I can see clearly now!

Today's highlight: clean kitchen windows.






With the sun shining through this morning and the breeze blowing through the open doors and the birds singing, I was happy!

It's birthday time for you!

The kids told Nate that he needed to make a wish as he blew out his candles. Nate said that he wished for fewer candles on his cake. As the kids were removing the candles Isaac said, "Dad, you got your wish! There are less candles on the cake now!" I got him the complete Calvin and Hobbes for his birthday. He was actually surprised. (I think I am getting better at that. I actually got it before Christmas and have been worried that he would find it before I could give it to him.) It was a good day. What more could you ask for?

It begins

Soccer season.
For the next 10 weeks
Three practices a week
Games on Saturdays

At least he's serious about it.



Isaac is a great defender and does a great job of listening to his coach. I think that this might be his thing. I used to play soccer as a kid too and was thinking of joining the women's team. But they only play on Sundays...bummer.

This morning was a bit chilly and windy. The girls were snuggling up to get warm.

"I don't like it."

Said by Hazel after trying American flavored veggy cheese.

"I feel older now that I'm ten." - Aspen on her birthday

Let the celebrations begin (bright and early before 9 am church, no less).

Aspen chose a piggy cake. She even helped to make it.

We also celebrated last night by going to see Lion King with her friends. (Friend's dad didn't want to go, or take 3 little girls, so he gave us the tickets if I would take them - of course!) The festivites will continue next weekend with a sleepover. (Why do they call them sleep overs? No sleeping actually occurs when a bunch of girls get together.)

Happy Happy Birthday

Aspen turned ten today. She is growing up so fast. I feel like it was just last week that she was a baby.
Aspen was born in Chicago and came into the world very fast. I started having contractions at 4:30 in the morning. I was at the hospital at 5 am. She was born at 5:20 am. Aspen was a perfect baby. She ate and slept, a lot. She was and still is, (as long as she is well rested), a happy girl. She loves to dress up. Starting when she was almost 3 Aspen would get up and get dressed then ask to play dress up. She would then change her clothes into dressups and leotards and stay that way for the rest of the day. Now the dress ups are just bigger. Aspen is a great big sister and takes good care of Hazel. She has always been the one to give in so others can be happy. She loves to create new things. For her next project she asked for a whole bunch of shoe boxes! I am looking forward to see what that will turn into. Aspen can also make friends with anyone. No matter where we go, Aspen leaves with lots of new friends. And she stands up for her friends too.
We love Aspen and are so greatful that she is part of our family. She is growing up to be a beautiful and friendly young woman.

What Hazel's been up to

I love to sew little girl dresses. They are fast, easy and cute. I especially liked how this one turned out. Hazel likes to try them on too.
Hazel loves to climb inside all my cupboards. She plays in the dark while I clean the kitchen.
Hazel is also very in to helping me cook and bake. She loves to lick the bowl and the beaters and the spoon and just taking chunks of batter and eating it. She's not picky.
Apparently we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Hazel was coloring with markers while I was making dinner. She opened every marker to try the color out on her paper. Then she started in on the floor - thank heavens for washable markers and tile.