Skating Lessons

The kids are taking iceskating lessons this week. I knew Haley would love it, but I wasn't sure if the boys would like it, esp. Carter, but they've done great. Austin picked it up within a couple of minutes. The teachers are really good with little kids and know how to motivate them. They've refused to let the mothers near them and insist the kids stay on the ice for the entire one hour session. I think it's been harder for the Moms than for the kids ;o) esp. the first day when they fell alot!

But now all three of them are skating very well without holding on to anything, and they know how to fall correctly and how to get up without help. They are learning little tricks, too.

Yesterday Carter was yelling to me from across the ice at the top of his lungs, "Look at me skate, Mom! I'm so PROUD OF MYSELF!!!" Everyone cracked up :o)

Settling into the new room

Duncan took some pics of the kids in the new room the other night. He built the top part of the bed for to make a bunk and stained it to match the bottom- I was pretty impressed with the results.

Haley's bed is in the "old part" of the room temporarily. She has her dolls and books set up so she is happy as long as the boys don't touch them!

It is working out nicely, and there is enough room for them all to be comfortable.

Now I'm just waiting for the border to come in!

The day after

Thurs. 2/15/07

Duncan spent almost two hours snow blowing this morning. It was hard to tell exactly how much snow we got because of the drifts, but it looks to be about 2 feet. That's a pretty impressive amount for one storm, especially after getting only a couple of inches so far this year!

This afternoon we took the kids to their music lessons and then swimming. The bitter cold was almost unbearable, but the hot tub sure felt good once we got there!

Happy Snowy Valentine's Day

Dunc and the kids had a great time going out to play in the show in the middle of the day on Wednesday, right before the wind and snow picked up again. They even went sledding in the back yard. The kids have been waiting all winter to do that!

Painting Fun

We are doing a stars and planet theme in the boys room. Last night the kids painted the ceiling with a stamp and sponge paint kit their Aunt gave them (with some help and supervision from Dunc and I, of course ;o) They had a total blast! (finished product below).

We are almost ready to move the boys in. The wallpaper border will have to wait since it's on backorder for another 2 weeks. Haley will sharing a room with them for now while we work on room #3.

Goals for Week

Mon. 2/5/07 7:13 pm

Duncan is out doing a job estimate, and I'm taking a break from shuffling around furniture and cleaning out clutter. Dunc painted the boy's room late last week- I was happy with the color, and even happier with the price: it's Ben. Moore and we only paid $1 for the whole gallon. I ordered a border that hasn't come in yet, but it should be really nice. Today Dunc put in all the baseboards, window trim and outlets, and shampooed the rugs. After schoolwork I spent the afternoon going through lots of STUFF. We were joking that we almost have enough to fill a dumpster, but it's no joke- it's kind of overwhelming.

Luckily my inlaws are going to take the kids on Wednesday so I can do a clean sweep. It will be good all the way around- they will do schoolwork with them and maybe take them on a field trip, and I will have time alone to get rid of stuff while no one's there to protest ;o)

I really feel like what is going on in the physical is related to my spiritual, mental and emotional state also. I know that God wants us to simplify our life so that THINGS are not clouding our vision or bogging us down. I need to get more disciplined in other areas also, but this is a good start.