A Real Snow Day!

Isaac was out of school yesterday due to the impending winter storm. I was a little surprised that we actually got as much snow as they were forecasting! It is really a winter wonderland out there now! When it started snowing yesterday morning, I didn't believe it would turn into about 4 - 5 inches of snow and ice. We tried to make a snow man this morning with no luck. There was plenty of snow, but it was covered with a layer of ice from the freezing rain we got last night. But, thankfully our boys still had a great time playing in the snow. Our neighbors let Isaac and Alex borrow one of their snow discs, and we found a great place for them to slide. Here are some of the pictures I took today while we were outside watching the boys play.

Alex and Me

Alex was excited to play in the snow

walking to find a place to slide

Isaac ready to slide down the hill we found

Clarence got his blow torch out to melt the ice to write this

Alex riding his FJ Cruiser on the icy road. Today was the only time he has been allowed to do this. There hasn't been much traffic out today, and since we were out there with him, we figured it was safe.

Alex walking down the side walk in front of our house

The view down the street in front of our house

New Beginnings

Monday was Alex's first day of preschool. We had planned on waiting until Clarence graduated and found a job, but we were sort of forced to make a change sooner. Alex's babysitter since he was a baby was reported to the State by a very vindictive person. Because of this, we and several other of her parents had to find other child care options. Please don't think that she has done anything wrong. She took excellent care of both of our boys, and she will do whatever it takes to be in compliance with the State's requirements.

Anyway... Alex's first day of preschool was Monday. I wasn't sure how Alex would react as he has never been in a structured child care environment before. When I dropped him off on Monday, he was so excited and ready to see what all he could get into. There were no tears when I left so I really hoped that he would have a good day. And... When I picked him up that evening he was so excited to see me and to tell me all about his day! He had a great time and said he was ready to go back the next day. All of the teachers that have interacted with Alex so far say he is doing a fantastic job, and that you would never think that he hasn't been in a daycare center before now. I am so relieved, and I look forward to seeing what he learns for the rest of this school year.

So happy to be at his new school

Playing in the sand table. We visited the center last Friday, and Alex talked about this table all weekend long. So he was very excited to get to play with it.

Another one gone...

Isaac has been losing several baby teeth lately. He is growing up so quickly, and this is just one more milestone.

Isaac missing his two front teeth and one on the bottom. He also has another one loose on the bottom.

Alex wanted his picture taken too. :)

Fun Times and Great Accomplishments

Last weekend we helped our friends Terry and Tiffany celebrate their daughter, Trinity's, 6th birthday. Our boys had a great time playing with Trinity, eating pizza and cake and watching Trinity open her presents. We also got more snow last Saturday; in fact, it snowed most of the day. So, I am including a couple more snow pictures.

Happy Birthday Trinity!

Alex and Trinity

Clarence holding Bella, Trinity's cousin. We need our own little girl... this picture is just too cute!

This week Isaac received his second report card of the school year, and once again, he did a great job! The day after Isaac received his report card, he came home with ribbons recognizing him for being on the Honor Roll and for having Perfect Attendance. We are so proud of Isaac and how well he has adapted to his new school.

Snow Day

Well, today was Isaac's 1st snow day of this school year. We didn't get nearly as much snow as we thought or wanted, but it was enough to play in, I guess. Here are some pictures I took while the boys were outside playing today, and the last two are a couple that Clarence took of the lake this afternoon after he got home from school.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2009 was a crazy, crazy year! In some ways, I'm really glad it's over! Clarence lost his job and started school in preparation for creating a new career path. Isaac changed schools and is thriving in the 1st grade! I'm still working in the same job and learning more every day. Clarence and I made some great new friends. Overall, I'd have to say that 2009 was a great year, despite how I have felt at times over the last 12 months! I turned 30 this year, and I am looking forward to making my 30's even better than my 20's. I have a wonderful husband, two healthy boys, a wonderful loving family, great friends, a roof over my head, a good job... the list goes on! Who knows what 2010 will bring! But, I look forward to finding out!

We celebrated the new year with our friends Kelli and Steve and their boys at their place. Here are some pictures from our fun evening.

New Year's Day we went to my parents' house for a late lunch. These two pictures were taken then.