Pure Enjoyment

Living in a ski resort town, one might think that I get to ride all the time.  Due to the dynamics of our family, ski days are few and I cherish any day I get to go riding and cherish the time spent with whom ever I get to go with on that day. Weither on skiis or on a snowboard riding down a snow covered mountain is peaceful and almost magical.  It is a time of togetherness without the need for much talking.  A quick look from your son or daughter to make sure you saw their accomplishment from the hill they just went down or the jump they just went over is all you need to see and feel their  pure enjoyment.  I have been blessed the past few weeks to have several special days on the mountain;

With my son

My mom, Claire and Hudson

Just Dan and me

Dan, Hudson and me

And a very first the whole family!

These days have been memorable and cherished in my heart forever and  I look forward to many more years of riding with my family!

Going Solo Again

Another double anenoid surgery was scheduled for Copper and Hudson on Friday.  However, Hudson again had a cough leaving Cooper to go solo as well, and he had no problem with being the only one.  He loves any time he can get on his and own and and loves to say "just mommy and coopey doop!"

I did not have concerns about Cooper having surgery as he has not been scared at all to get his adenoids out.  And even when I told him he was getting ear tubes as well, he just "ok mama." When we first arrived at the hospital, the nurse took him to get weighed and he had no problem leaving my side.  I was so proud of him for being so brave.

 Even when he came out of surgery, he was still brave, and not crying at all.  He did have the biggest turned up lip and sad eyes when he saw me, and I could tell he was trying not to cry. When I finally got to hold him, he let out some tears and said "my hand hurts." and showed me his wrapped up hand with the IV in it.  Then he just laid in my arms and snuggled with his new Teddy. 

This morning only 24 hours after the surgery he is up and running around.  The first thing he said to me is "mommy, those ear tubes made me feel better".


We are so proud of you Copper for being so cooperative, confident and brave!

Going Solo

Today was surgery day for my 2 oldest to get their adenoids out.  Because of a slight cold, doctors orders sent Hudson home and no surgery. So Claire was left going solo.

 I had been a little concerned about her having surgery, since she becomes very worried and scared, way before anything has even happened. Once she cried so hard when Hudson got a shot, everyone was consoling her. However, there was no need for concern today; we were surrounded by prayers and Claire handled her self like a mature little girl. When she left me to go into the surgery room she was calm and wanted to push the button for the doors to open. When she came out, she hated the taste of the anesthesia and a had a few tears, but she still wanted to press that button.  She recovered better than I have ever seen. She really enjoyed that it was, "just the girls at the hospital" and told me that, "I will tell the boys all about surgery for when they had to have their surgery." And on our drive home she said, "Mama, it's not fun having surgery, but it's good they make you feel better."

Way to go Claire! I am so proud of you for being so brave and being so polite to others, even when you just didn't feel right.

Christmas Time

We started celebrating Christmas on Thursday this year by opening 1 gift a day from those far away.  It was really nice taking time for the kids to enjoy the presents that someone had taken time to pick out. We Skyped with Tom and Fran in Kalamazoo and then with Scott, Lisa, Hazel and Zane in Nashville.  It is so great that we can be far away from each other, but still celebrate Christmas "together".

Starting Christmas early meant we had time to play with each toy,

and practice our smiles by the Christmas tree.

Christmas Eve we went to church where all the kids were going to sing.  However, the two littlest ones prefered to sit in laps and

Cuddlle with dad,(Tucker was so tired he slept through the whole service)

and Claire and Hudson sang their little hearts out.

Then home and one last gift opening before Santa came. (Tucker gets the most excited about opening gifts, even when they aren't his!)

Then plenty of stories to end the night.

Christmas day was a blast.  We opend presents ALL day, played games and just enjoyed the day being together. 

(Tucker wondered where all the cookies went too)

The boys loved all their present s but really loved this wal mounted race track,

and Claire really loved the big box Dan and our gifts came in.

When it was time for Emmie and G to open presents, EVERYONE had to help.

And once the living room was cleaned up, time to try out the new pogo sticks.

Christmas Day ended with a nice dinner and fond memories of a fun filled Christmas!

More than Just a Christmas Party

I LOVE parties. I love going to them and I love planning them. The past few weeks we have gone to a work party, a North Pole party, 2 school parties, and even decided to have our own Christmas party. We weren't planning to have a party, but Thursday I decided that we should have one, on Saturday... and I am glad that we did. Everyone had such a  nice time and it really made me  think about what parties are really about. 

To me, parties are a gift. A gift of food and fun. A gift of laughing and singing children. A gift of time to be joyful. A gift of listening to others and hearing their stories. A gift of laughter.

 Christmas Parties are more than just a party, they are a gift that bring people together and build friendships. 

I am thankful for...

 Dads

 Moms

and Time with Family and Friends,

Final round 3

  We do not remember days; we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese

Thanks to everyone we saw in Tennessee for providing lots of moments to remember. From Halloween to Hayrides, we had a blast!