Fancy Vivie

Just one of the many pics of Vivie being Fancy at her birthday. It was such a blast!

Fancy Nancy Birthday

Today we celebrated Vivie's 7th birthday with a Fancy Nancy Soiree. There were little girls in tiaras everywhere. I am exhausted, but it was so fun. Vivie was so excited. She "greeted" everyone in her fancy getup with "Bonjour." Such a good day. Now time for bed.

He Makes Me Smile

I sure love you, Jerr. Thanks for all the smiles!

New Hobby

So, for my birthday, Jerr bought me a sewing machine. It took me a while to get the hand of it, but now I really enjoy it. So far I have made Eden's bumper pads, aprons for Christmas gifts for mom, Jennifer, Suzy, Marleen,

and Jeremy's mom, and this cute little pin cushion caddie. Next I need to make a few more things for Eden's room. Then I am going to try to recover a rocking chair...big scary project. (Look at me getting to be all domestic. he he) I have found an artist that I really love. Anna Maria Horner. She designs amazing fabrics and just came out with a book "Seams to Me." It is really a big help and inspiration. She is a blogger, too if anyone wants to check her out...really creative.

Tree Popsicles?

This pretty little red bird is just sitting outside my office window...right in the middle of the mass of trees covered in ice. Brought a smile to my face on such a dreary day. So cold with rain coming down constantly. Very glad to be indoors. About to cook a hot dinner...maybe watch a movie or play a game with the kids.

Brother is Funny

Here is Eden laughing at Gaven. All he has to do is walk into the room and hit something (preferrably his self) or make a funny noise and she will belly laugh. I caught the tail-end of it here. (Notice Vivie not all that amused laying on the couch under the blanket. First graders are too cool...and too tired after a long day of school to laugh at such nonsense.)

Merry Christmas!

Jeremy and I have never had Christmas at our home before, or any real tradition of our own. With the exception of our very first married Christmas, we have never even exchanged gifts at our home. We always just go to our parents' homes. We decided that our kids are getting old enough that we need to start something at home. Yet, we are trying to stick to our buget. So, this year we are doing "The Hooper's 12 days of Christmas." So far, it is going very well. Every other night the kids open one item that is something we do as a family...either a book or game. Then, on the opposite nights we are making projects for other people....trying to instill the art of giving and doing for others. And each night we have a special drink as we are doing this. Egg nog, sparkling grape juice, hot cocoa, wassil, etc. The kids are loving it. And we have found that by spreading it out like this, they really get to enjoy the gifts they do receive. Instead of just opening and then moving to the next one. We either read it or play it as a family. And, though we were afraid of not buying much for our kids...they are having Christmas for 12 days! And they have been just as excited about making things for others. We shall see how it goes as they get older. But this season has been very special. Jeremy and I are so blessed with our family....our little treasures. At the close of another year we look back and see how much our Heavenly Father has loved on us all year! Hope you have the time to see your blessings too!