Student of the Month

in front of her classroom

Gabe didn't want Jude in the picture.

banana burrito

The Monday before Spring Break Ella had a note in her backpack to "the parents of Ella Griffin". The note said that there would be a PTO meeting on Thursday and that Ella would be honored as Student of the Month for December 2009. I laughed and showed Jonathan that they forgot to change the date on the letter. I said that they must have meant March. When I picked Ella up from school that Tuesday I said "we had a very exciting letter in your backpack that I just read this morning, do you know what it was about?" She said " uh, yeah - I was Student of the Month in December." Now, I am wondering how in the world she could have forgotten to tell us that. I mean I know how many times she has been hit in the head with a dodge ball, how many paper cuts she has had and what most of her friends wear...Student of the Month - not a big deal! Anyway, when she realized my mom was going to be here it turned into a much bigger occasion. We went to dinner, complete with dessert and Ella wore "celebration clothes".

Gabe is so big...

or he thinks so. His highchair was left outside on that nice day only to get rained on then freeze...so, while it thawed in the garage Gabe ate at the table. OR Gabe would periodically sit at the table and then get up and then sit back down and then get up all while eating.

At least he does clean the floor.

Mohawks, Sunshine and Flag Football

Fallen Mohawk

the ringers

learning the rules (the hardest part)

HUT~

He had an ok Mohawks...Jude's hair was too long.

This is where it warmed up for a weekend and we spent all of it outside - much to Jude's dismay. I pretty much forbid anyone to step foot in the house! Luckily, the McConnell's came over to play too.

Cold but we have to get outside...

See, so long since I took these that I can't really remember much - I guess that is why I blog :)! Anyway, it has obviously been cold, their noses are red but we are all outside anyway!

Inside exercise

Since it has been too cold to play outside (or was). Ella and Jude took to the yoga mats for some exercise. They sort of look like they were sleeping.

Before(s)

Boys room

I called in the painter after missing the opening ceremonies and painting all the next day on Ella's room.

starting to paint

WHAT A MESS!

We are still - due to major furniture delays - redoing the kid's rooms. These are the before pictures (as the title suggests). I will get to the afters when the rooms are done (hopefully). Also, I will try and do better than a once a month blogger!

Valentine's Day is alot of work.

I remember it was last year too...this year we went a little easier and just cranked out 50 or so heart shaped marshmallow treats. I will admit that I have eaten some of the scraps and they are just as good at 34 as they were when I was 6! Also challenging, is 2 children writing their own valentines...somehow, Ella "helped" Jude with his when I wasn't looking.

Happy Birthday Pepaw!

Ella is wafting the "smoke" after he blew out the candles!

Gabey liked it!

Pepaw and Nana came to aid in the care of all things children when Gabe had his tubes put in and adenoids out. We had to be there at 6 so Nana and Pepaw were to disperse children as necessary that morning...but there was no school...anyway, Pepaw's birthday was Tuesday. We enjoyed a birthday dinner that night. Pepaw even got to use the "My Special Day" plate! We had lasagna and a Pepaw favorite - banana pudding. Happy Birthday Pepaw and thanks for the assistance!

Ice Ice Baby! (all pictures in reverse)

The last one in - crying the whole way!

Jada pulling Ella

BIG kids

swinging was a bad idea

Landon was well protected

boys turn

The start of the trip

yep, before we even left...I have NO idea what he did but he was NOT happy!

who turned out the lights~

Gabe fell right after this and was sad.

Actually it was really SNOW SNOW baby! We ventured out for a nice afternoon of sledding...which was actually about 30 minutes - we spent far more time preparing than actually playing! The best part, was probably the hot chocolate and that the kiddos played (inside)while Carmen, Puh, Jonathan and I sat around all day watching movies and talking...nice! The vegetable soup and cornbread was not too bad either.

At Home...

brushing his teeth
Ella's "Say Yes To The Dress" marathon

going to the movie...lots of layers

counting and sorting

The cold weather has put a screeching halt on my painting projects. I have resorted to buying paint for the actual walls in order to feel productive...in the meantime we have been hanging at home (all of us) and hanging at work. We were all sad when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow!