Christmas gifts

Tonight we opened our Christmas gifts.
I really enjoyed this special family time because it was fun to see the reactions of the girls and to be focused on them and each other. It was so nice.
The girls enjoyed their toys and books. The big hitters were the rainbow color Aqua Doodle for S and the Crayola Creative Center for M.
S really liked the Aqua Doodle although I think she thought the purpose was to wet the entire mat to get the rainbow colors to show. M loved the creative center, which had its own Aqua Doodle as well as a mess-free finger paint area.
I received the entire DVD collections of Angel and Buffy as well as scrap booking stickers, a Veggie Tales movie and a book!! C got a jacket, sweatshirt, the entire X-Files DVD collection and a Bad Cat calendar.
The calendar was S's pick, which was so sweet because when she was about 1, I'd gotten C one of those calendars and he and S would laugh and laugh at the silly looking cats. She loved them! So to see her pick it out for him just made me wonder if she recalled that time. I am sure C and the girls will have loads of fun with the latest Bad Cats.

It's winter already!

I don't care what the calendar says.....it's winter!!
Yes, we are still in autumn. But, seriously, we just had the 4th major winter snow storm. We got about 6 inches of snow, half of what they got in the southeastern part of the state!!
So I say winter is here right now and here to stay!!
It's sad that I am already dreaming about spring, feeling a bit of spring fever. That's going to make for a long winter!!

Stressed out?

Are you feeling tied up in the tinsel right about now??

Stop reading and listen to the first song on my play list, which starts playing when you you enter my blog. It's Relient K's "I Celebrate the Day."













There....now do you feel better? Did the words soothe you? Move you?

I know I can't help tearing up whenever I hear that song. I let the words fill me and everything, all the lists and expectations I have, melt away and I can focus on the true meaning of the season.

Wanted: kid friendly check-out lines

Note to self: Do not go Christmas shopping a week before Christmas.
Or at least go alone, no kids in tow.
I had to run to Barnes and Noble today to return a Christmas gift and get something else. I was greeted by a crowded store and long check-out line.
I am glad I had the foresight to call the day before to ask about the new item and to get it put on hold. I knew I'd have the girls with me. And I knew the item I wanted to get was in the Children's Section, right behind the train table.
I so did not want to have to battle with M about leaving the train table/store, which is why I called about the book and, praise God, was told that hold items are at the front of the store, at the check-outs!
So we pulled into the parking lot, which was jammed packed! My heart dropped at the thought of walking in there with the girls. But I prayed that it would be a quick trip.
Yeah.....
The check-out line was down the center aisle!
Gulp!
So I took a deep breath and we hopped in line. Immediately, M spotted a Dora book two rows down and wanted to get it. I thought, here we go. How can I keep her in line with me?
I briefly thought about getting her stroller but 1) the check-out line is kinda narrow and surrounded, SURROUNDED, by all sorts of displays and stuff! And 2) I could picture M having a fit at being in her stroller, while being surrounded by all that stuff. I could just here "Mommy! Out! Mommy! Mommy! Out, Mommy!"
So, for the sake of trying to get this task done and over with, I decided we'd brave the line stroller-less.
I felt like I needed 10 hands in that line, which, thankfully moved at a steady pace. M grabbed at books, a box of greeting cards and other items. The lady behind us was very understanding. The guy in front of us was understanding too, as he told me "She reminds me of my 2 year old."
Eventually M settled on holding two small stuffed bears that are meant to hold gift cards. And she grabbed a board book while I did my transaction, which I had to do while trying to keep her between me and the check-out counter so she wouldn't walk away.
I worried that we'd have a battle over returning the items she claimed but, thank God, she was OK with it and we were able to get out of the store.
One day I'd like to go into a store where there are no items at the check-out line that kids can grab at. I would be a loyal customer to that store. Yes, when we go to Wally World or such places, S has looked and played with the toys and stuff in the check-out line. But I can see where parents could have a peaceful and easy check-out experience if those items are not there at all. Surround the check-out line with tall plastic walls where small items are not tempting little hands and fueling tantrums.
I guess too I should know better to go to stores this time of year with kids in tow. I've been shopping the last couple weeks and things have not been THIS crowded/crazy at all. The reason for the chaos could be that there is a week left before Christmas. Or it could be that people are worried that with the snow storm predicted for tomorrow and the weekend they might not get to finish their shopping.
All I know is this time next year we better be done completely with shopping. No more procrastinating or waiting to get wish lists. Just get the shopping done and over with as soon as possible. Because, really, Christmas should not be about stressing over shopping and crowds. It should be about reflecting on the birth of Christ and keeping our eyes fixed on the true meaning of Christmas.

P&G Bonus coupn book

I was surprised to learn how many P&G (Procter and Gamble) products I purchase for our family.
Prior to a couple days ago, I didn't really give it a thought as to what company makes our products.
But last week P&G announced that if you purchase $50 worth of products, you can get a coupon book with $120 worth of P&G coupons.
For more information, check out http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/en_US/jsp/EDS_Page.jsp?pageID=Year-of-Savings
So I figured, why not? Well, in the last two days, I have completed that goal with little effort. I did not realize the things I put in my shopping cart are P&G products. After glancing at their list of products, I was amazed at the things I purchased in two days alone. I did make it a point to buy a few P&G products, given a recent P&G Savings Insert in the Sunday paper. But I never imagined that I'd already accomplish the $50 goal in a short amount of time.
Pretty cool! Now I can send in the required information and await my coupon book.

Dental appointment

Yesterday S visited the dentist for a cleaning. She did a super job, especially for being in a room by herself.
She wore her special sunglasses to protect her eyes from the overhead light.
The hygienist said that S did a great job throughout, even during her first ever fluoride treatment.
Thankfully, for little kids they do not use the trays with fluoride stuff in them. I gag just thinking about those trays and having to sit for a long time with those in my mouth. I do recall, though, that my childhood dentist had those hand-held water toys, where you had to push the button to do things like get the balls through the basket or make things spin. Remember those? I wish I knew what they are called. I think I recall a parent magazine doing a blip on them a year or two ago. I had considered getting one for S. I'll have to look them up.
Anyway.....instead of those trays, the hygienist rubbed the fluoride solution onto S's teeth with a Q-tip.
Now she has a brighter smile.

Talking up a storm

M's vocabulary has been growing quite a bit these last couple weeks.
I'd say she can communicate with us about 80 percent of the time. Her words are not exactly clear but we can understand to some degree. For instance, Tae-ha is "sister." Other days we are scratching our heads over a word only to go Ah-Ha! when we are later able to interpret it.
She also understands us pretty well, even though she likes to act like she doesn't a lot of the time!
She is also lots of questions, especially things like "Doing?" as in "What are you doing?" And the dreaded "why," for example, "Eat your dinner, Marie." "Why?"
Oh, the joys. And yes, joys. It is cool to hear her say words and to improve on each word as time goes on.

Little Ballerina

Earlier this week S's ballet class had a Christmas party.
Luckily, M was able to attend. She loves to see "Tae-ha" (Sister) in ballet class and she does practice some of the moves at home. So for the party, she got to be out there with the older kids and had a blast.
For the party, I dressed the girls in pretty ballet costumes. S wore the outfit from the academy's spring show of Sleeping Beauty. M wore an outfit I found at a garage sale a couple years ago. It is a homemade costume with sequence and a frilly tutu. She looked precious. And she wore S's old ballet slippers.
M had fun being part of the class, although at one point, the bigger girls from the class next door came to join the little ones, which made for a chaotic time! A few times M rushed to my side for a break. But for the most part, she held her own, especially during musical chairs, while the bigger girls ran around.
I can see now that she will probably want to participate in future classes. Thankfully our normal class has consisted of a couple other girls so Miss Beth might not mind if M can't be contained because she wants to participate.
Either that or M and I make a special visit next door to The Mom and Pop Place while sister is in class! We'll see how it turns out when classes resume in January.

A reminder

This time of year can be a hectic time for many. I've found myself swept up somewhat with last minute shopping.
But, let us not forget the reason for this season:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. – Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)

With all the shopping, baking, wrapping, holiday cards, etc. let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!

Speaking of preschool

This is S's last week at preschool. The next two days will be normal school days but on Friday they are having a graduation ceremony complete with a slide show of what they did over the last four weeks.
S really loves preschool! I am glad we were able to participate this semester. My hope is to get her involved next semester, which, we've been told, will be a longer class (basically two periods).
But we will see what our schedule permits. Right now I am hoping to find an activity or two for M for this winter. S will still be in ballet and will possibly do a weekend art class in February but we need something for M. Maybe swimming at the Y, although I cringe at the thought of being in a bathing suit! Yikes! But it's not for me....it would be for her.
Also, the Family Resource Center announced its winter schedule so I think we might do a Monday play group. And I believe our parks and recreation department is offering a tumbling class so I'll maybe look into that.
With those options, we are bound to find something for M.

Winter Break

Today is the start of our homeschooling winter break.
To be honest, I had forgotten about that we had scheduled one. If you had reminded me about it a couple weeks ago, I would have said that we were going to continue our homeschooling, with a small break while we travel for Christmas.
Well......that was BEFORE Christmas shopping (ugh!) crept up on me. I now face a mountain of odds and ends that need to be done.
So I welcome the break!!! And, to be honest, the last couple weeks have not been as strong or focused given that I chose to let us ease up a little given that S was attending preschool three days a week. We'd still have a couple days focused on the core curriculum but on the off days, I let preschool be the main focus. I'd just offer workbooks and theme related books on those days.
But last week was especially difficult for homeschooling. Any free time we had in the mornings (either before or after preschool) were spent on shopping and running a ton of errands, etc.
So by the time we'd get home in the early afternoon, there would be time enough for lunch and/or to get the girls down for a nap.
I will probably still offer workbooks, especially if I put M down for a nap first. But it's nice to know we have a break so I don't have to feel guilty about missing a school day or being slack about it.

Christmas program

Today was the Christmas Children's program at our church.
S did a fantastic job! She really enjoyed all the singing. Her petite size was a blessing, in that she got to be right up front. :)
The little kids sang "O, What a Special Night," which is a song about the animals in the stable who sang a special birthday song for Baby Jesus. Each kid got to wear headbands with felt ears. S was a cow. Our favorite part is when she does the cow movement and sound. It is so gosh darn cute!
The other song was called "Jesus Is Born," which was about how we celebrate and praise that Jesus is born.
During the program, the little kids start filing out after the first verse. But S stayed out by herself, singing as long as she could until one of her class leaders got her to join the rest of the group.
And then, on the way back down the aisle, she is clapping her hands to the song. She says she was doing it because the song told her to. :)
It was a fun time. I give a lot of credit to the Son Harbor leaders who put this together.

Another realization

While S was at her program rehearsal yesterday, M was taking it all in.
She'd seen us practicing the songs at home and even got good at doing the motions.
So it was cute to see her standing in the aisle, dancing and doing the motions along with the older kids.
But then it hit me that next year could be her year on stage with her classmates!! WOW!

Across the aisle

Every year, our church has a Christmas Children's program. Basically, the children's ministry leads the first half of church. The event includes many songs by all the kids, ages three and up.
This is S's second year and she aways as a blast!
Of course, parents dress their kids in their holiday clothes. Last year, I found a dress for S but when it came time to try it on, we discovered she'd out-grown it.
So off to the store I went Saturday morning before the program rehearsals. In the afternoon, S tried on the new dress and it was also too small! I went back to the store to return it and find something else. I found one option there but decided to check out Kohl's. There they had a selection of 2T-4T sizes. Since she apparently had grown out of 4T, I had to find a 5T, which Kohl's did not have. So I searched for the next size, which took me across the aisle, into the girls sizes!! My baby is no longer a toddler but a GIRL! She still wears 4T but she is clearly on the way to bigger sizes. I don't know if I am ready for girls fashions.

Princesses

Two princesses greeted C yesterday when he came home. The girls are wearing the costumes that came in a dress-up box S got for her birthday. M was even wearing S's old ballet slippers. While S opted for more adult footwear: high heels.

Snow pictures

The photos don't really do justice for the snow storm we had the other day. I think we got about 6 inches. The snow banks along the driveway and roads are pretty high now. But these photos are pretty enough with all the clean white snow.

Little Mommy

One of M's birthday gift was a baby doll and a bag of accessories (bottle, boxes of "rice cereal," "lotion" bottles and the like).

I am amazed at how suddenly she has turned into a little mommy. Yes, we have an assortment of baby dolls and M has played with them. But yesterday she added more to her role playing. For instance, M put her new baby doll in her (M's) crib for a nap.

And she took another baby doll and put it in her (M's) high chair at the dinner table. She then set up the boxes of food, the little food jar, the bottles and all the other accessories in front of the baby doll. She even put a couple bibs on the baby! She insisted that I feed the baby the rice cereal, even though I told M she needed her high chair back to eat lunch.

Also during her playtime yesterday M took the dress up dolls and wanted to put diapers on them. I saw her in the hallway with a diaper in one hand and the dress up doll in the other. M

went into her room, put the doll on the floor and opened the diaper. Then she got the diaper ointment to put on the doll. I saved the doll from that task but it took four diapers, and sister's help, to get a diaper on a doll.

Tonight, M did the same thing as yesterday: baby doll in the high chair, accessories laid out on the table. She even gave the dolls construction paper, maybe thinking they could color or something.

But she added a new part that made C and I look at each other, thinking, wow, she gets it!

M prayed. She sat in sister's chair and did a little prayer! Thanks to M, we pray at mealtimes. She is a little prayer warrior, but she hasn't lead a prayer. But tonight, with her doll, she said something along the lines of "Jesus. Yummy food. Amen." It was so gosh darn cute.

During our family prayer time before the girls go to bed, C asked M if she wanted to pray. She took out her Prayer Bear book and did a similar prayer to the one at the dinner table. WOW! She is so smart. So amazing! What a blessing.

Good to the last drop

OK. My last post for tonight.....
We have a few family favorites for dinner. But the one that has really been hitting home runs lately: Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie.
I highly recommend it! It's super easy to make and super yummy. And you can alter is by using different seasonings or cheeses.
I started making this recipe when we lived in NC. Then I re-discovered it shortly after S was born. It's a sure hit!

Speaking of cookies....

I participated in a cookie exchange yesterday. It was set up by a local on-line mothers group. However, because of the weather, not many women showed up. There were three of us total. But it was a fun time and I got a couple different kinds of cookies to add to the peanut butter blossoms I've made.
My hope is to save all the cookies until Christmas Eve. When I was a kid, my mother used to participate in cookie exchanges with her co-workers. I remember her making dozens of cookies. And then coming back with dozens more!
But we weren't allowed to eat any until Christmas Torture!!
This year, my family will be getting together on Christmas Day in MN. So I plan to share the cookies so we can relive fond memories.

New baking tool

I have a new baking buddy....besides S, who is eager to help, from unwrapping countless Hershey kisses to adding ingredients to the mixing bowl.
I used parchment paper for the first time today and my chocolate chip cookies turned out AWESOME!!! The best cookies, ever, in my humble opinion.
I've never used parchment paper. In fact, I was pretty old school when it came to mixing cookie and other baking batters/doughs. I mixed all by hand. Rarely ever used a hand mixer.
But a couple years ago, my loving husband bought be a stand mixer and I discovered a whole new, easier, way to mix up yummy treats! Of course I really only use it for cookies and the like but I'll discover other ways to use it.
And now, I've got parchment paper to add to my baking supplies. Really I was shocked. Why I bought it in the first place, I don't know. Maybe I saw that it could be used in baking. But I think I was skeptical for a while. Then I decided to just get some on a whim. So, after all the baking I've already done, I finally pulled it out and wow! So cool! What can I bake next? Not that we need anything else for a long time. We are pretty set!

No Snow Bunny

The area got hit with a whopper of a storm. It was enough to cause the area school districts, even Appleton, to close!
As the snow fell, we stayed cozy and warm indoors. Honestly, I am not a snow bunny. I like the snow enough. I'll go out and play a little, walk in it, sled. I'd even cross country ski, if I had them.
But given the opportunity, I'd rather stay indoors where it is warm.
That's what I decided to do today. The girls got to watch some television, played games like indoor bowling and had a relaxing, no-rush day. I got a chance to get caught up on a few odds and ends. A good day in my book.
I'm sure the girls would have liked to have been outdoors. For a little bit at least.
It is a little hard to go out with M. Like many little ones, it is hard for her to maneuver around in the snow while all bundled up. And with the six or more inches we got, I can only imagine the "joyous" time we would have had. I don't think we would have lasted long outside.
The last time we got a lot of snow, we ventured out, all bundled up but poor M struggled to walk through the snow and, when some got on her gloved hand, she wanted a towel to wipe it off. Then she cried to be picked up. It was quite the workout, both of us all bundled, to hold and walk around with her.
S, on the other hand, has gotten much better playing in the snow. With that last big snowfall, she had no problems walking and running in the snow. She did not hesitate to roll a snowball, build a snow bear or lay on the ground to make a snow angel. I am sure she would have enjoyed the snow this time around as well.
Anyway, the snow was falling and blowing all morning so by the time it got decent enough to get outside, we were eating lunch, with homeschooling and naps on the afternoon agenda.
Tomorrow promises to be a clear day so I think we'll play outside when we return from preschool. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the warmth!

Bell ringing

Today the girls and I rang bells for the Salvation Army. We were joined by a couple other families from our preschool co-op.
It was a good time....in the beginning. Then, about a half hour in, S got tired of ringing the bells. And from there she was essentially done. She was tired and didn't want to get up and dance and ring the bells. That became trying. M, on the other hand, was essentially fine. Praise Him that she stayed in the grocery cart the whole time! I gave her books, both girls got snacks and our friend Amy supplied all the kids with cookie pops.
So despite S's mood, we stayed the whole 2 hours. We collected a lot of donations, although I didn't bother to take a tally of how much. Truthfully it helps to have the kids. People like seeing them ringing the bells. And, as many have told us, they are too gosh darn cute to pass by. And I know that many appreciate that we give of our time.
I am glad we stayed. I know S understands that we are helping to raise money for families in need. We talk about it all the time. How the money will help people get food or toys, even help with programs so people can have housing or heat for their home. And I think this service is good for the girls....to experience that we can help so many by giving a little of our time.
So even though S became bored, I still plan on us doing this next year and the year after and the year after. Maybe we'll have to learn more Christmas songs and practice a dance routine. She had a bell dance going in the beginning but maybe she needs to pace herself more.

Speaking of Christmas decorations

Here are pictures of the outside decorations C put up Thanksgiving weekend.

And, here are the girls with Santa. Thankfully, M did not freak out like she dd last year with the Easter Bunny. But she also calls Santa "Noah." :)

Christmas tree

We put up our Christmas trees today. Yes, trees, plural.

I decided this year to do a smaller tree just for the girls. I had a small tree, which I purchased when we lived in North Carolina. It was a tree I had on my desk at work.

In the past couple years, I'd come across it and think it would be perfect for the girls. Well, this was the year.

So the girls (well, S really. M sat with "Blue" to watch ) got to decorate it with non-breakable ornaments like Winne-the-Pooh characters I've had since childhood, things S has made over the years, even angel ornaments made a few years ago by my SIL. Their tree even has a star on it.

Then I decorated the tree in the family room with the rest of the ornaments as well as put out the stockings and other decorations around the house.

Another awesome cake!

Our friend Cat created another wonderful creation! She made Blue's Clues for M's second birthday! It was so adorable and tasty! Thank you, Cat! M loved it!

Speaking of the party, M had a fun time with her friends. The theme was Blue's Clues. I had a couple games, although they were not really necessary for 1 and 2-year-olds. The older kids enjoyed them more, especially the Find the Pawprint game. The younger kids were all about playing with the toys.

Pizza was a hit. The kids were cute, all sitting at the kiddie table, eating and talking.

M tore into all her gifts. She got a doll with accessories; Color Wonder book, coloring book and triangular crayons (so they don't roll!!); a Noisy Farm book with little animals you squeeze to hear their animal sounds; a toy ice cream kit that uses magnets to let the kids stack ice cream scoops on the cones; and a dress up set with tiara, boa and high heel shoes.

She had fun and now she can say she is 2. Today was her first day in the 2-year-old room and she was like a fish in water there. No crying, which is awesome! Such a big girl!

Making Memories

Tonight S and I made cookies for a cookie exchange I am in. She had so much fun. I asked her if she likes making cookies and she said, yes, because she likes to help me.
Our cookie is peanut butter blossoms. She has become a pro at unwrapping the Hershey's kisses. She also likes to roll the balls of cookie dough through sugar. And then she helps put the kisses in the middle of the warm cookies.
It was a fun time. We had Christmas music on in the background and she was just so precious. What wonderful memories.
I am blessed to have a big helper. I can't wait until we get M involved!

Patriot Preschool--Week 2

S completed her second week at Patriot Preschool.
She absolutely loves it. The student teachers are great with her. I can see they enjoy the 50 minutes they have with S and the other students.
This week they covered topics like the Four Seasons and Safari Animals. Last week they made crowns for a Prince/Princess theme. They got to bring their crowns home this week so it was cute to see the kids walking down the hall wearing Burger King crowns decorated with beads, ribbons, foil and more.
The class activities consist of making a name tag, songs or rhymes or stories, a snack, a craft and they get homework to take home.
At the end of the four weeks they will have a graduation for the kids.
But, despite graduating, S can join PP next spring and up until she goes to K.
If our schedule continues to allow, I plan to keep her in the program, and get M involved when she is of age.
I think this is a wonderful program, for the kids and the student teachers.
On another schooling note, I continue to home school with S. We wrapped up N this week, with the themes of numbers and newspaper. She did a lot of number related worksheets. I also let her help put together the magnetic calendar. As for newspaper, we talked about newspapers and read a few newspaper related books: Extra! Extra! Fairytale News from Hidden Forest and Fairytale News. S enjoyed the books, especially Fairytale News, which came with a copy of the newspaper about fairytale news. She wanted to read it cover to cover!
Next week we venture into O and Outer Space. I plan to find video footage of shuttle launches. I can't wait!

Always my baby

When I was a teenager, I used to roll my eyes every time my mom called me her "baby." Puh-lease, Anna, I am a teenager. No, she'd say, you will always be my baby.
She still calls me her baby but my eyes don't roll as much.
I think it has to do with the fact that I am a mother now. I have two beautiful daughters, such blessings. I am truly humbled that God blessed me with them. And yes, they are my babies, even our oldest.
S and I had a conversation similar to one my mother and I had many years ago. I held S close, told her I loved her and that she was my baby. No, mommy, I'm not a baby, she said. She was probably 2 at the time.
That's true, I replied. You are a big girl now but you will always be my baby. No matter what.
As I said those words, I heard my mothers own words echoing in my head.
But, yes, they are my babies. I look at them, a toddler and preschooler, but I can still see them as sweet bundles just home from the hospital. How small they were. Such precious little ones that depended on us for everything. We nurtured them and they are these amazing little girls. So smart and fun.
And even though they are older, we still enjoy times to snuggle. During story time tonight, S wanted me to wrap her up like a cocoon in a blanket so I could snuggle her on my lap. As I took a little rest on the couch earlier this evening, M came into the room and wanted to "eep" with me. She also brought over a blanket and, for a few precious minutes, she snuggled next to me.
My babies. Always and forever.

The week is done

I have to say this has been a weird week. I feel like a hamster in a wheel with all sorts of odds and ends that need to be done.
But, at the same time, I feel like I have little to no motivation to do what needs to be done.
Maybe it's the weather. It's been crazy cold these past couple days. And of course the days are shorter. It's been getting dark earlier and earlier every day. Or at least it feels like it.
I feel like a hibernating animal.
But I haven't been that lazy. I am chipping away at the mountain. And I have a slew of things to do tonight to prepare for M's birthday party.

Winter Wonderland

We had another early December snow storm today. It made everything look so pretty; all the trees and houses covered in fluffy white. It goofed up the morning commute but when we ventured out, the roads were OK.
Not looking forward to the cold, frigid temperatures tomorrow though. Burr!
Stay warm, folks!

Facebook

OK. So I've got a Facebook account.
Over the years I had heard about it but never thought to get on the bandwagon. I guess I didn't understand the point of it, especially since I use e-mail most of the time.
But one day I thought, why not? Maybe I can connect again with old friends and stay in touch with other friends.
Well, even though I have an account, I don't use it a lot. I check in once in a while. I see a lot of people do a lot of weird little things, like sending Flair or other invitations. I don't follow up on those though. I'll send messages, etc. but I spend a lot of time on-line as it is that I just don't have time for all that piddly stuff.
But I do like the social connection. Tonight I connected with a new friend, who knows a very old friend I have not heard from in a long time. I look forward to reconnecting with my friend and catching up. Now that is what Facebook is all about.

Family pictures

Every year we take a family picture, in addition to the yearly birthday photos of the girls.
This year was the same. Off to Sears for our family picture.
But....well, it didn't go as well this year. After the first snap, M decided she'd had enough. She didn't cry or throw a fit but she made it clear she didn't want any more pictures taken. We were able to coax her into letting the photographer snap a few more shots but they weren't great. We did settle on one though.
Then we tried to get a picture of the girls together. But, once again, M did not want to cooperate. So that idea got ditched. Oh well. Maybe next year we'll have better luck all around.