Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
home again
It's nice to be back home again. We came back Wednesday with our car jam-packed. It could not have been safe! We had things tucked in every little nook, and we rode the last 15 miles with me with grocery bags on my lap and Jeremy a gallon of milk in his while driving!
Also, I noticed that our families must really like that we have little girls, because their new pink and lavender clothes made a completely huge load of laundry! Hee hee!
We spent yesterday trying to get a little reorganizing going in the house...still hard with things such a mess and 2 rooms completely off limits. Aaack!! Maybe one day soon I will take and post some pictures of the disaster areas around here. It's so bad!
I think the kids may be trying to kill each other by the end of next week. They're not used to being together all day long! We've been watching some of their new DVD's, and are all enthralled by High School Musical 2. We watched it last night and this morning, and have all been singing the songs all day. It's so cute and catchy. They have been painting a lot too, with their new watercolor paints.
Jeremy went back to work today, and I realized how WONDERFUL it was that he could have the whole past week off. It was so great to have him around all the time, and I missed him so much today!! TGIF, right?! Here's to a great weekend for everyone!!! ...
Also, I noticed that our families must really like that we have little girls, because their new pink and lavender clothes made a completely huge load of laundry! Hee hee!
We spent yesterday trying to get a little reorganizing going in the house...still hard with things such a mess and 2 rooms completely off limits. Aaack!! Maybe one day soon I will take and post some pictures of the disaster areas around here. It's so bad!
I think the kids may be trying to kill each other by the end of next week. They're not used to being together all day long! We've been watching some of their new DVD's, and are all enthralled by High School Musical 2. We watched it last night and this morning, and have all been singing the songs all day. It's so cute and catchy. They have been painting a lot too, with their new watercolor paints.
Jeremy went back to work today, and I realized how WONDERFUL it was that he could have the whole past week off. It was so great to have him around all the time, and I missed him so much today!! TGIF, right?! Here's to a great weekend for everyone!!! ...
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
CHRISTMAS!!!!
Christmas day has been so fabulous! So many warm, wonderful family moments and memories were made today, I couldn't begin to record them all here. I am SO thankful for our family!
Jeremy, Mom, and I were up late last night wrapping gifts and getting them all under the tree! I got up early to get ready before the kids were up, and so had about 4 hours of sleep...oh well! (Thank goodness for coffee from Dad & Aunt Joyce!;)
Annah was on the couch watching the Science Channel with Krampa by the time Jeremy and I made it out to the family room around 7:30AM. Mom was shuffling around upstairs. Sylvie got up about 8:00, I think, though she was snuggly for a long time after! Jeremy had to wake Caeden around 8:30, and his first words were, "I'm tired." But, once he was told Santa had come, he was rarin' to go!
I forgot to get a picture of all the gifts under the tree before we started opening them. In fact, I tried really hard this year not to record every single second, but rather to watch it all and be part of what was going on. (I haven't seen Dad's photos yet, but hopefully he got more than I did!)
The kids were so fun. They got excited about every tiny and huge thing they received.
Caeden's favorites are his race track, his toy guitar, and his little green wooden Percy train engine:
This is a face of serious concentration on "rocking the house!"
Sylvia's favorite gifts are a little lantern, Barbies, and her Fur Real Friends kitten, which she named Butterscotch. It mews, purrs, drinks from a bottle, and moves its paws. She LOVES it.
Annah loves her VTech laptop.
I don't have photos of us grown-ups opening gifts, but hopefully I'll get some good ones from Dad's files. I think he had his camera going more than I did.
Speaking of cameras...Jeremy gave me the best gift evvvvvvvvahhhh--a Canon EOS Digital REBEL XTi!!!!!!!!!!! I am overwhelmed and scared of it, but Sooooooooooooo excited!!!
After the morning round of gift-opening, Mom made a yummy brunch, and we watched more Christmas movies by the fire. When we got Sylvie & Caeden down for naps, Jeremy, Annah, and I went to visit Great Grandma DeHaven and Uncle Walt & Aunt Joyce for a while. Grandma fell and broke her shoulder last week, and has to rest in a recliner for a while until it heals. She is quite the tough 91-year-old woman!!
In the evening, we went to Eric & Marti's house to celebrate with Jeremy's side of the family. Eric made some awesome homemade pizzas!!! Grandma & Grandpa brought a HUGE bag of gifts:
My photos from the evening are terrible (used the "old" camera), but it was SO cool to watch them watching their eight grandkids all attacking the wrapping paper at the same time!
I was so proud and emotional to see Sylvia finish opening her gifts and go to Grandma, tap her on the shoulder to get her attention, and tell her "Thank you for the gifts! I love you!" and give her big huge hugs, then repeat the process with Grandpa--all without my even looking at her to tell her to!
Grandma made lots of yummy Christmas cookies, which we all stuffed ourselves on after the pizza and ice cream cake for Wilson's 9th birthday. It was super fun to hang out even after Grandma & Grandpa left and chat with Eric & Marti and let the kids all play together.
When we were heading downtown Fort Wayne, I asked Jeremy to drive by the Santa on the bank. I don't know how cool the kids really think it is, but I love seeing it even now since it was a part of my Christmas as a kid too.
It was a full day, but relaxing and so full of celebrating! Wow!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve was so lovely. No snow, as we had hoped, and actually expected, with 10+ inches falling in the area last weekend. But, most importantly, we got to spend it with family.
We actually arrived at my parents' on Friday evening. Saturday we had lunch with the McEowen family. Grandma even had gifts for the kids. The kids loved them, but we had a bit of a problem getting Annah to thank Great Grandma. She refused to give her a hug, and even lied to us, saying that she had. We were so upset and took her gift away for the day. Jeremy talked to her in the car about treasuring the the time we have with Great Grandma because she is so old (89), and showing love to her. And, upon having a heart-to-heart with her after getting back to the house, she admitted that she was afraid because she doesn't really know Great Grandma that well. (I also think she is afraid because nursing homes and elderly people can just seems scary to little kids. I know I used to be afraid.) When I reminded Annah of the times when she played at Great Grandma's house with her teddy bears and baskets, and the times she's taken her violin to play for her, and other times she's shared with her, Annah realized. She felt so horrible and understood that the time with Grandma shouldn't be uncomfortable, but cherished. We visited with her again this morning.
Also on Saturday, Travis & Erin moved into their "new" home! Jeremy and Scott helped with the heavy hauling so they could make it their first night there.
Sunday morning we were blessed by the acting of Travis & Erin (and company!) in their church musical. Caeden made it through about half the performance before we couldn't contain him in the pew any longer, and Jeremy got to take him out to the foyer.
Sunday evening we exchanged gifts with Travis & Erin since they are leaving early in the morning to spend Christmas Day with her parents. They are always so thoughtful and generous with their gifting. They gave me new gym shoes and The Sound of Music DVD! Caeden received a Darda race track, Annah some great new clothes, and Sylvia the Barbie Island Princess and Prince from them! Mom gave Jeremy some Gatorade as a joke, because he has gotten the flu at their house a few times (including this past Thanksgiving!) and I always have to go on a Gatorade run for him.
Mom and the kids baked Snickerdoodles and Chocolate Chip cookies and I made another [good!] batch of caramels. Then we just hung out and watched the old classic Rankin/Bass Christmas movies by the fire....Such the perfect family evening!
So...Christmas Eve! I think I slept in really late because I was up super late wrapping gifts! In the evening we kind of divided. Jeremy and Caeden went with Mom & Dad to Grandma Crabill's for dinner at 6:00, and the girls and I went with Travis & Erin to church. Trav sang Here With Us by Joy Williams. It's such a beautiful song, and he did a great job. The girls were able to take communion, which they've only done 1 or 2 other times. So precious and breathtaking to see them understanding why we do it.
After the service Trav, Erin, the girls, and I joined the rest of the crew at Grandma Crabill's for dinner. We got to visit with some who weren't able to be there for Thanksgiving, and so wonderful to wish everyone a blessed Christmas.
When we got back to Mom & Dad's it was time for some more Christmas Eve traditions. The kids sprinkled the magic reindeer food.
Gram made hot chocolate, and Daddy read Polar Express. Cookies were set out for Santa, and I promised to put out the milk before going to bed myself. We said goodbyes to Travis & Erin, and prayers for a day of celebrating Jesus were sent up before the sugar plum visions began dancing.
We actually arrived at my parents' on Friday evening. Saturday we had lunch with the McEowen family. Grandma even had gifts for the kids. The kids loved them, but we had a bit of a problem getting Annah to thank Great Grandma. She refused to give her a hug, and even lied to us, saying that she had. We were so upset and took her gift away for the day. Jeremy talked to her in the car about treasuring the the time we have with Great Grandma because she is so old (89), and showing love to her. And, upon having a heart-to-heart with her after getting back to the house, she admitted that she was afraid because she doesn't really know Great Grandma that well. (I also think she is afraid because nursing homes and elderly people can just seems scary to little kids. I know I used to be afraid.) When I reminded Annah of the times when she played at Great Grandma's house with her teddy bears and baskets, and the times she's taken her violin to play for her, and other times she's shared with her, Annah realized. She felt so horrible and understood that the time with Grandma shouldn't be uncomfortable, but cherished. We visited with her again this morning.
Also on Saturday, Travis & Erin moved into their "new" home! Jeremy and Scott helped with the heavy hauling so they could make it their first night there.
Sunday morning we were blessed by the acting of Travis & Erin (and company!) in their church musical. Caeden made it through about half the performance before we couldn't contain him in the pew any longer, and Jeremy got to take him out to the foyer.
Sunday evening we exchanged gifts with Travis & Erin since they are leaving early in the morning to spend Christmas Day with her parents. They are always so thoughtful and generous with their gifting. They gave me new gym shoes and The Sound of Music DVD! Caeden received a Darda race track, Annah some great new clothes, and Sylvia the Barbie Island Princess and Prince from them! Mom gave Jeremy some Gatorade as a joke, because he has gotten the flu at their house a few times (including this past Thanksgiving!) and I always have to go on a Gatorade run for him.
Mom and the kids baked Snickerdoodles and Chocolate Chip cookies and I made another [good!] batch of caramels. Then we just hung out and watched the old classic Rankin/Bass Christmas movies by the fire....Such the perfect family evening!
So...Christmas Eve! I think I slept in really late because I was up super late wrapping gifts! In the evening we kind of divided. Jeremy and Caeden went with Mom & Dad to Grandma Crabill's for dinner at 6:00, and the girls and I went with Travis & Erin to church. Trav sang Here With Us by Joy Williams. It's such a beautiful song, and he did a great job. The girls were able to take communion, which they've only done 1 or 2 other times. So precious and breathtaking to see them understanding why we do it.
After the service Trav, Erin, the girls, and I joined the rest of the crew at Grandma Crabill's for dinner. We got to visit with some who weren't able to be there for Thanksgiving, and so wonderful to wish everyone a blessed Christmas.
When we got back to Mom & Dad's it was time for some more Christmas Eve traditions. The kids sprinkled the magic reindeer food.
Gram made hot chocolate, and Daddy read Polar Express. Cookies were set out for Santa, and I promised to put out the milk before going to bed myself. We said goodbyes to Travis & Erin, and prayers for a day of celebrating Jesus were sent up before the sugar plum visions began dancing.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Enrichment Academy Christmas
Sylvia's class Christmas party & program was this morning! She got all dolled up for it! (Hair by Mommy, dress by Gram.)
The class exchanged books for Christmas.
This is Sylvie's best friend at school--Haley.
The program is usually on a Thursday evening at a local church, but had to be rescheduled and moved to the school this year. It was actually kind of nice, and the kids were more comfortable, I think. Jeremy, Caeden, and I all got to attend, and Santa visited too.
The class exchanged books for Christmas.
This is Sylvie's best friend at school--Haley.
The program is usually on a Thursday evening at a local church, but had to be rescheduled and moved to the school this year. It was actually kind of nice, and the kids were more comfortable, I think. Jeremy, Caeden, and I all got to attend, and Santa visited too.
Christmas Card 2007
Here is our "official" Christmas card for 2007.
(click photo to see it full-size)
The photo was taken on Thanksgiving weekend (as we were all rushing around getting ready for a big family meal!) by my cousing Scott and his envied (by me, at least!) Canon DSLR Rebel. He was very gracious and patient to capture us all in the chaos, as well as a full-family shot for my mom including my parents and Travis & Erin too.
I created the card digitally using Adobe PSE 4.0. The background paper is from the free 2006 Season Sampler digital scrapbooking kit at Shabby Princess and free brushes from Spy Glass. I printed some cards and sent them by mail, and also sent some digital ones by e-mail. If I somehow missed you, this greeting is for you!!
(click photo to see it full-size)
The photo was taken on Thanksgiving weekend (as we were all rushing around getting ready for a big family meal!) by my cousing Scott and his envied (by me, at least!) Canon DSLR Rebel. He was very gracious and patient to capture us all in the chaos, as well as a full-family shot for my mom including my parents and Travis & Erin too.
I created the card digitally using Adobe PSE 4.0. The background paper is from the free 2006 Season Sampler digital scrapbooking kit at Shabby Princess and free brushes from Spy Glass. I printed some cards and sent them by mail, and also sent some digital ones by e-mail. If I somehow missed you, this greeting is for you!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Homemade Amish Caramels
Last year, Jeremy's Aunt Nancy made THE most incredible homemade caramels. I would never have dreamed of trying to make something like that, but when I tasted them, I asked her for the recipe. Their Amish neighbors had shared some of the caramels and the recipe, and Nancy was happy to pass it along to me!
I've made 2 batches this year. The first batch turned out fantastic, and we shared them with our LifeGroup at our Christmas party this past Monday night. One little girl stuffed her styrofoam cup to overflowing with them, claiming she was "going to share them with everyone." ;) So, that batch went quickly.
I attempted a second batch on Tuesday, but, well, let's just say, they turned out more like toffee. ;) Oops...got a little past that 245 degree mark!
But, I wanted to share the recipe, because it is soooooo good!
Amish Caramels
1/2 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
2 c. heavy cream
1 t. vanilla
Cook butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1 c. heavy cream in large pot. Once mixture reaches boiling, add other cup of heavy cream, never letting boiling cease.
Cook until it reaches 245 degrees, stirring constantly. (This will take a while!) Stir in vanilla.
Pour into buttered 9x13 pan and let cool. Cut and wrap pieces in wax paper.
Enjoy!!
I've made 2 batches this year. The first batch turned out fantastic, and we shared them with our LifeGroup at our Christmas party this past Monday night. One little girl stuffed her styrofoam cup to overflowing with them, claiming she was "going to share them with everyone." ;) So, that batch went quickly.
I attempted a second batch on Tuesday, but, well, let's just say, they turned out more like toffee. ;) Oops...got a little past that 245 degree mark!
But, I wanted to share the recipe, because it is soooooo good!
Amish Caramels
1/2 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
2 c. heavy cream
1 t. vanilla
Cook butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1 c. heavy cream in large pot. Once mixture reaches boiling, add other cup of heavy cream, never letting boiling cease.
Cook until it reaches 245 degrees, stirring constantly. (This will take a while!) Stir in vanilla.
Pour into buttered 9x13 pan and let cool. Cut and wrap pieces in wax paper.
Enjoy!!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Cookies & Carols
One of my favorite events our church does each year is Cookies & Carols. Hundreds (maybe thousands?) of cookies, Christmas songs, a carol-sing, the reading of the Christmas story, a visit from Santa...LOVE IT ALL!!
These ladies put together the magnificent cookie display table!
Just a few of the MANY fabulous cookies before everything started...
Those who volunteered to bake cookies got to choose from a recipe list. I made Cornmeal Cherry Cookies.
Jeremy and Pastor Scott were thinking alike when they dressed for the evening...
So glad to get this photo, as we decided not to take the kids to see Santa in Arrowsmith this afternoon, but to get them naps instead. This will probably be the only time they see Santa this year, and Annah announced to Sylvia and Caeden that he was not the Real Santa.
These ladies put together the magnificent cookie display table!
Just a few of the MANY fabulous cookies before everything started...
Those who volunteered to bake cookies got to choose from a recipe list. I made Cornmeal Cherry Cookies.
Jeremy and Pastor Scott were thinking alike when they dressed for the evening...
So glad to get this photo, as we decided not to take the kids to see Santa in Arrowsmith this afternoon, but to get them naps instead. This will probably be the only time they see Santa this year, and Annah announced to Sylvia and Caeden that he was not the Real Santa.
Little Candles
Sylvia was a little candle in the preschool Christmas program at church this morning! She bravely said her line during the first performance. But, second service was quite a bit more full, and she was too afraid to say her line for all of them. She did great though, as did all of the kids. They were adorable, of course!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
konked camera
No new pictures from this week to put up. Our camera apparently konked out again. It's been known to "come back to life" though, so I'm holding out hope...
Annah was part of the Ridgeview Elementary school Christmas program this week. I tried to take photos and video, but...digi cam konked, AND the upper-elementary kids sitting behind us were SO loud that we couldn't even hear the kids on stage! (We were seriously frustrated that our 3-year-old son was behaving better than 4th and 5th graders!) Anyhoo...not to complain...we have little record of the 1st grade performance.
We're having snow today!! And, we're liking it much better than the past 2 weekends' ice storms! We all five went out and played in it for a while this afternoon! This is the kind of snow to play in--right around 32 degrees, no wind, softly falling flakes...so beautiful!
We've also been making paper snowflakes this weekend, which we hung on the front door. I love how excited the kids get over opening them up to see what they look like! Simple, wonderful fun!
I'm making some Christmas goodies this weekend! Tomorrow evening is Cookies & Carols at church, and I made Cherry Cornmeal Cookies for that--a new recipe for me. I'm planning to make Grandma McEowen's Apricot Coconut Balls (my FAVORITE Christmas recipe!!), and Amish Caramels, and some Buckeyes for our LifeGroup Christmas party on Monday night. I would really love to make some Snowball/Mexican Wedding Cookies and some Fruitcake (yep, we love it!), but don't know if I'll get to those before Christmas. And, the kids are excited that Jeremy is planning to make his traditional Candy Cane Cookies! Yum!
I have to say I'm truly enjoying the Christmas season this year. I have tried hard to choose the most meaningful and favorite activities to participate in, and cherish each of them. I don't want it to be a stressful season!
Tomorrow morning Sylvia will be a candle in the preschool class Christmas program at church. Her line at the end is, "We worship and adore Him. Won't you join us today?" It is a cute little program with a great message, which the kids understand!
Everyone in the Lopshire house is excited about Christmas! I'm so thankful for this time of year that helps us count our blessings!
Most of you all who are reading this will be receiving our Christmas card, either in digital or paper form. I had fun creating the card, and it was about the 3rd or 4th version of the ones I created. So thought I'd share one of the other unfinished ones with you all. With much love from our house to yours...
(click for larger view)
Annah was part of the Ridgeview Elementary school Christmas program this week. I tried to take photos and video, but...digi cam konked, AND the upper-elementary kids sitting behind us were SO loud that we couldn't even hear the kids on stage! (We were seriously frustrated that our 3-year-old son was behaving better than 4th and 5th graders!) Anyhoo...not to complain...we have little record of the 1st grade performance.
We're having snow today!! And, we're liking it much better than the past 2 weekends' ice storms! We all five went out and played in it for a while this afternoon! This is the kind of snow to play in--right around 32 degrees, no wind, softly falling flakes...so beautiful!
We've also been making paper snowflakes this weekend, which we hung on the front door. I love how excited the kids get over opening them up to see what they look like! Simple, wonderful fun!
I'm making some Christmas goodies this weekend! Tomorrow evening is Cookies & Carols at church, and I made Cherry Cornmeal Cookies for that--a new recipe for me. I'm planning to make Grandma McEowen's Apricot Coconut Balls (my FAVORITE Christmas recipe!!), and Amish Caramels, and some Buckeyes for our LifeGroup Christmas party on Monday night. I would really love to make some Snowball/Mexican Wedding Cookies and some Fruitcake (yep, we love it!), but don't know if I'll get to those before Christmas. And, the kids are excited that Jeremy is planning to make his traditional Candy Cane Cookies! Yum!
I have to say I'm truly enjoying the Christmas season this year. I have tried hard to choose the most meaningful and favorite activities to participate in, and cherish each of them. I don't want it to be a stressful season!
Tomorrow morning Sylvia will be a candle in the preschool class Christmas program at church. Her line at the end is, "We worship and adore Him. Won't you join us today?" It is a cute little program with a great message, which the kids understand!
Everyone in the Lopshire house is excited about Christmas! I'm so thankful for this time of year that helps us count our blessings!
Most of you all who are reading this will be receiving our Christmas card, either in digital or paper form. I had fun creating the card, and it was about the 3rd or 4th version of the ones I created. So thought I'd share one of the other unfinished ones with you all. With much love from our house to yours...
(click for larger view)
