Our new, little house guest ...

Last night at 11:30pm, I walked into our kitchen to grab a water bottle and found this surprise waiting for me ...




Yes, I did what any normal person would do in this situation...
Scream like a little girl, "STEVE, STEVE HELP!!!!"
He tries to tell me that there is not much he can do without a mouse trap. I was not wanting to hear that, "just get it!" So at 11:30pm, Steve (my knight in shining armor) goes to Meijer to get a trap for this unwanted house guest. I did not want to be left at the house, alone with that thing, but the kids were asleep and I thought it would not be a good idea to leave them alone. A few minutes after Steve left, "our friend came back." (As you probably imagined, after my scream, the mouse scurried back behind the stove) I had to keep an eye on it, so I quietly went to retrieve my camera to get a closer look. (I couldn't get a good look, because I was hiding between the living room and the kitchen. I know, what a wimp!) I got pictures so that I could later positively ID the intruder. Steve comes home later with an arsenal of mouse killing products. I guess he doesn't like the thought of this thing in our house either. :)
Steve just laughed when I showed him the pictures. Why??

I guess I am not the only one who can't resist the urge for a late night chocolate snack.
Chocolate chip cookies, loved by all ....

No more twists...

Well, my career as a hair surgeon has come to a close. Praise God!! These last few months have been quite busy. My youngest daughter, Emma, twists her hair into horrible knots and I have been spending way too much time trying to comb through the mess. Everyone we talked to about it told us that she would just grow out of this bad habit. Well, no more waiting. Something

had to be done. My genius solution ... cute short haircut. She can't twist hair she doesn't have.

Her haircut is super cute and she can't twist it!

She told me the other day, "Mom, I can't twist it any more."

I just looked at her, smiled and said, "I know, honey. Isn't it wonderful!!!"

I can't help but smile when I look at her. What a doll. I love it! Why didn't I think about this sooner.

Family Christmas 2009

Our Christmas this year was wonderful as always. Due to our lack of snow in Michigan, it didn't quite feel like Christmas. We had rain ... lots and lots of rain. Now, a few days after Christmas we are getting some snow. Nice!!!

The kids didn't seem to mind. Christmas is always fun for them. This year Christmas morning went so fast. Our kids are getting older and they knew just what to do .. tear into the presents. With 5 kids, this leaves quite a mess, but it makes for a fun and exciting Christmas morning. Our day is spent at Papa and Grandma's house. Mommy makes her famous cinnamon rolls and we spend the day in our P.J's and diving into our new treasures. Lots of games, reading instructions, installing batteries, and making sure the kids are "sharing" and "playing nicely". (it can be exhausting :) We love every minute of it. Spending time with family is priceless. Next year, we are trying to convince grandpa and grandma to come visit from Idaho. It may take a year to convince them to travel across the country, but it will be so worth it.
Please enjoy these shots of our Christmas morning ...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. May we live our lives to bring glory to God, the reason we celebrate this special season.

Emma the Chatterbox ...

Look at those precious eyes! So sweet, so intense! That pretty much describes my little Emma. She does nothing half way. Her new love ... words... lots and lots of words. Now, I am sure this is not a new trait, but I believe that the intensity has been kicked up a notch. Yesterday, I actually told her to close her mouth and try not to talk. (It did not work) She just smiled at me and said, "Oh mom, you are so funny!" Here is a small sample of the things that she felt needed to be said.

Things that must be said, according to Emma McElroy, age 4.

"Mommy, you are the best hugger ever!" (a few seconds later) .."just kiddin, mom"

"Mom, mom, MOM!! I feel like I must be starving!!!"

"Mom, how many more days until Christmas? It is taking so forever!!"

"Mom, no more ponytails in my hair. I mean it!" (attitude adjustment needed)

"Mom, your hair looks like a boy!"

"Mom, look no twists." (a response to her constant twisting of her hair, a daily battle)

(in the car) "Mom, mom, MOM! Why is that human walking outside? Does she have a car? Doesn't she know that driving is faster than walking!"

I wonder where chatterbox gets it. (Somewhere right now, my mother is laughing)