Ice Storm

We had an ice storm that left thousands of people without power. We were very blessed and only lost power about 6 times for a few minutes each time.

This is our weeping cherry tree [it's weeping because it doesn't grow cherries! :) ].

The trees out back were so heavy laden that they were leaning against our roof.

K. took the picture below while we were driving to a friend's house. I know it's not as clear due to the speed at which we were traveling, but I love the colors and the composition.


We did have a bit of excitement. The kids noticed a fire across the road from us. We called the authorities who sent people. We watched it quite a lot to make sure that the fire or sparks didn't spread. It didn't, but we did get to explain the different color of fires to the kids. It turned blue for a while.

Family photos

My wonderful family.


My wonderful family being silly!

Allergy Testing

Earlier in the year I took J. in for allergy testing. He has loads of allergies which we are now dealing with. He had breathing problems, wheezing etc. What we learned there has really helped us help him.

S. had allergy symptoms as well. Runny nose, itchy eyes. She didn't have the wheezing or other major issues (ok, major to us), but somehow it clicked that she shared some of his symptoms, so maybe she had allergies as well.

I took her to the same wonderful place. She had 32 (I believe) pricks on her lower arms. This is before they had a chance to react.


After they did the testing on the lower arms, they did more specific testing on the upper arms. She had to have 16 shots (that is not the technical term, but there were 16 needles and they went into her upper arms.) The pictures show obvious reactions.


We discovered 17 allergies that day. There was 1 we already knew about for a total of 18 allergies. Poor girl. She's awesome!

So to sum up, S. has more allergies, but J. has a stronger reaction.

Making Cookies!

On the seventh K and J worked together to make cookies of K's choosing. (She wants to give some to her teacher at church.) At the same time, S and I made cookies. Everyone got along and we had lots of fun.

Setting up the Tree

On December 1st, K. wanted to set the tree up and decorate the house for FHE. So we did. We had lots of fun. The kids hung up most of the ornaments. I love watching how they will decorate the tree and house every year. It is so fun to see what they come up with.

The kids after the banister was complete.

They all helped put the star on the top.

Here the kids are putting on the last of the ornaments.

After Thanksgiving

We went shopping on Black Friday. We went to Jo-Ann's and helped Mom pick out fabric. She and Dad wanted us to make curtains for their stairway so all of their heat didn't escape up the stairs. This is the fabric that was chosen. I like it.

Wendy and I designed and made these curtains. I think they turned out really well.

Thanksgiving

This is earlier in Nov. at our house. Pictured is S., Jocelyn and J.

This is our Thanksgiving dinner. There was also another table with more food and places for the kids to sit. :) There were 15 people who needed seats at the table (+ baby who is in utero and eats whatever Sandy eats :)

Grandma and Grandpa
Sandy. Although this doesn't adequately show her size. The next day she wore clothes that showed off her pregnancy more! :)

My sweet honey washed the dishes! He's so awesome! And no, there was no dishwasher there. He even did the dishes other times as well.
J.
Jocelyn and Megan
While the kids waited for dinner, some of them went outside and played with Oma's & Papa's cats!
After dinner, Dan took the some of the kids (Jocelyn & S.) across the street and played with the neighbor kids in their yard. They had a great time!