January Sucks

Seriously, this snow is just getting ridiculous.

We keep getting pounded. It is almost comedic. Except it really isn't, and there is simply no where left to put it.

Our driveway is fully shrunken, surrounded by piles of at least 5 feet of white depression.

Getting in and out of my driveway is a freak show. Turning on the roads is a fingers-crossed- please-don't-let-there-be-any-cars-behind-that-8-foot-mountain-of-snow-blocking-my-view experience.

Yesterday Allen stayed home. Because it took his boss 5 hours to drive into work. And he said he could.

We all went outside to build a snowman. Instead we sunk in our spots and declared ourselves stuck. Which prompted a massive snowball fight. That quickly turned into a wrestling match.

Resulting in Linley running into to the house to spare herself. Tessa watching giddily while caught in the crossfire. Ryder trying to keep up while busily observing his father's inappropriate snowball tactics. And me, soaking wet.

Hopefully our neighbors aren't fully concerned that my children are being raised by two bigger children. And surely they were pointing and laughing as they watched Allen bodyslam me into the snow. Twice.

Revenge is sweet fathead. You just wait.

And Ryder, you are not allowed to repeat anything you saw yesterday on your sister's. Or you will be in time out. Promise.

I love you Jimmer!!

New Years Eve

We had a Rocking New Years Eve. Because we are totally rad. And would not settle for anything less. Obviously.

We lit sparklers,

toasted to all our wishes coming true,

played games, counted down with Mr. Clark, and smooched at midnight.

Just as it should be.

Happy 2011.

Brittany, where the heck are you in all these posts??? I'm photographer next time!!

Sledding Success

Two days after Monday's sledding disaster, we made attempt #2 at butt-bruising fun. Minus Allen. He had to go back to work. Sucker.

These smiles: authentic. Ryder had a blast. Linley finally conquered her fears, and by the end of the day, was sledding all by her lonesome.

Even The Chubs got in on some sledding action.

That is what a day of sledding is suppose to look like. Thanks Hill's for letting us tag along, and playing photographer and pseudo father!! You guys rock my socks.

Happy New Year!!

We had a fun New Years Eve. But I can't get my grimy hands on the pictures, so that post will have to wait.

We had a pretty much perfect New Years Day.

Mostly because I got to sleep in. Until 9. It was awesome.

While Allen did a couple house projects, I took the big kids outside to play in the snow. Tessa watched us out the window. She was in snow lust. Poor child. We created this awesome snowman. The children are convinced it's their father. I suppose stranger things have happened.

Linley bored of snowplay, which left Ryder and I alone to build an igloo.

Our roof was coming along fabulously. I was envisioning sipping hot cocoa engulfed in our snow cave. I was impressed with our skills. I was singing our praises. Ryder was convinced we were the two most radical people on the planet. Then this happened.

Guess Ryder and I aren't really adept at building things out of snow. It was depressing. However, it is forever depicted in history that I spent an hour being an active parent in my child's life. I rock.

And on a completely unrelated note:

Tonight we had a baked potato bar for dinner.

Tessa kept begging for something off the table.

I couldn't figure out what it was.

After 85 attempts, I finally gave her the bacon bowl.

She squealed and instantly started two-fisting it.

'Atta girl.

Pull The Trigger

We got a buttload of snow on Sunday.

Something ridiculous like 2 feet.

After 2 hours of unburying ourselves out of our stupidly long driveway Monday morning, we thought it would be wise to go sledding.

We are idiots.

It was windy, and freezing, and the snow was way too deep to maneuver.

Don't let their smiles fool you. It was a completely miserable experience for all.

I think I may be staring at this same snow until June. This makes me a grumpy girl.

On The Twelfth Day of Christmas

Christmas Morning finally arrived.

The children were told they were not allowed to exit their bedroom until 7am. Our door creaked open at exactly 7:01. Luckily, Tessa was so excited for Christmas morning she didn't sleep a wink the night before, and as such, was already in bed with us. Awesome.

Getting ready for the unveiling.

I realize these stair pictures are a little redundant. But seriously, how was I expected to choose between the two?? Man pose vs The 800 pound baby. It can't be done.

This year we stuck to our goal: One present and a filled stocking for each kid from Santa. Then 4 gifts per monster from us: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. It was perfect. Shopping was contained and purposeful, and the kids were able to focus on and enjoy each present instead of being overwhelmed by stuff. Loved it!

Next up: Christmas dinner. Again, slacked on the pictures. I'm over it.

The kids table.

The bigger kid table.

The bigger kid festivities.

Dessert!!

I loved Christmas this year. It was happy and joyful and quiet and serene and magical, all capped off by an evening filled with fabulous friends.

The only thing missing was my family. Who were suppose to arrive in time for dinner. But their flights got cancelled due to snow in Atlanta. Then they were suppose to arrive again tonight. But those flights also got cancelled. This time because of snow here.

Bah Humbug.

On The Eleventh Day of Christmas

Allen took the big kids bowling in the morning.

Then we did a little nativity at home.

Then we finished the last of our treat deliveries.

Then we went to a friend's house for the real deal.

A couple of the wise-ish boys.

Mary, Joseph, and the ever-necessary donkey. A role played perfectly by my child.

Everyone wanted to get their hands on Jesus.

The evening concluded with the opening of new jammies, followed by kids promptly off to bed with visions of sugarplums dancing around in their heads.

The night was just beginning for the rest of us....

Ryder Randoms

The boy's totally rad gingerbread house he made at school.

And last Sunday he finally lost his first tooth. He isn't sure he believes in the Tooth Fairy, but is certain he likes finding money under his pillow.

On the Ninth and Tenth Days of Christmas

We baked. And baked. And when we had baked 12 dozen cookies, we baked some more.

Then we made fun little plates and delivered them to neighbors and friends and those we wish we were cool enough to call our friends. That's a lot of people. And thus, required two nights.

Two fun nights of bundling up, listening to Christmas music, and oohing and ahhing at twinkley- lit homes as we drove all over our quaint neighboring towns. I'm feeling festive. And full. And fattened. Christmas Eve may officially arrive tomorrow.

On The Eighth Day of Christmas

We went shopping!! I know, I said shopping sucks close to Christmas- but not when we are playing Santa for others. Funness!!