our little corner of the world

it's tricky

Oh, yes we did.
Sunday night dance party with The Rev.
The kids loved kickin' it old school. As did Scott.

tricky from Rachel on Vimeo.

A combination of Sunday's large snowfall, plus today and tomorrow's bitter temps (-30 wind chill anyone?) has extended our Christmas vacation. Scott is home from work today, and the kids are home from school until Wednesday. I am so grateful for the extra two days!

We've been busy today making custom bracelets.

Andrew's version, beads and pipe cleaner:

Morgan's version, Rainbow Loom:

And then I brought out something new that I had intended for a Christmas gift, but didn't get together in time - the "show curtains". A huge hit. Scott and I already enjoyed one performance with songs called "The Bracelet Song" and "The Flashlight Song". There will be more to come after dinner and into tomorrow, according to Morgan.

happy new year

I've been living under a rock the past two weeks during Christmas vacation, and I must say, it's been fantastic. I had to start emerging from my cozy, protected hideout this weekend and prepare to get back into the swing of things with the kids, MOPS, and other responsibilities. But doing so has only reaffirmed my thoughts that less is more. Taking care of the challenges and dailies of life within our own family was much more enjoyable without the "noise" from the outside. And the more I dig out from under the rock, the more noise, stimulation, and distraction there is. I want to crawl back in.

2014? You've been warned. Cutbacks will be made.

I've always believed that quality is more important than quantity. And I've had no problems applying that belief to other parts of life. Now it's time to make it stick.

catch-up: December

As Morgan and Andrew adjusted to making the fun happen indoors, forts and houses became a staple in their bedroom and in the basement for several weeks.

The everyday play was interspersed with Advent and Christmas preparations.

Matthew gained momentum getting into... everything.

Morgan and Andrew each had school Christmas programs.

And that brings us to Christmas Eve.
And the excitement of Christmas morning.

Once Matthew went down for a morning nap, the bigs enjoyed some of their gifts.

Giltter glue gone wrong!

Then it was off to celebrate with family and get ready to travel.

catch-up: November

Finally, it felt like Autumn. The last leaves were falling from the trees, two weeks later than usual, and we bundled more as we left the house.

Morgan had her turn with Corduroy, the first grade classroom stuffy, and he stayed with us for a whole week.

Matthew, the food connoisseur, was an instant expert at using utensils. Scooping - more like shoveling - and finding his mouth was second nature from the moment we gave him a fork and spoon.