My little geniuses!

Look it's Hailey! Hailey had her first big book report/biography last week. She had to choose a famous person, and then write about what they contributed to society, and why they chose them. So, Hailey - who loves to "create" things, decided that Albert Einstein was the perfect choice, since he was a scientist. On Friday, all the 3rd graders posted their posters in the hallways of the school, and dressed up as their person, only they did it as a "wax museum". So these poor kids had to hold perfectly still for an hour. Hailey said a few threw up before it was over. Ha! I thought it was a lot of work (for me) doing this report. I have a whole new appreciation of what my mom used to help me do -- that Louis Armstrong report in 4th grade - thanks mom!
Here's my Baby Einstein - he's postulating right here in this picture. Actually, he got a hold of Hailey's wig, and I thought that would be a cute picture.

Derek's most exciting news!!!! He's potty trained! WAHOO! Today is day 3, and he's been doing wonderfully! I'm so excited for him to be out of diapers. Hallelujia!

January moments...

Derek has enjoyed doing lots of arts and crafts. Watercolors were a hit until he started flicking the paint off the brush at me :(. We had to end the project after that.
Hailey & Derek LOVE their trampoline that they got for Christmas. Too bad it's FREEZING cold. Hopefully spring will be here soon enough.
Derek being his happy self!
So, generally speaking, I don't really like Mandy (our dog) too much. She goes to the bathroom in the house, and chews things. However, she just got groomed, and they gave her this little bandana. It's hillarious, she rolls around and over and over trying to get it off. I'm glad to be entertained by this dog, since I usually just get irritated with her.

January has been a month filled with getting things back in order, and getting the routine going again. School is back, and Derek is busy as usual. I love being able to stay at home with the kids. They can be challenging, but I love those smiles that just melt your heart. It's going to be a great year!

The big sha-bang - New Years Eve

Jenny & Mel
Ben, Bill, Steve & Dave rockin out on the xbox - projection screen & all.
Where the real fun was - playing cards
A little rockband action (Naturally Steve thinks he's the center of the show)

So New Years Eve - what a fun night. We had my two sisters Melanie & Michele over w/ their families, then had Steve & Jenny & kids, our friends Jon & Amber, and Dave's parents. We had a really fun time, playing Blokus, Catch-Phrase, Rockband, and Hand & Foot. We also grubbed on WAY too many goodies - I think it's realistic to say I put on a good 5 lbs between Christmas & New Years - ugh! We had a really fun time though hanging out.

New Years Resolutions: Well, this year I haven't been too set on listing them out, but there are a couple --
~ Read the New Testament
~Say family prayers w/ the kids
~ Workout 3x or more a week (the neverending...)
~Find a volunteer opportunity & volunteer once a week
~Do more learning activities at home with Derek
~Be more patient with everyone in the family (isn't that on everyone's list?)

I'm sure 2008 will be a terrific year, and I can't wait to get going!
HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Years Eve Day

My sister Melanie (3rd from right below) & her family arrived on Sunday night late. Monday morning after a good workout, we loaded up the kids and went over to our other sister Michele's house (far left). The kids all had a great time playing with one another, while I had a great time hanging out w/ my sisters.

Here are Cami & Abbey rocking out on the Karaoke machine. I definitely took my fair share (& then some) rocking out! :)
Here Mel, Amelia & Michele working hard ona puzzle :)
Derek raining victorious on don't break the ice - only he didn't realize that he didn't want to break it - he'd wildly swing into it :)