Happy Birthday Madison!

Madison was pretty excited when school was cancelled on the day of her birthday due to below zero temperatures around here. She said it was the best birthday present ever! Since we weren't in a rush to get ready for school I was able to make her favorite french toast for her birthday breakfast. The principal of my school makes it for teachers and students a couple times a year and Madison loves it!! (yes, it is covered in sugar so she was pretty wired for an hour or so after eating it)

Since there was no school we headed off to the mall for her annual birthday tradition of going to Build a Bear. We ended up being in the Build a Bear workshop for over an hour because she is so terrible about making decisions. (not sure where she gets that from) There are about 20 animals to choose from and she kept changing her mind even while we were standing in line for the stuffing machine. Finally she chose this adorable bunny, but had a hard time finding the perfect outfit and matching shoes for her. Lastly, you have to think of a name for your animal. She ended up choosing Emily. Then we were off for a little shopping, a stop in the photo booth and some hot chocolate before hitting the cold air again.
Later that night we took Madison and her friend Taylor to the roller rink. Madison was really sad that her cousins and Aunt Sheila weren't able to make it this weekend as planned because of the winter weather. Nana and Papa were there too and took lots of pictures and videos of all of us skating.

I think Madison is better than me at skating.
Then we all came back to the house for tacos and birthday cake! And of course there were gifts! You realize how grown up your daughter is when she gets an IPOD from her nana and papa, a makeup case filled with makeup from her Aunt Sheila and a Miley Cyrus CD from her brother. She use to get excited about the bows on top of her presents or the baby doll gifts. Now her eyes light up when she receives gift cards and cash and runs to go put them in her wallet inside her very own purse. Wow, I don't know where the time has gone... but it's official that my baby is 8 years old now.

Look for Austin on ESPN

I was able to catch a couple video clips of Austin playing basketball this week!

Science, Sports and Sliders!

As soon as I got the note home in Austin's folder about this science project I had a sick feeling in my stomach. That is not something me and Brian are very good at helping Austin with. Luckily we have a wonderful friend, Dustin, who recently received his PH.D in biology...BINGO!!! We feel so fortunate to have friends that love our kids enough to invest in their lives with things like science projects. Thanks Dustin!!!!

Austin's project is testing which household cleaner cleans the best. I didn't clean my kitchen counter for a week leading up to the experiment so it was good and gross for the project.

Austin is having a great basketball season with the Celtics. Last game he scored 12 points. He is the point guard in the 2nd and 4th quarter of each game. Wanna come cheer him on?? Give me a call and I'll let you know his upcoming schedule of Saturday games.

It's not a visit with Grandma without going to White Castle!!! Right before this trip to White Castle we visited the Albanese candy factory and had way too much sugar. Mix that with 4 sliders and that equals a very upset stomach. Oh well... I had it coming with that combination.

More Missouri Pictures

My uncle Harold and cousin Skyler
Me and Grandma!

My uncles discovering a hunting type game on the wii!

We always take a walk with our aunt Pam when we go down to Missouri. She took us up the hill by the old goat house. The kids were climbing on the hay bales so we decided to take a picture.

Austin taking careful aim.

I'm so happy we were able to make it down to Missouri for Christmas this year. You never know what the weather will be like traveling this time of year. Little icy to start out our trip and lots of fog to drive through on our way home. It was worth it to be with everyone together on the farm. I won't lie... it was very tough at times. I know my Grandpa was looking down at all of us. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas with their families. Happy New Year to you all!!!

Christmas on the Farm

Grandma, Aunt Pam and mom working hard peeling the potatoes for lunch.
Just strolling around the farm and taking lots of pictures.

Christmas 08

Ummm... do you think he liked the home theatre system we got him for Christmas?
I was pretending to be surprised when I opened this gift because Madison had already told me what it was. That's the last time she gets to help wrap my presents.

He said that gift wasn't fair since my fav scent of his cologne is really for me. hahaha

We set the timer on the camera and took a family picture the night before hitting the road for Missouri. Brian and I decided to open our gifts for each other before leaving for Missouri. We did let the kids pick out a gift each to open that night.

Mr. and Mrs. David Burney

Kelly and David make such a cute couple.
He's a cop so when it was time to take the garter off the bride's leg you could hear the music "Bad Boys Bad Boys Watcha gonna do" playing as he made her put her hands behind her head. It was too funny!!

Kind of hard to take a self portrait of all 3 of us since David is so tall.

We are so happy for the Newlyweds. Congratulations!!!!

Madi, Madi, Madi

This... is Madison. Crazy, fun, loving, sweet Madison. I can describe her as 7 going on 17. She always likes to think bigger than what most 7 year olds would think. I realize that in the long run this is going to get her very far in life... but for now I just want her to be 7. The other night as I was about to turn the lights out on the Christmas tree, I noticed a cookie sitting on a plate next to a note on our coffee table. The note read Dear Santa, I left you this snack just in case you are hungry while getting ready for Christmas. Don't forget we will be in Missouri on the farm this year for Christmas. I was also wondering if I'm on the nice list this year. Circle yes or no. Love, Madison Sandoval xoxoxoxoxo

I struggled all night whether or not to circle yes and eat the cookie. (or better yet circle no and leave a piece of coal) But I decided I was going to play by the rules this time and do nothing at all.

She was a little disappointed in the morning when the cookie and note were still there but I explained that Santa must be very busy at the North Pole and that answer seemed to satisfy her.

She's getting very worried about the fact that this winter weather may have to cancel our trip to Missouri after all. She wants to write a letter to Santa and overnight it to the north pole so he knows we'll still be here in Indiana. I told her that I know of an emergency hotline for parents to call in case of location change at the last minute (thanks for the idea Melinda)

A month ago Madison asked me if I was cleaning the storage under our stairs out so that I would have room to hide their presents. (man is she smart) I told her I was just doing it because it needed to be done and she walked away with a smirk on her face like "yeah whatever mom"

Not to mention more than once she has tried to outsmart the tooth fairy. (that white play dough almost fooled me)

Madison keeps me on my toes, that's for sure. I can't imagine life without her.

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

We got hit with an ice storm the other night. Just north of Chicago received around a foot of snow. We received some snow but mostly just freezing rain. I took the kids for a walk in the woods by our house. Everything was so beautiful covered in ice. The snow was fun to walk on too since it was covered in ice as well. The kids said it looked like a winter wonderland.
All the ice made us lose power from 5:30 am until early afternoon. Then we lost it again for a few hours that evening. Luckily we have a ventless fireplace that warms the house pretty quickly.

Can't play basketball when the net is frozen solid.

So pretty... camera doesn't do it justice.

Of course I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Just not too white since we will be traveling by car down to Missouri to spend Christmas with my family. It's been a long time since I've spent Christmas on the farm. My kids are worried that santa won't know that they are there. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

Poker/potluck party

We started with a potluck dinner and white elephant gift exchange. The quesadilla maker made yet another appearance. Somehow we ended up with it because it also came with a Pirates of Caribbean DVD, so Brian stole that gift from Lisa and gave up the candles he opened.
Julia and Miles hanging out together with Jessica while the rest of us played poker. Cute couple, don't ya think? Julia even gave Miles a hug before she left that night.

Newly engaged... Kristi and Jason. Congratulations you guys!!!!

Kelly and Tony

Lisa and Carl

John, Jessica and Julia. So glad you guys could join us!!!

Sarah with her invisible husband. Dustin became very ill and had to leave before we even got the party started. We all missed him that night.

Henry and Traci