Garrett's Simple Machine

In third grade, Garrett had the opportunity to make a simple machine over Christmas break. He made a "Catapolt" as he calls it which is a "pulley". They had an open house in class to allow all of us proud parents to walk around and see the creations. Well done Garrett!

We are surviving

It has been 2 weeks and we still have a puppy. Actually I have to say she is absolutely a DELIGHT. I never thought I would or could love her as I do. She is playful and outgoing at times and a great mellow lap dog at other times. She loves the boys unconditionally and wants to be by us all the time. She really has "completed" our family. I think it will go down in history as the best Christmas present EVER (I pretty much rock).

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas brought many wonderful surprises. We spent Christmas alone as a family which was WONDERFUL! The boys woke up at 7 am PUNCTUALLY and we managed to open presents one at a time. It was so nice to relax and sit around my new fireplace!!! The boys enjoyed their gifts and enjoyed watching their brothers open their gifts. They were so proud of what they bought for eachother. The grand prize of course came a little later. The kids were downstairs playing and Jeff took off to "run an errand". When he was coming home, he called me to get the boys upstairs. I called them up and told them that there was one more surprise. The boys were so confused. I told them to sit on the hearth and close their eyes. Logan kept saying, "Don't be pulling my leg mom." I told him I wasn't. Jeff then brought in our new addition to our family (No I am not pregnant). The boys then opened their eyes to see a brand new puppy! She is a black and silver miniature schnauzer. Her name is Sadie and we absolutely LOVE HER. I know......am I on drugs? I couldn't believe it either but we really did our research this time and she is a much better fit as far as breed for our family. She won't get very big but will be a sturdy dog. She is VERY smart and quick to potty train and be trained. She doesn't shed and we lucked out because she really was the "pick of the litter." The breeders LOVED her and said she was the most playful and they said they would have kept her out of all of them if they could. I didn't really believe them until we brought her home. She is so playful but is a wonderful and calm "lap dog". She loves to be wherever we are and is doing fantastic with potty training. I still can't believe I did it but the kids are so in love with her. They have responsibilies and are doing great keeping up on their assignments. It should only get easier. Let Spring get here!!!!! I will try to post the video of when we surprised the kids as soon as I can figure out how to do it. I now have a girl!!!!