Maybe the snow is a good thing.

Well, I got so much done on the Internet today. Thanks to my good friend Amy, she gave a small tutoring session on the world of blogging. I was so un-thrilled with my blog website and how BORING it looked that I wasn't keeping up to date. Now, I can move photos (wow, am I technical or what?)


I did not get any housework done today, (Sorry, Ben) but I did design our Christmas card, updated my facebook profile, and purchased a dress for Amanda on eBay. Below is what I came up with.

The True Meaning of Christmas???

Our sweet little Amanda loves all my Nativity sets. She likes to help me set them up each year. This year she has taken a "special" interest in them. I had them all set up in a very traditional way so that the faces could all be seen. After setting them all up to my liking, I returned a few hours later to see them rearranged. They seemed straight and carefully placed. I returned them to my original set up design. Then at the end of the day, I saw them arranged again like pictured below. I finally realized that my girl thought all should admire and give praise to baby Jesus. Perhaps in her small tender heart, she does know the true meaning of Christmas.

Snow!!!

Well, the snow is here and not to mention the ice. I am so happy that I have done all my Christmas shopping because I hate to venture out into the snow and ice conditions. I am sure I inherited that from my mother. I think the snow is beautiful but is best enjoyed from the view through my front window while sipping on hot cocoa.

Ben came home early from work yesterday and we enjoyed some time with the kids outside. I'll post some pictures and maybe even a video to enjoy.

Amanda made a wonderful small snowman and Calvin just ran around the front yard. He made several face plants but just got back up and continued on without complaint. He was coated with snow so we brought him into the house. That is when the crying began.

It's not about the RING....

Ben is pretty funny about his wedding ring. Since our wedding day, August 19, 2000, Ben has never been without his wedding band. I picked out a Black Hills Gold ring. I did that mainly because he wore a Black Hills Gold ring while we dated and since he did most of his growing up in South Dakota. Myself on the other hand, have a few rings that I trade between depending on my mood and also depending on the jewel tone. I can often be found without my ring too, especially with kids. The times Ben questions me about not having my ring on, I always responded with... "It's not about the ring". I have always been set on the fact that our marriage is so much more than about the ring (size, color, clarity, $$$$).

That bring me to Ben's cherished ring. His hand was swelling and getting irritated for some reason. He managed to remove his ring and he showed me the red irritated area. I advised he take a break from the ring to allow his hand time to heal. He said he would but, he was going to wear it on his right hand because he didn't want to go without it. I reminded him that "it's not about the ring". Well, the ring did something even worse to his right hand. That finger got so swollen that he could not get the ring off. You should have seen us with the petroleum jelly, tucks pads (that was Ben's idea), and even ice water. That ring was not coming off. We ended up cutting that ring off.

With no money for a new ring or to fix the old one... Ben is left with a ring that has been cut. I guess he is learning now... "It's not about the ring". We have a wonderful marriage that is so much more than a piece of gold.

My Little Pot Heads!

One of Calvin's favorite things to do is to make NOISE! His best source is the pot lids located under the stove. I have not figured out how to lock that drawer yet. I caught a fun photo of Calvin trying on a pot lid as a hat. When I went to get the camera, Amanda thought she should join in the fun. So I guess you could say.... I have a couple of "pot heads".

Many may wonder...."Does Calvin own clothing?" For the wondering minds, Yes, he has a bundle of them. He would just rather have none.

Calvin Turns One!

We can't believe that a year ago you were such a tiny "little peanut" we welcomed you in our home and hearts. You were just 6 pounds and slept all the time. Now, today you are over 27 pounds and into EVERYTHING!

We never thought we would have to install child locks on every door in the house. We are even thinking about calling you Bam-Bam. You love to get out things that make noise. You are very good at reorganizing the house too. You like to move things from room to room. Your mother is thinking she has lost her mind because she can't seem to find anything. You also like to "help" by putting things in the trash. My favorite find was the new package of diaper wipes and lotion. I am not sure what other treasures have gone out with the trash so now mom has to check the trash before it gets taken out.

You are just like your mom and love shoes! The only problem is that your feet are so large that it is near impossible to find shoes to fit you. Sit down for this one--- but your mom even spent $45 dollars for shoes for you. She figured it would be your treat since you are a good walker these days and it is starting to get cold. She will be searching for "deals" for your next sizes. And for the record, she never gets $45 dollar shoes for herself.

We had a small celebration with a cupcake to honor your day. You enjoyed finger painting with the frosting and you required a shower before we could open your one gift. A book Amanda picked out for you. Your favorite party items were the balloons. What a joy this past year has been. Your smile is infectious and you are SO LOVABLE!