New Year's Resolution.....

One of my resolutions this year was to try and make cinnamon rolls.  Here it is the last week of February and I haven't even tried to make them.  Sunday was the day.  It was much easier than I thought.

Ready to rise....

The recipe set let rise for 30 minutes and then bake.

The final product.

They could have risen a little more and less butter and maybe the filling will stay inside and not run out.  

Rylee's request was for more frosting on top.

The family vote was for me to try again.  Rylee was sure glad that this wasn't like the rolls I tried to make for 6 months before getting it right.  One thing is for sure with homemade ones you can only eat one or two unlike the Pillsbury ones were you could eat the whole can to get filled up.

Family Movie Night Invention..

Reganne's Invention....Water bottle

Family Movie Night the kids were excited for it this week.  We were watching Hotel Transylvania with popcorn and treats.  They always want water during the movie so to avoid spills you must have your water bottle.  Oops Reganne left hers in her room and it was empty.  Since I hadn't seen it for over a week it went into the dishwasher.  She disappeared during the movie for about 15 minutes.  When she finally reappeared she had her homemade water bottle.  Plastic cup, lid, scotch tape, and straw.  It worked for her.  I couldn't be mad so I let her enjoy her invention and the movie.

Another Remodel..

But will this one take??  We have 4 bathrooms in our house and currently only 3 get used on a regular basis. No amount of begging, pleading, yelling, and even threats couldn't get the girls to use the bathroom downstairs by their rooms.  While we had 5 kids it was a little easier, but since they left they refuse to use it.  So I decided to ask them what the problem was and see if we couldn't fix it.  

1.  It's too big.  Can't fix that one.

2.  There's bugs in there.  That one can be fixed with a little bug spray and a vacuum.  DONE

3.  It's too quiet.  That one can be fixed with a radio/CD Player.  DONE

4.  It's too cold.  That one can be fixed with new rugs and turning up the heat.  DONE

Dave called in the middle of our discussion and promised  them a shopping trip to get new things for the bathroom.  Can you say remodel time.....  

New shower curtain, towels, and rugs.

Hog Wash Sign...Now a necklace holder.

A little re-purposing we have a new bathroom ready to use.  Too bad the kids were already showered and ready for movie night. It will look this nice until Monday night. 

Happy Valentine's Day x3

The past 10 years I have successfully survived the valentine crazies.  That run came to an end this year.  Each child has their own ideas and plans for the day.  The first attach of the hearts arrived on Monday afternoon.  Rylee's new Activity Day Group met and planned a secret heart attach to someone special.

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I am glad Dave & I still qualify since this was our bedroom door.

This heart makes me smile and glad that I am a mom.

Special Surprise for my Valentines...Too early to celebrate they weren't interested in being my valentines.

Rylee's Valentine gave her a chocolate rose, cupcakes, and licorice.  Who knew that 5th Graders planned and executed Valentine's Day so well.  Parents please take notes.

Did they get enough treats??

They were all tired and ready for bed from the sugar crash that followed shortly after dinner.  Oops!! Mom we forgot that we made you a valentine in school.  The night ended with kisses and hugs that made my whole day.  Dinner out will wait until next week when everyone leaves go back home since town is packed.

James O'Neil Miner....Valentine Concert

February wouldn't be complete without a performance from the Little Valley Children's Choir.  We are really lucky to have James O'Neal Miner invite the kids back to perform with him.  He is really partial to our choir and it couldn't be because he has 3 grandchildren + a daughter in the choir.  This day before the concert he came to their practice and shared his love of music with the kids.  This time he talked about the Star Wars theme & Born Free theme being the same tune but upside down and backwards.  That is all the girls could talk about.

Warming Up and Getting in Position.

Talking to Mayer McArther and saying Hi.

Good Sports...

Reganne & Ryder waiting for the concert to start.  This year I got smart and let them take their i Touch's to play while we waited.

They looked awesome

Even as they waited for the flag to arrive.

They sang the National Anthem, Do Ra Me, Seize the Day, and Hot Chocolate.

Mr Miner always takes request and this year the kids all raised their hands too.  They requested Star Wars Theme.  He happily complied as the last song of the night.  This prompted the story he shared with the kids yesterday which left the audience waiting.  It was worth the wait.

The school crossing guard Al who is also friends with the Miners and helps out with ticket sales.  He sat behind us and started bragging about how great the choir is.  You would have thought he was a proud grandpa and I guess he really is.  The kids all love him like a grandpa.

Saying Goodbye....

After 2 days short of 7 months we had to tell Christiana & Shawn goodbye.  Their level of care changed and our licensing didn't.  This will be a good move for them, but we still love them and wish them the best.

There was still time for one last round of pictures.

All in blue...Little Valley Lion Day

Please let us be crazy.

Kids + Heather (Their caseworker) & Paige (Her coworker)

One last group shot.

Lori & Shawn

Picture courtesy of  Christiana she snapped this before I could stop her.  For a boy that hates to have his picture taken Shawn always seems to find his way into every frame.

As they drove away there were a few tears, well wishes, and promises to keep in touch. 

Sick Helicopter Visit

Little Valley Elementary 1st Graders participated in The Jubilee of Trees in the school division.  Their tree received the most votes for favorite tree.  The prize was a visit from the Life Flight Helicopter to your school.    Parents received emails on Tuesday afternoon that Wednesday was to be the day.

During homework they were so excited to share the visit and lucky for us they posted pictures.  Too bad I could only find two out of four classes pictures.  Everyone thought it was great, but I am not sure whether it beat out the hot air balloons landing on the grass last month.

Reganne's Class

Christiana's Class