child, "don't make me"!! If you want me to show up somewhere, act like you don't care if I am there or not.

3. I get the chills when I hear fire trucks, ambulances, police cars. I always have to say a quick prayer that everyone I love will be safe and protected and is not hurt.

4. Secretly I love when Gracie wants to listen to the chipmunks Christmas songs over and over and over. First, I like the chipmunks. Second, Gracie tries to sing like a chipmunk and it cracks me up every time.

5. My husband still gives me the shivers. Enough said

6. I love diet vanilla coke. My husband has a love hate relationship with caffeine, so I try not to drink it out of deference to him and the fact that he shouldn't drink it. I sneak it. I love it and crave it.

1. Brandon
2. Kim
3. Nakel
4. Amanda
5. Mom

Droolie bug

When I think of this year what will I remember? Will I remember this as a hard year? Will 2008 be remembered for those we have loved and lost? Grandma great, Flora? Will Chris lose his job this year, will the election change so significantly our lives?

So many things have happened.I hope I remember this year for what is truly important. The biggest and best thing that happened is our little Sammers. I love this picture of him. It makes me want to pick him up, wipe the ever present drool from his mouth (of course), and squeeze him tightly.

We are blessed.

5 year olds can do anything...

This is Gracie's new Mantra. When asked to do something she replies, "Of course, five year olds can do anything." She finds her shoes herself, zips her own coat, ties...things.

Clearly she feels that 5 years old is very much grown up. On her birthday I asked her to do something and she replied, "Well, am I five yet?"

When I affirmed that she was, she immediately replied that she could do it. Wow, Why couldn't she have turned 5 a few years ago?

We love you Gracie girl.