Thanksgiving 2012

This year we have spent Thanksgiving day with Jeremy's cousins in Burlington at Marge and Steve's home. They are such incredible people and always welcome us with open arms. We had such a great time seeing everyone. The food was delicious and I believe we had a selection of 16 pies for desert . We played some fun new board games, took a group picture in the studio, danced and Jasmine got to perform for everyone several songs on her violin. Jasmine, Andrew and Michael loved playing with their cousins and did not want to leave. The next day we cooked a turkey and all the delicious sides that our family enjoys for Thanksgiving at our home. Our house smelled delicious! We are very grateful for the many blessings we receive every day.

Thanksgiving dinner at our home

A tradition that I have started with my family is taking time to write what we are grateful for, each day through out the month of November. We used paper leaves that we attached to some branches, therefore making our own grateful tree.

 

 

Halloween 2012

After asking my children what they would each like to be for Halloween, I realized that there was a theme that we could create with their costumes. Andrew wished to be a Knight. Jasmine said she would like to be a Masquerade Ball Princess and Michael a good Dragon. He really loves dragons and I predict that he will wish for a dragon birthday in February. So to be able to join their group Jeremy and I dressed up as a King and Queen. I made paper crowns and capes from old drapes and the look was complete. Easy and simple costumes with a price of under $20 for the entire family.

 

Halloween decor

We have started to decorate a little more for Halloween this year. Almost everything is made by us from card stock paper, and other materials that we had around the house and in the yard (see the stick from the witch broom on the mantle). I am not sure why this year I am enjoing making everything at home and purchasing very little or nothing from the store. It could be the economy or the fact that I am more happy with things made by me and my kids. Either way I am very happy with the end result of our work.

 

Pumpkin patch

Every year we celebrate fall with a trip to the pumpkin patch. The entire family was excited about the hayride, finding the right pumpkin and of course playtime afterwards in the maze and on the playground. These little things are what life is all about.

 

 

 

Bunko party

For the past few years we have enjoyed going to the Bunko party (a dice game party) every October. This year we were asked to come in costume and that of course made me happy as I love to create something amazing on a very small budget. The total cost for the materials for our costumes was $13.99 including the wig.  Jeremy was a Pharaoh and I was Cleopatra. The party was such a blast and I really loved how our costumes turned out.What do you think?

I'm back

After several months without posting anything it's hard to know where to start. I've missed everyone in blogland and I have missed writing our adventures as this blog serves a special purpose of a family diary. My children love to look at old entries filled with pictures of them when they were little. I know it is important for me to keep a journal of some sort for our family where we can look back and remember these special times. Our children will not stay little for long and special moments get forgotten when you grow old. So, here's to a new start in blogging! 

Lake Pomme de Terre 2011

Camping as a family has become one of our traditions. We enjoy picking a new spot every year and the kids love every minute out in nature.

Summer 2011

Yes, I am still trying to get caught up on my blog. I will post most of our summer, or at least the parts that I have documentation for through pictures. We had fun participating in many activities as a family and we created beautiful memories for years to come. 

We enjoyed fresh veggies from our garden all summer long.

Michael has grown tons this year and he always melts my heart with his beautiful big brown eyes.

 I received 50 roses from my sweet husband just as a nice surprise.

 Jasmine and Andrew continued to learn and improve their swimming skills.

 Relaxing by watching movies.

 We enjoyed a beautiful summer concert at the park offered by the city band.

 We also got to play at the pool with daddy.

 We made lots of beautiful art with mommy.

 We played lots of soccer in our backyard.

 Having fun with friends outdoors.

 And when it got too hot outside(100F) we had fun playing camping in our living room

 We made salsa with everything fresh from our garden and then canned it. We also canned pickles and taragon.

Zoo

This summer we also got to enjoy the zoo in Kansas City. It was very hot outside that day but we made it through with the help of the cooling fans with water mist. The children loved it and this was Michael's first time at the zoo.