Sorry I haven't been updating!!

I didn't realize how many people actually read the blog. I knew my great aunts Erma and Marg were reading it daily but didn't know there were so many others. THANK YOU! I am really glad others are enjoying the stories we are sharing. Please feel free to email me your story as my kids love getting mail.

My Great Aunt Erma recently had surgery so I didn't update the blog quite as much. She is doing fabulous and I can't wait for her to come home from the hospital so we can plan a visit.

Also, my Uncle Wendell also had surgery and is also doing well. He too will be home from the hospital. Luckily they all live in the same city so we can visit during the same trip North.

I had recently asked for some prayers from extended family and it seemed to have worked. Another thank you!

Basketball Brooklyn...

Look out she is coming down the court!

Yes, Brooklyn has started playing in a recreational basketball league with some of her friends.
Her team is the Fighting Unicorns and she was excited the shirts were purple!

We will update more as games pass.

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa were here for about 4 days to celebrate our anniversary and their 20th anniversary. We went to the Brown Derby for dinner. It was fabulous - we had steak, ribs, bread, salad and brought enough home for an entire meal here. The kids loved staying with Lindsay, the babysitter, and we got to enjoy an adult night with my parents.

Report cards for the kids...

Brooklyn received her report card last Friday. She did a great job again and we are really proud of her progress in Grade One. Just wish she liked homework just a little bit.

Erin also received her report card. She got excellent marks as well with a comment that she had not yet mastered her address and phone number. Well, when I told Erin, she immediately learned her phone number and then when Brooklyn got home she prompted her and explained to me that Brooklyn doesn't know it either. I have to admit sometimes, I hesitate when someone asked my number.

Happy Husband - Go Colts!

On Sunday, the Pro Bowl was on TV. We are anxiously awaiting the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Our favorite team the Indianapolis Colts are playing the New Orleans Saints. Go Colts!

Brad already ordered Division Championship hats and shirts and has worn them too! The Colts flag is flying proudly out in front of the house.

On Sunday, we will all be wearing our Colts jerseys - we do all have one!

Happy Anniversary weekend!

Friday night, we took the kids ice skating at The Pond. It was the girls' first time on skates since April. Peyton even tried it. He actually stood up by himself - I was so proud. Brooklyn hadn't lost many of her skating skills but Erin had grown so much, her skates were hurting her feet. Peyton said he wanted to skate like Mickey Mouse (because he loved Disney on Ice so much).

On Saturday Jan 30th, Brad and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. The day started with Brad off to the gym. I then took Peyton and Erin to the Step2 Store in Streetsboro for some playtime. Brooklyn sang at church and then we took the girls to Alpine Valley tubing. The neighbors invited us to come along as they organized a group to go.

Looking forward to enjoying more winter activities here.

Super Handyman

With a "new to us" home, there are many projects to do in the house. Brad has been moving throughout the house to update and repair many things. Here is a list of a few of our "improvements":

• microwave over the stove
• light fixture in the master bathroom
• towel rack in the main floor bathroom
• put stuff in the attic above the garage (with his new huge ladder)
• light fixtures in the front hall
• humidifier on the furnace

We also hired someone to paint in the kids bedroom, the kids bathrooms and the hallway. We have a new sofa, new washer and dryer, new BBQ and 8 dining room chairs.

The house feels like it is coming together.