**snow**

One of the benefits to living in Michigan is the fun we get to have in the snow. Now I'm not one to really enjoy the cold and snow, but sometimes you just have to get out there and have some FuN! Today we headed out with some friends to hit the hills and get some sledding in!! So far this year we have had 5 SNOW DAYS...which is fun, but the kids get a little restless!! We've had to get creative and find some fun entertainment!

Jake heading down the hill

Emmah's turn!

Family shot...minus Toby!

I LOVE this photo!!

4 years

It's been 4 years since you left...and I still miss you like I did on the very first day. I remember that day like it was yesterday, I can tell you where I was, what I was wearing and exactly how the day went. You were my BEST friend, you taught me to sew, cook (Not real good with this one yet!!) bake, and teach.  I am better because of you...I am who I am because of you. This one's for you Mom... For Good And although I know I will see you again one day I still miss you and wish you were here. Thanks for being the BEST Mom EVER!!

New Year

I can hardly believe that it is already 2013....WOW!!   As a family we had a really nice holiday, we spent time together, shared some food and laughter and started a few new traditions!!   We even got a special Florida visitor for a week!! My kids were super surprised and excited that their cousin Shelby came to stay with us for a week!! (I have to add that I was too!!!!)   I feel this should be said as well. You know those things that happen when you get together as a family, the jokes, the laughter, the love...I am truly blessed to say my kids will have some GREAT memories of spending time with family. I LOVE how much my kids, although there is quite an age gap, are a part of their cousins lives. My kids talk about them all the time as well as aunts and uncles. I have some of those same memories and LOVE the fact that mine with have some if not many more of their own!   Starting our year out...I have gotten crafty already, tried some new recipes, and enjoyed my NEW CRAFT ROOM!!!!! So much to share...but to start the year, be thankful for those close to you, those not so close to you, and those who have passed. The memories you have and make are yours forever and no one can take those away...now go out and create some memories!

 

 

 

Ain't this the truth...

So far it has been a VERY merry Christmas and looking to add a few merry more!!

   

New Traditions

Every year is full of change...and change is good. Well sometimes....   This year I am having a really hard time with change. Usually on Christmas Eve we celebrate Christmas with the whole Bloemers side...this year it will be different. Which really is a good thing, since it will be easier for more people to make being the Saturday before. I was hoping we would do our small Bloemers family gathering that night instead, but not he case, which I too understand.   This leads me to my issue...we now have NOTHING on Christmas Eve, or really Christmas Day. Usually both night and day are filled with family and they will, but just the 4 of us.   This I am dreading...   Toby says we will come up with something special to call our own, but it really just makes me miss my mom all that much more...   We have some ideas...but I am slowly working myself up. I wish I could just push it back and think of all the special memories we will be making with our kids, but sometime less isn't more and in this case less people, especially one that will be missing is being missed an extra lot this year.

Holiday Rush

I don't know about any of you but the holiday hustle and bustle is in full swing at our house. We have already attended one Christmas party, we have another one this coming weekend and then 2 the following weekend.   In between there we are working hard to finish the playroom, craft room, have carpet installed, finish up our shopping, and for me...making gifts!!   I love to give people small tokens to let them know just how special they are to me, especially at this time of year! I also really enjoying adding some fun new crafts that have been on my "to do" list to my "done" list!!   Currently on my to make list is: *Initial cup *People blocks *Matching shirts (for my neices!) *Cookies *Ornaments with the kids *Holiday tags *Hot Chocolate mix/chocolate dipped spoons *Popcorn Seasoning Kit *Holiday shirt for kids   I think that is it for right now...but I'm sure I will think of many more things that I should make!!

 

And I finally got around to ordering my holiday cards, so at least that part of things is done! YEAH!

Sneaky Elf

With Christmas comes one of my favorite Holiday traditions...Chip our Elf!! He usually shows up sometime after Thanksgiving and then gets into all sorts of different adventures.   **If you haven't heard of Elf on a Shelf...you need to check it out, it really is A LOT of fun and the kids just LOVE it!!    Here is his arrival....I think he arrived in style!

 

Day 2:

 

Day 3:

 

 

 Day 6:

 

Day 7:

The kids are really loving all the adventures "Chip" is having this year!! I am too!!