Princess Bride deleted scene

This is hilarious!

All thumbs, no thumbs

Since I have not done any scrapbooking in over SIX months, I've started a new hobby: sewing. I'm teaching myself to sew. I'm not great, but I have learned a ton in the past week or so. Apparently, however, I have not learned to avoid slicing my thumbs with my rotary cutter. I actually could probably use a couple of stitches on my left thumb, but I'm just sticking with bandages for now.

I've made some super cool things, including window treatments, a little drawstring bag, and table runner, some coasters, and half of a purse. Don't ask.

I don't have any pictures of my new stuff, but I can assure you that they only look super cool because of the fabric I used.

Wii love to play games

I swore that our boys would never play video games. We made it almost three and a half years. Nick was sick this weekend, complete with a fever of 103. After a couple of days of constant whining, we decided to bust out the Wii and let him try his hand at bowling.

Nathan did not want to miss anything, so he pulled out his own controller and "played" along, too.

Speaking of Nathan, I have to tell you something HILARIOUS. It requires a little bit of background. Gram and Umpa (my mom and dad) bought a place mat with all of the presidents of the United States on it for Nickolas. Nick knows a LOT of them now, even if we show him different pictures than the ones on the mat. Pretty sweet. Anyhow, Nathan has not been ignoring this mat. Nathan keeps pointing at a picture of Martin Van Buren and saying, "Bumpa!" Bumpa, of course, is what Nater calls Umpa. Ha!
(Dad, we tried to call you and tell you, but you didn't answer. Sorry!)

Vote intelligently

If you aren't sure who to vote for, try this little quiz at Glassbooth.org to see which candidate is the best match for you. You can learn more about the issues and each candidate's position on the issues.

The site paired me with this fella and this one. I agree. I think Duncan was the third runner-up.

She's crafty

Check out the "craft center" (no, I do not actually call it that) in the den. You should also notice that I attached a curtain rod to the kids' table so I could attach their roll of paper. 

I do realize that A.) the boys will climb on the table to reach the top bulletin board and chalkboard, and B.) they will color on the walls with the chalk and crayons. I'm prepared with Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser for the latter. As for the climbing, I think we're out of luck. Our kiddos would climb on anything.

New Year, New kitchen

And family room, den and mudroom, too. Sorry about having the mudroom photo on its side. I have no clue how to change it. I've tried...

New addition to our family

We're proud to announce a new addition to our family.

Meet Holly.

Holly is an iRobot Roomba and she is wonderful. I can't tell you how well she cleans the floors and keeps me sane. She picks up dog hair, crumbs, strings, playdough bits, cereal, dirt, chalk dust, crayon pieces, and on and on. Holly provides the boys with about 45 minutes of activity every day, as they turn her on and chase her around while she vacuums. I turn her on after breakfast and again when we put the boys to bed at night.

Nick named her Holly. Nathan calls her Hotty. Either way, she's a bundle of joy.

Christmas prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for presents, Polar Express, my family, listening, for not being sassy.

I love you.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

I love you.

We decorated a Christmas tree for you.

Thank you for being happy.

Be proud.

Amen

(from Nickolas)

Brotherly love

The fellas helped us put up the Christmas tree last night. The family room and kitchen are almost done, so we were excited to get the tree up and things put back together.

Nick said, "it's finally Cwitmis time!" 

Nathan said, "kickick tee!" 

Jim said, "I'm glad we put the tree up. It looks pretty good here."

I said, "the tree is hot. Don't touch the tree, boys. Please don't put that in your mouth, Nathan. Nick, stop pushing your brother. Get the blanket off the tree. No. Don't sit on the tree. Hey! Get out from behind the tree." 

Maybe we should have brought out the four foot fiber optic tree this year.

Christmas Program

Nick had his first Christmas program this afternoon. It was at the church his school is in. 

He was very excited that the parents and grandparents and friends of friends and all the families went to see HIM. 

That's it. They were just there for him.

 

It was fun, though. He was one of two little kids who would not wear a costume, but that's alright. He had fun. 

Nathan didn't make much noise during the show. (I don't want you to think I don't remember Nathan!).