So frustrating

I have pics to share of Thanksgiving, our tree getting, and Gabe's first snowstorm AND...I can't share them!! So, I got my cord, just to find out it is version 2 (old version) and my laptop (since it is so new) will only work with version 3! Plus the internet company (won't blast them yet) that I bought it from says that I have to submit an application and get approved before I can return it!! So, we still only have Tim's computer which at some point my picture transfer software was deleted from it! I am going to see if Tim can re-load it today, if we remember! And I am still waiting to hear from the .com company about my refund or correct cord!

We are on day #2 of snow days and we are really enjoying it. Tim is home on his days off these 2 days also, which is nice! Yesterday the kids played outside twice (Gabe absolutely loved it) and we made cinnamon applesauce tree ornaments. The kids are going to give them as gifts for Christmas to family and friends. Today we are going to make gingerbread men cookies and read a couple of versions of the gingerbread man.
Here is the recipe (We use a gingerbread man shape):

The ingredients 1 cup cinnamon
3/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white glue

How to do it
Mix all ingredients well until they form a dough. Flatten the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Keep in mind that the dough will be quite dry, and can be tricky to work with. If it is too wet, add a little more cinnamon. **I like it a little more on the wet side**

Use cookie cutters to cut out festive holiday shapes. Use a drinking straw to punch a small hole in the top of each ornament if you plan to hang them. Keep them flat and move them to a warm, dry spot for 48 hours to allow them to dry. Turn each ornament over every few hours to dry on each side. Alternatively, put them in a warm (not hot!) oven for several hours.


Gabe is loving all the lights this Christmas. This is such a blessing to us as we really were not sure that he would be able to see before we went to China! God is so good! He sees the lights and yells-"momma! Christ-a-mis Lights!!" Tim also taught him to say, "Merry Christ-a-mis Momma!"
He is talking up a storm, most we can understand, some not so much. Yesterday at dinner I was getting him more broccoli (his favorite) and he held up his hand and said, "Thats enough!" It shocked us-and made us laugh at the same time!

Mr. Gabe's RAV's (thanks for the acronym Kristi) aka Random Acts of Violence have gotten a little worse and Jay is the brunt of it. Mostly in the car as he knows momma can't do much about it. He has been pushing his limits lately, but one time out is all it takes and he is back on track. Now, if we can just get rid of the whining! LOL That is a 3 yr old for you!

Well, I will try to get a post up with some pics soon! We are entering the very busy season with music programs, ballet recitals, all next week! Then on Christmas eve we leave for sunny (and hopefully warm) Florida!! We are so excited to go see Nai Nai and Great Grandma and Grandpa!

Take some time to remember Christ this season-The Light of the World!

Proud mommy moments!

Ok and daddy too!

1. Jay had a great report card! Many 1's (very goods) and just a few 2's (Satisfactory) and those are on the things they are still working on in class. Behavior is great!

2. Jordan is in 4th grade this year and straight A's (I count the 1 A- as an A as she got an A+ in LA)!

3. Gabie is learning new words and makes us smile each and every day!

Man! I love those kids-good grades or not, but the good grades sure do make us a little happier!!

**Still waiting for that power cord-suppose to be delivered Monday!

Still Here

I have some great pictures to post of Thanksgiving and life in general, but my laptop power cord died and I am waiting for my new one to come in. I found one at Sta_ples here in town, but their price w/tax was $111. I found one online for $46 w/ shipping! I am also trying to get report cards done and just started on an anti-biotic after a 2 week sore throat that finally came to a head with blood blisters on my throat and fluid in my ears! Yuck! I am also dealing with a little guilt of missing my Gabe during the week! His language is coming also so well! Last night he said, "Mommy, Hungry!" and this am at breakfast the kids were eating some peanut butter cereal and Gabe said, "Jayba (his nic name for Jay), Peanut butter and Jelly, Kay!" It is something new every day!

So, once my power cord comes in I will send you all some great pictures of our Thanksgiving and Christmas tree getting!

So Thankful

There are so many things for us to be thankful for this year. God has truly blessed us. We are missing our Bunka and Poppies, but know that they will be enjoying the true Thanksgiving Feast with our Lord and Savior.
As we enjoy family and good food tomorrow we will be praising God for all his great blessings he has given to us. Our God is an awesome God and everything thing we have is his.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
—Psalm 100:4

Fun Photos

Just started snapping pics today. Jordan was at a friends house, so I will have to get her later today :-)

Wow!

This fall is flying by! Next week is Thanksgiving and December goes so fast! I was just thinking today that we have had Gabe for a little over 2 months-is that all!?? He is doing amazing!! Don't get me wrong, there is still room for growth, but overall he is doing so so well! He just completely fits! His language surprises us each day and he understands almost everything! I am so proud of him. He has had to endure more in his 3.5 yrs than most adults could handle. I can't wait to see how far he will come in 4 more months!

The boys doing their "homework"

Oh the phases and a new do!

We have entered into the world of whiney boy! Mr. Gabe whines about half his day away lately and there are some days that it drives me about crazy! I have noticed that waking up is tough for him-what a crabola! LOL He is speaking more english words and his new favorites are "no!" and "hey!".

Last Monday I went back to work and Gabe spent 2 days this week with his sitter (that is almost funny to type as his sitter is Ayi Melissa who is practically family!). The transition went very well. The kids in my class may not think so as I have stepped up their day quite a bit. I have to say, when I put my other two into daycare I didn't really think too much about it, but with Gabe I worried that during the day he would think that I wasn't coming back for him, or that he had a new home. I am less worried about that now that our first week is done and most weeks, Gabe will only spend 3 days with Melissa. I think Tim is enjoying his days with Gabe also and they are getting time to get some bonding in!

Today I gave Gabe his first haircut! Of course he screamed through the whole thing! Tim had to help hold him in the chair, but after a little bit he calmed down. He looks so handsome!