Goodbye January!

Can't say I'm going to be sad to see this January come to an end.  School was called off for 5 full days this month due to the bitter cold.  And when it wasn't cold it was typically either snowy or icy or just plain miserable.

On a positive note, the days are getting longer and it's still light out when I leave work at 5.  Of course it's always dark by the time I make it home after sitting in horrendous traffic nearly every night due to the construction on Hwy 52 and slow Winter driving conditions but this too shall pass!

Little Packer

Tonight Buddy got to be a Little Packer for the Packers home hockey game.  He was paired up with a varsity hockey player, got to skate on the ice with the big boys before the game, and stood with the team as the starting lineup was introduced and the National Anthem was played.  It was a fun night for him and his friends to get a preview of what's to come in their future.

Our neighbor Max is one of the Captains on the team this year.

Dentist Appointments

The kids went to the dentist today for their 6 month check-ups.  The girls each got good reports while old Buster Brown has 4 cavities that need fillings.  The cavities, thankfully, are all in baby teeth.  Hopefully he gets the hang of brushing and flossing before more permanent teeth come in or as Grandma Ellen always warns him, "If you're not true to your teeth they'll be false to you!"

A Fantastic Dessert

Last night I made this absolutely delicious dessert and wanted to share the recipe with you.  The best part about it is the edible ice cream bowl.

2 sticks butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup coconut
1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter in heavy fry pan until bubbly (not brown).  Add ingredients in order listed.  Stir.  Drop by teaspoon full onto cookie sheet 4 at a time.  Bake for 5-7 minutes at 325-350.  Cool on cookie sheet for a couple of minutes.  Use stiff spatula to lift off and drop while still warm into custard cups to form a bowl shape.  Makes about 24 bowls.  If it breaks you can put it back into pan and reheat.

After the bowl sets for a bit take it out of the mold, fill it with your favorite ice cream and toppings and serve it to your dinner guests.  It's guaranteed to be a hit! 

No Big Surprise...It Snowed Again!

I've had enough of this Winter and we're not even through January yet!  School has been canceled three times already this month due to the bitter cold temps and it is predicted that school will be canceled again tomorrow and Tuesday.

Careline got outside this morning and helped her Dad clear off the driveway and sidewalk.  You'd think with all the shoveling she's getting to do this Winter she'd know how to factor in the wind when getting rid of the scooped up snow...but as you'll see, she's still learning.

He Cleans Up Nicely

This is the same kid just a few hours later with a clean face and a snazzy near haircut.

Messy Marvin

I don't know if I've ever taken a photo of Buddy when he hasn't had food on his face.  Today's treat...a chocolate donut.

Thelma & Louise Gone Wild

Just had to laugh at how I found Adeline's Barbie dolls this morning and thought you might get a kick out of it too!

My New Favorite Food: Pomegranates

I can't believe that I lived for 42 years before discovering this awesome tasty fruit.  I wouldn't suggest wearing your Sunday best when harvesting the crunchy delicious seeds as the job tends to be a little messy.  I find it well worth it though, as in the end you have yourself a bowlful of nummy fruit that is filled with antioxidants known for protecting against heart disease and cancer.

 

Outdoor Hockey Tournament

Braden played in a hockey tournament this weekend on an outdoor rink in St Paul.  It was kind of neat being outside today watching hockey as the sun was coming up.
    

 

Here's Buddy and his trophy.  By the way...this was "take two".

THIS was our first attempt.

SSP Packer Maroon Mites

Careline's 10 Year Check-Up

At her annual physical appointment today Careline was thrilled to learn that she's now 52.5 inches tall.  That's 2.5 inches taller than she was last year at this time and means that she can finally ride every single ride at Valleyfair.

Artwork By Adeline

Just like her older siblings, Adeline LOVES to create artwork masterpieces.  That usually means one enormous mess for Mama to clean up after.  Not so with the Crayola Color Wonder paint-set that she got for Christmas.  The paint goes on clear and only when my little artist paints on special paper do these beautiful pastel colors appear. 

Thank You Crayola!

Jamboree Trophy

Here's Buddy with the trophy he earned from playing in the hockey jamboree last weekend.  He's got some major hockey helmet hair going on!

Back To School ~ Alleluia!!!

A One Of A Kind Kid...

I'd be willing to bet that Careline was the only kid in South St Paul angered by the news that school will be closed again tomorrow due to these bitter cold conditions.  She's ready to get back to her studies and this Mama is ready to send her and her Brother back to school again after the longest Christmas break ever! 

 

New Hats For The New Year

My Dad's Cousin is a super talented artist who spends many a weekend traveling around to various tournaments creating air brushed hats for happy little customers.  Today he happened to be at Buddy's hockey jamboree and he made Careline and Braden the cutest hats.  Sweetly he wouldn't accept a dime and said that these gifts were on Bubba.  How nice.