Has it been four years?

The last time I posted anything on my blog was for Christine's 11th birthday. I can't believe it's been so long. She is fifteen years old this month and I will post photos from her party. And maybe even start posting again regularly.

Christine turns 11

Six kids for the weekend? It was an overnight party that turned into a weekend party. Christine talks me into it every time. A normal birthday party would last 3-4 hours. Not in my world. They were pretty good. A lot of screaming in the house which is not my favorite thing, but they got along pretty well. All of her gifts were books. Her friends know her well. Next will be her party with the family.

Daisy loved her gift.

We got a trace of snow when my mom was over for Christmas. Christine's snowman was cute while he lasted. I think he was around for a couple of hours

My mom loves making snowmen with the girls. This is the little guy that her and Christine made from the snow that they scraped off of my car. I don't have Christmas pictures. My mom took all of them and she has her camera. I'm still planning to post some when I see my mom again.

The title of the e-mail said, the luckiest guy in the world. I say God must have big plans for him because it wasn't his time to go.

A friend sent this it me in an e-mail. Crazy isnt' it!

Fun with grandma. My mom came over for Christmas like she does every year.

My mother is the best with my girls. She is the grandmother that does it all, and did it all with me when I was younger. From playing barbies to making mud pies she loves every minute. I'm so thankful that I have such an awesome mother, and that my girls are so close to her. She is, was, and will always be our BEST Christmas gift. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Some pictures Ashley took of Christine with her viola. She plays really well for having just started in September.

The Masquerade Ball which was the night before the pumpking swim.

Friday night dance and Saturday night swimming.

Pumpkin swim October- 07 All of these kids spent the weekend at my house?!

I don't know how Christine talks me into having so many friends over so often. She's lucky I know that.

Christmas funnies sent from a friend :) My favorite is "Oh great A flat."

Christmas gifts. I put this same post on last year. It's just a reminder :)

I know it's a bit early to be thinking about Christmas, but this way if you think that family and friends would be interested in doing this or something like it, it gives everyone time to pass it on. I think it's super cool. For all of the adults this Christmas we are buying an animal in their name. The animal/animals you buy go to families that depend on them for their survival. Heifer International. If you're like me and don't know what to get the adults in your family for Christmas this is perfect. We don't need more stuff, and most of the time we don't know what everyone wants anyway. It's not any fun to give a gift and wonder if the person will like it or use it. The girls will pick out what animal/animals they want to buy and send a card to each adult that tells them what animal they chose for each of them. No trying to guess what to get everyone, no wrapping paper and no waiting in line at the post office involved. Everyone gets the perfect gift. You guys have a great day. There are several other organizations that do this and all of them are great. Last Christmas Christine bought her teacher a gift in his name for a child that included a book bag, shoes, and school supplies. He thought it was the coolest thing. He said that he and his wife were going to do this next year for the adults in their family. Here is a website that has many other organizations to choose from. http://www.alternativegifts.org/ Heifer.org is an organization that supplies animals and training to families in need. You purchase the animal / animals of your choice and the families receive the necessary training to raise them on their own. Your gift recipients will love hearing about how the gift you have made in their honor is helping families around the world. You can print a card from their site to send to each person or you can e-mail a card to them.

September - 07 The state fair in Puyallup. Christine did a great job showing her cat Striker.

I brought some sheets this year so Christine could make her own little hideout on the bottom bunk. She won a blue ribbon, but she had her eyes on the trophy. I told her that maybe next year she will be bringing one home. She needs to study more. Everyone have a good day :)

All about Christine at the August 2007 Lynden fair.

This year was twice as busy at the fair because Christine showed in cat and rabbit 4-H . She received blue ribbons for showing both of them so she qualified to go to the state fair in Puyallup. She chose to show her cat this year at the state fair instead of her rabbit. She also entered arts and crafts, photography and collections. Christine's friend Zadra spent a good part of the summer with us. They had so much fun together. Everyone have a good day :)