Charlie-isms

 From Jan. 30, 2016

Char: mom, we need more wipes so I can clean the toilet.

Me: I have more. Here ya go.

Char: (as he gives me a big hug): thanks for being my mom!

Note to self: get Char wipes for his birthday...

She's 14!

 Jenna's birthday celebration began early.  The day before her birthday, moms and daughters gathered at the Coffee Hub for fellowship.  It was a fun two hours of chatter and laughter.

Megan, Alyse, Ember, Jenna, Rebecca

Hannah working diligently on her puzzle.  ;)

Jenna made and decorated cupcakes to take to her Spanish class on her birthday.  Too bad it was canceled due to icy roads.

Jenna made her own birthday/ice cream cake:  cookie dough/chocolate chip ice cream, Oreos, and chocolate syrup.

Time for presents!

Jenna had been wanting Josefina, a historical doll, whose story begins in Mexico.

A dear friend whom we knew in Michigan offered her childhood accessories to go along with the doll.

Every year...she smiles and giggles enough to prevent herself from actually blowing out her candles!

Jenna requested chicken alfredo and broccoli for dinner. 
Happy 14th birthday, sweetie!

Jacky's birthday!

Happy birthday, Jacky! 

We celebrated with Chinese cuisine: pot stickers, soup, rice, and lettuce wraps.  

Dessert was Oreo cheesecake...delicious!

Thankful for another evening with friends.

 

First Game Night of 2021

 One goal we have this year is to have a monthly game night with friends.

Appetizers and snacks, board games, friends.  A simple, fun evening.

January 2021 game night with Randy, Denise, Karen, and Pete.  

After eating yummy food, we played Shut-the-Box, 5-Second Rule, and our favorite, Telestrations.  We laughed so hard at this game!  We are very thankful for time with friends.

Bowling!

 The Christian Center opened today for bowling, so we went!  

It was so refreshing to do something in public without having to wear a mask.  It felt normal. Remember normal?  "Normal" businesses are getting our support right now.

Charlie-isms

From Jan. 12, 2017

Charlie..."I'm glad I'm not outside being eaten by coyotes."

Me...??

A Word for 2021

 This afternoon we played a game that helped us pick our "word for 2021."  We answered a variety of random questions that made us think in-depth, and eventually led us to a word on which we could focus for the year. Then we used a hammer and letter "stamps" to pound our word onto a disc.  The disc could be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or even placed on a keychain.

Starting at the top is Jenna (bravery), Jamie (bold), Angie (trust),
Jacob (advance), and Charlie (purpose).

Lots of discussion and conversation happened.

Charlie-isms

From January 9, 2019 after making a stop at Triple Dipple for cheesecake.

Me: You finished your cheesecake in record time.

Char: Yes. Perseverance is good.

Epiphany 2021

 January 6th was Epiphany.  This year, as a result of some encouragement from Jacob, we are planning to incorporate a few more holidays.

For Epiphany yesterday, I made a Kings Cake.  The recipe wasn't the greatest; I tried to make a healthier version with almond flour.  Not so delicious, but the thought counts, right?

Star sprinkles seemed appropriate.

Everyone chose the slice they thought might hold the plastic baby Jesus.

Charlie searched his piece mightily!

Jamie chose the right slice!

A Great Day to Sled

 After a few days of ice and snow, the conditions were perfect for sledding!

Outside looked like a winter wonderland, or perhaps a scene out of Narnia.

Glenn and Greg joined us today.

Taking a break; that's a huge hill to walk up!

No competition in this group.  Ha!

Greg just has the cutest smile!

Jacob gave Panda a ride.  So much fur!

A race of my "bookends."

True Charlie form...

I just love my young men.