big truck party cake

R2 loved his tractor and big truck cake, Mimi.  It turned out better than expected.  She did a black and yellow checkerboard design on the inside with chocolate icing.  The "dirt" was crushed oreos and the rocks were chocolate stones from a baking specialty shop.  She made cones out of orange fondant and R2 picked out trucks from Wal-Mart to add.

Read's truck and tractor birthday party

Over the Thanksgiving holidays, we celebrated R2's second birthday at PawPaw and Mimi's house.  We had a small (well, as small as our two families combined can be) party with cake and presents.  He had such a blast tearing into his cake. Unlike last year when he just cried and cried because he didn't want to get his hands dirty or even try it for that matter.  Mimi made this great chocolate cake.  I am so blessed to have a talented baker in the family.  Thank you everyone who came to make his day special.

new tradition - 24 days of Christmas reads

I know, I know, I am a bit obsessed with ideas on pinterest.  I cannot help it, there are so many things to do and try.  Must pin all things!
I found a fun idea earlier this year, that I have been waiting to do with the kids.  We combined it with gift-wrapping practice and wrapped 24  books to read before Christmas.  I didn't think I had 24 C-mas reads, but I ended up having to leave 8 of them out, if we want to read one a day.  The girls loved wrapping the books and each day we read one during our school day.  Here is a list of our books that are hiding under the tree:
The Polar Express
Twas the Night before Christmas by Jan Brett
Reindeer Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Crippled Lamb
The Christmas Blizzard
Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear
The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy
The Candymaker's Gift (the legend of the candy cane)
Froggy's Best Christmas
Frosty the Snowman
The Wild Christmas Reindeer 
The Mouse before Christmas
Santa's Favorite Story
One Wintry Night
The Tale of Three Trees
Who is Coming to Our House
Room for a Little One
The Legend of the Candy Cane
If you Take a Mouse to the Movies
The Christmas Promise

update on Leo and Elsa

Oh my gosh, look at the pure joy on Leo's face.  I hope Elsa is just going through typical teenage required response of not wanting her picture taken.  I am so grateful for One Child Matters and their updates on our special "kiddos".
I cannot believe it has been four years since I was in Swaziland and Mozambique.  I heard it said, "Once you go to Africa you will go back every day for the rest of your life".  Going to Africa is still one of the most life changing moments that ever happened to me.  I cannot wait for the day when the Lord tells me it is my turn to go back again.  I miss these faces.
For information on sponsoring a child, you can visit One Child Matters website.

new friends

I told you about our homeschool friends that live down the street.  Well, we have had a lot of fun with our friends lately, like every day lately.  After school they are out riding bikes, jumping on trampolines, building lego creations, building friendships and starting clubs.  I am so grateful the girls have made such great friends on our street and I kind of like their mom too.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday morning fun

There is no better sound than the sound of your children laughing, giggling, and/or squealing together.  It makes my heart happy.

HR ran a fever all weekend, so we had to stay in this weekend to celebrate R2's.  The kids had fun making tents and tunnels in the classroom.  They literally played for hours, then R2 slept for hours.  Memories being made.

family traditions - looking for a pickle

I have a 2 year old

How is this possible?  I mean, I know how its possible, but where did the time go?  I am thirty-eight years old and I have a two year old.  Our sweet baby boy turns two today.  Please Lord, let him be the exception to the rule, and let one be the obnoxious ones, instead of the terrible twos!
This past year, you learned to walk, but didn't stop there, you ran and ran and ran.  You had to have tubes put in your ears for reoccurring earaches.  You still don't talk much, but you communicate very well.  Your favorite words are PawPaw, juice, toast, shoes, go, car, truck, Bella, Mama, Daddy, Sister, and Pillow.  Your favorite toys are balls, trucks, markers, and playing in your kitchen with Bella.  You are the biggest helper.  You enjoy cleaning up, making bigger messes, unloading the dishwasher, setting the table, making Mommy and Daddy's bed, making your bed, and the clean-up song.  You want to do everything your sisters do, and everything your baby brother gets.  You have a hard time when Mommy holds baby, but you love him so much.  Every time you see him you run to give him kisses.  You love to give out hugs, and tell everyone bye whenever you leave a room.  And you love to "go" in the "car with your "shoes".
We love you so much big brother.  We are so glad God  had bigger plans for our lives when he gave us you.  You bring so much character, joy, and love to our family.  Happy Birthday Read.

25 days of C-mas challenge

I always take part in Erica's blogging challenge, and I am going to attempt it again this year, but cannot make any promises.  Things are down right busy here at the RFS.
Last night, we watched our C-mas favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  We also read the book and enjoyed Grinch Punch.  We made it with sprite and green sherbet   I attempted to put green sugar on the rims, without much success.  Still tasted yummy.