Last night was Roger's birthday. Cate was very excited to make him a cake with her new Easy Bake oven that she had gotten for Christmas. Daddy was properly appreciative of the quarter inch thick cake with packaged chocolate drizzle on top. :)

I have been slacking on my blogging lately- with good reason. :)

My long-lost husband returned home from overseas early this month and we've been busy spending all of his time off with him- he was able to take over a month off!
Here is some of what we've been up to:

* celebrating homecomings and families
* welcoming father and husband, brother and son


* rollercoaster riding (for Roger and the kids at Nickelodeon Universe)

* making snow forts and tunnels on the few days that it hasn't been too cold or too blizzard-y to be outside!

* feeling blessed by our Father for the gifts he has given

Sights, sounds and the excitement of the season....
* the squeals of delight upon seeing the tree all set up
* having a mantle to hang our stockings on
* the anticipation of seeing my husband for the first time in 6 months!
* looking out the window early in the morning to see the dusting of powder snow
* singing along to Baby, It's Cold Outside- my favorite!
* starting the cookie making process with many sticky fingers offering to "help"
* a cozy fire in the fireplace

* the many, many questions- including, "Why did Jesus come as a baby?"

* the reminder of the delight, wonder and innocence of childhood

I hope that you all have as much to look forward to this season as I do!

My family (minus my husband) this Thanksgiving.