And now we are on our way through January and 2012. I am determined to make this a positive year. There is a lot to accomplish. I have to admit I have not done much by way of making resolutions beyond resolving to continue to finish what I have started and  to make 2012’s Christmas a 100% handmade one… but I have begun to consciously work on my positive thinking. I used to (and really still am) be a HUGE optimist. I like that about myself and am renewing my faith in Ken, in hard work, in our family and the world around me. 

Poor Ken fasted for most of the day today only to have his appointments for himself (bloodwork) and Echo (x-ray and bloodwork) rescheduled for AFTER his doctor visit tomorrow. Apparently they only do x-rays until a certain time today and were running way behind. So they wanted to reschedule them. Not the best case scenario but we will survive. 

Our review of math continues and with it the realization that Zander does a TERRIFIC job if he SLOWS DOWN… the trick is, he hates doing it and wants to rush on through. Work in progress that boy… he certainly has more concentration issues than Gavin does but he has just as much of a wish to do well. 

Math review

First big completion of 2012! One of Emanuel's K books!

So other than some light work and a Bob book each the boys have really been focused on playing constructively together this week. Lots of Lego and crafting and a bit of the ps3 downstairs. Oh and a nice chunk of the afternoon outside! I just wish I could figure out some way to speed along this front tooth of Gavin’s moving out. It is now pointing out of his mouth and rather in the way. Frustrating as we don’t have our dental coverage in place yet (hopefully beginning of February) so just a stop off at the dentist is a big financial issue. And as Ken says, we would hate to go in only to be told it will fall out. 

Kristen and Fydo came HERE for a game or two tonight. The plan WAS to head to their place with Echo but a combination of work and late dinner had us change the location to here. It is never as quiet or relaxing but we had just as much fun I think. Pandemicwas the new game to try! Definitely quicker than some of our other games and a cooperative. But… we lost! 

Pandemic

So beyond the difficult tooth and the ever changing appointments our week is going well. I have library books to pick up, Echo is working on her walking… all 4 of our bigger kids are working on learning new things and Ken has started TWO big contracts in the new year. January is by no means completely SMOOTH but the bumps are a whole lot smaller and more manageable. 

So cute

Weekends with friends are always so wonderful! And Saturday was a pattern card of perfection! Not only did I have time with great friends, crafts and yummy food but as an added bonus – COUSIN TIME! Veronika was able to make it in for the day as well and was the first one here. She had a final project to finish for her course and I was part of it… I won’t share the pictures but let’s just say – I looked GHASTLY! But it was for a good cause of course and THEN she gave me a pretty face in return! Gotta love family.

Taken well past midnight but you get the idea!

We made a run to the south end and checked out Michaels (packed) and the Halloween store (so much fun!) then to the mall for lunch (YUM and so nice of Cousin V)… Then back to the house to really get ready for our crafting fun. With Veronika ALSO came the second set of Bob Books (as per the twins’ request) AND a brand new used desk for Emanuel (HIS one request for the schooling year). I am not sure if that makes me super mom or Veronika the world’s best cousin… but I figure we can both hold titles together.

Desk!

Kristen and Fydo were the next to arrive, Kristen to craft and Fydo to go downstairs and work on a game design with Ken (didn’t that work well!). We had to move the extra table upstairs for supplies and then bring up the crafting things with a Halloween theme. Kristen and Fydo brought chili and cake pops! Talk about yummy! Went well with the baked beans and fresh loaf of bread I made!

Veronika with one of the cake pops

Then came Karyn, Xinny, Alan and not so little Izaac! He and Echo spent the day reconnecting. She loves him and he seems to be in love with her. One of these days I need to set them up and take some really nice pictures of the two of them together! He is around 8 months old now!

Babies together

Sadly Lauralee and Kathy both had to take a miss as they were both feeling ill but I have high hopes for November and our Christmas themed crafting time.

Some of the crafters

Two of Kristen's cards

Veronika's

Xinny's scrapbook pages

Trinity with one of hers, this was a work in progress at the time. She gave them Candy Corn food

The cards I made

We crafted until evening and then Victoria, Karyn and Veronika and I visited into Sunday when we wished Ken a happy birthday and  had him open his present from yours truly! Bought with Veronika’s assistance! Gotta love having family working at a bookstore again! You definitely get into the know! He seemed rather pleased with it!

Ken's present from me and from Zander (on left)

Today was our day for helping in Sunday School but I woke up with a head ache and Echo with a very cranky attitude so I made breakfast for the kiddos, got them dressed and then Ken woke up and took the 4 big ones on his own. I am told he did a great job on cookie and juice duty. And Trinity had a blast at her second Sunday School session! We of course took a Daddy Birthday group picture!

All 5 kids

With the birthday boy

Lunch was bacon, pancakes and banana bread. They all seemed to enjoy it! And then I took a nap. Ken worked on his programming and the boys got spoiled with tv and Minecraft. A rather good day! AND I finished Trinity’s Hello Kitty ears and bow thanks to the talented hands of Victoria. She MADE those ears herself! NO pattern! What I did was put  them on a headband I wrapped with white ribbon, used a bow from the wedding stuff and there you go! Then we took white pants, a white shirt and one of her Kitties and matched it as close as we could with her own plaid dress (something Karyn brought back from Scotland). Trinity was VERY happy!!! Very one of a kind too!! And if it is cold out mom found us a polar bear suit that has a removable head so all we have to do is find a shirt that would match a kitty and go with it!!

Hello Kitty! We are waiting on her mittens and a friend suggested eye liner for whiskers!

Ken and Gavin took some time and got started on the ring tailed lemur tail! Tomorrow should show some great progress with that!!

Bent to shape according to Gavin

I am working tonight to get sorted for tomorrow, get some projects done AND get tidy… it has been a weekend to be proud of and I plan on continuing that through the week… after all we still have a lemur to create!!!

One more of the babies !