Painting....
This is another thing that has been keeping the kids busy this winter. We have several different kinds of painting tools, which the kids love to use.

Clowning Around......
Grandma Joyce was here last week and the kids had lots of fun playing with play-dough when she was here. Grandma helped the kids with there clown noses.

Snow fun.....
Here's my sweet little Noah. He just wanted outside to walk around in the snow and play with a few toys. Ruby just kept trying to get his gloves.

Expecting #4......

For those who may not know we are expecting baby #4 sometime in October. We are really hoping and praying for a little girl. Anna keeps telling me over and over that she would like a little sister. I guess we will have to wait and see. We have a few girls names, but still need to figure out a couple of boy names. If anyone has any ideas let me know. I am feeling good so far and have not been sick at all, so we will have to see how much longer that last. I have also started working out on the treadmill and doing Pilates. I really need to get in better shape then I am.

This past week my parents were here for a few days. We had a nice time just hanging out and spending time playing with the kids. The kids have been playing with play-dough a lot lately. My mom made a lot of different animals out of play-dough with the kids. They really enjoyed having grandma & grandpa here.

Also my dad put in a new toilet in the downstairs bathroom. It has not been working real well and dad said that a new one would be good since the one in the bathroom was about 30 years old. Now we just need to get a new toilet in the upstairs bathroom.

Well that's what has been going on around here this week. I have a few pictures to post, which I will do sometime here. I just haven't had much motivation with spending time on the computer.

Valentines Gifts.......

The kids were very excited this past weekend when they got a gift in the mail from there Grandma & Grandpa Kostman. They got these nice jean jackets and super yummy marshmallow suckers. The suckers didn't last long and even mommy got a few bits. To watch the video go here.

Running Circles......

Wow how the week has gone by. On Monday I took the kids to the library, so they could hand in there winter reading sheets and pick out a prize. We then stayed for the craft/story hour, which the kids loved. They made Valentines cards, which I was hoping to make with them this week, which I have not gotten to yet. I really don't know were the time goes. If I didn't have dishes & laundry I would have so much time. Then after library time we went grocery shopping and had lunch at Culver's.

Then on Wednesday the Bible study that I go to was canceled, but some friends came over to play and have lunch. The kids had a blast playing. Then later in the afternoon the kids went outside and played in the snow for a good hour & half and then that evening the kids headed to Awana's. They have a good time and are making new friends. By the time we got home that evening they were really tired and ready for bed.

Thursday was just a crazy day, which felt like I didn't get much done. I'm sure many of you can relate. Anyway I hope to have some pictures to share sometime. I am starting to really have spring fever. Have a wonderful weekend:)

Friends.....

Here's a good picture of some friends of ours Chris & Kari. The kids love to see them.

Knitted Hats....
These are the hats that I made on our trip to Nebraska this past Christmas. Knitting is such a nice way to past the time while driving on the road. The question I kept getting from my daughter was, "who are they for?." I said, "I don't know yet", so they will just go in my gift container and be given to someone as a present sometime.

Free Schedule Printables......

I have been thinking about trying to make up some type of schedule with the kids. So I went on line today to see what kind of pages I could find. I found this site with some nice printouts. Thought I would post it if anyone else is interested. I really am not a schedule type of person, but I think that with 3 kids I need to set one up to keep my sanity.

New Song.....

This last weekend we sang a song at our fellowship meeting, which I just loved. So I found it on You Tube and thought I would share it with you. It's called, "Give Me Jesus" by Fernando Ortega

My Mom & Dad Wedding Pictures.....
My mom's brother got a machine that take pictures off of there slides, so she now has all of her wedding pictures. I had to share these because these are so neat. I am hoping to see more pictures. I dad was in the Navy, so he has lots of pictures of that time of his life.

My mom made her bridesmaids dresses. She is a wonderful seamstress and wish I knew as much as she does.

One of those days.....

Noah was into making messes today. I found him this morning up stairs in the bathroom with the door closed and the drawer pulled out on the vanity. This is how the boys lock the door when they don't want anyone to come in. Anyway he was into the toothpaste and had it on the floor, the door, the dog & himself. Then later on in the day I found him in the downstairs bathroom with the door closed poring soap all over. Lastly, while I was visiting with company Anna yelled down saying Noah was in trouble. He was in the bathtub pumping hair conditioner out of the bottle. It's amazing how a little one can find so many exciting messy things to get into. So did anyone else have some exciting things happen to them today??

Fire Trucks.....
We went to the library today and Gabriel spotted one of those busy bags that has books and a toy that goes with them. It was a fire truck theme and so the boy's will have a firetruck to play with for a couple of weeks. Then Gabe has a few You Tube videos he likes to watch, which I thought I would share if anyone is interested.

Fire Truck by Ivan Ulz

Caillou and the Fire Truck

How'd They Build That Fire Truck

How to make a Fire Truck Cake

I am thinking that with Gabe's Birthday coming up in May that I am going to go with a Fire Truck theme. I would love to make the fire truck cake.

Package in the Mail....
The kids got a package in the mail from Grandma Kara this past weekend. It had these fun magnifying glasses and a couple pairs of shoes for Anna. They love to get mail and thanks Grandma Kara for the wonderful items and the note.

Here Noah's testing it out to see if it tastes any good.....

Happy Birthday Noah....

My baby is now 2 years old. He is growing and learning so much every day. He is such a sweet little guy & I love him so much:)

Go here to see his Birthday Video....

Tooth......
Well for the past week I was having tooth pain on & off, so yesterday morning I called the dentist and was able to get a appointment. I took all the kids with me and they did great. After they took the x-ray and took a look they ended up doing a root canal . I thought I had pain before I went in, but after the numbness wore off I really had some pain. They also gave me a prescription for Amoxicillin for any infection I might have and then also Hydrocodone for pain relief, but unfortunately the pain relief medicine makes you tired. I took a couple last night and it didn't take long to make me really loopy. I guess I will be sticking to Ibuprofen for the daytime so that I can at least function. I am just really praying that everything will be better in a couple of weeks and that took care of the problem.

Children's Bible....
Since the end of last summer I have been using this Bible Story Book with the kids that also have a nice coloring book to go with it. We are still working through it and they love it and it's so nice to use at breakfast time. Just recently I came across a Children's Illustrated Bible by Selina Hastings. I was able to get it from the library to see if I would like it and it is awesome. I then went on Ebay looking and found it for $5 with shipping and order it. You can also find it on Amazon. I am looking forward reading it with the kids. Make note that they make two sizes, so if your interested in getting one you will probably want to get the bigger one, which measures 10.5" x 8".

All about John Deere.......

My mother-in-law was so kind to make these wonderful curtains for the Gabe & Noah's room. They look awesome and the boys love them.

On the window sill is a train, roller & truck that Grandpa Ray helped Gabe spray paint. Also the tractor on the self was also painted by them. I got the tractor & roller at a craft fair this past fall and the train & truck I order from Let's Explore which I guess is closing her store, but she has a wonderful blog to read.

Gabe also picked up this calender at Walmart, which mom & dad will be using. Grandma Kara was nice to give use an old John Deere calender, which I was able to frame one of the pictures so far for the boy's room. I also just thought of another great idea for there room. I will show you pictures when it's done and up on the wall. The other great idea about this craft is the kids can help:)

John Deere calender picture was taken by Gabriel...

All Ready.....
What more does a boy need but his hat, boots, a piece of wood & a play gun in his pocket.

Birthday Fun ......
Here are a few pictures from last month. My birthday was on Dec. 19th and the kids helped me make some birthday cupcakes. They then played with some play dough for a while and used crayons for candles. Play dough is so great for the winter time and my kids love to play with it and create. It even keeps little Noah busy for quite some time.

The kids make birthday's so much fun. They have so much excitement especially my little Anna.

More Birthday Fun.....
This is the cake that the kids & I made at my mom's house. It was just a cake for my family to enjoy.

Happy 5th Birthday Anna......
Wow it's amazing that my little girl tured 5 years old and will be starting Kindergarten this coming fall. Her Grandma Kara got this awesome edible princess cake topper and then I made up some butter cream frosting & decorated this cake for my little girl. She loved it & got lots of nice gifts.

Home.....

We made it home last night before the storm. It was a wonderful trip and the kids did pretty well traveling in the van. Today I have been working on getting things put away and catching up on laundry. I hope to get some pictures up soon of our trip.

Greetings from Nebraska from Renee's husband, Brandon!

I told Renee that she smelled like a filthy water buffalo, so while she's taking a shower I'm going to update her blog. What a dutiful husband I am.

Renee and I made it safely to my parents' place late Monday afternoon. It was a long 11 1/2 hour drive. Anna was as good as gold, but Gabriel and Noah fought off and on. Unfortunately, Noah doesn't speak much yet so he shrieks at the top of his lungs when he's mad. Definitely not my favorite sound.

We celebrated Anna's 5th birthday at my parents' house Tuesday night. Renee made a nice sheet cake with some yummy home-made frosting. Grandma Kara ordered one of those edible transparent cake graphics for the top of the cake. It had all of the princesses from Disney movies: Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle. She was so excited to see her finished cake. We have pictures and video that we'll post later.

Grandma Kara watched the kids yesterday afternoon while Renee and I went on a date to see Avatar at the theater. If you liked "Dances with Wolves" you know the basic story of Avatar. Just substitute 10 foot tall blue aliens for the Sioux and Sam Worthington for Kevin Costner and you're pretty much good to go. The movie was spectacular to see, though. We got to see it in 3D. They weren't kidding about the 3D part either. Awesome.

Mom and Dad have a couple of friends over to watch the Nebraska/Arizona game. Right now (late 3rd quarter) the score is 33 to 0 Nebraska. Ouch.

Tomorrow morning I'm going black powder rifle hunting with my dad. Going after some Platte River Valley corn fed white tails. As I'm from out of state and don't have a hunting permit, Dad will do any shooting. I get to gut the deer, though if we get anything. It'll be like dissecting a frog in high school, only cooler with way more blood and guts. Will post an after action report.

God's Christmas Tree

God's Christmas tree was a blood stained Cross
The shadow of which fell across Christ's Birth;
He was wrapped for death--and laid in a manger
And these Truths--o'er shadow the usual Mirth!!!

For the day of dedication at the Jewish Temple
Surely on this day--only happiness will control;
But no--as the High Priest held the sweet Babe
Spoke to Mary--"A sword shall pierce thy soul"!

From His first miracle--to the Eve of Betrayal
Our Lord Jesus said, "Mine hour is not yet come";
It was a constant reminder--He was born to die
And it was for THIS purpose--our Lord had come!

Oh Yes--dear heart--Rejoice--that Jesus came--
But remember--THE CROSS--is His Christmas Tree;
Oh don't get so buried in--tinsel and trinkets
You forget that GOD'S GIFT is SALVATION--FREE!!!
---lulu b. claycomb

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed."
I Peter 2:24

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

We wish you a very, very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Heading Out Today....

Well I will be packing up the everything else that I think we will need. The snow is coming down and Brandon's test is not till this afternoon. I sure hope the snow stay's light and the roads are good and it's time to head to my parents house. We will be seeing some of you very soon.

Nutella Fudge Bonbons......

I came across this recipe and I have to give you the link. The reason is I was at a Bible study last week and the ladies were talking about Nutella. There were a few who really like it a lot, so if anyone is a Nutella lover out there here is a recipe you might want to try.

Some of my favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes......

Can be found here..... If anyone has a favorite that they think I should try leave me a link.

Also we will be heading out of town in a couple of days. I will try to post while I am gone to let you know what we have been up too & how the kids have been. I am really looking forward to some time away from cleaning up the house. Unfortunately laundry follows me everywhere, but it will be nice to see family that we don't get to see very often. I know the kids are excited and I just pray that the van ride goes well and the weather is good.

Also lets not forget the yummiest caramel corn and so easy to make. To find the recipe go here. I am planning on making this when I get to my moms house and probably several batches, since we all love it so much.

Christmas recipes:
Here are a few new recipes that I would like to try out.

Vegetable Wreath Recipe

Easy Peanut Butter Cracker Cookies

Christmas Bark

Curtains.....
Last week I had a chance to work on and finish up the curtains for Anna's room. They look so nice. Thanks Aunt Jen for the fabric!

I will be making many of the items that I did not get to last week. I guess we ended up eating lots of left overs last week or sometimes we just are not real hungry for a big meal. I guess that makes it easy for me to plan for this week. To find more meal ideas go here.

Monday: Haystacks

Tuesday: Leftover Haystacks

Wednesday: Ravioli & Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread

Thursday: Fried Catfish, Rice, Corn

Friday: Breakfast Casserole with toast

Saturday: Super at Fellowship Meeting

Sunday: Leftovers from the week

Hope you all have a great week!

Kids Christmas Books....

I have read a couple books with the kids that I have really enjoyed and may be ones I would like to purchase to have in the house. The first is called, "Legend of the Candy Cane" & the second book is called, "What Nick Holly Found in Grandpa's Attic". Both of these books are such wonderful books to read at Christmas time with the kids and are great reminders for ourselves too.

GIRLS PRINCESS APRON....

I just got done making some princess curtains for Anna's room from this wonderful fabric she got from her Aunt Jen. I then had some leftover and decided to make up an apron to sell. I listed it here if anyone is interested.

Half Apron....

I had this Christmas towel and decided to turn it into a apron. This was a super simple project that would make a nice gift for that baker. I used twill tape for the strings, but one could also use ribbon.

1st Big Snow Fall......
Well we were out early this morning digging ourselves out. What a job that was and the kids were out with us as well, but the only problem is we need more shovels. The kids are now out again this afternoon playing some more. I have a feeling they will be pretty tired this evening.

Our Tree....
The kids had a wonderful time helping mommy decorate the tree and they have all done pretty well at leaving them on the tree. I have caught Ruby, our dog, try and take some off, but luckily she did not get to far with them.

It's been a while since I have menu planned, but I was just sitting here this morning and thought I would just put together a simple plan for the week. It is nice to know were I am going.


Monday: Leftover Brat Soup since Brandon will not be home till late from Clinical

Tuesday: Roast, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans,

Wednesday: Tacos & Spanish Rice

Thursday: Fried Catfish, Rice, Corn

Friday: Haystacks

Saturday: Ravioli & Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread

Sunday: Leftovers

To find other great menu ideas go here.

Rolling in the Snow......

And then enjoying some hot chocolate while they warm up. There will be many more days like these.

Noah Ray......
I had to post a few of these pictures of Noah because they are just to cute. He is growing up and getting to be such a big boy. He is also talking a lot and saying most words that I do, but it might be hard to figure out at times. He is such a sweety & my snuggler.

Noah was enjoying some hot chocolate after coming in from the cold outdoors.

He also fell asleep one day this week on the couch. I was down stairs doing some sewing and Anna came down to tell me Noah was asleep. This is the first time he has ever done that. Most days he can go all day without a nap.

SNOW.....
It is finally snowing and the two oldest kids are out playing in it. They are so excited and I think this winter they will play out there for longer then just 15 mins. I am looking forward to sledding days & maybe even trying some ice skating with the kids.

Another Knitted Hat.....
I made this for Anna, but it ended up being a bit to small. I will find it a home sometime.