Family Fun

The kids had Friday off from school

so we packed up and took off for Sunriver

for some family time

We played games

and played in the snow

yes, she is in her jammies

with no coat, hat, mittens, or boots

(sorry, mom)

The happy snow couple

We read and relaxed

and played more games

This is Hank's 'game face'

He takes his game playing very seriously

don't mess

The view outside our bedroom window

Godspeed

It's amazing how quickly they work their way into our hearts.

We only had these little ones for 6 days.

I transitioned them to their foster home today. It hurt my heart.

Because it hurt their hearts.

The baby had become quite attached and didn't want to leave.

He was clinging to me and crying.

The older one was trying so hard to be brave.

He had asked if he could stay here longer.

It will be their 4th home in just over a week.

Hopefully it will be a more permanent situation for them.

We love you guys and we'll be praying for you.

Happy New Year !!

Ski Trip to HooDoo

Will I ever get a normal picture of this kid?  He's such a poser, bless his heart.

Hank took the kids skiing for their first time yesterday.  I didn't go because of:  my knee, my back, and my fear of icy roads.  I stayed home and had some alone time...I did a little shopping, got my hair cut, watched a movie.  Fun times.
The kids had a blast on the slopes.  Well, except for JJ.  She didn't love it so much.  She got tired of falling down and not being able to get up.  She ended up sipping hot chocolate in the lodge, playing her DS.
Montana took to it like a duck to water.  Hank was planning on teaching her a few things before hand, but I guess she just put her skiis on and took off.  She and Reed had a GREAT time and can't wait to go again.

Christmas Morning 09

Waiting on the stairs to see if Santa came...they don't look too worried

Posing with their new penguins

Man Child

STATE CHAMPIONS!!!

Congratulations to the SHELDON IRISH!!

  2009 STATE 6A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Way to go, guys.  You worked hard for it! 

It was an awesome, undefeated season.

Snowflake Makers

Supply them with paper, scissors, and tape and they will be happily entertained for hours.

Christmas Tree in November

The day after Thanksgiving is the earliest we have ever gone hunting for our Christmas Tree. It wasn't pouring down rain, everyone was home at the same time, we figured why not? We went to a tree farm that is owned by someone Hank works with. The only problem is they only had nobles and our kids are used to doug fir. So we heard quite a bit of complaining about how the trees were all ugly and didn't have enough branches, etc. But we were finally able to come to an agreement on one and I think we all came home happy.

Joshua

The kids have been begging us to open up our home again to take in foster children.

We have been kind of licking our wounds and taking some time to heal from our loss of Christian.

We got a call from DHS last week regarding this little boy who just needed respite care for 5 days.

It seemed like a good way to get back into it, so we took him in and loved every minute of it.

He was so sweet and polite.  Montana really took to him quickly and they played together a lot. 

They made up games, read stories, rode bikes, and colored.

It was a good experience for all of us.

Halloween 09

When I was a younger mom, I was all about "happy" halloween costumes.  My first born's costumes consisted of pumpkin, clown, fireman, cowboy, football player, duck fan, etc.  My daughters would dress up as a raggedy ann doll, bride, cheerleader, princess.

Every year they would beg to be the character from Scream with blood squirting down their faces.  (what is the appeal with that costume anyway??) Every year I said no. 

Over the years, I guess my resolve has weakened.  I have slowly given in to the scary, gory, and ridiculous.  I still don't like it, but I've decided it's not quite the big deal I used to think it was.  It's one night (or two or three, if you count the school spooktacular and the church harvest party!) of dressing up and if it makes them super happy to be a freaky looking vampire or a witch, let them have their fun.