Mario/Wii

Much to my dismay.. my girls are obsessed with the Wii Mario game. These pictures were taken today, but really could have been taken on any given day since Christmas.

Here are the girls getting along. They are working together as a team at this point. This isn't always the case. It's hardly ever the case.

Was making lunch and walked into this scene.

Winter Break....again

The kids have off school THREE days this week. If you add that on to the weekend and that's FIVE days off this week.... Seems my kids were just on winter vacation, doesn't it? Barack Obama was re-elected yesterday. It's super cold outside for the next few days and we are hanging out here at home. Here are some photos from the day.

Amelia happily working on her bead craft project, but has told me many times that she would rather be at school. (I think I should be happy about that.)

Jenna painting.

Andrew snoozing in his favorite place. I know he's happy as can be.

Ava and I were the last ones standing while watching the movie, Mary Poppins today. Ava also says she would rather be at school on these days off. (Again.. I guess I should be happy about that?)

I caught Jenna this morning helping Andrew identify the alphabet and animals. She was explaining to him very sweetly step by step and guiding his hands to find the correct answers. It makes me very happy to see Jenna helping her brother in so many different ways. Now....What to do tomorrow?

Pancakes and Spaghetti

Everyone knows Ava loves pancakes, right? Ava had a date with her dad this morning for ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES!!!

Jenna tried and liked pasta for the first time tonight....yes the FIRST time...

A note from Ava

Ava was at the kitchen table last night supposedly working on her 2 pages of homework, but she was really working on this.... She posted this note for me in the kitchen. I think she needs some SPELLING homework!!

Of note....

30 years ago yesterday was the day my dad told my unsuspecting mom that, "he might be home a little late for dinner". He never came back. My dad disappeared and left his wife and his four kids. Just like that. I was 12 and in middle school when my dad just disappeared. Well..... he did "re-appear" a month later. Kind of. He came back when and where he wanted to, never revealing too much about where he lived, who he lived with, or what he was doing. To this day where my dad is and what he is doing are still unanswered questions. His family - my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins also disappeared from my life that same day 30 years ago. My shocked mom did what she had to do to keep every other part of our lives normal. She picked up the pieces emotionally, financially, in every way. She started working. She kept us in the the same home and schools. Took us on trips, just as we always had. She kept our lives normal and put us first, and for that I am forever grateful and devoted to her.

All Dressed Up And....

going to the Girl Scout Winter Wonderland Father/Daughter Dance tonight!!

and staying home with mom!!

Ava

Looking good before school this morning!

WELCOME 2013!!