Happy New Year

Happy New Year....

I/we had the best New Year's Eve ever... Ron and I woke up late while the kids dressed and entertained themselves, we worked out, showered, Ron had the kids working on letter's and mazes as I showered. The kids wanted to eat at Olive Garden, so we went there for lunch. Olivia ordered salad and soup, Caleb devoured the MacN'Cheese. We went to Sams, then, then out looking at cars lots (Ron is in need of a new vehicle) then to Best Buy.. The Bears were playing tonight so I went to Carolines until it was over. I came home to ring in the New Years with Ron .. and of course conplemplating the previous year... I couldn't be more blessed....

Happy New Years Day everyone!!! I am praying that that 2007 is better if not the same than 2006!!!!

Love to All, Amy

Christmas Cheer

Many Presents, a lot of food, lots of friends and family too. Christmas is the time of year to see the children laugh and cheer. All to often we get caught up to celebrate our Saviors birth. So please this Christmas don't forget that Christ has come to pay our debts. ~Author Unknown

Merry Christmas and I hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas!

We spent Christmas Eve in Bloomington with my Dad. The kids played and opened presents with their cousins. All the kids were really good at church. Christmas Day we opened presents at home then off to Decatur at Cousin Dylan's house and they got to open presents with cousin Amaya. Caleb is quite happy with his new Leapster and his transformers. Olivia LOVES her new scooter from Grandma & Grandpa and she also loves her new Ariel Talking Salon. I love the fact that I get to sleep in tomorrow!

Tiny Problem

Caleb is a very picky eater. For example, he loves pizza, but only with Alfredo sauce, no tomato sauce EVER, he rarely tries new foods and when he asked me to make him a meat and cheese sandwich for lunch instead of PB&J, I was more than thrilled to run to the store and get some lunch meat and Kraft singles which Caleb calls flat cheese.

Wednesday was his last day at school before the holiday break and when he got off the bus, he was smiling from ear to ear. I asked him how his day was and his daily response is "it was good" and nothing else... 10 minutes later I remembered to ask him "CALEB, how was your meat and cheese sandwich?" He said "Yea that, it was good mommy, but there was a tiny problem". I was sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what ever could have gone wrong with this carefully made meat and cheese sandwich and he said "Mommy, you forgot to cut off the ends (crust)" He proceeded to tell me it was still good, but it was hard to eat. I explained to him that I didn't cut off the ends because doing so I would have to cut off the cheese. Ron and I are still laughing about that one!

Old Photo's

I have been rummaging through old photos that brought back so many memories. This particular photo, I can't believe how little Caleb was. It just seemed like yesterday when we lived in Bloomington and our daily outing was to my dad's store. He was so darn cute!

Mommy's Proud Angel

Caleb's Holiday Concert was today at his school. The 1st grade and kindergarten class performed at 1pm. Talk about CUTE!!! There were some really talented kids singing solo's and playing instruments. Caleb was chosen to be one of ten (out of 75) angels in one of the songs. You should have seen his face!!! Of course, he kept it a secret all this time. I was so proud to say the least. Grandma came all the way from Decatur to watch him, and Ron of course took off from work to do the video taping :)

After the concert, I insisted on doing one of my bathroom photographer photoshoots with Grandma while everyone was still dressed up!

Santa at Mainstreet

More Santa? You gotta admit, the more Santa sightings, the better the moods of the kids... Although I am not attaching another photo of Santa, I just wanted to share that Ron's work Children's Christmas Party was tonight and Santa brought Caleb Power Rangers and Olivia one of the 12 dancing princesses!

Winter Wonderland

A normal drive to Bloomington , let's just say, lacks scenery. I was in awe yesterday of nature's beauty this particular day. The first winter storm of the year hit McLean County pretty hard. The tree and bushes were coated with ice. Unfortunately there were lots of cars in the ditch. State Farm and ISU even closed on Friday. I don't think I ever remember SF closing. Pictures say a thousand words and here are a few that I couldn't resist sharing. Photos are compliments of Sister Karen and Sister Karla. I also couldn't resist photoshopping two of the photos to make it look like an Ansel Adams... Well, it's close :) I think I like the originals...

The Magic of Santa

Santa can bring out the best or make us question if we are deserving of him delivering presents... Every year Santa comes to the West Side Clothing store and we make a point to come and visit along with all the neighborhood kids. Caleb has always had an aversion towards the big guy in the red suit. Olivia eats him up like candy! Speaking of CANDY, how did Santa know that I love Swedish fish and peanut butter cups. Thanks for the memories Dad :)

Grandma's Sugar Cookies

By popular demand, I am posting my Grandmothers "Sugar Cookies". It is quite simple and I don't understand why they are so good. I have many memories of eating and sharing these cookies!!! Enjoy :) Sorry, they were gone before I could take a photo

White Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla (I use 3/4 tsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp of imitation butter-nut flavor extract)
2 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/4 - 1/2 tsp cream of tarter (thins the cookies out so I'm told)
pinch of salt (1/4 tsp.)

Cream Sugar and Butter. Add egg and vanilla and butter-nut extract. Sift (a single pass through metal strainer works fine) dry ingredients and add to above mixture. Chill 10 minutes in refrigerator. Form into little balls and place on parchment paper then cookie sheets. Flatten with glass dipped in colored sugar or sprinkles. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Sleeping Beauties

Today we traveled to Bloomington. The kids had a full day. They got to tell Santa everything they want for Christmas and play with their cousins. The ride home was quite pleasant as you can tell. Ron and I actually had a few moments to quietly marvel at our two children that were just adorable sleeping.