Over The River and Through The Woods...

...to Grandmother's house we go.

I thought I'd take some pictures of my parent's house. They live on a lake in Wisconsin. This is where we are spending Christmas this year. It is really beautiful here and really cold.

Front of house

Back of house

My Dad's woodworking shop and boat garage

What you can see of the house from the lake

If you look closely, you can see a squirrel in this bird feeder on their deck. They get a lot of deer, birds, squirrels and other wildlife in their yard. Even BEARS. Good thing it's hibernation season.

I Like Cookies

If I come back and I'm hardly recognizable, this is why. Judith really outdid herself when she decided it would be a good idea to make over 15 different varieties of cookies, 4 different kinds of breads, and half a dozen different kinds of candy.

I like cookies.

I like candy.

I like bread.

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

Gay as in...cheery: bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer; full of or showing high-spirited merriment; given to social pleasures often including dissipation; brightly colored and showy; offering fun and gaiety;

Last night we had a fun evening with friends. We went out to eat and thought it would be fun/funny to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Hopefully YOU don't own any of the sweaters pictured below. It's OK to be jealous.

L-R: Sally, Chris, Shane, Kim, Ben, Heather, Tiffany, John, Cousin Eddie...I mean Tom, Tiffany, Carlye, Cameron, Jason, Me

Some didn't participate (LEARNUS). But I think it was torture enough to have to be seen in public with me in my unfortunate ensemble. Who invented the ugly Christmas sweater, anyway?

Dance Like No One Is Watching

Chloe and Myah had their dance recital last night. It has been so much fun to see them participate in dance this year. They have both absolutely loved it and I think it does wonders for their coordination and self-esteem. Have a looksy.

Myah


Chloe


Great job girls! I'm proud of you.

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk

Since Myah has turned 5, she is very much in the "I can do it myself" stage of life. For the most part, this new independence works out just fine. Today, however, we discovered that getting a gallon of milk off the top shelf of the fridge is still going to require parental assistance.

This is a gallon-sized puddle of milk on my kitchen floor.

I guess plastic milk cartons are not made to withstand a 5 foot plummet to the floor.

Piano Recital

This year was the first piano recital I've had since I started teaching lessons. My friend Kim and I had a joint recital which worked out good since I teach her boys and she teaches Chloe. I think everyone who participated did a fabulous job. All the hard work and practicing really paid off for the students.

These are my students. Cute, right?

Chloe's playing has really taken off this year. She's worked very hard and I could not be more proud.

This was Myah's big debut. I recently sat down with her just to see if I could teach her or if it was too early. She's a natural and is very eager to learn. The ideal student! As you can see, she was not the least bit nervous and was totally unaffected by the large audience we had.

Festival of Trees

The girls did a great job in their performances at the Festival of Trees. Myah's group danced to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and Chloe's group danced to "That's What Christmas Means To Me". They have had such a fun time participating in dance. Now we're looking forward to the recital.

The Recorder Is Such A Lovely Instrument

For some reason, I can hardly control my laughter when 100 fourth graders are performing in a Recorder Concert. I think I have some sort of disorder or disease which causes me to laugh at inappropriate times. (I know, that's very immature of me and probably bad parenting.) I don't know if it's the high-pitched, off-key, ear-piercing sound or how serious they all are about it. I do have to say, whoever taught them did a great job. They were totally into it and knew every song. Here. Have a listen. Chloe is in the back row and you can hardly see her. :(

I had to stop recording so I could regain my composure. It's hard to keep the camera steady when you're laughing so hard. Sorry, Chloe. I really am proud of you.

Breakfast With Santa

Cousin Hannah, The Grinch, Chloe & Myah

Grandpa and Grandma Childs took everyone to Breakfast With Santa last weekend. It was lots of fun (except for the annoying Sugar Plum Fairy who pranced around like she really was a fairy). Grandma Shelley even bought all the girls matching outfits and crocheted hats for the occasion. Myah laughed her head off when The Grinch told them they looked like strawberry ice cream with whipped cream on top. But the highlight of the event was when Myah won a candy counting contest and walked away with 23 kit-kats. She guessed 22.

Happy Birthday, Myah!

Dear Myah,

I cannot believe you are 5. I hope you know what a joy you are to us. Life with you has been wonderful! Know how much you are loved, Myah. Dad and I wanted another baby so badly and we are so grateful to have you in our little family. You were an answer to our prayers. You are a great daughter and such a fun sister for Chloe. She loves you very much. At this point in your life, here a 5 words that describe you:

1. adorable

2. feisty

3. friendly

4. obedient

5. bright

Happy Birthday, Myah! Love, Mom.

This was Myah's cake. Her party was supposed to have a ballerina theme. But my frosting was so fluffy that my ballerina candlesticks look more like synchronized swimmers.