Kindergarten Co-op Christmas Party

We celebrated Christmas with our Kindergarten Co-op families on Monday evening, December 19th.  

I put together a gingerbread art project for the kids to do upon their arrival.  

To my surprise, it kept them all busy and entertained for quite awhile.  

The girls had their own table for dinner.  

The boys were loud, but seemed to enjoy their independence and silly shenanigans.  

The kids found their costumes and Hudson (on right) came downstairs dressed in this Star Wars outfit.  He is never usually very interested in dress up.  

Then it was time for a game.  Each family got the same supplies (bag of bows, roll of scotch tape, 3 pieces of construction paper and a roll of green crepe paper) and were to dress a member of their family like a Christmas tree.  Hudson was our tree and he looked like this.  We won the award for the "tidiest tree."  

Daddy, Mommy, a Christmas tree and a princess with a purse posing for a family picture.  

The kids did a book gift exchange and then we had dessert, a birthday cake for Jesus.  

Making of the Christmas Cards

I thought it would be fun to share about the making of our family Christmas card.  Making them is such a fun project and one of my favorite holiday traditions so it feels worth documenting here.  This year I made and sent out 145 of them.  I would consider myself a "scrapbooker" but I don't really scrapbook so I call myself a "creator" instead.  I like to create things with my hands and its a life giving process to me.  It results in some pretty late nights, cutting, assembling and adhering pieces while the little ones (and hubby) are sleeping, but I'm more of a night owl so don't mind it all that much.  The history of the homemade Christmas card starts with my Aunt Marilyn.  She would often give hers a homemade touch with an accept ribbon and some scrapbooking paper.  I had fun helping with hers during my college years.  So after Roy and I got married and I had a reason to make my own Christmas card the tradition began, and here we are ten Christmases later.  I always tell myself I should just "go easy" and order something on Shutterfly but I just can't let myself do it, I enjoy the process and the tradition far too much.  My mom has always sent out a Christmas card, she hasn't missed a single year.  Its a tradition that I too hope to always invest time and money into doing.  All the cards, letters and pictures received in the mail from friends and family members is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season.  

The process of making the Christmas cards...

1. get family photos taken (late October)

2. edit the recipient list, including updating addresses (October) 

3. choose a few of the best family photos and print them as an example to work from (November)

4. choose papers, ribbons and embellishments from Hobby Lobby (early December)

5. put stamps and return address labels on envelopes

6. make a sample card, trying different layouts and templates until finding the "just right" one

7. draft the Christmas letter and have Roy, my mom and sister edit it 

8. make an example card and have my sister give her input for improvements 

9. print pictures of the "best picture" at Costco 

10. go to Hobby Lobby (and it usually takes me 4/5 trips and going to various Hobby Lobby stores) to stock up on supplies

11. print letter and cut to size

12. cut papers, ribbons and punches to size 

That means...145 ribbons cut, 145 S's punched, 145 tags punched, 145 greeting tags printed and cut to size, 145 background paper cut and adhered to pictures

13. assemble the cards 

14. put completed cards in envelopes

15. drop off letters at the post office with a skip in my step and a smile on my face (week before Christmas)

This years finished product...

Ready to send...

Merry Christmas!

2016 SWINGER FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS 

ROY

Continues to work at DuPont Pioneer in soybean research along with focussing on his master’s project.    

Cheers on the Iowa State Cyclones and listens to talk radio as much as possible.  

A highlight of his year was helping his dad with fall harvest.  He did most of the combining.  The flexibility he has at work is wonderful.

Is always impressing us with things he can fix, build, or problem solve. 

Enjoys spending time with the kids building LEGOs, reading books, wrestling and tickling them.    

Surprised Emily with a date night to see Garth Brooks in concert this spring.    

EMILY

Is officially a “homeschool mom” and loves being a   teacher again.

Is part of the creative curriculum children’s ministry team at church and is grateful for the opportunity to use her skills in this leadership role.  

Took a long weekend trip to Austin, Texas with her sister in September, which included a fun day to the Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco.  

Enjoys creating things, updating the family blog, going for evening walks, reading, cooking, and morning snuggles with Hudson and Greta.  

Is really hoping for a new house in 2017.

HUDSON

Is a Kindergartener and enjoys math games and science experiments the most. 

The highlight of his week is attending the HSAP (Homeschool Assistance Program) on Wednesdays.  

Started piano lessons this fall and impresses us with his creative compositions.  

Says farming is “his thing” and took in as much of fall harvest as he could.   

Received a bike for his fifth birthday, took off down the block on his first attempt, and hasn’t stopped since.  

Broke his arm in May, which put him in a cast for six weeks of summer.  He was so brave through it all! 

GRETA

Can be found about any time of the day snuggling her Bitty Baby Doll and giving it stroller rides around the house.  

Started Kindermusik class this year and entertains us all with her adorable singing voice and smile. 

Thinks Mickey and Minnie Mouse are the best.      

Is always talking, saying new sentences, and telling us her preferences.  

Loves to make phone calls   to talk to her grandparents.

Prefers to drink milk and eat fruit and would live on just that, if we let her.  

Went on her first horsey ride for her second birthday and loved every minute of it.  

Roy's Birthday #35

Roy's birthday was on Saturday, December 17th.  When we first got married it felt inconvenient to me that his birthday was the week before Christmas (so selfish I know) but now I've totally embraced the fun of the season and the added bonus of having yet another reason to celebrate this special time of year.  Saturday birthdays are the best and I'm thankful we got to spend the entire day together, enjoying a few of Roy's favorite things.  

The day got started with delicious donuts from Hurts Donuts.  

Greta girl was just as excited about the donuts as we were.  

Daddy picked out his own birthday gifts this year (because we were all in Scheels together and I made the suggestion to save me some time and make sure I got exactly what he wanted).  He got a new basketball and a Chicago Cubs World Series Champion shirt.  

After breakfast and gifts we headed to the World Food Prize building for their holiday open house.  More treats and Christmas carols were enjoyed by all.  

This is a beautiful building, and seeing it all decorated for Christmas was impressive.  

We had lunch at PF Chang's and Roy got his favorite, Mongolian Beef.  

Saturday night Roy, my sister and I went to an Iowa State Cyclones game at Wells Fargo Arena.    

Cheering on the Cyclones is one of Roy's favorite things so it seemed like an appropriate way to celebrate his special day.  

I am so grateful to share my life with this handsome guy.

Sisters selfie...

A few years ago Roy decided he didn't want cake for his birthday anymore.  He prefers homemade ice cream and cut out sugar cookies.  So...the tradition began.  I now feel like I make the cut out cookies for Roy's birthday, not really for Christmas.  

Aunt Ang and Hudson decorating cookies together.  Angela's are always so impressive and Hudson's cookies always have lots of frosting.  

Sunday evening Roy's parents came over for dinner, gifts and birthday goodies.  

Two cute helpers with the gift opening.  

Does cozy get any cuter?  

Happy 35th birthday to my favorite guy!  

Aunt Ang and Greta are such buddies.  Greta woke up from her nap saying, "I need Aunt Ang."  

Homeschooling Reflections...

With 2016 wrapping up, its naturally a time of reflection, what went well this year and what didn't go as planned.  One of our biggest "things" for us this year was choosing to homeschool Hudson.  It felt appropriate and the right decision for our family and our hearts, yet it certainly didn't come without lots of prayers and processing.  Our first four months being an official "homeschool family" haven't been perfect, but they really have been wonderful.  We have had battles, tears and days where we hardly got anything done.  Yet, other days were funny, glorious and productive.  But most of all we have learned to work together, we have grown stronger as a family, and have worked together to accomplish something meaningful.  Plus, Hudson is learning SO MUCH!  He is sailing through material and is a pretty independent worker.  Math games and science experiments are his favorite but honestly he does well at it all.  Our schedule has found a rhythm and we have a good mix of routine activities in our week as well as time at home, which has been just right for all of us.  

10 Things I Love About Homeschooling...

1. I love homeschooling because life is learning and learning is life.  Roy often says..."There is a lot to learn in life that happens outside of a concrete building." 

2. I love homeschooling because it is so flexible.  Some days we get two days of school done and other days we only do reading, but it evens out in the end.  The flexible schedule allows us to take in extra fun activities and events during the day, such as farming with Papa, bringing a gift to a resident at the nursing home, meeting Daddy for lunch at work, or having a playdate with a friend on a Thursday afternoon.  

3. I love homeschooling because the community is wonderful.  It a joy to meet new families who homeschool and hearing their story and their heart both encourages and inspires me.  

4. I love homeschooling because Greta is learning along with Hudson, but at her level.  In the picture above Hudson is working on his adding and Greta is identifying colors and counting.  

5. I love homeschooling because we have picked curriculums that fit our personality, preferences and Hudson's interests.  The choices that homeschooling offers is a blessing.   

6. I love homeschooling because I'm a teacher.  :)  

7. I love homeschooling because its done in the home within the family unit.  

8.  I love homeschooling because I am able to spend all day with my kids.  Even when the moments/days are hard, and sending him on the big yellow bus sounds glorious, I know that I love Hudson more than anyone else does, so that makes me the best person to teach him.    

9. I love homeschooling because God has called us to this.  I have sensed affirmation and a "thumbs up" from Him so many times during these past 4 months.  I know we are being obedient to do what He has called us to do.  

10.  I love homeschooling because its exciting.  Learning is exciting and doing that with those I love the most is even more exciting.  

A Christmas Tradition :: Neighbor Gifts

This is the 9th Christmas we have celebrated in our house on Westgate Drive.  Each year Roy and I have put together a small Christmas gift, which has usually been some sort of homemade goodie, and have gone door to door handing them out to each of our neighbors.  When we first started this tradition in 2007 we took our pen and paper along and wrote peoples names down, so we could remember them the next year/time.  But over the years the names and faces have become easier to remember as we see them at block parties and outside during the warmer months.  A majority of the homes on our street/block have had families move in and out of them so there have been lots of new faces over the years.  In fact, of the 15 homes there are only 5 homeowners that have been here as long, or longer, than we have.  This year Roy and Hudson made caramel popcorn which we put in a treat baggie and then attached a Redbox coupon with a promo code.  We are hoping our neighbors will enjoy a cozy movie night on a cold evening sometime this winter.  

Hudson helping to pop the popcorn.  

Ready to dump on the yummy caramel stuff.  

And yes, we let them taste test it (but don't tell the neighbors).  

The boys made two double batches (this is one double batch) and that made enough for 15 treat bags.  

Redbox coupons attached and ready to make the deliveries.  

Grandma Mary's No Fuss Caramel Corn

6 quarts popped corn

1/2 cup margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. vanilla  

Place popcorn in brown paper bag and set aside.  Combine other ingredients except baking soda and vanilla in a 2 quart microwave bowl.  Microwave on high 3-4 minutes.  Stir after each minute until it boils.  Cook 2 more minutes.  Put in baking soda and vanilla.  Pour over popcorn.  Roll the brown paper bag closed.  Stir and shake.  Microwave on high for 1 3/4 minute.  Shake and stir.  Microwave on high again for 1 3/4 minute.  Spread to cool.  Enjoy!    

Fun Fridays

Every month (so far) of our homeschool year I have made a BINGO board which includes a combination of learning goals (such as asking questions when reading and reading/writing color words) along with some fun activities, art projects and special outings.  I often tell Hudson..."if we work hard Monday - Thursday and get our school work done, Friday can be Fun Friday."  In November we got a blackout (completed all the activities) on our BINGO board, which was extra exciting.  

A few of the things on our December BINGO board include...

*play new online math games

*playdate with a friend

*plan and prepare a meal

*make a gingerbread house

*watch a new movie

*publish a story on the computer 

*adding labels to illustrations

*practice writing sight words in a salt tray 

*lunch with Daddy at work

*Christmas pattern block mats

*go swimming 

*make homemade ice cream

*learn BSF hymns

*paint Christmas ornaments for Nana and Mimi  

Every day, not just Friday, includes a full dose of snuggles, tickles and smiles with these two cuties.  

A donut date at Dunkin' Donuts has been one of our favorite activities this month.  

The kids made the same donut choice (yeah for sprinkles) and Hudson helped Greta finish hers.  

Then it was off to ride the holiday train at the mall with Aaliyah and Rhema.  Another box to mark off of our BINGO board.   

Making a gingerbread house was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon.  

Playdates with friends are fun for everyone, especially when baby Zachary is involved.  

Making Lefse with Nana

Saturdays in December provide the perfect opportunity for making lefse.  This was my 4th time making lefse and I thoroughly enjoy learning new cultural traditions, and especially during the holiday season.  GG Ells was supposed to join us for lefse making, since he is the expert, but because of the snowfall he decided to stay home.  Even though it would have been even sweeter with him there, we still had a wonderful time in the kitchen with Nana.  It was a team effort and we each have plenty of lefse to enjoy in the days to come.   

Making the balls of lefse dough before cooking them on the griddle.  

The dough was a bit sticky so we added some extra flour.  

Nana getting the rolling pin ready and Hudson watching her work.   

Working on his rolling skills.  

Silly boy with flour in his hair.  

After Greta's nap she was excited to enjoy a taste of lefse too.  

We are grateful for Nana teaching us how to do it and letting us make a mess in her kitchen.  

Oh Christmas Tree

On Saturday, November 26th, we headed to Hills Tree Farm near Minburn to cut down our Christmas tree.  This was our 2nd year going to this tree farm and we came home with another good one.  Last year I remember it being cold and wet and sitting in the car for most of it with Greta (she was just over 1 year old) to stay warm.  This year it was yet another beautiful early winter day.  We bundled up and headed off for the fun adventure.  As we pulled into the drive, we were right behind a truck that we recognized...it was Papa Ed and Nana!  What a fun surprise to see each other and arrive at the same place at the same time.  

Greta and Daddy searching for the perfect tree.  

After some looking we found one in the back lot, a tall and thin one, just the way we like them.   

Daddy and Hudson (and Papa too) cutting down the tree.  

Papa drug it back to his truck.  

They shook the tree to drop the dry needles, wrapped it up, and Daddy secured it to the top of the van.  We grabbed some goodies in the shop and headed for home.  

One of Hudson's favorite jobs is cutting off the netting and letting it "pop" open.  

After we discovered three strands of broken lights and made a trip to Walgreens and spent $20 on more lights, we were ready for the garland and ornaments.  

How fun it is making memories together.  

I love how Greta can participate in all the holiday activities this year.  She enjoyed picking ornaments out of the box and hung them all on the same branch, which was right at her height.  

Happy with the finished product...