Growing Everyday

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My daughter has been begging for a dog since she could talk basically. So Andrew and I finally gave me and got her a puppy. The puppy is 11 weeks old and is a german shepherd mix. So far Kahla, the puppy, is really good. She does pretty well with sit and come. She is learning down. And is trying to learn wait. Now, if she could just get the hang of house training all would be well. I shouldn’t complain. The house training isn’t going badly; it is just exhausting. But I would take any advice people want to offer.

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Ahh, a deep breath. The wrapping paper is finally put away, the boxes are emptied, the presents have all found their places, the travleing is done. Time to sit back and be thankful for the wonderful holiday. And it was a wonderful holiday. We were so blessed to have time with family. It was nice to talk to everyone and see them. The kids are pleased with everything they received and thankful.

So a few pictures to remember it by.

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This is Jared practicing patience while waiting for the gift opening to begin. He still needs to work at it a little.

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For many years when I was a child, I helped my mom make Christmas candy. We made tons well we only made four different kinds but we made a lot of those four kinds. I have very happy memories of listening to Christmas music, talking about the meaning of Christmas, all while making the candy. It was because of those memories that I decided to have the kids and Andrew help me make candy this year. Admittedly, we did it on a much smaller scale. We had a lot of fun though. Beka and Jared really enjoyed roling the peanut butter balls and just working as a family.

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The other day, Beka and Jared were curious as to why we put salt on roads and sidewalks in the winter. After Andrew and I explained the basics, we did an experiment to prove it. We took 5 containers. We had a containers with salt water, vinegar, sugar water, baking soda water, and water. We left the containers outside overnight. In the morning, the kids could not wait to see the results. As you can see from the pictures, they are still in their pj’s.

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All of the containers froze except for the one containing salt water. We had lots of fun hypothesizing what would happen though. I had no idea what the vinegar would do.

Last night, Grandma and Grandpa Westberg came over and watched the kids while Andrew and I went out to a company Christmas party. (The party was wonderful.) Grandma said she had a craft project for them to do. When I came home, I saw the most beautiful gingerbread house sitting on my table.

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All the kids could talk about this morning was building the house and how they wanted to eat it now. I made them wait until after school and after I got some pictures of it. Beka and Jared really enjoyed the project and since I know I can’t make one, I am so happy Grandma took on the project with them.

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We decorated for Christmas over the weekend. We don’t do much. The kids and I decorated the upstairs with a tree and some lights. It makes the loft area feel really cozy.

Beka and Jared were playing with a flashlight last night. They were upstairs playing so I don’t know exactly what was happening but this is what I overheard.

Jared "Look, Beka I am Jesus"

Beka "Jareeeed, that isn’t right. You are supposed to worship Jesus not tease him" (said in that annoying older sister voice)

Jared "Oh! Sorry God"

And then they just went off to play some more while I tried really hard not to fall to the ground laughing.

In the winter, I have a tendency to hibernate. I really don’t like the weather or the cold, but I try to keep a positive attitude, but it does mean things get slow around here. The kids and I aren’t out doing as much so there is less blog fodder. So today you just get some cute pictures of everyday life.

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Jared discovered Andrew’s ipod the other day. He has been dancing around like a hip hop rocker since. Beka is studying for a math test in her picture. I know she looks like she is having a hard time, but math is very easy for her. One thing she did NOT inherit from me.

While we were visiting family over Thanksgiving, Beka and Jared dug out some dress up clothes. They had fun putting costumes on each other and Mommy. Beka particularly loves the dragon fan. Jared loved playing with the cap he has on. Mommy was just a good sport about it.

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We celebrated Andrew’s birthday without much fanfare. The best part actually happened the next day when we sat down to dinner

Beka: " Nope no wrinkles!"

Eveyone looks at Beka with a huh? expression

Beka: " Daddy doesn’t look any older; no wrinkles, but Mommy has wrinkles "

Aren’t children just precious?!