And Since I'm Already Out of Chronological Order...

While I'm at it, I thought I would also post pictures of the kids enjoying themselves outside on Sunday afternoon last week (20th). We had been invited over to our friends' house after the Christmas program. Which friends? These friends, so you know that we were in store for a great time. We didn't have an evening service on the 20th so they had invited us over for a relaxing afternoon.

After a lunch of hearty chili and rolls, the kids bundled up and played outside for quite a bit of time. Their cheeks were so rosy and cute! The guys watched a football game (you'll have to ask Taigen which teams were playing because I didn't take the time to notice) while Amy and I enjoyed chatting in the living room over coffee and hot cocoa.

Eventually the kids came inside with their wet socks, sweaty heads and frozen noses. We defrosted them with dessert and hot cocoa. Marshall and Shaylen sure enjoyed this time with their sweet friends.

I had to post a couple of pictures that Amy took (from the comfort of the heated house). The kids were so adorable and I wanted to gobble them all up. We had such a wonderful time.

Backing Up a Skosh: The Annual Deacons' Party

In my hurry to post the kids Christmas program video, I failed to mention a wonderful party that we hosted in our home. All of our deacons, their wives and children were able to come over and enjoy some food & games. This year, food-wise we varied from "tradition." Instead of a main course of ham or roast beef and everyone bringing sides (canned or frozen corn included...sorry, inside joke), salads or dessert, we had lots of little stuff: meatballs and sauce, stuffed puffed pastries, little smokies in barbeque sauce and honey & barbeque chicken. The deacons' families brought in cheese and crackers, veggies, rolls, chips and dip and desserts. What a feast!

All of the kids camped out in the basement while the adults enjoyed the laughter and teasing amongst ourselves upstairs.

Once we were all done stuffing ourselves, Taigen called the kids upstairs and started the games. You'll notice the funny looking photo on the left. What are those teens doing? Well, Taigen had them drawing a picture without looking (Christmas tree, ornaments, star on top, presents underneath, fireplace complete with fire, stockings, etc.). Then, the kids needed to go to their parents (pictured right) so that they could be awarded points for accuracy. It was hilarious to see their drawings.

We also played a "Name that Christmas Song" game. This was super interesting since Taigen didn't just quote phrases from the song. He had acquired high-faluting, mumbo-jumbo wordings of the carols and we had to figure it out. Here's an example: "Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors" or "Query Regarding Identity of Descendant." I'll let you chew on those for awhile. Bwa ha ha ha!

The grande conclusion to our evening was a white elephant gift exchange. I must say that I ended up pretty good this year! I got a brand new Yankee Candle snowman figurine that I just love...complete with a brand new Evergreen candle. Taigen on the other hand got stuck with some glittery, purple lotion in a bottle shaped like an ice cream sundae! I have a feeling he's going to set that aside so it can make a grand appearance next year.

We love our deacon group and their families and are so thankful for them. They are a joy to work (and play) with.

Heritage's Christmas Program

Since we've been at Heritage, there have been no Christmas programs. Yup...two years! This is not because we have an avertion to Christmas programs, but for the sole reason that we live in New England. The past two Christmases, we've rehearsed, prepared programs and scheduled the date, but each time they've been snowed out. Due to the various and sundry schedules that everyone has during the hectic holiday season, we've never been able to reschedule them.

This year was different! I am so thankful to say that we were finally able to have a Christmas program this year. We were "sweating it" last night as we were watching the big Nor'easter come barrelling up the eastern coast. Thankfully, for us, the brunt of the storm pummelled Massachusetts and the states south of it and just barely touched into New Hampshire. Whew! We only got a couple of inches.

Our program this year was entitled "Christ Was Born To Save." It was a compilation of Scriptures, singing by the adult, youth and Pee Wee choirs, solos, a duet, piano and organ, and a string trio. What a blessing it was! I am so thankful to the Lord that everything went seamlessly and everyone did a fantastic job.

Marshall and Shaylen's choir started off the program and Taigen was able to get a video. The girls had Part I and Marshall carried Part II all by himself. They all did a fantastic job (not to mention...they looked awesome! Thanks Grandma Sherry for the outfits!). I couldn't be prouder. They really worked hard and enjoyed every minute of it.

So thankful for all of those who participated (or your kids participated). I know you worked so hard. I cannot believe how stress-free & enjoyable the rehearsal and program was. It is such a blessing to serve with these dear, dear people at Heritage.

Watching Aviation History

On Tuesday I got an email from Sherry informing me that the Dreamliner's (Boeing 787) first, long-awaited takeoff was going to actually take place at around 1:00. We would be done with school by then so I planned on getting onto Boeing's website and watching the live webcast with my little airplane enthusiast (and his faithful sidekick).

The takeoff was a success and the three of us cheered when the 787 took to the skies with no problems. It was really neat to be able to witness this interesting part of aviation history.

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times

Don't ask me how Jason managed to avoid the camera all weekend...he really was there. Mike however was down in Argentina having to work. We really missed him. No one was there to weasel out of the kids what was in the Christmas presents.

Meeting Our Special Guest

You faithful readers know how much we love the Pileggis. We were glad that all of them could come...BUT, we were especially glad to meet the newest Pileggi: Lily. She was born mid-November and I was dying to see her. Apparently, I wasn't the only one.

Preparing for Life...and Company

One of the things we're wanting to instill in our kids' lives is the value of hard work. Don't worry, we're not working them to death and stealing all of their free time. They play...a lot. We do however want them to know how to clean and how to help out around the house. When working together, it can be a ton of fun. Plus, when all four of us work hard, it takes less time.


We were expecting a house-full on Friday night: Janelle, Jason, Joni, Enzo, Julia and Lily (and then Brenda Bowman on Saturday). That meant that every available space in the house was going to get used and therefore readied. I wrote out a list for me, a list for Marshall and a list for Shaylen. They were so excited to be able to help. I think there is a thrill for them to be able to cross those things off that list!

One of the newer jobs on the list was vacuuming the stairs. Fortunately, I now have that little Dirt Devil hand-held that I found at the consignment store. I don't have to lug the big vacuum up and down all of our stairs! (Trust me, there's a lot of them.) I thought that it was also the perfect job for my little Marsh-man. Boy was he excited! Every stair and every rug got cleaned thoroughly and with a big smile. Doesn't he look cute?

Shaylen joyfully scrubbed the half-bath downstairs and their bathroom. We all worked hard and were really glad to sit back and enjoy our company when they finally arrived.

Maple Suites Ministries I & II

I got a call a couple of weeks ago from a lady that attends our church. She is a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution). Their meetings this month were taking place at Maple Suites Retirement Home. She wanted to know if our homeschool kids would be willing to come and sing for the residents after their meeting this past Monday. I shot off a quick email to everyone and was able to gather several interested families! We pulled together some of the pieces we are rehearsing for the church Christmas program and planned on going.

Monday afternoon we were able to go and sing for the residents there. They were just finishing up lunch, but quieted down in order to hear the kids. The kids did such a great job! It made me so proud of our church kids with how well they did and how well behaved they were. The staff rewarded the kids with homemade cookies! (Boy did that make Shaylen happy!)

On to Monday night's ministry: Taigen had called up Maple Suites Retirement Home several months ago and asked if they would like us to come back again this year and do a Christmas concert. We thoroughly enjoyed going and singing/playing last year and definitely wanted to do it again. When they said that they would, Taigen asked two of our church families to join us. They jumped at the opportunity. We went and joined them for dinner at the home and did our Christmas concert. The residents all pulled up their chairs and listened as we did a program that lasted just over an hour.

When we were done, the three little kids went and passed out little bead ornaments that Shaylen had made. Every resident (at least those that were there at the conclusion of the concert) and worker got one...that's probably over 40 people! She had been saving them and decided to give them to the "grammies and grampies" in case they didn't have any presents this year. What a sweetie!

Afterwards the folks there commented on how much they enjoyed it, but truth be told, we are the ones who receive the blessing by encouraging these folks.

Weather to Match the Month

Ah! Finally we got some snow! I was wondering when it was going to start looking like December. Winters here in New England are absolutely beautiful. Come and visit!

The Birthday Festivities

Marshall and Shaylen's birthday was a day of wonderful family time. It was a great day to just be together. They were able to sleep in after a busy last week. I'm surprised that they slept in at all with all of their excitement for their birthday, but they did. Taigen made pancakes for breakfast and they got to eat in their jammies (a special treat!).

Their Wednesday night club leader made them their cakes again this year. (Remember last year's? They were outstanding!) He had asked them a long time ago what kind of cakes they wanted for their birthday. They didn't waste a breath thinking. Shaylen asked for a butterfly and Marshall asked for a helicopter. It's a good thing that Mr. B isn't afraid of a challenge. A helicopter? How was he going to pull that one off?

The kids were able to play outside for quite a bit. They were so excited because it finally decided to snow. The weather finally matched the month! What a wonderful birthday surprise for both of them!

For dinner Marshall and Shaylen requested their favorite thing: French fries and chicken! Surprise, surprise. I think the kids asked for dinner every five minutes starting at 2:30. They knew that after dinner came presents! And after presents came cake and ice cream.

What a hoot we had watching them open up their presents and cards this year. They were so excited to get puppets, audio books, money and birthday greetings from afar. I think Shaylen has that money spent in her mind already. Marshall knows he wants to spend it on something having to do with airplanes, but just doesn't know yet. I think he wishes that the Boeing store was near here so he could go and peruse it.

And the cakes? Well, Mr. B was able to pull off two incredible cakes. Not only did they look fabulous, they tasted fabulous too.

Happy birthday to the best two kiddos in the world. We love you Marshall and Shaylen!

The Twins Are Six

Can you believe that the twins are six? Neither can we. They continue to be such a special blessing to us. Happy Birthday Marshall and Shaylen.

Homeschool Sugar Fest

Last year a few of us homeschool moms got together at the tail end of the summer and planned out some activities/field trips that we could do together since there were so many of us at the church now. One of the ideas that came up was a Christmas Cookie Baking/Decorating day. It was a great idea. Unfortunately, last year's event got snowed out and it was never able to be rescheduled.

Thankfully, as this year's schedule got planned out, they worked in another baking and decorating day. And so far, there's been hardly any snow. After much planning on the part of one of my friends, it all came together for today. The idea was to bake and decorate and then give the cookies to some of our church people.

The kids had a blast. (I'll give you one guess as to one of the reasons Marshall and Shaylen had a good time. The hint is in two of the pictures!)

The church basement smelled so good and the cookies were doused with loads of frosting and sprinkles (and I mean LOADS)! There was a baking station, a decorating station and then another station where the kids could decorate the gift bag. Lastly, there was a packing station. Each type of cookie was wrapped up and gently placed in the decorated bags.

It was so much fun that I'm hoping it turns into an annual event.

Little Gymnast

You might not think that cartwheels are a big deal, but when you consider that I couldn't do one to save my life, and Taigen certainly cannot, you realize that for Shaylen to learn it's close to being miraculous. It's not in her genes. She's only learned how by watching her cute little friend Olivia. It's quite an accomplishment!

12th Annual Joos Psychedelic Christmas Cookie Decorating Fest

Yesterday was the long awaited day. I had made the dough a week or so ago. All that needed to be done was rolling out the dough (and keeping my hubby and kids from eating it all raw), cutting it out, baking and cooling. We had baked all three batches of Sour Cream Cookies on Sunday evening (we had an afternoon potluck and service so we had the evening "off."). The Queen of Questions (i.e. Shaylen) asked about every 15 minutes yesterday, "When are we going to decorate the cookies?"

Sooo, finally we got out all of the fixin's and let the kids (and us big kids) have a blast making the infamous Joos Psychedelic Christmas Cookies. It's been 12 years that we've been doing this. It's probably one of our favorite traditions. With Christmas music playing in the background and us singing and frosting in the dining room, the cookies got their glorious "Christmas clothes" on.

The kids are beginning to distinguish between Daddy's and Mommy's now and Taigen and I got a HUGE kick out of their comments. "Wow this one is so pretty! Mommy did you do that one?" or "I want mine to look just like Mommy's!" Still can't tell much difference between Taigen's and the kids'. They aren't Martha Stewart. In fact, she would groan at the lack of design, but they will still taste just as delicious if not more so because they are made with great joy and love.

My sweater was heavy-laden with frosting and there are sprinkles and nonpareils all over the floor. The floor will sweep, the laundry will be washed, but we have wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Let the Christmas season begin!

Apple Pie Help

Marshall and Taigen went off to run a couple of errands one night and Shaylen helped me in preparing for the Thanksgiving feast we were going to enjoy at the Perdues on tomorrow. We started off by making a Pumpkin Cobbler (Mom Mac's recipe), then a Pumpkin Roll and finished things off by making an Apple Pie. Shaylen was eager to help (as usual) so I pulled out the apple peeler/corer/slicer and let her have at it. She had so much fun and the pie turned out delicious.

A Warm Welcome

Last Saturday afternoon some ladies from church came and helped me throw a bridal shower/house warming party for a new bride that just joined the church. The groom practically grew up in our church (or so they tell me...we weren't around).

The kids and Taigen were such a huge help in getting things ready. We wrote down a list of things for each kid to do and they joyfully completed each task. I think they get a huge thrill off of crossing it out, like Toad did in the Frog and Toad story entitled The List. (Please tell me that you've read that storybook. It is hilarious!)

I've posted recently how much of a help Shaylen has been. She's washing dishes, folding laundry, cleaning bathrooms (including the toilets) and helping me prepare dinners in the small way that she can. I got a picture of her helping me get ready for the shower. She was stirring the sherbet into the punch. This was the first time she had tasted sherbet. It was no surprise that she loved it.

On the right is a picture of the bride, Elisabeth, holding our newest little addition to the church. If this is any indication of how great Elisabeth is with children, she'll have all the kids in the church wrapped around her little finger in no time.

Tradition! Tradition!

Did that instantly put the opening song from Fiddler On the Roof in your head? Sorry. If you know me, you know that I almost constantly have a song going through my head. It can be both a blessing and a curse.

The Tradition song was going through my head last night as I made two batches of fudge. Having fudge at Christmas is just about as much tradition in my life as having a Christmas tree and presents! I cannot remember a Christmas without it. My grandmother made great fudge as did my mom and aunts. For some reason however, I was never able to get the recipe right. They always flopped.

Enter: Taigen's Grandma Rutledge. She was my lifesaver when it came to an easy (and delicious) fudge recipe. It tasted just like what I was used to, but was much simpler to make. I have yet to mess up a batch! It's so easy in fact, that last night I enlisted the aid of my two cute munchkins.

Since Marshall had a fever-free day and was back to his perky, singing-at-the-top-of-his-lungs self, I recruited him to count out marshmallows. Shaylen measured out the chocolate chips & sugar (I'm sure Janelle has very fond memories of this part of the process. She just loves fudge!). Then, I allowed her to stir together the evaporated milk and sugar on the stove just before it started to boil. She looked so cute standing there on her stool. She's quite the cute little helper!

As usual, the fudge turned out perfect. Shaylen is eager to test her very first batch. Can you blame her? What a great way to pass on this wonderful (and delicious) Christmas tradition.

First Sick Day

Usually Marshall and Shaylen are really good about answering their teacher's questions. (Maybe it's because I'm the Pause Button Fanatic and they have to.) But yesterday, Marshall was having trouble concentrating. I thought it was because he was tired at first, but when I called on him to answer a question at about 10:45 and he didn't answer I was puzzled. I asked him, "Marshall, what's the matter?" He didn't answer but burst into tears. That is definitely abnormal!

When Marshall came over and sat on my lap, I immediately discovered that he had a fever. We finished the worktext we had been working on and then called it a day. Marshall cried all the way down the guest room stairs, all the way through the house, all the way up the stairs and was crying when I came up to tuck him in bed. I pulled off his jeans and put on his pajama pants so that he would be more comfortable and then gave him some medicine. Marshall rolled over and went right to sleep! He slept for two hours!

Marshall didn't eat lunch or supper yesterday but was content to lay in bed or on the couch. He took another hour nap in the afternoon. Last night he went right to bed and fell asleep promptly. He called out at 11:00 and when I went in I could tell his fever had broken. He slept soundly until about 4:20 this morning. Unfortunately his fever was back. Thankfully it's not gotten above 100.4. We're taking an extra day off of school to make sure he gets the needed rest. He's currently snuggling with his stuffed dog, Lottie in bed. I expect he'll be asleep shortly. I'll also be keeping him home from church tonight. That rarely happens.

Shaylen is still feeling fine. She is being a huge helper! Yesterday she helped by cleaning her bathroom counter and folding a load of laundry. What a blessing my little Peanut is to me.