As the year comes to a close, I look forward to the coming year.... spending precious time with those I love... accomplishing things I laid aside during 2009... working on my relationship with God... and so much more. I wish all of you - God's Love and Peace in your hearts during 2010.
Joe and I did a photo shoot with the girls today, before we take down this Christmas tree. I love these two so much.
During Hayli's break from school, we have baked cookies, mixed up "Gingerbread Pancake Mix", learned to sew buttons on, and taken many pics with her new digital camera. The holiday break is going fast. 

Weird Christmas Present

One of the gifts Kylie wanted was a Halloween snack bowl with a moving hand. She was delighted.
Hayli received a real guitar and used her Christmas money to buy craft supplies to decorate it and make it a one of a kind.
We had a white Christmas starting on Christmas eve. It is still cold and slick, so Joe and I have not left the house. Not even for our traditional first snow outing of going out to eat ice cream. Terry called last night to discuss making home made ice cream. Maybe this is a family tradition - Memories of snow ice cream.
May the Christmas Season continue to Bless your lives.

Christmas PJ's

Waiting for Santa Claus in their new Christmas PJ's. Kylie has asked Santa for a Princess Bike and Hayli asked for a dog. They are helping us to make and sample sweets for the holidays.

Fashion

Kylie at age 3 is developing her own  fashion statement. She is in a class of her own. Today she got ahold of Mom's makeup. Notice the lips. Hayli tries to get her to follow in her footsteps, but Kylie has her own ideas.

This outfit was completed by pink shorts and new shoes. And of course her favorite over the knee socks. Hayli took great pleasure in bringing up "The Wizard of OZ" theme. We asked her to not tease her sister. The next day Aunt Kat came to visit and also saw the new outfit combo and comments about the Oz theme. Hayli thinks Aunt Kat is cool.

Cousin Madelyn brought some dress up clothes for the girls. Thank You - Madelyn!

Aunt Kat also taught Madelyn about the red button on Kurt's key chain.

Thanksgiving

Preparations for Thanksgiving have begun. Shopping and browsing for new recipes like "Pumpkin Apple Dip". This one has been tested by Hayli and Kylie, and it is "Perfect".
Family has started to arrive and more is on the way. I will miss the family not able to make it this year, and they will be very much in my heart. I am so thankful for my family and friends. I cherish all the ways they enrich my life.
Here is a song that has helped throughout this difficult year and helped me be thankful for everything in my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2M0GQOgYGg
I love you! Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Birthday Jason

Jason turns 28 today.
We are so proud of all your accomplishments. We love you so much.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Lisa, Hayli, Kylie

Loved Ones

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same" - Anonymous

This friendship quote ideally portrays the feeling of friendship and the impact that this deep relationship has on a person. We have all experienced this wonderful bond called friendship, in one way or another. Friends come in many shapes and forms; some stay and some don't. But they all have a lasting impression in our hearts and minds.

Some friendships are eternal and last a lifetime; they end up being an example for others to follow. Few friendships leave bitter memories, but while they last, all friendships are special. Poets and authors have skillfully immortalized this unique bond by translating this feeling into magical words.

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." - Aristotle

The Apples are Here

What a wonderful fall this year. We loaded up Kylie yesterday and drove to Benton, KS and picked up our last box of Fuji Apples of the season. These are some juicy crisp apples. As soon as we got home we shared the biggest one. Today as a snack we are making "smiley apple treats". (peanutbutter between two apple wedges, using a couple mini marshmallows as teeth.) I will try everything to get Hayli to eat fruit. 

This pic of a spider in a web on our porch was taken by Joe. The web stretched from the support rail to the wind chime. This must have been a Kansas Spider, what other spider could build a web in the Kansas wind and attach it to the wind chime. Awesome little creatures.

What a week. Hayli has been out of school for conferences. We have been making Halloween gifts for her teacher, and Kylie made one for her parents.

-Went to Exploration Place to see the Monster Movie Exhibit. It was awesome, scary, and loud. Playing in the castle and airplane rooms eased the tensions of the scare.

The girls spent the night last night for movie night. We rented "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves". We curled up in our new P.J.'s (Kylie has Spongebob. Hayli has patchwork cat). We shares a cozy blanket and a bowl of popcorn. Kylie kept saying, "Isn't this picnic fun?" Hayli fell asleep just before the chase occurred and slept through Kylie squeeling and yelling "get her" as they chased the queen/old lady over the cliff. She was pretty animated. After the show was over, she went in to tell Grandpa all about it, then came back to the livingroom and wanted to watch it again.

Joe and I thought the best part of movie night was awakening to the girls coming in our room to wake us this moring.

Play Date

Kylie had a friend come play yesterday. She is about 4 months older than Kylie, and they get along so wonderfully. I made Applebutter and finished it up last night. We are eating the fuji apples like crazy - They are so good. We have already ordered more for the end of the month.

The Smells of Fall

We found a place to buy good orchard Fugi apples (no wax included) I am making applesauce - a staple with the girls and us. The smell of apples is so awesome. I am planning on teaching Hayli and Kylie to make Applebutter tomorrow. I have not done up apples in many years. I remember using everything - the peels and cores makes wonderful Cinnamon Apple Jelly. I will have to think about getting inspired to do the jelly thing.

Topping Wars

VS

Is it better to shoot or flick? Thanksgiving family fun!!

Halloween Practice

It's here - October. Prep for Halloween. We tried out a new recipe for popcorn balls and did a taste test with the neighbors. (Sorry Ryan and Madelyn - You will get to be taste testers again)Cheers were heard by all. Here is the recipe. It may be strange, but it is like Rice Krispie treats with a flavor twist. Kylie has decided to be Supergirl for Halloween. She tested the concept with our flour sack kitchen towel. Practice flying was halted with the arrival of her hero - Daddy! Kylie is trying so hard to convince Hayli to be a Supergirl just like her, but Hayli is leaning towards "Hanna Montana"

4 Wheelin' Girls

I only have one word for this video and it is worth repeating..

Helmets... Helmets... HELMETS!

Thank You Grandma Lisa

Grandma Lisa (aka Lisa Folds) traveled to San Francisco and brought back gifts from China town, which were made in Mexico. (Less chance of lead poisoning - Good move Lisa) Do you think if China is outsourcing to Mexico, Mexico will soon own China? It's happening now with America outsourcing to China - China now is living the American Dream.

Okay... Okay, I will get off my political soapbox and post pics of my grandchildren.

Kylie has played hard with her fan, and now she has developed "Kylie Technology" to make it work for her. Hayli is determined not to have Kylie rework her fan and keeps it closed within Kylie's reach.

First Day of Fall 2009

The first day of fall and it was a beautiful day. We bought matching fall outfits for the girls and we wanted to wait till today and give them their surprise.

Grandpa took pictures of them at the park by our house. We are so lucky to live in our area with all the parks so close. We also made homemade Vegggie Beef Soup and Carrot Cupcakes - We are into fall!

Playing With the Bug Family Tree

The girls found locust shells all over our pear tree and collected them to play house. The girl next door did not want to play house with this type of paper doll, no matter how much the girls tried to convince her to play.

When it was time to come in, I told them no bugs allowed in Grandmas house.

Excitement at Our House

... Jason and friend Chris off to see the fights in OK ... Lisa off to the State Fair. ... Hayli and Kylie are spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa. We made Home-made Gingerbread Pancake Mix. Our secret recipe. Hayli was so excited to make up a recipe. They were wonderful. We also made 2 batches of Grandma's Cocoa Mix. Kylie takes a walk and wants to have cocoa when she gets done, and what does it matter if it is 80 degrees. We had "Upside Down Day" and ate Pancakes, Bacon, eggs, and applesauce for dinner. Before we ate our dinner, we made sock puppets. (Pics later today) We threw all this in as well as homework, baths, brushing teeth, and the traditional nightime dance marathon. The four of us slept very well.

The Princesses Perform

Hayli was out of school last Tuesday. The entire day it poured rain and playing outside was impossible. Hayli suggested dressing up and making a video for the blog. So without further ado - Here is Princess Hayli and Princess Kylie

The above story is fiction and was inspired by the dreams of potty training rewards. Not all dreams come true, no matter how hard you try to convince Grandma

The next big idea....

The girls and I have been talking about making some sock puppets. Never did this before, but like I tell them -"How hard can it be, Let's do it" Hayli and Kylie are both very artistic. We will show pics of our final creations. Any comments or suggestions would be welcomed.

Kelli

Our family gathered today at Acention Cemetery for an interment service for Kelli.

I still miss her deeply, and sometimes the feelings overwhelm me. My only consulation is Hope. Hope that someday I will be reunited with her and all my loved ones.

Kelli - I miss laughing with you and our daily calls.

Cup of Friendship

Joan came yesterday and we drank coffee. What a wonderful visit filled with sharing and insights. We did not solve any problems of this world, but the sharing was great. It helped me out of the pig funk I was going through (see previous blog). Thanks Joan!

Kylie will be here soon. I'm not sure what we will do today around the house, but with Ms Kylie it will be an adventure.

Hhmm Good Day - Bad Day

....depends on whether you are the dinasaur or the pig. And some days you get to experience it all. Today I want to be the pig Hehe!

Click to see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lleQl8Qm2bo&feature=related

Sense of Fall

The sense of fall is creeping in all around us. I look forward to seeing the brilliance of fall. Smelling the wood burning. Drinking coffee on the patio in my old snuggly pink holey sweatshirt. Although I will miss the passing of summer and all it brought to life, I will welcome the coming fall with anticipation of life's circle.

My Brother, Kurt

I am so proud of my brother Kurt. Not only a wonderful brother, attentive Husband and father, but is now Senior Director. Kurt - Congratulations on your new job. We are so proud of you. Below is his pic and bio. Kurt Ashpole Senior Director, Training Kurt Ashpole manages the training programs at all Paragon Systems locations. He also oversees the training cadre of over 20 instructors who conduct training at Paragon's various locations.Mr. Ashpole is a retired United States Marine, where he served in the Infantry, Security Forces, and numerous Instructor billets. He brings over 25 years of experience leading and managing training programs and instructor development.

First Day of School

Hayli attened her first day in the 1st grade. I asked what her favorite part of the day was, and she said the red popsickle she had as a treat. She is our little social butterfly, and was thrilled to see all her old friends. We received a detailed report on the bus driver. He is old and wears a hearing aid. He is bald but shaves his head. When we asked her why she thought he was old, she said he has pimples all over his face. I told her he was probably a teenager who listens to his car radio too loud and cannot hear anymore. And the lesson I was teaching - 1 Do not listen to loud music 2 Wah your face 3 If you do not want to wash your hair -shave it off. 4 Finish school or you could end up driving a school bus as the kids discuss your lot in life.

Olivia Breig

Olivia Breig always brings wonderful loving feelings to my heart. She was the most Christ-like person I ever met. I miss her calls and letters. Like most grandmas, she was a grand cook. We still remember her fondly when we make "Chicken Popikash" or "Snickerdoodles" Today, in memory of her, we are making Snickerdoodles with the girls. If you decide to make some Snickerdoodles, raise a glass of milk to this wonderful German Grandma.

Good Morning.

Early to bed (8:35pm) and had dreams of little visitors during the night.

Jason lost power last night and they came over about 10:15pm to spend the night. I woke up just in time to get lots of hugs and kisses before going back to bed.

Joe took the above pic one evening on his way home from fishing. He stood on the bridge by the "Keeper of the Plains". The white dots below the horizon are not UFO's just car lights.

I love Kansas. I will put up with the Kansas winds. The rest is awesome.

Hey Good Lookin - What's Cookin!

Our morning started off with "Party Princess Kylie" feasting on Pawpaw's famous Pumpkin Waffles and sausage. (double click to see this party hat close up)

Kylie has a new Webkinz Jr buddy to help with potty training. Her monkey's name is Frosa. If Kylie does not make it to the potty - Frosa goes up on a shelf. We finally found Kylie's button. Thanks Webkinz Jr.

The girls made a chocolate cake today. Can you guess who licked the bowl and spoon?

We had a big laugh over the following video of a dog and his bone.

Contagious X2

Joe took these pics of blooms from our mint plant. (Mom's flower pics are contagious) Hayli was up close with this plant. (Hayli is not contagiuos, just the plant that got her)

Lisa 26

Happy 26th Birthday Lisa

26th Lisa Hayli and Kylie made their Mom a Rice Krispie Pie this morning all by themselves. They test tasted to make sure it was perfect. They bought her an electric mixer. The idea behind this gift is to make lots and lots of cookies. Dear Mommy, You are the bestest Mommy ever in the whole world. Love, Hayli & Kylie

Celebrate Love in Your Family

I have had the idea to do this video for some time. I'm happy it all came together. I love all of you.

Too Quiet

Joe is doing well. His temperature was up a little last night, and back to normal this morning. I am washing sheets, watering, and cooking today.

I am missing my two little cookie monsters. They will be here on Monday about 8am. Kylie called to tell me she was bringing cookies yesterday, but have not seen them yet.

Kelli

Always in my heart.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8sWwFIFlK8

Joe's Movin On

Joe is doing good. We kept the meds going all night. The pain meds make him pretty unsteady. He is enjoying his morning paper while I made him "Pigs in a blanket" (his favorite breakfast).

Let me tell you about Mom's adventure bringing us home yesterday. I get out of the car , while shr is helping Joe. When I head for the sidewalk, I have to ask if I'm going to hit our tree. My bearings were off and I needed to get around the tree. Got the door unlock and the alarm off. Mom is at the steps with Joe. When he gets to the door, he want to check the mail himself. He has been expecting a package. I'm holding the door, telling him to get in so the Liz does not get out. Mom gets him in and settled in the chair, and leaves to go get a script. Yes! Sisters I did preplan on having his script here and waiting, but the doctor decided to give him something different. Mom leaves for a second and returns because Liz is running all over the front yard. When I answer the front door Liz dashes in and Mom dashes off to Walgreens. She is a great Help. Thanks for all the help yesterday and always. We love you.