~Tournaments~

Most of the kids in our church are home schooled.  There are several other churches within driving distance that also have mostly home school teens.  We like to get together for "socialization" haha! We had a bible quizzing last fall and this winter we got together for a basketball and volleyball tournament.

Our basketball team only practiced once or twice, but they won the championship!

 

We had two volleyball teams this year.  They have been practicing every Monday night for awhile and even some Saturday afternoons.  Jordan's team was undefeated until the championship round.  They had to loose twice to be officially defeated.  The last game they kind of fell apart.  It was really hot in there and super loud.  They did a great job until that last game and it was so much fun watching them.  This was Jordan's first year playing and my first year watching.  Can't wait for next year!

 

~My Birthday~

My birthday came around again this year... one of these years it will be warm and sunny, right?!?!?!

My Mother in law sent some flowers earlier in the week.

Gregg came home early and I opened valentine gifts.  Then I got to go for a long outside walk... I love those!  When I got home it was my birthday!  The family took me out for a Chinese dinner.  We were too stuffed for the cake.

I think my family did a great job picking out gifts this year.  Some earings, a braclet and a spoon watch... can't go wrong with jewelry!  They also picked out a beautiful, ultra soft scarf.  I tried it on and was holding Kiersten... she really liked leaning against it.  They were also able to pick out a funny gift.  I had given each of the boys angry bird pj pants for Christmas.  Well, the boys found me a pair of angry bird pj pants!  haha!  Funny, and so cozy!

~Birthday Boy~

My big little guy is now six!  I can't believe it!  He was so excited for his birthday... he had to wait a whole year for it, you know!

He was so excited to finally get his own remote control car... and cake.

Still a very sensative boy with a very intelligent mind.  He is such a treasure.

~Girls Day Out~

Yesterday, I mentioned all my guys were gone all day long on Saturday.  Well, Kiersten and I took advantage of that!  We made plans with some girlfriends for a fun day of shopping.

I have never been to Hobby Lobby and this was the perfect time to drive an hour and explore!  A friend of mine and her two little princesses went with us.  The three girls did a very good job of almost behaving.  They really did well.  I will certainly have to make a return trip!

After our shopping experience, we watched October Baby while the girls played.  We splurged yet again on ordering pizza delivered!  Whoohooo!

While I was at my friends house, I saw she had notes from our Ladies Sunday School posted above her sink.  We are going through a book called "To Glorify God."  It is just loaded with information and it is a lot to think through each week. I totally copied my friends idea, and look what hangs over my sink now!

I have another board like this hanging above my treadmill... it is so helpful to keep these things in front of me!

~Food~

I haven't talked about food in awhile... it is a huge part of our life here... It seems like there is never enough or at least not often enough!

Would you believe we grilled 20 hamburgers yesterday... and that there are only 3 left!  Yep, I am in the kitchen a lot!  My guys like the normal burgers, tacos, pizza kind of menu.  I try to throw in some variety.

I tried this Zebra cake yesterday...

and these Chicken Gyros last week... wow, put these on your menu for next week!

I also cooked up 10 lbs of venison bbq and a big pot of bear stew for our church's Sportsman's Dinner.  Just under 300 men and boys were served!  My guys were gone from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm!  But that is info for another post!

It is birthday week here again, so I'm sure the food will be flying!

~Soap Saver~

I am really trying to finish up a bunch of sewing/crochet projects.  I am not letting myself start anything new until I've cleaned up a little... well, unless I see something I really need to make:-)

 

I need little projects while I'm doing school with Eric.  Sometimes I scrapbook with my laptop but I mostly like to knit or crochet.  I have two blankets and one sweater to finish but I fit in two of these soap savers last week.

 

I hate the feel of mushy bar soap in the shower, but I don't trust the chemicals in the liquid soap.  I am testing this cute little bag...

 

I changed washclothes every day because of the smell, so I'm not sure how long this will last.  It reminds me of these kids soaps I sometimes get. 

directions are here.

~Play Date~

Christina is a sweet friend with three little guys the same ages as my three youngest.  She is really great about taking my younger kids from time to time when I need help... and our kids actually get along really well.  Three of our kids have birthday within a month of each other so we got together for an "Everybodies Birthday Party."  It was nothing really grand... we are both busy mama's remember.  We met for bowling and then went back to her house for some sugary treats.

 Our youngest treasures...

I wasn't going to mention it, but... I played two games with my big guys.  I won both games :-)  I don't normally bowl over a 90... whoohooo!

~Hats~

A friend of a friend is collecting hats for her senior project... not just any hats though.  These hats are for cancer patients.  I decided to join in the fun.  Kiersten is always my willing fashion model :-)

I wish I could make more, but these two will have to do for this time.

Bucket Hat
Ridge Hat with Brim

~Sun Spots~

We love this time of year... kind of.  Sun spots are warm and the additional light reminds me of the hope of spring!  Puppies decided to share this spot for almost a half hour before Bullet got tired of half standing and half lying there!

~Treasure Hunting~

I went bowling with 11 ladies from church a few Friday nights ago.  My first throw was a strike... that was the end of that!  My scores were pitiful, but I had fun!  Some of us also went out for coffee afterward.  I had to kill some time before picking Jordan up from youth group, so I joined the group.  It was so nice to sit and chat!

The teens were still playing a game when I walked in... so, of course, I joined in.  Forty five minutes later, I finally decided it was time to go home.

I had a long to do list for Saturday, but promised Kiersten a little shopping trip.  We went to a local thrift store and spent a good hour just looking at everything.   It was nice to not be in a hurry.   I found a lazy susan for $2.25... minus 25% because pink tags were on sale!  I love how it makes this corner look a little more organized.

I also found some teal yarn.  I wish I knew what it was made of... It is not cotton or the normal acylic yarn but the color is just beautiful and it is nice and soft.  I'm sure Kiersten and I will find something to make with it.

~February~