Wow, I cannot believe that Christmas is less than a week away. We have been busy at our home, decorating, baking cookies and the endless cleaning up. My girls are doing so much better with getting along in the mornings that I can't help but think that they have a hidden agenda (Santa's watching). They were sweet as pie yesterday and today it was very good too! Mind you that I'm not complaining, just a little weary that this won't continue! The girls had their Christmas program at Church Sunday and did very well.

Daddy finally got his buck! Thank goodness hunting season is winding down. I think now he is getting ready to finally give in and have his shoulder surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff that has been there for the last 7-8 months.

I will have more later, but for now, have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Nikki

Well, Lindsey had her first Elementary Christmas program last night, and yes, I dressed my girls identically. I thought they looked quite lovely. I cannot believe how long Alyssa's hair has gotten, but the I curled it for her and it looked almost like mine in the back.

The girls did a great job at the program. Alyssa had the "right of passage" with the singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Something only 4th graders do, and they do this every year.

Lindsey was practicing well before the program to learn the two songs her class sang. I cannot believe how fast my girls are growing up.

On the side, Connor put on a little show of his own with the drinking fountain that we found quite entertaining. He is getting so fast at crawling. Can't wait til he can walk, then we shall see how fast his mommy & daddy can be.

Take care all!

Nikki

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends. I am so thankful this year for many things. First and formost are my family and friends. May we always have good health. I am especially thankful for my two children and husband. If I didn't have them, well, life wouldn't be as interesting as it has been. I am so thankful that I decided to come along for the ride 12 years ago (and a few months).

May all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you are out shopping the day after, safe travels and not so long lines at the check out counter!!

With much love

Nikki

WW III Has Hit!!

I guess this morning that I received a preview of what teen life will be like at our house. Girls did nothing but argue and fight about the bathroom and their space. Can't say that I remember this happening when my sister and I were at home. Lindsey has quite the set of lungs on her though. Hopefully I will be able to redirect that into singing instead of screaming at her sister.

Alyssa is doing great with her orthodontic appliances. Her speach has improved alot since last week. Hopefully this whole process will go well and we won't have anymore issues with space in her mouth.

Well, the hunters are all out this morning (husband, dad & brother-in-law) all trying to "bag" that big buck.

Work is as chaotic as ever and I am awating the Holidays with great anticipation.

Take care all,

Nik

We are now officially covered in the white stuff here up north. Can't believe we have snow already and I have not got the kids outfitted for winter totally yet. My days are extremely busy with work and kids activities and the hunting season is upon us now.

Daddy has not had much time to go out hunting, but he will be out there this weekend and has taken off a couple of days to go this next week. He did get something the other night though. We had an animal digging holes in our back yard all over the place and he decided that was enough. Needless to say, our back yard smelled like skunk and it did get a little smelly in the house. Luckily it is fading quickly.

Girls are doing quite well. Alyssa is going in for her spacers Monday in our start of "Phase 1". I am hearing that this could be a very expensive process in the next five years. Guess I need to look at the big picture though and she will have great teeth when this is all said and done.

Lindsey is still plugging away at school and learning every day. It amazes me what she has been picking up. The other day she asked me to spell out "Why are we having chicken?". Guess the kids don't like baked chicken that much. Must take after Grandpa L. He is trying to teach my 8 mo old nephew "argh, chicken". It's cute, though.

Take care everyone!

Nikki

Update on life is that it is never dull. We went through Alyssa's surgery very well on her tonsils and adenoids and are just waiting for the complete healing process. She actually went back to school on the following Wednesday after her Friday surgery.

Lindsey and I are having a mommy/daughter outing with her class tomorrow, going to a couple of farms and a vet clinic. She has been looking forward to this for three weeks now. Let's hope for no rain.

Daddy is doing very well and has been going out hunting when he gets a free day or night. Hasn't "bagged" anything but the newspapers yet.

Take care all!

Nikki

Well, I guess since my sister has started her new blog web site, I might as well keep family informed of our milestones. Even though the girls are now 10 & 5, they do have lots to keep mom & dad busy.

We have just scheduled surgery for Alyssa to get her tonsils & adenoids out. Oct 6 is the magical date. Doing this will help with the orthodontics, which she will get molds made on the 18th of September, fitting her for a retainer to help widen her mouth to allow teeth to come in. For being quite a talker, she has a small mouth.

Lindsey has aclamated well with Kindergarten. She loves her teacher and classmates and is learning so much all ready.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go through these next few months with adjustments in my work schedule as well as my business.

Love to all,

Nikki