Random...or just the usual

Life is good. Things have been CRAZY around here, like they are for almost everyone out there. It is with all good things, but it makes me wonder. I think about whether or not I am spending my time the way I REALLY want to. What is more important, gymnastics and kindermusik, piano and soccer, or playing a game together as a family and having free time to let your kids imaginations run wild?

Anyway, we have had a crazy life lately. On December 11 (wow, I can't believe it has been that long ago), I discovered that our dishwasher had been leaking (no Noth, I will not bring the mushrooms for the 3rd Sunday) and the following Saturday we left to Minnesota. We had a company come clean up the mess, and as of last Friday, our kitchen is finally put back together. We had to have about half of our lower cabinets replaced, floor, countertops and sink. We also have had the entire house painted- it will be finished tomorrow!!!! I love it. I am realizing now that the ALL WHITE walls, were probably not too good on the psyche. I am however loving our updated look- now we just need to do the cabinets (get them painted), carpet, railings, and a few key pieces of furniture (thank goodness David never looks at this blog!).

Here are a few shots of the last month or so:


Here is Miss Ava, the elf, helping at Zone Conference in Minnesota. The other day we had two plumbers hooking up our faucet. I was on the phone and came out as I knew Ava would be chattin' it up with any workmen. I asked if she was behaving herself and the one said, "Oh she is just telling us we are bald." I lightly scolded her (shame on me) and went into the other room to get off the phone. When I returned I heard the same plumber say, "Well maybe I am fat, but he's not", then turning towards me he said, "she is wondering if it is because we drink coffee, maybe we should change the subject." Oh Ava, nothing like that girl to brighten or ruin someone's day. She is always keeping me on my toes, or letting me know when I have been far too flat footed.


Ethan Man took 2nd place in his school spelling bee out of the 1st-2nd graders. The kid loved spelling the words out loud, and was so excited, it was really fun to watch him. He is still playing soccer and we are thinking about starting him in piano. Junior Jazz is about to end, and we can't have any free time now can we... (see above).


Love my little family. This is Christmas day, we were able to attend a baptism in Minnesota of a great family with four children. It was awesome!



Aidan turned one!!!! The sweetest little guy who is starting to get very opinionated!!! He and Ethan share a room now and Aidan woke Ethan up every morning and Ethan pulled him into bed to play!! Conspirators, those two early birds- it was 6:20 am)! I am not sure about this room sharing thing with Aidan, but hey, the paint colors had to be boy and girl, so Ethan and Ava were no longer able to share ;) Aidan started walking within the last couple of weeks and loves to walk back and forth. He also loves to empty everything out of anything he can get his hands on and spends way too much time in the toilet. If anyone has suggestions on teaching older kids how to flush the flippin' thing, I may pay you for this bit of advice and my children will be grateful of of their days- all of them for different reasons of course.

Happy January!