Growing Everyday

Today the kids were outside playing and saw a dove picking up different pieces of sticks and grass. Then the dove would choose one and fly off. Beka asked what the bird was doing so I explained about how a bird builds its nest.

They thought building a nest was a GREAT idea. So we brainstormed what would make the best nest for people. We gathered blankets and pillows. And we had to have toys so we wouldn’t get bored.

Beka has been dying all summer to have a picnic so we turned the nest into a picnic spot and had lunch outside. It was a very enjoyable morning.

This weekend we had some very special people visiting. Beka and Jared’s paternal grandparents visited. They came up to wish Beka a Happy Birthday. Friday night, we received a nice coating of wet snow. So while the grandparents were here, we all went outside and built a snowman. Beka and Jared loved doing it.
I think the snowman turned out pretty good. He isn’t lasting long though.

We celebrated Beka’s birthday with much fanfare and food.  I decorated the house a little with crepe paper.  She got to pick the food.  She wanted to go to the “crab legs place”.  Yes, I know she has expensive tastes.  Beka and Jared both helped me bake the cake and decorate it.  She was really excited to get to talk to both sets of grandparents on the phone.  Overall I think she really enjoyed her day.  I love to watch her when she is all excited.  Beka kept dancing around the house singing,  “I am the birthday girl!”  It was adorable.

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Okay, my children are definitely part of the 21st Century at least technology-wise. I never take a picture without one or both of them asking, “Can I see it?” Digital is great.

Beka is especially catching on.

Andrew and I were talking about Denzel Washington for some reason one night. Beka pipes up, ” Mommy, what is his favorite color?”

“ummm…I don’t know, Beka.”

“That’s okay Mommy. We can just look it up on his website.”

Another example:

Beka: “Mommy, I just push the website button and Waaaa….laaaa there it is.”

Can you tell the internet is a major part of our lives around here. Now I am just nervous about when she figures out Instant Messaging.

We were involved in a lot of activities over the past couple of weeks. It started off with Beka’s Christmas program at preschool on the 15th. Beka was dressed in her Christmas dress and then she was dressed as an angel. All the kids did a wonderful job singing. Afterwards everyone enjoyed some cookies.

On the 20th, Jared and I attended Beka’s Christmas party at school. We made stocking ornaments and played put Baby Jesus in the manager (kinda like pin the tail on the donkey). Jared really enjoyed being part of the class. Oh there was also a storyteller who told the story of the mice in the the tale The Night Before Christmas. The mice wanted a Christmas tree but it had to be very small because mice live in tiny little holes.

We spent Christmas Eve with Andrew’s family. The kids received some very nice gifts as did Andrew and I. Christmas Eve dinner was served at his grandpa’s house. All the cousin played well together and the food was delicious. Andrew and I really appreciated the time we got to spend with the extended family. We attended the Children’s Church program with the family also.

Christmas Day was spent with my parents and brother. Andrew made omelets and I am taking everyone else’s word for it that they were good. (Eggs = yuck)

My family is very blessed. We have so much extended family that give us so much. I can’t even begin to list here all we received in gifts and in blessings. It was so nice to be with everyone as we celebrated Jesus’ birth.

The Shoups, honorary grandparents, gave this advent calendar to Beka and Jared. I really think it is wonderful. It focuses more on the birth of Christ than on the presents. Beka and Jared get excited every morning when it is time to take the next character out of the calendar. I have emphasized that on the last day baby Jesus will be born and put in the manger. So, they know it counts down to Christmas and present, but also to the birth of Jesus.

The snow started falling today around 11:30pm right as I was picking up Beka from preschool.  It hasn’t stopped falling yet.  I would bet we have about 4 inches out there now.  So, the kids and I got out the blocks today.  We built bridges, roads, and towers.  We had a lot of fun.

Happy Birthday, Daddy

We love you!

Over night we received about 2 inches of snow. Beka and Jared were thrilled. When Beka woke up this morning, she had to show everyone the snow. So after nap, I took them outside to play in the snow. First, we had to get out the boots, snow pants, coats, hats, and gloves.

Then we went outside. OH the squirt bottles they are holding are full of cornstarch, water, and food coloring. Coloring the snow with the squirt bottles is fun. Beka decided to make snow angels while Jared wanted to hit Mommy with snowballs.
The best part of going outside in the snow is the hot chocolate when you come inside.

Mommy: I look really skinny in these pants today.

Beka: Mother, you look skinny every day.

Mommy: Why thank you Beka.

Beka: You have skin on you all the time.