"Spiritual Olympics"

We had such a fun opportunity the other morning to attend the Special Olympic Fundraiser Breakfast. (I believe it was called "The Breakfast of Champions") It was so fun. I don't know why no one ever thought of it before, but I think Tim is going to get involved. After the breakfast we got into the car with Tim, and he told us he was really excited to start with the "Spiritual Olympics."

Time out, Steven style.

No children suffered longterm harm in the taking of this photo.

Stromboli Sunday

We've felt a bit guilty whining about Cooper being a grump lately since we discovered that not two but four teeth are coming in on top.

We apologize.

While the Davis boys were here, Mason asked Steven if we had Guitar Hero. During the discussion it came out that Mason wanted to try to play the guitar. So, Steven took the boys upstairs, and Mason played the guitar! The best part by far was when Mason told Mom to go get Grandpa to hear him play, and when Dad came upstairs Mason said, "Videotape me Grandpa!" Guess they know what Grandpa's good for!

We've been having so much fun with Trooper lately. When everyone was over, he of course broke almost every rule, but he was pretty good nonetheless. He managed to take bows, candy canes, and ornaments off the tree, sit on people, and wrestle with little boys. He's the best guy.

After everyone left, Steven and I were watching America's Funniest Home Videos when I noticed that Trooper had gotten a little heavy on my legs. Luckily I had my camera to capture that he had fallen asleep sitting up. Poor guy.

Christmas Cookies

They're done!

Yeah right.

Okay people, spill.

I have been reading so many blogs lately where people have been making cute sugar cookies. How does that happen?

I attempted today, even called one of my most successful baking sisters for recipes/instructions.

Disaster! So, if you live near us, are related to us, or think you are friends with us, you were meant to get a plate. Alas, you will not recieve one.

I can make some good food, but why does it always look recycled?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Really cold. Right now my computer is telling me that it's about 19 degrees outside. I get so excited when the weather people start to tell us that big weather is coming, and nothing disappoints me more then waking up multiple times in the night and seeing nothing new.

We've been told the last week that we were getting a huge blizzard this weekend, and we got a little snow, but major cold. Cooper and I were so excited when it started snowing....

Cooper and I braved the cold and took off to Kaden and Mason's basketball games today. Mason's games are fun because it's like watching a continual America's Funniest Home Videos. Most importantly, the parents still accepted that it was funny and not the NBA finals.

Cooper did pretty well, except for the quick throw-up on Grandma. She handled it like a champ, but sadly it was so cold that when she came outside, where she had cleaned up her pants froze.

Way to go Grandma!

Is It Cold In Here?

Lately one of our family goals has been to trim our family budget so that we can improve our food storage/saving/debt situations. Fun, I know. So, when looking at the budget as a family Steve saw our utility bill and was completely shocked. I explained that the bill wasn't extra high, that's just what we pay to heat our house in the wintertime. A few days later I read an article teaching that you can save a lot of money each month in the winter if you lower your thermostat by 5 degrees and instead choose to bundle up a little bit more.

The more I thought about it, the more valid it seemed. I remember lots of times growing up using a blanket as a warmth cape, or always having socks and slippers on, sweatshirts, etc. So, we decided to try it. We've been going strong for about a month now, and it's honestly not so bad. There have been a few moments when I've experienced something and thought, okay...too cold.

For example, we are just starting to introduce sippy cups to Cooper at meals.(The ones that change color when they're cold) Coop's sippy cup had been sitting on the table while I prepared dinner and we waited for Steve to come home. When I finally got around to picking his cup up, my hands were so cold that it changed the cups color. Whoops.

I usually have some butter at room temperature for toasted breads, and yesterday I tried to spread some on my toast only to have my knife rebound off the frozen solid block of butter.

I've noticed lately that Trooper is not panting and laying on the kitchen floor like he used to in our warm house, he's laying on my feet and snuggling up to the couch. *I appreciate this*

I'm so proud of us. We are not torturing ourselves, or the baby. By some miracle his room is some sort of sauna, always way too warm for me. But, it's been really fun to make a choice and stand by it. Plus, I think the pioneers would agree that 5 degrees less in the winter...not so bad.