December 28, 2011

Catch-up on life

It seems as though I am always playing catch-up when it comes to blogging.  I mean to do a better job, but the blog keeps getting pushed back on my to-do list.  Oh well, at least I get to it while I can!

I made the kids' costumes for Halloween this year.  Andrew and Brooklyn wanted to be M&Ms so it worked out well.  We had fun with the project and several got a kick out of Andrew and Brooklyn at the school parade.  Here are some pics ...

 
 



Garrett's First Birthday was only a couple days after Halloween. We celebrated with family on November 5th. All the Koci's were able to attend, along with the Hampton's (minus Heather), and and the Renyer's (minus my mom). We had a great time with family and Garrett had a blast getting messy with his cake!



 
Andrew's class had a Thanksgiving program in November.  Each class sang a couple songs and then each of the kids stated why you shouldn't eat them (a turkey) on Thanksgiving.  It was really cute!  Shane, Barb, Grandma Koci, Aunt Tam, and myself were all there to support Andrew.
Andrew getting ready to tell everyone why they shouldn't eat him for Thanksgiving.

The kids and I have a week and a half off school for winter break so we have been able to get several things done.  This fall we started making some of our Christmas presents to give to our friends and family (this year I chose a handmade theme for gifts).  We finished and wrapped all the gifts the first couple days of break.  Here are some of the things we made...
    
rag quilt in the shape of a turtle
cowboy fleece blanket
   
stripe quilt

   
hand print tree with Garrett, Brooklyn & Andrew
hooded bath towel

Christmas light plate using the kids' fingers

coasters
 
Koci siblings
The weekend before Christmas we celebrated with the Koci's. This year all the siblings were there and we had a lot of fun spending time together. Jeff also made one of his beautiful cakes for my Birthday as well.

Caden, Cora, Brooklyn, Jacob, Andrew & Garrett








So as this will probably be my last post for this year, I can't help but reflect on what  a wonderful year we have had.  I am blessed with a super smart 1st grader, Kindergartner, and a 1yr old!  Shane and I have been able to keep ourselves busy with several church projects, home projects, and whatever else gets thrown our way.  We get to see our extended family at least once a month, which not all families can say.  I am truly thankful for everything and everyone that God has put into my life.  Happy New Year!!!