Milestone for Anne

Well, she had to do it, I understand, but I do have a bit of sadness when this happens...she got her first tooth. I always feel a bit of sadness as that baby-baby stage changes a bit since she'll never have the same gummy smile. She'll be six months next week already. I just hope the days don't fly by too quickly. Sweet little Anne; Jacob's "sweet pea", everyone's Anne-a-boo, Annie, etc.

Our Santa Family

This was our craft we worked on last Sunday. I made the big one and each of the four older kids made theirs. It was quite an endeavor and they look pretty good!

Police Officers in the House

Today we had a birthday party to attend for the boys' friend (and our old neighbor), Mason. We had a lot of fun. They welcomed all the kids to attend and it was much appreciated. I told the family that I'm pretty sure they made Leah & Jacob's year by including them. At their ages, they usually are home while the big boys get to go to all the parties. I know their time will come, though. In their goodie bags, among other things, there was a little notepad...and here's the police correlation.

Tonight the boys were writing on their notepads and they'd tear a page out and give it to Patrick saying, "OK, here's your ticket." (Not sure how they know this process since we're not frequently ticketed & hope to not become that way). Anyway, it was pretty funny. Patrick would ask each time what the ticket was for....

Leyton: "It's for driving too fast."
Patrick: "This says $10,000,000!"

Jacob: "It's for going through a red light."
Patrick: "But I would never do that."

then Jacob gave him another:
Jacob: "It's for playing Duck, Duck, Goose [Pause] - MEAN!"
Patrick couldn't help but chuckle at that one.

Anne Update

Just a couple pictures...the white shirt is her at 4 months, the polka dots is her at 5 months. She's on her way to six months now. She's loving the johnny jump up and is very close to sitting really well on her own. She's such an amazingly happy baby and she is so loved by all!

Happy 4th Birthday, Jacob!

WOW, time sure flies. Jacob turned four and birthdays always lead to me looking back over the past few years and seeing how quickly time goes by and how quickly the kids change. Jacob is a sweet boy with plenty of passion for the right things. Ha. He has a sweet spot for his baby sister, Anne, for sure! He always wants to kiss & hug her and often calls her "my sweet pea." He has the cutest smile and definitely is full of mischief most of the time. He loves his brothers and when they're at school, he takes over as the big boy of the house and is always nice to his sisters. I love you Jacob! His teachers at preschool have also said that 1) he is always smiling, and 2) he has "such a loving heart." Now I know I'm biased, but I think when you get feedback from teachers that there are many things you could hear, but I think those are pretty special words to have said about my son.

Jacob had a low-key birthday at home. He wanted a round cake with starburst and chocolate chips on top, so that is what we had! It was a lot of fun. His dinner of choice was macaroni, so I made that and also made some cheeseburgers for anyone who wanted one. We had a special family day. Uncle Robert & Aunt Beth came over & brought him a new train and coloring book. They also brought his gift from the Grahams which was a book and some mini jigsaw puzzles. He loves them all. He gets to do a little shopping with some money he has, so he's planning on a new trash truck, but we'll see if anything else catches his eye. He still can't get enough fire trucks and is really enjoying puzzles.

In the pictures, he's sitting with his personal cake that he decorated and then there's one picture of the bigger cake we had.

December in Full Swing

Wow, this month has been flying by quickly. Last week was full of catching up from being gone two weekends in a row and then some shopping on the side. Last Saturday started a stretch of parties. Saturday was Jacob's birthday then Tuesday was his school party. Wed. I volunteered at school, today was the boys' Christmas Program -- I am so proud of my boys! Leyton was a wonderful Joseph and Nathaniel was an excellent sheep. They really worked hard and did great. Tomorrow is their school party followed by a birthday party in the afternoon for a classmate. Saturday morning is another birthday party. Whew. Then we get to enjoy the week together in final preparation for Christmas. A wonderful time.

A Few Memories of Grandma

I was thinking as I went to bed last night of things about Grandma. A few memories came to mind that bring a smile to my face...

- at her house on Nora Street, she had a ceramic type sink and no dishwasher. When we would do dishes there, we always thought that she was a fast washer and moved the dishes around a lot.
- I am pretty sure that as I child I knew she was the best apple peeler in the world. She would peel apples with a paring knife and it seemed like she could go round and round the apple and get the whole peel off in what seemed like one single piece.
- one time she made chicken and Beth & I were there. I think it was the liver, or maybe the gizard (sp?), but she asked me if I liked it. I said no but that Beth did (I was kidding). Then when we were eating, she offered it to Beth & didn't know why she wouldn't take it. Beth told her she didn't like that (now can anyone see Beth eating that?) and then Grandma said, "Oh, you jacka**!" We cracked up about hearing her say that for quite a while.
- two of my favorite phrases: "sweet-art" for the way she said sweetheart and the way she said "pertty good" when you asked her how she was doing.
Lissy & I came up with a couple others...
- "Gill-ee-house", "Veg-et-a-bles"
- Salami & Grape jelly sandwiches

I will miss you, Grandma

Grandma Skornia passed away today around 1pm. I will miss her so much.

Grandma, I hope you are more comfortable now. I love you and am so glad I was able to visit with you every chance I had. I know your pain will be lessened and you can be reunited with so many who left our earth before you.

I heard this song on Sunday night and it really made me think of her and her release from her earthly problems...a classic song with a few extra lyrics. Her chains are gone, she's been set free.

Link to video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0
Link to free download: http://www.amazinggracesunday.com/us/amazinggrace.mp3

You Raise Me Up link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkkw8RhH9ck

This link is to a different song that really impacts me when someone is gone (We Remember):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWiUJA1iecs