Alex is 3

Irony: The day before Alex's birthday we were supposed to get Glen's parents for a few weeks.  Due to bad weather, Spokane cancelled all flights so after a very long day of dealing with shoveling out snow, driving through snow, waiting in an airport and then traveling home through even more snow (sorry it was such a long day for you guys) we were sad to not get our special grandparents.  But we did get SOME happy news: the oven that wasn't supposed to come for another week was delivered and installed that day.  I would've preferred that Glen's parents and oven delivery hadn't traded places but we're crossing our fingers that the snow for their Monday flight isn't as bad and we'll still get our favorite delivery.

Now to the birthday girl.  She got a snowman cake.  I love familyfun.com.

It had a few tricky parts, but as always the cake came together in the end.  (Mom, just so you know.  If you add a big vanilla pudding packet instead of a small one, it turns the frosting yellow.  I didn't think a yellow snowman would be appropriate ... but funny.  And candies in the fridge for some reason melt.  This snowman looked like it was crying but I was able to cover up with more cool whip just like I did with the yellow snow.)

She opened her presents throughout the day.  When she came out for breakfast, there was a new dress hanging on her chair; my girls love dresses.  After breakfast we gave her a present until she got tired of playing with it, then we brought out another one.  During cake, she opened a new book that I read while they ate.  After the reading, she had to read it herself and the cake had to wait.  

The happiest moment of the day was the box of ponies.  I wished we'd gotten it on video because she was so excited.  We are so blessed to have this angel girl in our family.  Happy Birthday Alexandra.

And look at that cute baby.  I couldn't pass not putting this picture up too.

MRI Update

After 4 months of frustration, I had an MRI done on my shoulder and one on my elbow.  Did you know MRI's only do one body part at a time?  I thought it was a full body thing.  I was hoping they'd be able to squeeze my knees in there but oh well.  Anyways, it showed I have subdeltoid bursitis.  That's it?  All of that pain is caused by inflammation to one very small body part?  I've still been doing research and it doesn't fully explain everything, but I'll take it.  It's finally proof that I'm not just imagining it.  I've had 3 acupuncture sessions  so far and it seems to be helping but still having bad spells.  I apologized to Andrew for being such a boring mommy but he said it was o.k. because that means they get to watch more movies than normal.  Another plus to homeschooling.  You can take a longer break when needed.  Anyways, there's the update.

Pancake brownies

We've been without an oven for a week and a half now.  For the most part we've been fine, but I'm starting to crave more and more foods that require an oven which I think is just because my brain knows it's not working.  Anyways, tonight is Izzy's turn to make dessert for FHE so we improvised on an oven dish.  The brownie batter made perfect pancakes (just top with Cool Whip).  The best part is they're only worth 1 Weight Watcher point a piece.  Found me a new favorite dessert.

P.S.  Landlord informed us on Friday that our special tiny oven (24" double wall oven) is on backorder so it might be another week or so.  Don't they know we've got company coming for Christmas???  We have biscuit recipes to perfect while our professional is in town.  And does anyone have any ideas for ovenless turkey or ham?  Do you think if I asked the oven company would reimburse us for the Honey Baked Ham we'll have to order?  Didn't think so.

What do moms do all day?

I didn't think sifting dirt out of rice was on the duties list of mom's but consider it added.  Luckily I was able to halt the breakdown/blowup to take a picture.  I knew someday I'd be able to laugh at it.=)

Wipeout

Have you heard of the tv show Wipeout?  We discovered it on abc.com and ended up watching the whole season gathered as a family around the computer (not all in one sitting of course.=) It's a reality show obstacle course. Each week 25 new contestants see who's the last one standing in the fastest time. Hilarious!!! You can see episodes on Youtube.com

One night after watching, we were headed to the living room for family prayer. That's when we realized why Izzy had left that evening's episode early. She was inventing her own obstacle course. I had to get it on video and made a fun movie to tie it all in together.  Hope you enjoy.


For those of you that may have missed last year's movie for Glen when he was deployed, it's here below. We watch it from time to time just because the kids are so cute. I can't believe Glen hasn't even been back a year yet. It seems like that part of our lives was another lifetime ago. We're extremely grateful to have him home this year.  Hope you enjoy (or re enjoy) our Christmas movie.