Important Things in Life...

Last week, Jay-R and I were at the post office getting out of the car when out of nowhere he exclaims, "Michigan!" Let me explain one thing, well two...Number one-If you live in Ohio or Michigan, most people have a very defined opinion of who their allegiance falls to-either the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Michigan Wolverines. Number 2-Jay-R's daddy is a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan. Kory's wardrobe consists of red, gray, white, and black Ohio State clothing. When the game is on, his phone is going off constantly from his dad, brother, or friends who have to give their commentary on the game. That being said...I looked at Jay-R and said, "Michigan?" He then points to the car in front of us and shows me the Michigan decal. After being home with us 10 months, I find it humorous he has picked up on and learned the important things in life. But I guess living in Ohio, that ranks as something important. Now, recognizing the opposing team with that much enthusiasm? Do we have a future Michigan fan...not if daddy can help it!

Random Happenings the past few days...

One child + one child + forty hour work week = very busy! Here's random happenings from our past few days...

Jay-R's progress report from school says that he now knows all his letters and letter sounds! That's pretty good for only knowing English since late March! He'll be reading in no time!

Ashleigh had a wonderful report card, too...all As!

We've been busy with soccer and basketball. Jay-R is playing in the Upward basketball program...a wonderful Christian based sports program. Ashleigh is taking a footskills clinic for soccer.

I knew two children would definitely be busier than one, and it sure is. The laundry is impossible to keep up! But, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I did get some mommy alone time with some friends and my sis at my sister's church scrapbooking night. I worked on Ashleigh's 2nd grade stuff (she's in 6th grade now)...I'm a little behind!

The only issue right now...Jay-R loves his snowpants and the snow but would love to have the snow with say 70 or 80 degrees outside! His poor little hands were so chapped the other day his little knuckles were bleeding. His poor skin is still not adjusted to our cold. He won't let me put any lotion on that he feels is "hot" so I put petroleum jelly on his hands and then gloves on. This is the third night he has slept with gloves on. They're starting to look better!

Kory and I are currently going through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University at our church. One thing we implemented is putting our kids on commission rather than straight allowance. They get paid for what they do and how often. It's amazing when I tell Jay-R that his sister is going to get more money than he does how fast he jumps off the couch! Tomorrow is pay day. We are trying to teach them about giving, saving, and spending. Jay-R is just learning about the value of money so it's the perfect time to teach him. Ate Ash knows all about the value of money...she's talking about saving up for a car already!

Christmas in Pictures

Finally, here are some pictures from Christmas time. This is from our overnight getaway to Great Wolf Lodge and Indoor Waterpark. He loves the water!!!!

Christmas Day at my parents...all the kids love Gizmo!

Ashleigh wearing some new jewelry and clothes she received from Christmas. She just looks so grown up! The years go by fast!

Jay-R playing the "Horton Hears a Who" game with cousins.

Family photo time....we weren't sure which camera to look at!

Christmas Eve before church

His first major snowfall....he loves snow! Tonight, he wore his snowpants until bath time!

"More cabbage please!"

This child never ceases to amaze me. Tonight for dinner we had boiled dinner which I had put in the crockpot before work this morning. It consisted of potatoes, carrots, peas, cabbage, onions, and kielbasa meat. I brought home from work tonight my co-worker's famously delicious Scotcheroos and frosted cookie cake. I told everyone after they ate, we had dessert. Instead of choosing the sweets like his father and Ate, Jay-R looks at me and says, "More cabbage please!"

This past month, he has been eating just about any and everything. He likes pizza and tacos now. And cabbage! He told me that he wanted to take cabbage in his lunch at school. Silly kid! I am thankful that he is eating a healthy variety of foods now. I just need to hide all the holiday candy! Candy continues to be his favorite treat!!!

Pics to follow soon....