Noah "Kareem" Bake's first game!

There's nothing more entertaining than watching 3rd graders play a serious game of basketball! Those of you who know him well, know how serious he can be...it's a good thing his team won. Good job, Noah!

Nick's Birthday Choices

I had Nick with me the other day when I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things, so I decided to let him use his birthday money to buy a toy. I took him into the toy department, where he gravitated towards the trucks and cars. He picked out a dump truck that has lights and makes sounds, of course. I tried to guide him to choose a sound-less version, but it was a no go, it had to have the sounds. Anyway, he had some money left, so as we were passing by the clothing department on our way to get some groceries, he saw a Spongebob sweatshirt with bubbles and lights on it, and he just had to have it. As we continued on, I saw this darling shirt, I showed it to him and read out loud what it said on the front. He immediately threw down the Spongebob sweatshirt on the nearest display table, and grabbed this shirt from me. He has wanted to wear it ever since. It's funny to me how a kid who doesn't speak more than about 5 words can be so opinionated about things! Anyway, we all know he's a big-time daddy's boy. Here he is getting ready to wear it to bed, over his jammies.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe my baby is 3! I wish I could have some time back... Happy Birthday, my sweet Nicolas! You're a precious boy with a loving and affectionate nature. Our family wouldn't be the same without out you. Maybe this will be the year you learn to talk?? :)

And we're off!

This week Chris started his final semester at ISU,and we couldn't be more relieved about it!! He has worked long and hard, and spent many hours reading and studying when he would have rather been doing something with the rest of the family. We will all be so glad to have that time with him back again. I also realize what an accomplishment it will be to have spent the past few years going to school and working, both full-time. I know that his efforts will benefit and bless our whole family in many ways. So here's to 4 more months of sacrifices, and the unknown and exciting adventures that are to come for our family in the years following his graduation!

To Elizabeth, with love from Zipper!

Elizabeth: Thanks for thinking of me! I've been keeping busy, you know, gnawing and chewing on walls, chairs and stuff. Christmas was awesome - I got some wrapping paper and boxes to play with! I could do without the snow, though. It makes my life a little tricky, when it comes to,... well, you know. Anyway, come visit me! Love, Zipper.

Messy faces and snowy places...

Sophia proudly enjoying her first solo batch of chocolate chip cookies. I love this girl!Our winter friends are back again. These are just a few of the dozen or so that have been visiting our back yard daily since around Christmas. The more snow we get, the more deer that come. Nicolas and Sammy LOVE to sit and watch them.

Toast with jam, Pancho Villa style...