On Christmas Day, In the Morning:

Here we are hauling our gifts over to Nana's house on Christmas morning! We had a wonderful time and hope each of you enjoyed your family and celebrations as well...

....we hope it was great!

Christmas Lights and Dilly Bars

The folks and us decided to jet to Keizer to see the neighborhood famous for their Christmas lights. Some of those houses were amazing! I wonder how much their electric bill is in the month of December? It's probably a lot of Ramen.

Note: Since Daddy's been in school (you know, my entire life) we've measured our currency in Ramen Noodles. It's the nutrition staple of college life!
"Hail to Thee, oh consistently affordable Ramen which sustaineth us with thy square, wavy noodles and sodium saturated bullion packets which are labeled with different flavors but all taste suspiciously alike!"

Operation: Arc Invasion

"Nice and easy now, Noah, open the door. I SAID OPEN THE DOOR, OLD MAN!"

Our Library

One of my brother's very favorite spots in the house. Nothing like a good book, I'm telling ya. With Nana, Auntie Julie and Mama for relatives how could we not be bookaholics?

When Monday night Bible study went late...

I was praying. Really.

Gold Star Moments

With our impending Christmas break, I'm instituting a new periodic blog column, "Gold Star Moments". Since beginning my homeschool journey with my little guys, there have been some pretty big victories, intense challenges and some real noodle-scratchers. Not to mention all the little moments where I've been convinced that I'm a darn good teacher for my fellas, thankyouverymuch, those moments that have me reeling with panic and feelings of inadequacy and those that have me rolling on the floor in laughter.
Sometimes these moments leave me asking myself, "Are these children normal?" or, "Are these children really mine?" I thought I would let you peek in on the instances that have evoked so much pride, consternation, joy and sometimes, downright confusion in regards to educating my children. So, without further adieu, here is the first installment of "Gold Star Moments":

Gold Star Moments #1

The story was The Grasshopper and the Ants. A wonderful and thought-provoking tale of the industrious ants who worked to gather their winter food and the lazy grasshopper who wasted the summertime away enjoying only the activities he fancied. You all know the story; winter arrives and finds the grasshopper cold, hungry and pleading at the door of the ant hill. I finished the story and continued to the questions:
1. Should the ants have shared their food?
Correct answer: "Yes! It's always kind to share what you have with others!"
Solomon's Answer: "No."
2. What should the grasshopper do?
Correct Answer: "Learn from his mistake and remember to help his friends gather food next summer. When we work together, everyone wins!!"
Solomon's Answer: "Well. If he's really that hungry, he could eat the ants. That would show them."

The Happy Dictator

I may have not mentioned here that our latest addition to the household, Fitz the Kitten, has met with an untimely end. This was due to the fact that he mauled Solomon's face. As Fitz healed and gained strength we realized that he was quite feral.
So, we are down to just one kitty, or rather, just Kitty-One. Let me tell you, this cat's never been happier. He's simply beaming. Perhaps it's because he has exclusive rights to the food dish. Maybe it's because he alone is there to absorb any kitty-type affection being offered. Or maybe Micah's theory is right. Maybe cats are inherently selfish, evil fiends who want to take over the world.

"But you said...."

Special treats were cooking there
By my lads and me
A special chore to show their love
To friends and family

Littlest one with longing eyes
Peers at the M&Ms
"Bring Mama a bowl," I said
"and I'll fill it up with them."

He disappeared to start his quest
For a bowl to hold his treasure
Leaving me to reminisce:
He's way too cute to measure!

My tiny boy returns to me,
Eyes filled with victorious glee,
Hidden behind the largest bowl
The kitchen's ever seen.

The "Before":

From Mommy: OK, so we just got a hair cut. They took a bit more off than I would have liked, but he still looks pretty handsome, if I can say so myself. This isn't a great before pic, so to tell the difference you may need to scroll down a few posts. Daddy hasn't seen it yet but I know he'll say it's WAY too short. Solomon likes it, though, and I guess that's what counts!

The "After":

Which do we like, folks? I know that Nana's vote is the short look while Daddy and Lori lamented his last trim. As for me, the short style is easier to fix (the skateboard cut actually requires "product" and a blow-dryer to look decent) so, this works for me. Goga & Papa - what do you think?

Whole Mess o' Handsome

Daddy and Brother at Mo's in Lincoln City. Mmmmm...hot Cocoa!

The Folks

Mommy and Daddy are never on here, so here's them on their way to Daddy's work banquet (Mommy's still stuck at 25 pounds, but at least she's still half way there, right?).