Let it Snow

As I type this we are expecting more snow, but this is the result of the Sabbath Snowstorm. I hope that this picture gives you an idea of how deep it was.

Andrew on top of the dug out driveway.

Andrew on top of the mail box. Yes the snow is up to the bottom of the mailbox.

Let it snow!!!

Hot Chocolate

This past sabbath we had a snowstorm. We had between 18 and 33 inches. The boys have recently been introduced to hot chocolate. So this sabbath morning we enjoyed a treat of sweet rolls and hot chocolate. This was followed by major digging of snow. Andrew wanted to stay outside all day. The evening before we made Andrew and Aaron's first snowman. They named it Tia. Tia is a young lady that occassionally watches the boys. Andrew then proceeded to run her over. We will have this.

This and That

Today so far has been a really good day. It is not to say there hasn't been any sibling sharing issues but over all a good day. Andrew and Aaron were great on the ride into swimming and Andrew even helped Aaron get his shoe back on his foot. Then after lunch they played great and I got the floor mopped and then they "helped" me wipe the windows. It is nice to have a good day.

I was going to brag last night that Aaron had gone three days without an accident and then last night at 7:30PM we had one. Not only one but one on the couch. So much for bragging about how well potty training is going. Overall it is going pretty well. I am just thankful everyday for an older brother because when Andrew goes Aaron is suddenly convinced that he needs to go. Doing this without an older sibling would be so much harder.

My final thought of the day comes from the YMCA. I keep having this come up and haven't mastered the perfect answer. Older lady comes up to me at the Y and says hello, cute kids etc. Then are they brothers. My answer is yes. She then proceeds to say how luck I am that I was able to get brothers. Now the question is do I correct her or leave it go. If anyone takes a moment to look at my sons they do not look like each other but I get this regularly. So to some people they must look alike. Today I say they are not biological brothers but they are brothers. I then tell her where they were born. But part of me just wants to leave her in the wrong and leave it there. I don't want to make a big deal about it but also don't want to hide and I want to be positive in front of my children. I will keep pondering and I am sure I will get better at it. I am leaning towards just leaving it with they are brothers.

I need to learn how to answer so I can teach my children to do it.

My Handsome Boys

This past Sabbath I sent Andrew into his room to get a long pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt. He came out with his khakis and shirt. I suggested we pick out a church shirt. While looking in the closet he saw the suit Aunt Cindi had gotten him. He asked he could wear it. I am like sure why not. That of course led to Aaron wanting to wear his suit. Then they woke Daddy up. Daddy felt like he had to live up to the high standards. So here are my handsome boys. I think the real appeal was the tie.

Floor puzzle

This puzzle has provided a great deal of fun. The boys put this together this time without mommy's help so we took a picture. You should note the cars lined up. This is a favorite Andrew pastime. Which of course lead to wanting more pictures being taken when they would finish the puzzle.

Sesame Hot Dogs

I loved this recipe it was from the taste of home. It took a little work (30min prep) but the boys were able to help and it was easy. I have thought of some ways to shorten this time and reduce the price. I will give that after I give the official recipe.

8 hot dogs

1/4 cup sharp American cheese spread

8 count refrigerated biscuit

2 Tbsp melted butter

1/4 cup sesame seeds

Cut the hot dogs 3/4 of the way thru lengthwise. Spread cheese in pockets. Roll the biscuits out thin and wrap around the hot dog. Seal the hot dog in the dough. Baste with butter and roll in Sesame seeds. Bake at 425 of 11-13 minutes.(1 hot dog - 276cal)

The reality is I used shredded cheese that I had in the fridge. Also I did the first one basting and coating and too many seeds stuck in one place. I switched to just coating with the seeds. Sprinkled a little butter on the top. Also I had bun length hot dogs, the classics would have wrapped easier. You could also eliminate the need for stuffing by simply buying cheese hot dogs. Also the sesame seeds were nice but unless you buy them in bulk at an international food store they are expensive. This recipe would have still been good without them. Also I did half hot dogs for the boys (use a half biscuit for each half).

Bottom line Aaron loved helping with this recipe. The boys thought it was great. I would do somethings different next time but I would do it again.

Visit to Great Grandpa's

I failed to get many pictures of this adventure but it was a good one. After all the Christmas running we loaded up and went to Pittsburgh December 30. The next morning we took a flight to Wisconsin. We are told it nearly didn't happen due to mechanical problems and canceled flights. We are very thankful for the plan that detoured from Baltimore to pick us and the 30 other passengers up.

Once we arrived the adventure began in earnest. We headed to great grandpop where enjoyed all sorts fun. We counted Christmas trees, checked out a toy village and generally flirted with all the people. We even enjoyed a game of bean bag toss at Grandma Lorna's. Sabbath we worshiped at the Milton church what was amazing was Andrew who had been there once walked into the church took a right turn and informed me that this was his classroom. He was absolutely correct. His memory and sense of direction amazes me.

We enjoyed swimming and entertaining Great grandpa with balloons and great grandpa gives them lots of candy(they loved it mom wasn't so sure but you only visit occasionally). We also made a trip to Culver's and had ice cream cake in honor of Great grandpa and Grandpop's birthday.

Monday we returned to the real world. But we loved our trip and the boys now pretend to fly to great grandpa's. They were also overjoyed at the care package that arrived from great grandpa. It contained what was left of a giant bowl of candy.