Finally...A Little Fun in the Snow

Well, we haven't had any power since Tuesday night. Wednesday during the day the kids and I hung out at the house while Ben worked. It was cold but we made it. As soon as Ben got home from work we headed to Mom & Dad's house because they were fortunate enough to keep their power in this mess. Ben & I went back to our house today to pick a few things up. I couldn't believe how cold it was in our house. I realized how fortunate we were to have a place to go. I hope that everyone has found warmth and shelter. Kyle has been begging to play in the snow ever since the snow finally fell on top of the ice. I couldn't let him yesterday because he would never have gotten warm once he came back into our house. Today was the day, though. We all ventured out at Mom & Dad's house. Ben pulled the kids around in a snow tube. They absolutely loved it! Hannah is still not crazy about the snow. She didn't want to play or walk around in it but did love being pulled in the tube.

We're ready to go, Daddy!

Ben pulled the kids all around the yard and even out in the field to that tree line you see in the distance.

All of the trees are just covered in ice. It's pretty fascinating to walk around and look at it all.

Cold and ready to go in

Snow Day

We are off school today because of the snow. Wouldn't it be nice if I said this picture was from today. Nope, this one was taken last year. Cute isn't it? All I want is enough snow so that Kyle can go out and have a blast playing in it again. Hannah might not even be scared of it this year. Who would know, though. All that's out there today is ice. Yes, you can skate on it. More snow is expected today. Let's pray for the sake of the kids (& their camera happy Mommy) that there is more snow than ice this time.

Kyle & Soldier Joe

I hung out with the preschoolers during the service presentations today. I rarely get the opportunity to play 'mom' and teacher at school. Today I saw the opportunity and took it. I had a good time sitting with the preschoolers while they heard two firemen, an EMT, a police officer, two soldiers and two priests. I just had to laugh at some of the questions and comments they had. They are so cute at that age. Here's Kyle with Joe. It was so funny because we had some down time so I told Kyle to sit with Joe and I'd take his picture. Well, that was all it took. Everyone wanted to sit on Joe's lap and wanted me to take a picture. Joe was a good sport and didn't seem to mind the little ones climbing all over him.

You Don't See This Everyday...

Check it out.....yes, this is my friend Renee at school today. Yes, she's dressed as a nun. I just had to get a picture of her standing next to Father Burns and his best friend from the seminary. Are you wondering yet why Renee is dressed up as a nun? Well, this week is Catholic Schools Week and our theme is Celebrate Service. Today we had service men & women from the tri-state area come and speak to all of the students. The theme dress for the day was to dress as a service person. Renee, you did good!

Happy Saturday

This morning Hannah was in our room at 7:30 yelling, "Wake up, wake up!" There was no convincing her that we needed to sleep until 8:00, which is what we love about Saturdays! So up we were. Kyle & Hannah started their morning building Legos. I just love watching them play and interact together. Kyle is so mature with her (most of the time). Here he is teaching her how to build something. She kept saying, "Help me Bubby." He immediately stopped his own building and went to help her. He really watches over his little sister and is so protective of her.

Finally....

a relaxing evening at home. Friday nights agenda was popcorn and a movie. The four of us watched A Bee Movie, which I hadn't seen yet. It was a pretty good movie with some funny parts. I was so tired, though, I did fall asleep toward the end. It was so nice having both my kiddos snuggled next to me for a while.

So Excited...

Well, I've been researching cameras for months now. I believe I've read every single review out there on the two cameras I had my decision narrowed down to. I am happy to report I finally made the purchase lastnight. I was so excited when I came across the camera I wanted online for $70.00 off the price that Best Buy has it for and free shipping. I couldn't pass it up. So, LOTS more pictures to come soon:)

All Dressed Up

When Kyle & Hannah got up this morning they put on their matching overalls. I thought they looked so cute. I've always loved overalls on them. I ran across some in Kyle's size at the Osh Kosh store this past summer. I just had to get them for him. We took a trip to the mall this afternoon and Ben had him change before we left. He said, "Hannah's all right, but Kyle looks like he just left the farm." He's the cutest little farmer I ever saw!

Brain Freeze

This video is from November. I tried uploading it in November, but it didn't work. Well, after talking to everyone else that has uploaded video I found out I was doing everything right. Something obviously wasn't working with Blogger that day. So, I thought I would try it again. So, here it is. I thought it was just too cute!

Our Busy Weekend - Take 4

Can you believe we're still celebrating Christmas? Every year we get together with the Steinkamps to celebrate Christmas. We were running later than usual this year. That's o.k. It was still great to get together and hang out. Kyle & Madelyn are the same age and Hannah & Allyson are the same age, so it's neat to watch them all play together. We ordered pizza and the plan was to play Wii. However, for some reason football never got turned off. Hannah & Madelyn - too cute.

They were sitting there watching t.v. and Hannah came over and sat next to Madelyn mocking the way she was sitting.

Hannah with her friend Allyson - Allyson had just woken up. Linda says it takes her about half an hour to get in a good mood. As you can see, she wasn't crazy about me taking her picture.

Hannah & Allyson doing some coloring

Oh these two are a mess! Just look at them. They're such good friends, though. I always tease that if these two grow up and get married, then we are going to have one heck of a slide show to put together. Kyle & Madelyn have been friends since they were babies.

Hannah didn't like it that she wasn't in the picture,

so she jumped in.

The kids all opening up their Christmas presents

I got the girls Build-a-Bears & outfits that they make themselves.

Of course, Hannah had to get a book read to her.

Oh - that's better (a smile from Allyson). She's awake now.

Kyle was so excited to see that it was snowing when they left. He ran outside in just his socks.

Our Busy Weekend - Take 3

Saturday evening we went over to Jason & Natalie's for pizza, margaritas & game night. We always have so many laughs when we get together and play games. The kids always have so much fun playing together too. Here's me reading the kids a book before bedtime. Take note of Christian just sitting off to the side listening.

So much for that.....he wanted to be right in the middle of the action. It was quite an ordeal because James, Hannah & Christian all wanted to be sitting right in the middle of my lap.

Look at James....he's so cute. He knows just what to do when the camera is in front of his face. Alisann, you've trained him well.

Hannah taking a ride on Christian's horse.

Hannah & James watching a movie together

All snuggled up

Me, Alisann & Natalie with the super cool glasses Natalie brought back from Mexico

My brother - The Bartender

Hannah & Kyle watching a movie together

Jason & Natalie

Our Busy Weekend - Take 2

Saturday morning we were up bright & early and out of the house by 8:00 a.m. That may not sound very early since we are usually out by 7:00 a.m. However, Saturday mornings at the Broeker house are usually reserved for sleeping in. Not this weekend,though. We were heading to Huntingburg to deliver the recliner all of the grandkids got Grandma Broeker for Christmas. We stopped and picked up Ben's brother and then we were on our way. Ben & Matt fitting the recliner pieces together. The recliner turned out just perfect...the perfect size...the perfect color.

I believe she really liked it.
Kyle & Hannah sitting with their Great-Grandma Broeker

Hannah just loved being read to by Great-Grandma. She kept bringing her book after book to read. As most Grandmas are, I don't believe she minded it one bit.

Hannah & Great-Grandma just hanging out and reading

Kyle just loves playing with the tractors there. That is the first thing he does when he gets there (besides get in the candy). Many of these same tractors Ben played with when he was Kyle's age. I always love sitting and watching him play with them.

Hannah with her Great-Aunt Diane

After leaving Huntingurg we headed to Rockport to visit Papa Rich at work. Of course, we couldn't go to visit Papa without visiting his office so they could have something to take home with them. Today it would be Beanie Babies with the store logo on them and left over candy canes.

Thank you, Papa Rich!

Our Busy Weekend Begins

Tonight we joined Abbie & Brian at the TinFish for dinner. I just love, love, love the fish tacos, so I was super excited when we were invited to join them. If you have yet to try the fish tacos, then I highly recommend you go. We ended up staying for a pretty long time because they had some excellent entertainment tonight. It was just a guy with his guitar, but he was singing some really good songs. I could have hung out at the Tin Fish all night! Macie snoozed the entire time we were there.
Hannah telling her friend bye

So Precious...

Hannah was so excited to bring home her new nightgown on Wednesday night that Mamaw Lee Ann made her. She looked just absolutely precious in it. Hannah was even more excited when Mamaw surprised her baby doll with a matching nightgown this morning. Thank you, Mamaw!!

Aren't we just as cute as can be?

So Ready....

I'm so ready for a three day break! It's been such a hectic week at school. Even though my weekend is already jam packed full - I am looking so forward to it!!!

Baby Talk

Are my kids doing some wishful thinking or am I just gaining weight? The other day as I was telling Kyle goodbye as he was leaving with his Mamaw Lee Ann. He said to me, "Come here Mommy and let me kiss your belly button." "Why," I asked? "Because I want to kiss the baby. There's a baby in there, Mommy." Well, tonight as I was combing Hannah's hair after her bath she pointed to my belly and said, "Baby." "No, honey Mommy doesn't have a baby in her belly." "Yes, uh-uh," she said. I assure you there is NO baby! I believe since everyone I know is either pregnant or just been pregnant that the two of them think we all have babies in our bellies.

Field Trip Day

Kyle's Preschool class went on another field trip today. I believe this was his most favorite field trip ever. They headed to ACROS Gymnastics. His favorite part was jumping into the foam pit. Starting yesterday he was begging me to go on this field trip with him. As I left him this morning he was still asking if I would go. It broke my heart that I couldn't tell him, "Sure, I'll go with you." I had teacher training today, so there wasn't any way I could've went. I may just have to use a personal day to join my little man on an upcoming field trip.

Epiphany Celebration

The staff celebrated our annual Epiphany party at Hornville Tavern last night. The food & drinks were delicious and the laughs were never ending. We had a great time! The staff members that were present at the party

Renee, Me, Brandi & Abbie

After the party we came back to our house to hang out and play some Wii games. Here's Ben & Drew doing some serious game playing!

The four guys hanging out

Us girls hanging out -

It's usually just the 4 of us hanging out on scrapbooking nights, so it was nice to have our husbands with us to join in on our fun!