Ice Storm 2008

On December 19, 2008, we had a horrible ice storm that destroyed several trees in our area. It literally looked like a disaster area for a while. It was crazy watching the huge limbs crash to the ground over and over. Surprisingly I think our house was the only one on our street that didn't have any huge limbs break off. Here are some pictures of the mess before Christmas.

Our poor Birch tree limb was bent clear over in front of our house.

The thick ice.

This was a bunny under our Birch tree that was trying to find warmth. Nik saw it out there in the evening. That's why the picture is so dark.

Christmas Party

Sunday after church we had a Christmas party on my mom's side of the family. We rented a small hall in Auburn. It was a beautiful place with a full kitchen. It was a fun-filled day with lots of great food and games for everyone to enjoy. Can't wait for next year!!

Jordan, Carter, Hunter, Graham, and Isaiah

Joel

A Game of Duck Duck Goose

Presents, Puppy Chow, and a Party

This month is flying by. I have the majority of my christmas shopping done, but I am dreading wrapping everything. It's fun the first hour, but then it gets old. I remember Becki Wilmot paid me one time to wrap her gifts. I was so excited to do it and thought she was nuts for paying me. Now I am willing to shell out money too. ;)

The boys and I made Puppy Chow last night. Or as Kate Gosselin calls it, Monkey Munch. I went to Walmart yesterday and the whole section of Chex cereal was gone. I guess there are a lot of people making Puppy Chow for christmas. The boys enjoyed making it, although at one point, Jordan picked up the open bag of powdered sugar and dumped almost half of it on the counter. Lovely...

We have a christmas party this Sunday with my mom's side of the family. We are hoping to play several games with the little kids and hopefully get some games in with the adults.

Well, nothing exciting has happened in the last couple weeks. Sorry for the boring update. :)

Happy Birthday Brother!

Be sure to wish my brother a BIG Happy Birthday today. He has lived many years on this Earth. :) Love ya Lancer!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We did our usual Kendallville lunch with Nik's side of the family and then to Ohio for dinner with mine. Friday Nik had to work for a half day and I got to stay home with the kids. That evening we went to Jefferson Pointe and got some Christmas family photos taken. Even though it was a lot of work (mainly because of Jordan), the picture we picked out turned out awesome. I will have to scan it and post it on here. While we were at the studio, Jordan got away from Nik at one point and started hitting buttons on the security system. The police called to make sure everything was alright and the alarm went off. It was extremely embarrassing.

On Saturday afternoon, Lance's family came over and the kids all jumped on the trampoline. That was pretty much a lazy day. On Sunday we put up the Christmas tree and more decorations around the house. The most snow we have had this winter came down on Sunday morning. So after church, the kids made a snowman and went sledding down our steep driveway. The boys have never been sledding before, so that was extra fun for me to watch them, and they had no fear, which didn't surprise me since they both love to jump/dive off the diving board at the pool. It was a great memorable weekend.

Joel and Brian

Graham reading Grandpa Stiver and Jordan a story

Tara and Brian

Nik teaching Savannah how to play chess

Carter and Jordan enjoying the snow

Frosty and the kids