This is what is so great about small town Iowa!

This weekend was our small town of 700's Christmas celebration. It is a chance for us to get everyone together and share in the Christmas spirit. On Saturday, they served pancakes, eggs, and sausage to everyone and then each one of the kids picked out a toy and visited with Santa. Then on Sunday, there was a lighting contest as well as a silent auction for 14 decorated trees that various businesses donated. Chili and Chicken Noodle Soup and homemade cinnamon rolls were served. A wonderful opportunity to get together with your neighbors, your friends and celebrating Christmas together! This is one of the things I love about small town Iowa living! We were able to win a bid on one of the trees...a sport related tree that the boys were very excited about! Here is a short video clip from the weekend. Our kids aren't featured but, our friends kids are! Van Horne is such a great community. Come check us out....there are even building lots available!

Lands End Survey Opportunity

Mom Select and Lands End are offering an opportunity to win a Lands End $100 Gift Card. All you have to do is fill out their very quick survey. It only took me 4 minutes to complete the survey. Click on the link to complete the survey....http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v1XWko6pU98QYbCX2rp9hw_3d_3d Once complete you will be entered to win the $100 gift card! Good luck! The survey must be completed by December 19, 2008, to be entered into the drawing!

Stress Is Over!

Tonight I got my haircut (very relaxing for me), and then went to Toys R Us where I was able to COMPLETE my Christmas shopping, at least the stuff I am responsible for. (I can't speak for my husband.) It was amazing that I found everything I was looking for...exactly what I wanted...some even "on sale"... for our kids as well as other kids I am buying for. What a great feeling to walk out of the store knowing the stress of Christmas is over! I head on over to Starbucks for my favorite treat...an eggnog latte and then on home only to find that....the kids are all in bed AND ASLEEP! WOW! So, I carry in the packages, kiss my husband and head to the gift wrapping station where I (pause) WRAP ALL THE PRESENTS AND PLACE THEM UNDER THE TREE! It is amazing! Tomorrow is DECEMBER 12! Woo hoo! I am just feeling so good right now that I had to share my joy with you. What a great feeling to have the stress of all that shopping gone. Now next week I can spend my time doing what I really love to do....baking!

It's a Snow Day!

Today was our first No School Snow Day of this school year. Our kids didn't have school on Monday for a prescheduled teacher work day...so this is day 2 of them being home! I decided we needed to be a little more structured today or we might all go crazy! So, this morning Bennett and Reagan helped me make some cookies and muffins (Patrick chose to play video games). This gives us a little head start on our Christmas baking. We had a great day with minimal fighting, good conversation, and a lot less stress! I am hoping to be able to get back to our normal routine tomorrow as I am sure the kids are too. I am going to share our cookie recipe from today! I got this recipe from my friend Jodi and we think they are yummy!

Jodi's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
2 C sugar
1/2 C milk
1 stick margarine
3-4 tsp cocoa
1/2 C peanut butter
3 C quick oatmeal
1-2 tsp vanilla

Bring the sugar, milk, margarine, and cocoa to a boil and boil for 1-1.5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, oatmeal, and vanilla. Mix all together and drop onto waxed paper with a spoon. Let cool.

Merry CHRISTmas!

I wanted to introduce you to a song and a group that our family loves! The Go Fish Guys are a Christian group of 3 guys who "make music that kids love and won't drive parents bonkers". If the kids and I have tasks to complete...I frequently put a Go Fish CD on because it is sure to get us moving and makes our chores more fun! Check out their website at www.gofishguys.com

Here is a video of one of their Christmas songs talking about keeping the "Christ" in Christmas. Everywhere you go, people are saying "Happy Holidays", but keep in mind that Christmas is all about the birth of Christ, and make sure you are saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone you meet.

A Snowman Idea and Storytime

A few months ago I offered to lead a storytime for toddlers at our small town library. So, in November I held my first storytime with 4 little ones. We learned about leaves and it was a fun hour in my day! This month my theme is "Snow". So, thanks to my friend Tina, a former teacher and current stay-at-home mom who has all the best ideas, I am giving each of the kids one of these treats to take home with them. I don't remember what Tina called them, but I just thought they were the cutest! So, if you need to take treats to school, send goody bags for a party, or have gifts to give...here is your great idea for the day...heck, maybe even the week!

SNOWMAN COCOA

1 ziploc bag

2 T cocoa mix
11 or so mini marshmellows

1 snowman peep (yes they make these...I had no idea)

All you need to do is add 1 cup of hot water!

So, I hope the kids like them tomorrow and I plan to file this idea away for future use! Thanks Tina!

I will be reading SNOW by Cynthia Rylant who is the author of the Henry and Mudge Book series and ALL YOU NEED FOR A SNOWMAN by Alice Schertle which is one of our kids favorites.

First snowfall of the Season!

This weekend we had our first snowfall of the season. The snow was wet and perfect for snowman making and snowball throwing. The kids couldn't decide what to do first....decorate the tree (as we had originally planned) or go out and build the snowman! Both got accomplished and we have a new addition to our front yard!