Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Last Wednesday we all got an extra special, early Christmas present from Mother Nature - - 4 inches of snow. It fell quietly and peacefully through the night. Luckily, just as the boys were going to bed, we noticed that it was beginning to accumulate on the ground, so they all got up, put on clothes/jackets over their pajamas ( notice M's pjs in the pic), and went outside to have some snowy fun. This was their first time to play in it. They had a blast - - miniature snow men, snow angels, multiple snowball asaults. We had a great time just watching their amazement and wonder.

Eventually, though, the cold was too much for these sunshine boys, and we all headed back inside. As we all slept, the snow kept falling, and falling, and falling... we woke up the next morning surrounded by a foreign winter wonderland. The boys lept up out of bed to head outside and throw a few more snowballs before school. W & P even got to play outside most of the day at school and had a blast enjoying the snow with their friends. Even the big kids at the high school were giddy and excited about playing outside and having fun in the novety of the snow.

By the early afternoon, the temps were back in the 50s and most of the snow had melted. There were only a few patches of shadows that held on to their snowy coats. By the next morning, the only signs of the snow were the mud puddles and sandy streets.

I know that even though Christmas is still a week away, that snow gave my boys a holiday season they will remember all their lives.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Well - here I am, back to my virtual reality. My computer decided to take an early retirement and crashed about 3 weeks ago. It's kind of pathetic how dependent we become on our computers, isn't it? I guess I was virtually deprived there for a while, but now I am back again - with loving thanks to my very special in-laws and their early Christmas surprise for me & G. We love you B & D.

Giving Thanks

What do I have to be thankful for today?

• three amazing little boys & one great husband
• family close enough to be real family
• plans in the works for a new carport & deck (and maybe a kitchen & a couple of baths)
• too much turkey and dressing (just the way we like it)
• M's lost tooth (top front) and a visit from the tooth fairy tonight
• boys who love to entertain their cousins
• struggling with the wish-bone
• shopping via the net, so I don't have to brave the crowds on Black Friday
• Home Alone reruns on TV
• only 5 more months of grad school
• unexpected reunions with old friends
• a happy heart & home

I hope each of you has as many blessings in your life as I do in mine. Happy Thanksgiving!

Techno "now"

OK - so I am a little late in the virtual, techno craze. But, I joined facebook today. Wow - - so many people I haven't seen or even thought about in years! The world really is a small place. It's fun to scroll through the albums of my friends and see their families. It's weird to suddenly have digital conversations with people I haven't spoken to in 10-15 years. I'm impressed. Now - can I keep it up and stay involved and up to date? We'll see.......

these are a few of our favorite things

Here's our

conversation in the car this afternoon on our way home from school.

W: my favorite thing about P is that he helps me build cool lego things, and my favorite thing about M is that we build clubhouses together ( you know, blankets and sofa cushions, etc.)

M: (interrupting W before he can finish the clubhouse thought) and we're best friends!

P: my favorite thing about W is that he is always eager to do something, and my favorite thing about M is that he isn't selfish, he thinks of others.

M: my favorite thing about P is that he helps me do anything, and my favorite thing about W is that he sleeps with me and snuggles.

My favorite things? I think this conversation ranks right up there among the top of the list!

ps -today's sincereity completely overides all the arguing and fighting that went on during yesterday's ride home!!

if only everyday could be like this afternoon :)

Friday Night Football

The Broncos (district champs, 13th consecutive year in the playoffs, by the way) honored their seniors last night and all the coaches kids got to take part. They ran out of the tunnel before the Broncos took the field. W & M were especially excited about this and talked about it all week long.

Some of you may think this is no big deal, its only high school football, but to these kids, it may as well be the NFL. All these kids got to hang out with their football superstars and enjoy their chance to share in the excitement of the Friday Night Lights.

Around here football is a tradition, and with all these kids, its a family tradition. Most of them have grown up together, and many are best friends. What a special way to have pride in their individual families, and in their common connection - the Broncos.

So - enjoy the pics of our kids, and our extended family.

at the park

We had a great weekend - two soccer games(P won and M tied), an afternoon at the park, smores in the backyard, and an extra hour of sleep Sunday morning - thanks to the time change. Here are some pics. Enjoy.

ps - W took the one of G & me... not bad for a rookie, huh?