We are growing! Emily has retired to 3-6 month clothing now. I am guessing she is right around 12lbs. She doesn't miss a meal that is for sure. She has had a couple of really sleepy days so I am assuming she is getting ready to do some more growing. She is smiling and has even let out a few giggles.

We have spent the entire month on a spending freeze. We are doing really good. I am blogging about it over at my other blog. We have only spent about $23 on groceries for the month. I feel very thankful that we have enough food to eat solely out of our freezer and pantry. I'm grateful we butchered our own chickens this past summer. Thankful my shelves are filled with healthy home canned fruits and vegetables. Thankful the chicken are still giving us 5-7 eggs a day. I like being as self sufficient as possible.

I am starting to feel a little cooped up. Happens this time of year. The weather hasn't been near as bad as last winter. Not as much snow at least so I shouldn't complain. I am looking forward to spring and gardening. I can't wait to spend time outside and not worry about boots, snowpants and mittens. Right now I basically stay inside while everyone else goes out since the baby obviously can't go out. Just a few more months and the grass should be getting greener...

This is how you see me most days. Things have been a little hectic around here lately. I constantly feel like I have things to get done. I am however trying to slow down a bit and just enjoy life in general. The older boys birthdays are coming up. Tony will become the second teenager in the house. The little boys are looking forward to warmer weather. Quoted from Brodie the other day "I like grass better than snow." I agree with him.

Little Emily will be 3 months old in a couple days. Time is going fast. I am trying to soak up every moment with her being a baby and loving to be snuggled.

Monster Puppets

These cool puppets came from Aunt Jenny for Christmas. You can make your own. It comes with blank mittens and about 50 different attachments. They are so fun. The kids love them and have put on a few puppet shows for me. I must admit I have a good time with them too!

Homemade Donuts

I love Casey's cake donuts. For Christmas Will got me a Wilton cake donut pan. Who would have known they made such a thing? I love it. Actually I think Jake loves it more than me maybe. We have been making donuts for breakfast and they are awesome. The recipe came on the package. Super easy to make. So far we have only used powdered sugar for the toppings. I think we may try and experiment with cinnamon and sugar next.

I love snuggling my baby girl! Tonight she is keeping me nice and warm as the snow falls heavily outside. I am thinking the boys might have their first snow day tomorrow. We'll see.

The younger 3 boys are asleep and the baby is asleep on my chest. Will and Jake are playing a video game. All seems right with the world.

Playing with army guys is one of Brodies favorite things to do. You will often find him setting up his guys on all the furniture and have battles.

Family Night

So far this winter we have been lucky with the weather. Getting the kids outside to play each day makes such a huge difference. I am thankful they have been able to get out almost everyday so far.

This was our evening the other night. The kids got a Nerf flag football set for Christmas. They all love playing football (well, maybe not Tony). This was a great gift because there is suppose to be no tackling. Or so I thought. There was few "accidental" tackles that I saw. They all had a good time though and played well together. Even the chickens were out playing.It was Wednesday which meant Family night. The kids really wanted to go to Barnes and Noble to get books with their Christmas gift cards but we are participating in a 30 days of nothing challenge. No consumerism, no spending, being more aware of our wastes and being earth friendly. So, we didn't go.

Instead we made homemade pizza. Everyone got to make their own personal pizza. The kids really like this. Then we all curled up and watched a movie. It was a good night.

Emily 2 months old

Emily weighed in at 11lbs 4oz and is 22 3/4" long. She has gained exactly 3lbs since she was born. The doctor thinks she looks great. We are a little concerned about her left eye. It tends to look towards her nose. We are going to watch it for the next couple months and if it doesn't correct itself we will be seeing an Ophthalmologist.She has big blue eyes and very chubby cheeks!
She is starting to coo and has even let out a couple giggles!

I'm sitting here nursing the baby. Things are peaceful this morning. I'm listening to the little boys play. My living room had been turned into a giant tent. Imagination flourishes with a blanket and 4 chairs. The boys are playing so nicely. They are living together in their "house". They have brought out their sleeping stuff, stuffed animals and are using another little chair for their table.

I wish it was always peaceful like this. I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

2011 New Years Goals

So I have been thinking alot lately about what I would like to accomplish this year. I posted my goals on my other blog but figured it would be a good idea to post them here as well. I am even adding one more.

1. Learn to sew. I have the machine, now I just need to learn to do it. My sister is awesome at sewing and anything crafty and has offered me lessons. Now I just need to find the time.

2. Start scrapbooking again. I used to scrapbook and I loved it. Again time is the issue.

3. Build up our emergency fund. My goal is to have 6 months of expenses saved. We had this done this year but used it all to pay for a basement remodel.

4. Eat more real food and less processed. I have expanded my cooking and have learned to make alot of things from scratch. I want to continue to plan meals at home and eat out less.

5. I have been thinking alot about milling my own flour. I have seen the Nutrimill and have contemplated saving my money for one and making my own flour. I haven't committed to this one yet but I have been strongly thinking about it.

6. I want to have a large garden again this year. I really need to thin out the strawberry patch which will take some time. I am hoping to can enough produce again to last the winter months.

7. Drink more water.

8. Spend less time worrying about the house and other little things and spend more time enjoying my family. Sometimes I have a problem sitting down and relaxing. I want to be able to feel ok about leaving the dishes dirty or the laundry unfolded and just enjoy spending time with my husband and children. (This is a big one for me.)

9. Get all my pictures organized and get some ordered so that I can start #2.

Drew has definitely fallen in love with his baby sister. He sings to her, plays with her, strokes her head and kisses on her throughout the day.
Everyone thinks it is so neat that she is smiling now and when they get her to smile at them they come running to tell me "Emily's smiling Mom!" This little girl has no idea how protected and loved she is.