It's a cute little house, really. The operative word being "little". It is about 1200 square feet total, and it is what we will call home beginning on June 12. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a tiny kitchen, a small living room, a one car garage, a big deck, and an unfinished basement room. When we get settled, I will send out our new contact information.
About Me
- Kim
- "Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." ~Unknown
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Our new home in Tennessee
This week I spent a few days in Clarksville, Tennessee looking for a place to live. And this is it!
It's a cute little house, really. The operative word being "little". It is about 1200 square feet total, and it is what we will call home beginning on June 12. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a tiny kitchen, a small living room, a one car garage, a big deck, and an unfinished basement room. When we get settled, I will send out our new contact information.
It's a cute little house, really. The operative word being "little". It is about 1200 square feet total, and it is what we will call home beginning on June 12. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a tiny kitchen, a small living room, a one car garage, a big deck, and an unfinished basement room. When we get settled, I will send out our new contact information.
Triple Twist Flippy Buns
I found a really neat blog one day. It is called Adopt A 'Do and has tons of fun hairstyles for girls. I have been experimenting with different hairstyles for Sammy and today I tried a new one. Take a look...
If you're interested in checking out the website, it is one of the sites listed on the right side of my blog. The lady who keeps the blog includes both written directions with pictures as well as video tutorials. I don't love everything she posts there, but every once in a while I come across a really fun idea.
If you're interested in checking out the website, it is one of the sites listed on the right side of my blog. The lady who keeps the blog includes both written directions with pictures as well as video tutorials. I don't love everything she posts there, but every once in a while I come across a really fun idea.
Sammy's Orange Belt Test
Today Sammy tested for her orange belt in tae-kwon-do. She has been spending Friday afternoons training with Mina Haddad ever since we returned from England.
She has been so excited about her upcoming test. She did such a great job today. Take a look at some of the pictures of her in action...
As part of her test, Sammy had to do two forms. These are combinations of hand techniques, stances, punches and kicks done in a specific order. Watch the video below to see her do the orange belt form.
I love this picture of Mina helping Sammy tie on her new orange belt. These two have really had a special relationship through the years. We are going to miss Mina so much!
The newest orange belt (Sammy) with her friend and assistant (Mina) and her instructor (Mr. Scott). 
I cannot put into words how proud I am of Sammy. At one point during her test, Sammy made a mistake. When Mr. Scott corrected her, I could tell she was upset and that it kind of threw her off. I was worried that she was going to fall apart and not be able to complete her test. But even though she was nervous and a little flustered, she got refocused and did an excellent job.
Mother's Day Photo Shoot
My Mother's Day gift from the kids this year was to cooperate for a photo shoot this afternoon. I took a ton of pictures but have only shared a few. These ones turned out cute despite the less than perfect lighting conditions.
It was fun driving around town and finding interesting places to take pictures. The kids were cheerful and cooperative. I don't know if any of these will end up on the wall, but they will certainly remind me of a pleasant afternoon spent with the kids.
It was fun driving around town and finding interesting places to take pictures. The kids were cheerful and cooperative. I don't know if any of these will end up on the wall, but they will certainly remind me of a pleasant afternoon spent with the kids.
Snip, snip, snip
Today was a big moment for Jonathan. He got his hair cut! Not just a trim. And not by me this time. We actually went to Great Clips and had a stylist work on recreating his look for him. He wasn't totally sure what he wanted, but he knew he wanted something shorter for a change. Check it out...
BEFORE:
DURING:
AFTER:
Currently, Jonathan is trying to adjust to the new style. He is so used to flipping his long hair out of his eyes. Now we can see his eyes, and ears, and neck... I think he looks great!
BEFORE:
DURING:
AFTER:
Currently, Jonathan is trying to adjust to the new style. He is so used to flipping his long hair out of his eyes. Now we can see his eyes, and ears, and neck... I think he looks great!
A work of art
Check out this hat! Jonathan made it in art class...
He worked really hard forming the entire thing out of wire! His art teacher told me that it was one of the best sculptures in the class.
He worked really hard forming the entire thing out of wire! His art teacher told me that it was one of the best sculptures in the class.
Pizza anyone?
Sammy's Young Women's group at church decided to make and sell pizzas as a fundraiser for Girls' Camp. They ended up selling 51 pizzas and planned to assemble them during their activity tonight. The crusts were already made and spread for them, but all the toppings had to be put on each pizza.
Each girl had a job on the "pizza assembly line". Sammy was the "sauce spreader" and she did a pretty good job overall.
Sammy and I even brought a candy pizza as a treat for when they were finished. Delicious...
Jonathan was so sad that he wouldn't be getting a piece of candy pizza that I told him if he helped make pizzas with the girls, he could have some. He definitely earned his slice of dessert.
Each girl had a job on the "pizza assembly line". Sammy was the "sauce spreader" and she did a pretty good job overall.
There were 16 supreme pizzas, 31 pepperoni pizzas, and 4 special orders. What a project! The girls worked so efficiently that they finished much sooner than they had planned. So, they decided to cook up a couple pizzas for themselves.
Sammy and I even brought a candy pizza as a treat for when they were finished. Delicious...
Jonathan was so sad that he wouldn't be getting a piece of candy pizza that I told him if he helped make pizzas with the girls, he could have some. He definitely earned his slice of dessert.
Bird Brain
Innocent enough, right?
Just a robin sitting on the back porch...
Wrong!
This nutty bird has been trying to fly through the back window for a week! I have heard of a bird flying into a window by accident, but this thing just keeps doing it over and over. It flies into the window, falls down onto the deck, perches on the railing for a minute, and then repeats this process. Sometimes for hours at a time!
I have tried scaring the bird away. It doesn't work. I am worried that all these collisions with the window will cause serious injury to this poor bird. Poor thing. What on earth could it want so badly that it would keep trying to get inside?
Just a robin sitting on the back porch...
Wrong!This nutty bird has been trying to fly through the back window for a week! I have heard of a bird flying into a window by accident, but this thing just keeps doing it over and over. It flies into the window, falls down onto the deck, perches on the railing for a minute, and then repeats this process. Sometimes for hours at a time!
I have tried scaring the bird away. It doesn't work. I am worried that all these collisions with the window will cause serious injury to this poor bird. Poor thing. What on earth could it want so badly that it would keep trying to get inside?
Google it!
For Christmas, Jonathan's cousin, Calvin, gave him a Rubik's Cube. He said that since Jonathan is so smart, he knew he would be able to figure it out. Well, Jonathan has been working at it for months now. He even has some friends at school who have tried to teach him how to solve this infuriating puzzle.
Finally, he decided to search the Internet for some help. (You really CAN google anything!) After several hours of searching and working at it, Jonathan was able to solve the puzzle. What an accomplishment! He was so excited.
Now he plans to memorize the steps so that he can solve it without looking online anymore. Good luck to him - I can't believe he actually got the thing figured out in the first place (even with instructions)!
Finally, he decided to search the Internet for some help. (You really CAN google anything!) After several hours of searching and working at it, Jonathan was able to solve the puzzle. What an accomplishment! He was so excited.
Now he plans to memorize the steps so that he can solve it without looking online anymore. Good luck to him - I can't believe he actually got the thing figured out in the first place (even with instructions)!
An Easter Tradition
Over the years, we have tried several versions of this tradition...
My favorite?
"Coloring" egg-shaped cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Delicious!
This year, we decided to dye eggs together. The kids both did a great job of making their eggs very pretty. Sammy was super careful not to spill the dye (thank you very much) and Jonathan had so much patience as he held his egg partially submerged waiting for the dye to color half of his egg.
Although I don't have pictures of the finished product, we also added funny face stickers to our eggs. Sammy's were the silliest - having multiple mouths or several sets of eyes.
I do wonder...
When will the kids feel too old for this tradition?
My favorite?
"Coloring" egg-shaped cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Delicious!
This year, we decided to dye eggs together. The kids both did a great job of making their eggs very pretty. Sammy was super careful not to spill the dye (thank you very much) and Jonathan had so much patience as he held his egg partially submerged waiting for the dye to color half of his egg.
Although I don't have pictures of the finished product, we also added funny face stickers to our eggs. Sammy's were the silliest - having multiple mouths or several sets of eyes.I do wonder...
When will the kids feel too old for this tradition?
Employed at last
As many of you know, I have been actively searching for a teaching job for the past couple months. The biggest problem is that so may states are cutting their funding for public education. Translation: smaller budgets, lots of layoffs, no hiring.
When I came across a listing for elementary teachers in Tennessee, I was interested but unsure. I really wanted to stay in Indiana (where I already have a valid teaching license) and more specifically, Bloomington (where the kids and I have friends and a good support network). But when jobs are scarce, a person can't be picky. So I applied.
Over Spring Break I had a phone interview with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Later in the week I got an email invitation to a job fair at the end of March. After a little persuasion, I decided to make the trip to Tennessee for the job fair. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the time and money, but I felt like I had to at least try...
JACKPOT!
I was offered a position as a fifth grade teacher at Minglewood Elementary School today!
YAHOO!
When I sat down with the principal at the job fair, she began by telling me that she didn't plan to do any hiring that day. That is she liked me she would call me back for another interview. After about five minutes she was asking me for my references. After ten minutes she had me call the assistant principal for a phone interview. By the time I had finished talking to the assistant principal, the principal had filled out a form with all my information and a start date. She said all I had to do was sign it to say I understood.
I told her I wasn't sure that I did understand...
Was she offering me a teaching position at her school for the fall?
Yes.
Would I be interested?
Well, of course!
So, we will be moving once again. To Clarksville, Tennessee.
I am torn. I am so thankful to have a job, but I am sad to be leaving Bloomington once again.
I suppose this is just another adventure. And luckily Tennessee isn't as far away as England...
When I came across a listing for elementary teachers in Tennessee, I was interested but unsure. I really wanted to stay in Indiana (where I already have a valid teaching license) and more specifically, Bloomington (where the kids and I have friends and a good support network). But when jobs are scarce, a person can't be picky. So I applied.
Over Spring Break I had a phone interview with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Later in the week I got an email invitation to a job fair at the end of March. After a little persuasion, I decided to make the trip to Tennessee for the job fair. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the time and money, but I felt like I had to at least try...
JACKPOT!
I was offered a position as a fifth grade teacher at Minglewood Elementary School today!
YAHOO!
When I sat down with the principal at the job fair, she began by telling me that she didn't plan to do any hiring that day. That is she liked me she would call me back for another interview. After about five minutes she was asking me for my references. After ten minutes she had me call the assistant principal for a phone interview. By the time I had finished talking to the assistant principal, the principal had filled out a form with all my information and a start date. She said all I had to do was sign it to say I understood.
I told her I wasn't sure that I did understand...
Was she offering me a teaching position at her school for the fall?
Yes.
Would I be interested?
Well, of course!
So, we will be moving once again. To Clarksville, Tennessee.
I am torn. I am so thankful to have a job, but I am sad to be leaving Bloomington once again.
I suppose this is just another adventure. And luckily Tennessee isn't as far away as England...
ATV Fun
Here's what we did today...
Sammy's favorite part was driving Stacy's four-wheeler!
JUST KIDDING! 
Sammy absolutely loved riding on the back of the four-wheeler with Aunt Costa. They never really got out of second gear, but she had a blast anyway. She said her favorite part was going over the hills.
Sammy's favorite part was driving Stacy's four-wheeler!
JUST KIDDING! But great picture, huh?
This is more like it...
Sammy absolutely loved riding on the back of the four-wheeler with Aunt Costa. They never really got out of second gear, but she had a blast anyway. She said her favorite part was going over the hills.Jonathan and Andrew rode all over the field too. What a couple of goofballs!
Thanks to Aunt Costa and Stacy for letting us come out and ride around on their "toys" for the afternoon!
Thanks to Aunt Costa and Stacy for letting us come out and ride around on their "toys" for the afternoon!
Visiting the Dabaies
On our way home from Virginia, we stopped in Ohio to visit April and her family. Mostly we just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company, but here are a few pictures of the other things we did while at their house.
Sammy and Kate drew all over the place with chalk. Kate's favorite thing to draw was Mickey Mouse. She even drew a Mickey Mouse on one of the outdoor pillows - oops!
It was so pretty out that we decided to take a walk to the park. Kate insisted on carrying her own soccer ball - just like Jonathan was doing.
Soccer at the park. Why is it that dogs and kids always stand right between the people who are trying to play? Funny.
It was so sweet - on the way home Kate wanted to hold Sammy's hand. Doesn't Sammy look so grown up compared to her little cousin?
Before we left, Sammy wanted to take a picture of Kate. Knowing that would be a challenge (ha ha) I quickly grabbed Kate and held on to her while we "cheesed" for the picture. I actually like how it turned out. (NOTE: This is the only photo from our entire trip that I am a part of...)
What I didn't get a picture of was Kate cuddling up to Jonathan on the couch. It was so cute. She just climbed right up and scooted closer and closer until she was scrunched up right next to him.
Sammy and Kate drew all over the place with chalk. Kate's favorite thing to draw was Mickey Mouse. She even drew a Mickey Mouse on one of the outdoor pillows - oops!
It was so pretty out that we decided to take a walk to the park. Kate insisted on carrying her own soccer ball - just like Jonathan was doing.
Soccer at the park. Why is it that dogs and kids always stand right between the people who are trying to play? Funny.
It was so sweet - on the way home Kate wanted to hold Sammy's hand. Doesn't Sammy look so grown up compared to her little cousin?
Before we left, Sammy wanted to take a picture of Kate. Knowing that would be a challenge (ha ha) I quickly grabbed Kate and held on to her while we "cheesed" for the picture. I actually like how it turned out. (NOTE: This is the only photo from our entire trip that I am a part of...) What I didn't get a picture of was Kate cuddling up to Jonathan on the couch. It was so cute. She just climbed right up and scooted closer and closer until she was scrunched up right next to him.
Constant Motion
From the moment we arrived at April's house, Kate was chattering. Basically, her entire conversation consisted of "Hi Sammy! Hi Jon! Hi Mary!" (She called me Mary half the time!?!) She followed Sammy and Jon around everywhere and just thought they were the greatest.
Taking a picture of Kate during our visit proved to be more challenging than I thought it would be. I guess I had forgotten what it was like to have a two-year-old. She was constantly moving, turning, playing, and talking.
Taking a picture of Kate during our visit proved to be more challenging than I thought it would be. I guess I had forgotten what it was like to have a two-year-old. She was constantly moving, turning, playing, and talking.
The only time I was able to snap a shot of her without chasing her down was when she discovered this manhole cover on our walk home from the park. For some reason she thought it was so fun to stand on it. So I took advantage of her "stillness" and captured this shot. Could she be any cuter?
I do have to admit that as adorable as Kate is and as much fun as I had hanging out with her - she really exhausted me! Two-year-olds are so exhausting! Another thing I had forgotten about.
Maymont Park - Richmond, Virginia
A visit to Virginia just wouldn't be complete without seeing Uncle Paul.
After delivering a bunch of food to his apartment and going out to lunch, we headed to Maymont Park to wander around the gardens and see some of the animals that live there.
Here the kids are posing with Uncle Paul sitting on the "couch rock". Super cute!
It was a beautiful day for walking around outside, and it was so nice to visit with Paul.
After delivering a bunch of food to his apartment and going out to lunch, we headed to Maymont Park to wander around the gardens and see some of the animals that live there.
Here the kids are posing with Uncle Paul sitting on the "couch rock". Super cute!
Typical - Jonathan riding the bear statue while Sammy gives it a kiss on the nose.
Everyone got in on the fun when we saw this statue of kids walking on a log...
Peeking through the holes of a bridge. Notice the stuffed turtle above Sammy's head? It was lovingly placed there by none other than Uncle Paul.
Uncle Paul
Why is Uncle Paul one of the best uncles out there?
Because he is so much fun!
And why do the kids think he is so much fun?
Because he acts like a great big kid!
Today while we were wandering around Maymont Park in Richmond, Paul decided it would be the perfect opportunity for Sammy to photograph her stuffed turtle "in it's natural environment"...
Every time we turned around, Paul was climbing around on rocks and into creeks to place Daisy (the turtle) in the perfect location for a photo. He even took some "candid" shots while Sammy was taking a bathroom break - she had asked Uncle Paul to watch her turtle and her camera for her - uh oh.
Because he is so much fun!
And why do the kids think he is so much fun?
Because he acts like a great big kid!
Today while we were wandering around Maymont Park in Richmond, Paul decided it would be the perfect opportunity for Sammy to photograph her stuffed turtle "in it's natural environment"...
Every time we turned around, Paul was climbing around on rocks and into creeks to place Daisy (the turtle) in the perfect location for a photo. He even took some "candid" shots while Sammy was taking a bathroom break - she had asked Uncle Paul to watch her turtle and her camera for her - uh oh.
Grandpa's Favorite Holiday
For as long as I can remember, March 17th has been a day of surprises.
Green surprises.
St. Patrick's Day is Grandpa's favorite holiday. He takes pride in the many food items that he can, will, and has turned green over the years.
Today's highlights...
Green pancakes
Green milk (yes, the whole gallon)
Green butter (who knew this was possible?)
Green bread (home made, of course)
Green egg salad
Green cake
Oh, and green poop (as Sammy informed us later in the day -good to know)
I told the kids that the worst memory I have from St. Patrick's Day is the year that Grandpa turned the creamed corn green. Just imagine what that looked like. YUCK-O!
Green surprises.
St. Patrick's Day is Grandpa's favorite holiday. He takes pride in the many food items that he can, will, and has turned green over the years.
Today's highlights...
Green pancakes
Green milk (yes, the whole gallon)
Green butter (who knew this was possible?)
Green bread (home made, of course)
Green egg salad
Green cake
Oh, and green poop (as Sammy informed us later in the day -good to know)
I told the kids that the worst memory I have from St. Patrick's Day is the year that Grandpa turned the creamed corn green. Just imagine what that looked like. YUCK-O!
Typical Tourists
Today we drove to Washington DC to tour the many national monuments. Even though we had done this before, this time the kids were older and could appreciate their meaning a bit more.
At the Lincoln Monument with the Washington Monument in the background.
"The Wall" at the Vietnam War Memorial. This wall has the names of all the soldiers who gave their lives for our country during the Vietnam War. 58,195 names. Incredible. And very sad.
One of the newest national monuments (for me, anyway) was the World War II Memorial.
I especially love this picture of Jonathan at the World War II Memorial with the Lincoln Monument in the background.
The Korean War Memorial.
One of my favorite monuments was the FDR Memorial. It was interesting to walk through the four outdoor "rooms" that represented his four terms as president. Of course, the kids had to stand in the breadline for a picture.
We sure did a lot of walking today. Thank goodness it was such a beautiful day today. After seeing the monuments, we took a lunch break and ate our picnic in the back of Dad's truck. Next, we went to Arlington Cemetery and saw the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. I still can't believe that they have someone posted there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
The plan was to head downtown early and get tickets to go up in the Washington Monument. Well, we weren't early enough. By the time we arrived, there was a sign posted saying that no more tickets were available. Bummer. So we had to settle for a few pictures outside instead.
At the Lincoln Monument with the Washington Monument in the background.
"The Wall" at the Vietnam War Memorial. This wall has the names of all the soldiers who gave their lives for our country during the Vietnam War. 58,195 names. Incredible. And very sad.
One of the newest national monuments (for me, anyway) was the World War II Memorial.
I especially love this picture of Jonathan at the World War II Memorial with the Lincoln Monument in the background.
The Korean War Memorial.
One of my favorite monuments was the FDR Memorial. It was interesting to walk through the four outdoor "rooms" that represented his four terms as president. Of course, the kids had to stand in the breadline for a picture.
We sure did a lot of walking today. Thank goodness it was such a beautiful day today. After seeing the monuments, we took a lunch break and ate our picnic in the back of Dad's truck. Next, we went to Arlington Cemetery and saw the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. I still can't believe that they have someone posted there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!After this, Sammy had to go to the bathroom, so she and Christy headed to the visitor's center while Dad, Jonathan and I walked over to see the Kennedy gravesites. When we were done, we called Christy to see where she and Sammy were. She said they were waiting for us at the truck. Sure enough, when we got to the parking garage, they were sitting in the back of the truck eating snacks and having what looked like a fun little party together. No wonder Christy was so willing to take Sammy to the bathroom! (Just kidding.)
Sounds of South
Congratulations to Jonathan!
He was selected to be a part of Sounds of South, the advanced choir program at Bloomington High School South. In order to be considered, Jonathan had to audition for the choir director. He had to sing a solo, sight-read a rhythm, and sight-read a melody. Oh, and agree to cut his hair. Apparently his style is a little too long for a Sounds of South participant. So we will be working on a new, shorter style in the upcoming months.
He was selected to be a part of Sounds of South, the advanced choir program at Bloomington High School South. In order to be considered, Jonathan had to audition for the choir director. He had to sing a solo, sight-read a rhythm, and sight-read a melody. Oh, and agree to cut his hair. Apparently his style is a little too long for a Sounds of South participant. So we will be working on a new, shorter style in the upcoming months.
Moved in but not unpacked
Today was an exciting day. Today our things finally arrived from England. It ended up taking over two months, but at last we have everything here in the states.
The movers arrived at 1pm and were done unloading everything an hour later. I suppose it made it easier that everything was just going into the garage and not being unpacked, but I was still surprised at how quickly they got it done. Now we have a mountain of boxes in the garage.
While it is a relief to finally have our belongings here (instead of at the bottom of the ocean), we don't really plan to unpack anything until we have a more permanent home. Hopefully that will be this summer. Sammy did, however, insist on opening one box of stuffed animals because she had missed them so much.
The biggest surprise was that our bikes were delivered DISASSEMBLED. When the movers loaded them into vans in England, they were in one piece. When the movers put them in the garage here at the Ostlund's house, they had been completely taken apart. I assume this was to make our total shipment take up less space, but it does leave me with a bit of a problem. How exactly do I get them put back together without any directions or tools? Thank goodness for wonderful home teachers!
Cooking 101
There's a new chef in the house...
JONATHAN.
My motivations?
(1) He wants to learn to cook.
(2) He needs to be able to cook on his mission.
(3) I am tired of cooking.
The results?
(1) A day off for me.
(2) He feels accomplished.
(3) He will be prepared for when he moves out.
Fashion (?) Show
When Jonathan and Andrew went upstairs to find something to do this afternoon, I never imagined that they would come back down looking like this...
I'm so glad that cousins have such fun together. And I am so glad that the Ostlunds have such a wide variety of dress-up clothes!
I'm so glad that cousins have such fun together. And I am so glad that the Ostlunds have such a wide variety of dress-up clothes!
A confession
Okay.
I admit it.
Some days I wish I wasn’t a mom.
There.
I admitted the worst.
It’s just that sometimes it is SO HARD for me to keep going.
Today I had a wake up call.
I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, Extreme Makeover Home Edition. And they were building a house for a family that had their daughter kidnapped ten years ago. As I watched, I was touched by the hope the family still has as they work to help abducted children to be reunited with their families. And I realized exactly how lucky I am. I realized how much I love my children. I realized that I love being a mom. I realized how selfish I had been in wishing I could give up sometimes.
So I am working on changing my attitude and outlook.
I am working on being more patient and more positive.
Most importantly, I am working on appreciating the opportunity I have to be a mom.
And NOT giving up.
I admit it.
Some days I wish I wasn’t a mom.
There.
I admitted the worst.
It’s just that sometimes it is SO HARD for me to keep going.
Today I had a wake up call.
I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, Extreme Makeover Home Edition. And they were building a house for a family that had their daughter kidnapped ten years ago. As I watched, I was touched by the hope the family still has as they work to help abducted children to be reunited with their families. And I realized exactly how lucky I am. I realized how much I love my children. I realized that I love being a mom. I realized how selfish I had been in wishing I could give up sometimes.
So I am working on changing my attitude and outlook.
I am working on being more patient and more positive.
Most importantly, I am working on appreciating the opportunity I have to be a mom.
And NOT giving up.
Valentine's Day Cookies
Decorating cookies with the kids always makes me laugh.
And I needed a good laugh today...
We woke up to yet another snow day - no school.
No school = no sub job = no pay check.
Determined to make today less boring than yesterday, I formulated a plan. We would go to the store and get ingredients for sugar cookies, invite friends over to decorate cookies with us and have chili and cornbread for dinner.
Well, our friends couldn't come over. I used up all the baking powder on cookies and couldn't make cornbread. I forgot to buy a red pepper for the chili. And some of the cookies broke.
BUT...
Jonathan and Sammy still wanted to decorate cookies, so we did.
And I am glad we did because it was fun watching them create little masterpieces out of frosting and sprinkles.
Sammy's cookies always have a TON of frosting loaded onto them. This one is a large sandwich cookie with two smaller sandwich cookies on top. Lots of frosting and lots of sprinkles were added later to make an enormous sugary mess. I couldn't stop laughing.
Jonathan decided to make each of his cookies look like a face of a different expression. He had one that looked like a pig, one that was smiling, one that was yelling, and one that was supposed to be whistling.
And I needed a good laugh today...
We woke up to yet another snow day - no school.
No school = no sub job = no pay check.
Determined to make today less boring than yesterday, I formulated a plan. We would go to the store and get ingredients for sugar cookies, invite friends over to decorate cookies with us and have chili and cornbread for dinner.
Well, our friends couldn't come over. I used up all the baking powder on cookies and couldn't make cornbread. I forgot to buy a red pepper for the chili. And some of the cookies broke.
BUT...
Jonathan and Sammy still wanted to decorate cookies, so we did.
And I am glad we did because it was fun watching them create little masterpieces out of frosting and sprinkles.
Sammy's cookies always have a TON of frosting loaded onto them. This one is a large sandwich cookie with two smaller sandwich cookies on top. Lots of frosting and lots of sprinkles were added later to make an enormous sugary mess. I couldn't stop laughing.
Jonathan decided to make each of his cookies look like a face of a different expression. He had one that looked like a pig, one that was smiling, one that was yelling, and one that was supposed to be whistling. I ended up mass producing about 30 cookies for the kids to take to their church activity that night. Not nearly as cute as the kids' cookies, but still yummy.
There's no business like snow business
Last night it snowed about 5 inches. Not a ton, but enough to cause the schools to close. Bummer for me because I lost out on a sub job, but the kids were happy to sleep in and play all day.
When the doorbell rang this morning, I had a feeling that it was some kids wanting to shovel our driveway for us - for a fee, of course. I sent Jonathan to answer the door and when he called up to me to see if I wanted to pay them to do the work for us, I replied, "No. YOU can do it, Jon." I am sure he was thrilled...
But being the good son that he is, he headed outside and completed the task. He even hammed it up for a photo when I came outside with my camera.
Sammy got all bundled up and went out to brush all the snow off the car for me. What a cute little helper.
I am so lucky that my kids are willing to help out around the house. I really appreciate their help.
When the doorbell rang this morning, I had a feeling that it was some kids wanting to shovel our driveway for us - for a fee, of course. I sent Jonathan to answer the door and when he called up to me to see if I wanted to pay them to do the work for us, I replied, "No. YOU can do it, Jon." I am sure he was thrilled...
But being the good son that he is, he headed outside and completed the task. He even hammed it up for a photo when I came outside with my camera.
Sammy got all bundled up and went out to brush all the snow off the car for me. What a cute little helper.