Happy New Year!

To be very honest, I have never understood the hoopla that is put on New Year's Eve/Day.  I think the last time I actually saw the New Year ring in was many years ago and that was because I was awaken by an infant wanting to eat.  We are usually in bed, sound asleep as others celebrate.  Real exciting, I know.  I'm fairly certain this year will not disappoint either.  Our plans are somewhere along the lines of renting a few movies, dining at home and probably heading to bed before one or all of us get too crabby.  A simple "Happy New Year" will be shouted from each bedroom multiple times before a welcomed silence will take over.  

Even as I ponder it, I'm really not able to pin point the exact moment that we migrated to old, tired and uninterested...but we're here.  Might as well embrace it.  ;-)

But, for those of you that haven't joined us, I wish you a very safe, fun and Happy New Years eve celebration.

Many Blessings for your New Year, too!!!

On a Scale of 1 to 4

So, sometimes I like to tease my kids.  One of the ways I like to mess with them is when they ask for something, I will ask them, "Well.....How much do you love me?"

Cody and Samantha know the drill and through all of their irritation they will mumble something along the lines of "Lots, mom."  or "This much"(with their arms stretched out as far as they can go)

Today, Miss Chloe asked for me to get one of her toys down from the top of her closet.  I thought it was time to introduce Chloe to my crazy ways, so I simply asked her, "How much do you love me?"

Without hesitation she responded, "Four".

I'm sure this was on a scale of One to Four...so she got her toy.

Like a Kid at Christmas

Our Christmas was wonderful.  Being able to be with our family was so much fun, as always.
Like every time before, the time goes by so quickly.  We have to remind ourselves to enjoy each moment.
These kiddos make it easy to do just that!

Christmas Stockings

Christmas stockings are for gifts, candy, small presents from Santa....Right?!

Apparently not!

Chloe has her own idea of what they should be used for...

 

A Day on the Farm

Cold or not.  The kids love the farm.  

Any excuse to run around outside, feed the animals, or ride the tractor.

Their sense of adventure is always in full force when they are on the farm together.

Some great memories are made here.

And lifelong friendships too!

Why I love Missouri

Every once in a while I find something else that makes me think "Oh my... This is definitely a Missouri thing."

Reading the paper the other day, I find this...

Only in Missouri is "Fish Hook Removal"  listed as a normal service at the local clinic.  

Made my Day!! :-)

From Samantha

Our Christmas Gift from Samantha.
Love it!  Love her!!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa Claus made many visits around town this year.  We decided to go see him while he was at 1/2 Pints Frozen Custard.  What could be better than custard and Santa on the same day?!

Chloe was so excited.  She couldn't wait to talk to Santa.  She kept waving at him while she was waiting for her turn.  When it was finally her turn, she went right up to him and said, "Hi, Santa."  Although she refused to sit on his lap, she still told him what she would like.  A visit with Santa and no tears...I thought that was success!

Miss Samantha and Mr. Cody also visited with Santa too.  They both were hesitant.  I'm thinking they are on the fence of thinking they are too old for this "kid" stuff.  I say that's just nonsense and was glad they went up there too.  We had a great time and it was great to see such joy on all of their faces!

First meeting with Santa.

Santa showing Chloe his jingle bells.

Chloe refused to take her eyes off of Santa.  One wrong move and she would be outta there!

Miss Samantha and Santa

Mr. Cody and Santa

A Big Idea

I always have big ideas.  Usually, they never pan out.  That never usually stops me from always coming up with more "great" ideas.  This time is no different.

I found an idea on the web for making Christmas ornaments.  I thought it would be a simple and creative gift for friends.  Creative is correct.  Simple it was not.

It kinda turned into a mess.  A big mess!

I had the grand idea of just working on the kitchen table....with steel letter punches, super glue and spray paint.
Whoops!

My ever patient, helpful husband stepped in at this time and lent his assistance.  :-)
(I think he just didn't want me to destroy what was left of our kitchen and table)

Many hours, mumblings and dirty looks later....

Our 2010 Christmas ornament.

Lullaby

During bedtime earlier this week, Chloe decided she would help get "her Cody" in bed before she headed to bed herself.  She says, "Come on, Cody.  You need to get in bed."

He rarely argues with her.  I think he's learned that it's not worth the effort.  (a good lesson I think he'll use most of his life when it comes to girls)

He climbs into bed and she is close behind and begins to cover him up.  

She says, "Cody, I'll sing you a lullaby."   And so, she begins.

Lullaby and goodnight.

Shut your eyes and sleep tight.

Curly Shirley, Quack Quack Duck.

Under blankalets(blankets) I will tuck.

Goodnight.

He played along and closed his eyes.  She tiptoed out of the room, turned off his light and closed his door.  

Then, she headed to bed.  Her work was done.  

Dear Weatherman,

Traveling is in our near future.

We are leaving late next week to go back to Nebraska for Christmas.  So, I've been watching the weather reports.  Everyday.  Usually a few times per day.  Hoping and praying that we get to have nice weather for our trip.  It can be cold.  I expect the coldness.  Just please, no snow or sleet.

We would have some very disappointed children(young and old) if we didn't get to spend Christmas with our family.  So...
Dear Weatherman, I would appreciate it very much if you could accommodate my wishes.  I will gladly take many feet of snow in January if you could hold off for a few weeks.
Thanks so much, Tammi

Just Because

Because I love to see the excitement on our children's faces...

Because Chad was home with us all weekend...

Because it was bitterly cold out and there was snow on the ground...

Because the presents have been sitting under the tree for over a week, just begging to be opened...

Because it was a cozy Sunday morning and we were all in our pajamas...

And mainly, just because....



We let the kids open one Christmas present each!!!!

Chloe got a band in a box.  

Samantha got a Illustory.

Cody got a Star Wars PS3 game.

Girlfriend

Chloe has a friend.

Girlfriend.

It's the name she gave her new toy.

A spontaneous purchase that Chloe COULD NOT live without. (the drama)

She brought it home and has called it "Girlfriend" ever since.

It doesn't really fit, but who are we to judge.

She loves this toy!  

She spends forever playing with him her!

She winds him her up and closely watches as he she moves across the table.  

Who would have thought?! Not Me!

Oh, Girlfriend!!

Finals, Finally!

It's Finals Week!

Chad and I both have three finals before we get to enjoy a month break from the books.  These last few weeks have seemed to move in slow motion.  More homework than ever really made the long hours so much more enjoyable.

The kids are really getting into the Christmas spirit, but Chad and I are not real with it.  I think it has something to do with the hours of studying that is happening each night.  So to say that Friday can't come soon enough is an understatement.

We're all ready for a school break and some family holiday time.  Only a few more days!

Dad Who?

The other evening I was on the phone with Chad.  Like many evenings, he was working late.  After hanging up the phone I had a small child approach me and say, "Who's that?"

Miss Chloe thinks she needs to know all that is going on.  (It's inherited...)

I say, "That was your dad."

"Who?", she replies

"Your dad"  again was my response.

"Who?" she asks with confusion.

"Your DAD!"  a little more clear from me.

At this time she stops....

She thinking....

Pondering....

Hand on hip & tapping her toe...

I see the wheels turning.

Finally, she says "Ohhhhh.  I remember him."

I know he's been working more hours lately, but really?!! :)  It made me laugh and it's fits her personality!

Christmas Dance Recital

Miss Samantha had her Christmas Dance recital last weekend.  She was so excited to finally show us both of the dances she has been learning.  Her class did a tap dance to Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow and a ballet dance to Silent Night.  It was wonderful!

I think Samantha would say that the highlight of her weekend was that Grandma Sillman, Great Grandma, Aunt Katie and Logan(cousin) were able to come down to watch.  Grandma did her stage makeup and Aunt Katie did her hair.  So much fun!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

We went and bought a smaller Christmas tree to fit in our smaller home.  It was kinda fun picking out new ornaments and decorations.  This year, we let the kids pick and they were thrilled!  The result... a very, very colorful tree.  They did such a good job, I think they have officially been named our Christmas Tree Decorators!
Here are a few pictures of the process...

Chloe irritated with me taking pictures.

Samantha can't wait to start decorating.

The girls playing with the garland. 

On themselves, instead of the tree.

Daddy helping Chloe put on the star. 

Daddy and Cody fixing the top. 

The finished product. Great job, kiddos!

Can you tell that Chloe is tired of my picture taking?!  :)

Thankful

There are so many reasons for us to be thankful.  This past year has been one with many ups and downs, but through it all we have had so many blessings.

Here is what I am most thankful for...

God.  ~His grace and love hold me up.

My husband, Chad.  ~You love me in spite of all my mistakes and imperfections.  

My beautiful children.  Cody, Samantha and Chloe.  ~I feel so blessed to be your mom.  

My family.  ~Who stands behind me, regardless.  I feel your love everyday, even from a distance.

Friends.  New and Old. ~You love me even when I'm not so polished and put together.(which is always)

Schreiber Foods.  ~For giving my husband a job that he loves.  

Karate.  ~Cody loves karate.  Jeb, his teacher, was the first reason Cody said that he liked living in Missouri.

Dance.  ~Samantha loves to dance.  Her eyes light up each day she goes to her classes.

Our home.  ~As small and cramped as it is, it is filled with so much love.  

Freedom.  ~I love our country and those that put their lives on the line to defend it.

Mr. Bubbles.  ~My first born, furry child.  Our family first started with you.

And, those not so important, but things I love...

Diet Dr. Pepper

Nap time quietness

Road trips
Dishwashers

Lazy days in our jammies

Diet Dr. Pepper

Facebook

Blogging
Music

My camera

Lists

Diet Dr. Pepper

Happy Thanksgiving!!

My Baby Boy

Last week, the kids and I were in the vehicle on the way to the park to play with some friends. Out of the blue, Cody decides to announce "Mom, in 9 years I'm going to be 17 years old."

My heart sank.

I shared with Cody my feeling on this issue. I simply told him, "Cody, you will always be my baby boy."

Then, I proceeded with the same comments I always give him when he eludes to getting older and moving away. (How dare he dream of such a thing.)

"Cody, you'll never leave mommy, right?!" "Just stay 8 forever and never get any bigger."

He gets the sweetest little grin on his face that produces those dimples in his cheeks and says, "Mom, don't worry. You'll probably go crazy and never even know I'm gone."

Big Plans

With the election last night, we had been watching news coverage most of the evening about it.  This is a conversation I overheard Cody and Samantha having in regards to the election...

Cody - "Samantha, did you know that there has never been a girl president?"

Samantha - "Really, Cody?"

Cody - "Yep.  Hey, Samantha.  What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Samantha - "Well, I don't really know yet."

Cody - "I know.  How about you be the president?  That way, you will be the first girl president."

Samantha - "Yeah.  That might work.  Yep.  That's what I'll do."

Cody - "This is going to be so great!"


So, you heard it here first.  :)  Miss Samantha is going to be the first girl president.

I just love them to pieces and I love that they dream big!

Carving Pumpkins for the First Time

Chad and I had Parent Teacher Conferences last week.  We asked our neighbors to watch the kids for us.  Ron and Cheryl love the kids and the kids love them right back.  To no surprise, Ron and Cheryl had a fun night planned.  They bought pumpkins and wanted to carve them with the kids.  A very exciting event because this would be the kids' first time carving a pumpkin.

They had a great time and the pumpkins turned out great!!

Cody's Ghost Pumpkin

Samantha and Chloe's Cat and Moon Pumpkin

Happy Halloween!

Like every year before, the kids were so excited for Halloween.  They began asking to put their costumes on to go Trick-or-Treating shortly after breakfast.  We were able to fend them off until about 5 o'clock.  We decided to attend a Trunk-or-Treat event at the Baptist Church in town.  People lined the parking lot and handed candy out from their decorated trunks.  It was definitely something different, but the kids enjoyed it and got plenty of candy.

 

Cowgirl Chloe

Army Diva Samantha

Boba Fett Cody

Trick-or-Treating with our friends

Trevor, Ethan, Cody, Samantha and Chloe

At the last minute

Last minute plans are my specialty.  Our schedule is rarely planned.  We fly by the seat of our pants most of the time and that's the way we like it.

We don't get too excited about distant plans because more than likely the wind will change direction and we'll do something else.  

Call it a flaw, call it spontaneous, whatever it's called....It fits us!

So, it was Friday morning and I had a thought of going home for the weekend.  It seemed like a lifetime since I have seen my nieces and nephews.  I kinda brushed the idea off, but the more the day went on the idea kept creeping it's way back in.  

By 3 p.m. when I was picking up the kids, the idea was setting in.  So, I asked the kids when they jumped in the car.  No complaints from them.  They were all in.    Okay, Game on!

We got home.  I grabbed our suitcases and the packing began.  During the packing, I figured I better call Chad and let him know the plans.  He was still at work so the conversation went a little like this:  "Honey, the kids and I want to go to Nebraska for the weekend.  I'm packing our suitcases now.  I'll pack yours too and if you can go with us, Great!  If not, no big deal."  He said, "Okay." (with no shock, cause he knows how we are)

The packing continued and we were ready and loaded by 6 p.m.  Chad got home right in time and we were on the road shortly after.

Although it was a fast and fiery type weekend, it was still great to be home.  

We spent time at my dad's shop(S & S), there was fun in the combine with Uncle Jeremiah and Uncle Kelvin, there was riding in the grain truck to the elevator with Grandpa, there were horsey rides for the girls at Aunt Kim's, Go-cart and 4-wheeler rides for all the kids, and lots of running around outside!  What more could a kid ask for?  

Chloe on the slide. 

Cody loves riding the 4-wheeler.

Samantha is hanging out on the play set. 

Chloe playing tea. 

Dylan and Cody playing the DS. 

The girls are working on a project. 

Cody giving Logan a ride. 

This is trouble!!

My little man, Dylan isn't so little anymore.  

Logan playin Samantha's DS. 

Miss Maddie with the jewelry on!

Chloe with the helmet on.  The strap is in her face... :)

Oh, girls!

What a beautiful face!

Cody, I love those holes in your cheeks!

We left Sunday shortly after lunch.  

This was the view from the front seat about twenty minutes into our drive back to Missouri. 

This is the sign of a GREAT weekend!!