This Blogs for You Becky

Ok, yes I stink... I promised myself I would keep this blog updated at least 3 times a week when I started, then I said weekly, now only when I get called out.  So what's been going on here:

My sister and her sweet family were here for a few days between Christmas and New Years... I would post pictures of all the fun we had, but I didn't make any.  My sister made a bunch of pictures and I was going to download them from her camera before she left, but I didn't.  Maybe I can talk her into uploading them and sharing them with me.

School started back last week and we are getting back into the morning routine... FUN!  The boys have actually adjusted well, but I can tell they are tired when they get home.  I never thought I would say this, but I do miss them being home with me.

I finally rented my house that has been vacant since October, but the people are driving me crazy!!!

We are in the midst of goat birthing season... so far we have 2 sets of twins and a set of triplets, but one didn't make it.  The boys actually got to witness a birth and thought it was pretty gross.  I have to agree.  The pens are full of Momma's waiting to birth, so we should have several more later this week.

I also have an apartment and a duplex for rent and I get all kinds of interesting calls.  I will have to make a separate post about that again later.  Just know for now this town is full of "interesting" people.

That's all for now.  Hope you enjoy Becky.

Family Visits

I can hardly wait for Wednesday... my sister and her family are coming from Mississippi to visit for a few days.  The boys can hardly wait to play with their cousins, and I am so excited to have some time with my sister.  Hopefully the predicted snow won't cause them any travel problems.

Christmas

We celebrated a wonderful Christmas at home this year. The boys were so excited when they came down the stairs. They have been asking all week if they could "please, please, please open their gifts". I was surprised when I woke up at 6am and they were both still in bed. When I called upstairs at 6:45, Isaac said he had been awake since 4:00. Daniel was still sleeping, but it didn't take Isaac long to wake him.

Santa brought the boys nerf swords, a wii nerf game, and lots of stocking stuffers. They also had many, many gifts from Mom and Dad and also from grandparents. They are so blessed and loved by so many.

Later in the day, our friends the pope's came so enjoy lunch and fellowship. The children had a great time playing, and the adults enjoyed a wonderful day of visiting.  we also enjoyed our traditional birthday cake to celebrate the real reason for Christmas- Jesus.

A White Christmas???

Yesterday the boys and I spent the afternoon at the park enjoying the beautiful 78 degree weather.  Today, we are standing in the kitchen watching it snow.  With any lucky, we will have a "White Christmas" this year.  Hopefully, I will have snow pictures to post later today.

Architects in Training

I have always "loved" Gingerbread Houses and use to dream of creating an entire Gingerbread village like the ones I had seen in magazines growing up. Unfortunately, when I was young, Gingerbread houses did not come in boxes 'complete with everything you need". Now all you have to do is walk into any store during the "Holiday Season" (between July and December) and pick a kit ready to decorate. The last few years, the boys and I have chosen a kit that comes pre-assembled, but this year we chose to branch out. Isaac spied the cutest house in a really cute house shaped box. The box makes it clear that everything you need is included to build this wonderful house. I think the makers of the kit forgot to include a large dose of patience. We followed the directions (at least the ones we read) exactly, yet the roof of our house kept slipping off. After re-attaching the roof for the 29^th time, Isaac looks at the house and kindly points out that the wall has completely collapsed into the house. I now have to remove the roof in order to straighten the wall. We finally managed to get the roof re-attached and begin to cover the house with candy. Now, my wonderful bonding activity becomes a battle between two boys who both take after their mom and have strong opinions.

After I lost my patience (not included in kit) and threatened to throw the whole thing in the garbage, they finally managed to compromise and build a beautiful candy covered, crooked roof house fit for any Gingerbread Boy. Next year, we buy the Gingerbread House already decorated at the bakery.

Train Trip

Each year the kindergarten classes make a trip to see the model train display at Santa Fe Depot.  Several years ago, a group of volunteers saved the old depot from destruction and now have several model trains on display year-round.  I always forget what a neat place this really is.  The kids love seeing all the models and can even turn the trains on and off.  It is also neat to hear the history of the railroad in San Angelo and realize how much that changed this town in the early 1900's.  Daniel's class did a great job following directions and representing our school.  The local news station was also there interviewing the volunteers and took a few minutes to talk to some of out students.  It was a really great field trip.

Field Trip

Isaac's class took a field trip to our local Christmas Tree Farm.  We have been several times over the last few years.  It is a really neat place, but a little different from the tree farms around Mississippi.  In the semi-desert climate, we cannot grow typical Christmas trees, but instead have Afgan Pines.  They are pretty, but just not my idea of a Christmas tree.  They do have Norfolk pines for sale and make beautiful wreaths.  They also treat the kids so well.  We had a hayride around the farm, got to decorate Christmas trees, pet alpacas, and ended with bonfires and smores.  The kids had a great time despite the fridge tempertures.