Out of Work Elves!

We became aware that Santa was in search of a new "Head Elf" to help with the Christmas preparation this year. Well, it just so happened that I have 23 unemployed elves. So, Santa was called and interviews were scheduled for Dec. 18th. We prepared our resumes, had parents write letters of reference, we discussed ways of answering interview questions and how we should dress for an interview. Some elves opted for dressy while other preferred elfish attire.

Santa arrived and nerves were on edge, who would he choose? All my little elves interviewed so well and the long day before Christmas break was a HUGE success!

I LOVE my job!!!!

Of course I'll buy you a snow plow!!!

I even know how to drive these things! As we moved into this house with the long driveway, I told Tim one of the first items to find and purchase was a machine that could remove all the snow that was bound to come so I could get out every morning and get to school on time. He gladly complied! He won't be so eager when I make him get out of bed on those icy mornings to plow the driveway!!!

Short Hair once again!

She was so excited to donate her hair for the second time. The 1st time was 19 inches, this time 12 inches went to "Locks of Love". We could not be more proud!



Tammy is the best beautician in the world and was honored to cut Carley's hair for a great cause both times!



She looks adorable with her short hair!

The Daily Ritual...

Everyday as we pull into our long driveway, the 2 youngest jump out of the van and run yelling "Kodi, Kodi!". Kodi squeezes under the garage door and comes flying down the driveway to greet the children with delight. I just had to snap a picture of this daily ritual which I have come to love. This yellow lab has become a big part of our family!

A Masterpiece...

The day before I left last summer dad and I walked down to the shed to take a look at an old table and benches that had been collecting dust for quite some time. I have a thing for benches and solid wood tables!!! As I looked at the way too dark finish, I had visions of Mark and Janna's dining room set flashing through my brain, with the black bottom and mahongeny top. "Yes, I want them!!!" When would I sand and refinish them, or how would I get them 1000 miles away didn't even cross my mind.



Well, mom and dad shared my vision and knew that children and term papers came before sanding and beautification. They sanded and resanded, they varnished and sweat and fretted over whether I would like it. Well..........I LOVE IT!!!! Look at this masterpiece now....



And it fits so well in my dining room that was totally bare just a week ago. That treasure was sitting in the shed, now it is once again being used and loved and admired. Thanks mom and dad!!!!

I Love This Time of Year...

Nana and Dallin enjoying the warm flames of the brisk night. Dallin shows off his talent for cooking a marshmallow "just right".



Dallin and Papa working on the solution to the Rubix Cube. Dallin is bound and determined to figure that great mystery out. He will probably do it too, eventually.



The crew enjoying lunch together. It is such a treat to have mom and dad for a visit. Even though their southern blood is quite thin, they adjusted well!

Sneak Peak!

We have been tossing costume ideas around for weeks now. Taylor will be performing in the Black Light Show tomorrow night with the Champion High School Band. The leaves are fading and blanketing the ground. Time changes this weekend (I could really use that extra hour!!!), and the furnace has been coming on for a few weeks now to take that chill out of the air. We have had to scrape frost from the morning windows. There is something about Fall that just makes me feel warm and cozy.