CHRISTMAS EVE

At Kelly's we had a wonderful dinner. She made a seafood stew, shrimp scampi, and lasagna. We went to her church services and afterwards had a really nice time enjoying the celebration of preparing for our Savior's birth.
Mike and his girlfriend Emily joined us as well. Peyton, Carson, Connor, and Samara enjoyed playing with each other and never get tired of running around, being silly with each other. It was so nice to have my sister, brother, and parents together.

Christmas Cookies and Snowman Soup

A snowy Tuesday afternoon. While Samara was sleeping we decided to have Snowman's Soup with some cookies that I made. I never knew how much white chocolate could be when decorating cookies. Connor, Peyton, and Carson enjoyed every minute of it.
Snowman's Soup is so easy to make.
Per serving
1 packet of hot chocolate mix
6 oz of water
6 white chocolate chips
6 milk chocolate chips
6 marshmallows
1 candy cane
Directions: Boil Water, pour over hot chocolate mix, add white/milk chocolate chips, marshmallows and stir with a candycane.

YUMMY!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we spent at my sister's house

Decemeber Snow Storm

Friday afternoon we started to be prepared for a winter snow storm. It is one of those things where you believe it when you see it. Well when we woke up this morning it was snowing, and it continued to snow and snow and snow. It is now almost 4:00 in the afternoon and it is still snowing. I think at this point we have almost 14-16 inches. It is not forecasted to stop until after midnight. We also have been experiencing thunder snow.

Dave created a snow hill with a bob sled run. The kids have been having so much fun. His Michigan background is coming through now. Tomorrow he has a snow fort planned.

My parents drove 24 hours and through the night to make it up here in time for Christmas. They arrived safely this morning and I look forward to seeing them soon.

Recital pictures

Holiday Season

The holiday season has arrived and while it is a little hectic around here one thing is for sure. The joy of the season will be a part of our home. We recently heard Reggie Dabbs speak and in his presentation he asked us to take the Joy Jesus brought to us and live our life with it. As we celebrate this holiday season we remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate, and the reason we can have JOY!!!

It has been a while since I have had time to update everyone on things going on in our house so the pictures that follow will be of a variety of things. And while I would like to be able to blog every moment and every detail at this time of the year with family, teaching and coaching I just don't have it in me at the end of the night. So tonight, I have some time after what has been a long day, after a long week.

Peyton here at her recital. It was a lot of fun.

NO REGRETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE MELTING POT EXPERIENCE

Wilmington, DE

At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable experience, especially when it is with great friends-Sheila and Meggan, where you can dip into something different - and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

FIRST COURSE:
Alp and Dell Cheese Fondue : A delicious combination of white wine, garlic, whole grain mustard and nutmeg, with a smooth blend of award-winning Gruyère, Raclette and Fontina cheeses.

Into it we dipped granny-smith apples, bread, and some vegetables. YUMMY!!!!!!!!!

Second Course:
California Salad a mixed baby salad greens, Roma tomatoes, walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese, with Raspberry Black Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing.

We skipped the third course-the meats to go directly to the fourth and most awaited course....

Chocolate Fondue

The Original This original recipe featured a signature milk chocolate with a swirl of crunchy peanut butter.
Dippers...
Fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, Rice Krispies Treats®, marshmallows, pound
cake and brownies ...........

Meggan and I enjoying a break......


And then we were done. What an experience for our taste buds.

Bridge Run Challenge

Left to Right: Tricia Holmes, Jessica Slates, Jodi Buyyounouski, Shannon Shoch

Today I ran the Bridge Run Challenge. This was a 6.2 mile race to benefit the LARC school. LARC is a non-profit educational school that provides services for moderate to severe disabled children. These services are provided the children at no cost to the parents.

My sister and I also ran in support of our non-profit organization Family Empowerment Center(FEC). FEC is a faith based non-profit organization that provides services in the Rogers Park Community of Chicago, IL.

Today we not only ran for these organizations but for our own goals. For Tricia it was her first race longer than a 5k(3.1mi) She wanted to finish under 1:05 and did- she finished in 59 minutes. For Shannon it was her first race after recovering from a back injury-she ran with her back brace and did her best time 1:05 minutes. Her cousin Jodi had a baby in June and this was her first race since then. Her and Shannon did it together and finished a 1:05. And for me- my goal was to do it under 55 minutes and I did-54:06.

It was a rainy day, but we didn't let that get to us-We enjoyed it and embraced our accomplishments.

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So today Carson was finally able to go outside for the first time since he had the flu.

He was so excited. Dave took him out for a little bit just to throw the football around. I think it lasted 10 min max before he got tired. Carson had to save his energy for trick or treating.

Peyton's Kindergarten Halloween Party

Lined up waiting to go to the parade.....

Micheala, Andrew, Addison, Peyton, Julian, Natalie

Out at the parade..........

MRS. WEBB'S

KINDERGARTEN HALLOWEEN PARTY

Today I was able to assist Mrs. Webb's am class with their halloween parade and party. It was so cute to see the kids dressed up in their customes. So many little ones with their own personalities coming through in the customes they have selected for this year. I was granted permission from work to go to Peyton's school during my prep and lunch. I would miss one class and had coverage for it, what a blessing. It was priceless to see Peyton's face when I walked into the room. She was so proud to have me there and so excited to tell her classmates. I got to meet some of the kids that she talks about everyday.

When I first arrived I greeted the room mom, Kerry Trexler. We started to help the kids get into their costumes and lined up for the parade. The parade took place on the blacktop. The kids got to walk around and see the other classes, friends and parents. Once back in the classroom we set up for the party. The kids were called up by table to choose treats to eat. They had jello worm cups, chips, pretzels, cookies, juice boxes, apples with carmel dip and yes-candy. After the children finished their snacks they were able to play a game called "Mummy Wrap". The children were split into 4 teams and had to wrap one member of their team with toilet paper. The kids worked together and had a great time. They cleaned up after breaking through their wraps and then it was time to go. The children all had so much fun.

Phillies Fever

Go PHILLLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can they do it again-Yes they can.
A few late nights ahead, but will all be worth it.
We may have just all broke free of the flu fever, but now it is time for Phillies Fever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peyton is so excited to be cheering for her hometown team. Carson is still not feeling well and is being convinced by his daddy that the Yankees are the better team. But I know that I have my niece, Samara, and nephew Connor on my side.


Let the Turnpike Series Begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trunk or Treat

Crossbridge Community Church: Trunk Trick or Treat
Carson and Peyton waiting patiently to go to Aunt Kelly's church to go trick or treating.
At Aunt Kelly's House. Connor, Samara, Carson and Peyton.

Carson needed his sword to protect him from Jack Sparrow.

This event was held at the parking lot of my sister's church. About 12 cars decorated their trunks and had games for the kids to participate in. They were able to trick or treat in a safe environment. Peyton was Hannah Montana, Carson was a pirate, Mara was Tinker Bell, and Connor was an astronaut.

Team Madison

Today Peyton and I participated in an event that helped to raise money for The Cancer Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

We became involved through Madison, a little girl that I taught swim lessons to this summer. At the age of 3 she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). 2 years and 2 months later she is cancer free.

It was a rainy day, but worth the cause.

Halloween Costumes

Here is a sneak preview at their halloween costumes for 2009. Peyton is Hannah Montana and Carson is a pirate. They were excited to try them on and are anticipating the arrival of Halloween.