Every morning my kids work on memorizing the Declaration of Independence. So far they have memorized the first two paragraphs (When in the course of human events… and We hold these truths…). I want them to learn it because I didn’t and most of my generation didn’t. I want them to know and understand it’s important principles. Well this week our hard work paid off! I happened to be listening to some replays from the Republican debates on the radio and when Mitt Romney said the words, “all men are created equal and have a right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness” Cade piped up in the backseat, “Hey mom! That’s from the Declaration!” I of course was grinning from ear to ear, thrilled that he recognized it so easily and that he was excited he knew something that presidential candidates know. How many 2nd graders do you know who can do that? I’m only partially bragging here. I think it is worrisome for the future of our country that most of my peers can’t even repeat the Declaration of Independence. How will these principles be passed on if we don’t even know them? Then a few days later I was listening to a talk show where they mentioned those words again and Levi, this time called out, “Mom! We know that!” Even my 4 year old, who hasn’t actually memorized it yet, recognizes the words. I have to say, it made this mother proud! I’m doing at least ONE thing right!

I have been remiss in my reporting of Christmas so here are some highlights from our Christmas break. I think it’s ridiculous that now days kids don’t get two weeks off at Christmas so we took a full two weeks off. First we decorated our house.

These are by far my favorite Christmas craft ever.

And I discovered these this year…

Then we decorated our annual gingerbread house.


Rock decided to go REALLY BIG this year. This home is on acreage!

At least Libby and the gingerbread house were photogenic.

Christmas Morning

They took a quick glance at the other stuff and then tore into the Legos. Santa finally got smart this year and got them exactly what they asked for instead of trying to get them something he figured they would really like instead, which usually ends up being discarded after a day or two and ignored the rest of the year. And just because he got them sleds this year it probably won’t snow much. But then that might have been an inadvertent gift to the snow shoveler in the family.

Levi, our friendly fashion advisor helped Liberty with her stocking stuffers.

It took her a while, but she finally got IN the tent about 3 hours after she first saw it.

And my favorite picture from Christmas morning this year…

The week after Christmas we just played. Me with my new Kindle and they with their new toys. We had great fun and still are! Thanks Santa!

This morning I was having a not very good mommy morning.  Things had been going wrong all morning and I was not at my most patient but I decided to do our Friday cooking project anyway.  Liberty was up in her crib crying to get up, but I figured we could hurry and get the fudge made before I went to get her.  After we poured the fudge into its pan I realized I had forgotten the vanilla and so I had to dump the fudge back into the bowl and re-beat it quickly before it hardened.  The beaters chose that exact moment to break and with a loud grinding noise came to a stop.  I was stressed out and frustrated.  As I looked up from my floundering fudge, there was Reagan holding Liberty all dressed (in matching clothes!) with a diaper change and everything.  (He just learned how to change diapers last week at his request).  I almost cried I was so thrilled at this wonderful helpful surprise.  And how awesome is that?!  He can change diapers and dress babies!  Woohoo!  Sometimes my 9 year old really surprises me with his thoughtfulness.  And he was flying sky high the rest of the day knowing that he’d made mom so happy.