Kaelem and I took the time to bundle up yesterday during Quincy’s morning nap and venture out in the snow. In my mind, I pictured us making snow angels, throwing snowballs, and looking for sticks to use as snowman arms. Actually though, all he wanted to do was sit in his “seat” he made in the front drive. We came in ten minutes later for hot chocolate, a new drink for him. He just ate the marshmallows. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll have plenty more opportunities to bond with the snow.

I was able to get a picture of these three foot long icicles hanging of the back roof before Jed came home and whacked them down with the broom. He says they’re not good for the roof. Pretty to look at though.

Just a note to say we’re done with traveling for awhile. Three kids are sleeping (Clara is here). Snow is falling. But, my kitchen is a wreck for the third time this week, so I can’t take the time to upload pictures from our trips or expand on Quincy’s 6 month mark just yet. I’ve been baking so much it felt like Christmas all over! Good thing I like to do that. Made my grandmother’s pound cake for my girls at d-group. Then a stars birthday cake for Dustin, Dave, and Aleta, and then chocolate superbowl cookies (supposed to be football shaped, but failed).

I will note though that, Kaelem has learned he is able to open the refrigerator. This week, I turned around and he had already found a cup from the cabinet, opened the fridge, pulled out the milk, and poured himself a glass of milk…without spilling a drop. Discovering the fridge has opened up a whole new world for him. He showed off for Clara today by giving her a cheese stick and she exclaimed, “You can open the fridge by yourself?!” I’m sure she’ll be trying it at her house this evening.

If you don’t watch any of the other videos of the Kenya trip…watch this one. The shot of all the mamas coming in with their babies is my favorite I think.

Kenya – January 20 from Grace-Church on Vimeo.

Only a few more days now until Jed gets back from Kenya. There’s usually one 10 day trip a year that I can’t go with him and each time seems like an eternity. I’m really glad to be with my parents though and see family and friends. I shudder at the thought of staying home that long with the kids by myself…although for many women that is their normal life…

Anyway, I thought I’d post the link to the website Jed has been daily updating of the team.  http://atgrace.com/kenya-2010 He is also making a video log each day, which is really special to see. I told him to try to sneak a shot of himself in a car window reflection or something while filming…but if he did (doubt it) I missed it. Thankfully though, I have been able to skype with him since he is up in their wee hours of the night working on the computer anway. He just wrote a post at jedculbertson about the quieter slower way of life there without all the gadgets, however, it sure is a sweet luxury to be able to see my love live from the other side of the world.

I was in the bathroom at my mom and dads this afternoon while they were at work and heard the doorbell ring. I raced to the door to find Kaelem out on the porch in his Buzz Lightyear underwear pushing the button. This is at 2 1/2 years- what in the world is he going to get in to at 3, 4…15?!

Stop making baby clothes with zippers! They pinch tiny necks and scrape delicate cheeks. Especially when the poor tykes are forced to sit in cramped contraptions called car seats for sometimes hours on end. This goes for size 2T as well. Buttons and snaps may take seconds longer to fasten, but beat the alternative of having children cry in pain and frustration.

Here’s a little glimpse of our morning for those who wanted to be here but couldn’t.

I FINALLY FINISHED THE STOCKINGS! And in the nick of time. It was a whirlwind of Christmas Eve activity finishing the last few projects. We finally made it to bed at 5am Christmas morning to catch three hours of sleep before the kids awoke demanded we get up. We’re hoping that is a record for late Christmas Eve nights that will stand for years and years. Back to the stockings, they  are lined inside with the reindeer scarf print. I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out. The embroidery was a ton of work, but I’d do it again.

Here’s a clip of them opening the stockings.

Got the tree decorated after having it up for a week now. We moved it downstairs this year and are enjoying the fireplace too. Just gotta finish those stockings…

We’ve heard everything from 5 to 15 inches in the next two days. Weather predictors…HA!

And…a sneak peak at something I’m working on and desperately trying to finish before Christmas! I’m definitely learning new skills in this project: sewing in a lining, making the appliques, and soon to try, embroidering the names. I’ve been adding all kinds of creative peoples’ blogs to my reader. The most helpful right now is primrosedesign because of the very detailed instructions of the various stitches.