Oh, My Achin' Back...

This driveway masterpiece is courtesy of yours truly. (Keep in mind that snow was still coming down when I was done, so it's not spotless!) Right after we got home from school today, I suited up and started shoveling. We had a good, solid 4 inches of snow (I know, a paltry amount) and the driveway was not discernable. Andy's a great bus driver, but he at least needs a visible perimeter. The biggest bummer was, while I was out there, the neighbor across the street plowed his drive in one minute flat and the next-door neighbor had a snowblower. Yes, I might have been a little envious. Even so, I got in a good workout, some slipping and sliding in Andy's work boots, and the whole thing was knocked out 20 minutes before he got home!

Okay, okay, so it was totally powdery and the push broom did just as well as the shovel.... and we did get early dismissal from school so I had plenty of time to do it...... But still, I'm proud of myself. Now doesn't someone owe me a backrub?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to our family and friends! It has been a relaxing holiday break so far (with the exception of the way-crowded trip to the Children's Museum). It's nearly lunch time and I'm still lounging about in my sweats and glasses while Andy and the kids play Wii Monopoly. There's a fire crackling and our bellies and hearts are full....awesome. Yesterday, the kids went around delivering Christmas Braid to the neighbors and then played in the snow while Andy did some shoveling and I baked some cookies for Santa. Andy fixed a delicious cracked pepper beef tenderloin for dinner; we sat around watching A Christmas Story afterward while sipping on wassail. This has been our first Christmas EVER by ourselves and I must say, I rather like it! I'm wishing those that I've been a little out of touch with a very happy holiday...friends with new additions to their family, friends overseas, friends whose blogs I still regularly follow-but hardly comment on, and family I hardly see any more. You are all still in my thoughts and I wish you a safe and memorable season.

Andy and I think this handmade hat is adorable on Hanna, but I'm not sure she's convinced yet... Aunt Joanne and Uncle Joe in AZ sent some fun things for the kiddos.....thanks to them! Joel is excited to assemble these neat dinosaur kits.

Thanks to Aunt Susan and Uncle Henry for the books and clothes...everything looks great and Joel's already started Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Loves it!

Grandma Mooberry keeps Hanna well-stocked with Middleton Dolls!

We went to the Children's Museum on Wednesday (just me and the kids) and it was PACKED! We made it a quick run -through of our favorites after waiting in line for 1/2 hour for the jolly days slide. I love this pic on the carousel...personality, eh?

The story behind the slide pics: in order to get a picture of the kids, I had to go down first, whip out the camera, and be ready as the kids came down side-by-side. Of course that didn't happen, as Hanna slid faster than Joel. So I waited to try and get them both in the shot...ended up with Hanna out of the frame..argh! So all I have is this lame consolation shot of her turning in the cloth!

We didn't get any fishing in this summer with the grandparents, so a little museum ice fishing will have to do!

Hanna was a wise man/king in the preschool Christmas play this year. She did great!

A new bicycle for her 5th birthday. I cannot believe how fast time flies with these kiddos...Hanna's getting so big and smart, and Joel's becoming so mature and observant!

Uncle Tim/Aunt MaryAnn and Trevor got Hanna this cute Barbie Race Car Driver outfit for her b-day....perfect for our little daredevil!

Andy and Trevor enjoy some popcorn on the hearth at the party. Trevor's becoming quite the little man too! His little brother will be here any day now! We are all thinking about Uncle Tim and wishing him the best as he celebrates Christmas in Afghanistan over a movie and some Boy Scout popcorn! :0)

Cheesin' it up at Gradma Ellis' keyboard! I think Joel always tries to take personal responsibility for Trevor's well-being when they are together...it's cute!

The famed cousins shot at this year's Thanksgiving gathering....it's getting harder to get all of them looking at once...

Joel's first basketball game of the season. The team struggles a bit, but they are having fun and learning, and Joel likes it that his PE teacher is the coach. Go MV Celtics!

40 Years Ago...

Happy 40th wedding anniversary mom and dad! You're the best!

Catching Up (a.k.a. my out-of-order blog)

I was recently informed by a certain family member that I was lax in my seasonal posting...meaning Halloween pics weren't ever loaded for the world to see. I was so wrapped up getting past my own Halloween monsters (referendum) and moving on to Vet's Day programs that I just plain forgot. Over fall break, we headed to Illinois for a quick visit. The kids had a good time, especially bowling with Gma and Gpa. They're actually getting the hang of it! Here's Hanna all tuckered out on the drive home from the weekend. Doesn't look too comfortable, does it?

Joel went Trick-or-Treating as Wolverine from X-Men. Where DID he get those incredible pectorals?

Hanna got to go to preschool dressed up. She's sporting the handmade Belle costume Aunt Cindy handed down to her. Lovely...

Our babysitter, Kathy, had to sell Fall Festival tickets before school on that day, so Hanna and her buddy Kylee (also in Kathy's care) came with. Karleigh (left) is Kathy's 3rd grade daughter. I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of the three drama queens in front of our gym before school.

In other news, Andy's brother Tim left for Afghanistan today. He's going to be with the 101st Airborne until May. We're not sure if he'll be allowed to come back for the birth of his 2nd child in January or not...we can hope! We are all thinking about him, and MaryAnn and cousin Trevor as well. I believe that family posesses a golden will and resolve that I could never muster.

My World Will Change

Referendum failed.

The Pumpkin Patch

Friday was Hanna's preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch. I ended up with a Dr. appt. that morning so I went ahead and took the whole day so I could go with her. It was a bee-u-tee-ful day for the FT!

They learned about all the things the farm produced, including gourds, squash, popcorn, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. The nice thing about this place is that it's literally 2 minutes down the road from our house, so we can visit anytime.

Here's her preschool picture. I think she looks so much older! (and ladylike and mild-mannered....) Our baby is growin' up!

Busy kids, stressed mom...

The fall school skating party was this week and the kids had a blast. Joel pointed out that his skating skills had improved (I must have missed him practicing this year!! :0), and Hanna was proud that she could stay on her feet most of the time. She didn't even care about the bounce house this year--they were both a'rollin'!

Joel hanging out with some friends. Looks like he and his fellow flankers were cozying up to the "cool" older kids!

Hanna even found some preschool classmates to skate with. They were pretty independent at this year's event.

I don't have pics because I forgot the camera, but Joel ended his season 2 in baseball today. They put up a good fight, but toward the end, the other team skunked them. Joel's really become better at baseball, but it's a good time for a break. Of course we wanted his team to win......Secretly, we accept the loss with chagrin because a win would mean we'd still be at the ball park now for the second game! Next up; basketball!

In other news, the schools are gearing up for the fight of a lifetime. A referendum is on the ballot and tension is most decidedly high. The community in which I live and teach is 80% no children in school. It frustrates me that my calling, my children's educational well-being, as well as my livelihood are all being decided by these people. Stomach aches and wakeful nights have become routine around here. If the public slays this referendum, more devastating personnel/program cuts are guaranteed. This time, I don't think elementary (or any level of) music will go unscathed. If I could swing from the town's water tower and shout to the masses to "vote YES" on November 2nd, I would. I don't think they truly understand what our schools will be like if they shut this down. Not even our superintendent is optimistic, but fight we will.