Collages

I can't believe how fun and easy these collages were to create.

I think it's the adorable kids that made them turn out so well.

Games...Games....Games

I love to play games with family and friends. Every year Grandma Valerie adds to the collection of games at Christmas. This year she added a few the kids like to play. First Zingo- It's a lot like Bingo and the kids love it. Stare!!! I have to admit Madi is much better at it than I am. It's a memory game and can be a lot of fun.

Stack is a great dice game. This game is not new this year, but is still one I'm adding to the list to share with you. If you haven't played it or heard of it, you should consider giving it a try.

Qwirkle is definitely a favorite.

The last on the list - Blokus. For some reason, this game I really like. You may think it's a little pathetic, but I even play it by myself.

Meal Planning

It's time to be responsible adults. Let's see - for 10 1/2 years Mike and I have been arguing about what's for dinner. It's over......... We are planning a menu. This week was a success and life was much simpler. This is what we had: Monday - Spaghetti and Salad Tuesday - Parmesan Fish, Asparagus, Corn Wednesday: Chicken Casserole, Broccoli, Rice Thursday: Steak, Potatoes, Green Beans Friday: Pork Chops, Applesauce, Rice, Corn We love the corn we froze from our garden last fall. It's amazing.

Hockey Practice

Madi is now using her hockey stick. It looks awkward, and I'm sure feels just as awkward as it looks, but Madi thinks it's pretty neat. She even spent 10 minutes or so hitting a puck around.

At the end of practice when they open the "gate" to the ice, the kids pile out. Madi is a veeerrrrrryyyyy slow skater, but she is so excited to be doing everything herself. All of the kids were piling out the "gate" and she was still in the middle of the rink. I could see the panic in her face and tears start to come on. One of the coaches stopped to help her, but she insisted she skate by herself. I had my suspicions as to what was going on. Mike thought she had been hit by a puck. Sure enough, when she came off the ice, I asked her. Her response: "I thought I was too late." The poor thing thought the Zamboni was going to run her over. The Zamboni spreads a new sheet of ice after practice. We assured her that no one would let her be run over by the Zamboni and told her the Zamboni driver would even watch out so no one would be run over.

Gabe likes hockey practice too. He climbs up and down the bleachers and tries to run around the rink; but his favorite part about hockey practice.....RING POPS. It's the only thing that keeps him under control.

He also likes to play with his BFF Tyson.

Tyson likes ring pops too.

Paperwork

I'm up to my eyeballs in paperwork. This is the product of the justice system.

Yesterday was Great Grandma Johnson's 80th birthday and they celebrated last Saturday. Mike and Grandma Valerie and Grandpa Noal took the kids to Utah for the party. (I would have taken more pictures of Gabe, but he was too anxious to get in the car)

Madi was really excited for the trip - she loves birthdays and parties. So when you put a birthday and a party together, look out Madi's good for the ride.

I missed Mike and the kids but I'm so glad they were able to go and spend a little bit of time with Grandma Johnson. I had some responsibilities at home so wasn't able to join them.

HAPPY 80th Birthday.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Curtis and Rusty -- They're expecting a girl and I can't wait to see what she looks like.

Madi wants to see the baby and says it is too many days until her arrival date.