I Spy...Eli in the wardrobe--Dec. 14, 2011

Many, many years ago, my Grandpa Yousey and one of his friends built a wardrobe cabinet that Grandpa and Grandma used as a closet.  Pat and I now have it in our living room and use it to house our TV, games, toys, books, etc.  The other day, Eli decided to use it as a hiding place! 

 Can you find him??

 The little squirt pulled out both of the baskets filled with toys (and dumped them all over the floor) and climbed right in!

Comfy Eli??

Christmas program--Dec. 11, 2011

This was the first year Oliver participated in the Christmas program since we started going to Hope.  (Last year, Oliver got sick during Sunday School on the morning of the program so he had to stay home.)  All of the kids worked so hard, and they did such a great job!  Oliver had several speaking parts and a duet with one of his friends.  We were so proud of him!

Oliver's face painting--Dec. 9, 2011

Every year around Christmas at Oliver's school, they have a VERY cool event called Polar Express Night.  The kids stay at school until 8:30 pm and have a fun evening with their teachers and principals.  Everyone wears pajamas, the kids eat supper at school, and they play games, win prizes, and even get their faces painted!  This is a photo of Oliver after Polar Express this year...

I think Oliver looks like Pat during his goatee days (minus the red Rudolph nose!) 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!--Dec. 2, 2011

Despite my original plans, Eli was wide awake during the setting up of the Christmas tree this year!  He actually did pretty well helping, once he learned that it wasn't okay to decorate the tree with Hot Wheels by throwing them into the tree!

By the way, Pat and I finally bought a new camera (Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and Merry Christmas to us both!) and most of the photos from now on are using it.  We are still trying to get it figured out, but we really like it!

Since Oliver was at school when Eli and I put up the big Christmas tree, Oliver decorated his own tree in his room that evening.

MESS!!!--Dec. 1, 2011

Just a word to the wise (and Pat)...never give a full container of yogurt to a 2-year-old and then turn your back...even for a second!  If you do, this will be the result!

My projects--Dec. 17, 2011

As usual, my intentions are better than my actual actions!  November completely flew by, and now December is half gone as well, and I didn't get a single post done the entire time!  I'm planning to get my blog up to date in the next little while, but I wanted to share a few things I've been working on.  I found both of these ideas on Pinterst.com (which I'm totally addicted to).  It's been nice for me to have something a little "crafty" to work on.  Being creative is one of the many aspects of teaching that I really miss.  Anyway, here's a couple of the things I've been up to lately...

 I found these letters online (there were actually hundreds to choose from), printed them like photos, and put them in the frame.  I think it looks pretty cool with my photos at the bottom of our stairs!

The other thing I've been working on is making tile coasters.  (If you are related to me, you might want to stop reading here, unless you want to see your Christmas present!)  I think I've made around 30 sets of 4 coasters in all...some for gifts, some for my mom and sister to give as gifts, and some to have on hand for my new etsy.com shop...that's a whole other topic in itself!

I started using only scrapbook paper, but then decided to try photos as well.

And finally, I wrapped them up with a little bow!