Micah is 9 months

Blue and Gold Banquet

Snowman Seth

Chess Club Champions!

Chess Club tournament final game... What a nail-biter! 
Game 1: Kellie had Caleb cornered, down to just his king, and she probably should have won at that point, except instead of being aggressive she hesitated and Caleb was able to luck into a stale mate.
Game 2: Kellie set up a fabulous line of defense and was systematically eliminating Caleb's men when he surprised her from behind and put her into a checkmate before anyone realized what he'd done. (Sometimes it pays to appear a little random, I guess...) Great job, both of you!
Caleb 1st place
Kellie 2nd place

They're mine!

I always thought all my kids looked more like Matt than me... and then I came across this picture tonight. I suppose I might have to claim them after all. 

(I'm the cute chubby thing in pink!)

 

me

Seth

Micah

Micah won't crawl...

This is just pathetic. My awesome Micah refuses to crawl, even though I'm pretty sure he could if he felt like it. Every time we put him on his stomach he just lays there, maybe bounces a little and looks at me as if to say, "What's the deal, Mom? We both know that if I whine long enough you'll pick me up- so why even go through this?"

Micah's cute...

Here's my 8 month old "chubby" bub. I am loving him!

Matt's New Glasses

I am still getting used to Matt's new glasses. They look really nice, and yet he somewhat reminds me of the 50's for some reason... :)

Kellie's heritage doll...

For class Kellie had to decorate and dress a doll in one of the traditional outfits from a country that one of her ancestor's came from. She chose Italy. Here's what we came up with:

Good job, Kellie!

Caleb makes me laugh...

During dinner... 
CALEB: Mom, can you raise your eyebrow?
ME: Sure. (I then showed him...)
CALEB: Now you can say we had "eyebrow raising" dinner conversation!

Micah's First Haircut

the Before

the After

Kellie's New Glasses

Valentines Day odds and ends...

Levi

 Seth

Kellie

Caleb

 Levi, Micah, Kellie, Matt

This video was really funny. While I was helping in Caleb's class his teacher, Mrs. Katz put on some old music from the 50's and started dancing with the kids. This song is "Only You" .

This is one of Caleb's best friends, Ethan with her. She is such a fun lady and Caleb really enjoys her.

I "Moose" You...

Seth: I moose you...
Me: What?
Seth: I moose you...
Me: Seth, you're going to have to show me what you want because I have no idea what you're trying to tell me. 
Seth then climbs up in my lap, plants a big wet kiss on my cheek, leans back with a huge grin and says, "See? I MOOSE YOU!"
Who knew "moose" was 2-year-old speak for smooch?

Caleb's 4th Grade Mountain Men, Trader and Trapper Rendezvous

Today was Caleb's Rendezvous where they get to dress up like Mountain Men, and gather to trade goods. They had to be smart in their bartering and try to get a variety of items- enough things to see them through the winter.  Caleb's brought fish, fishing poles and rope to trade. He did really well...

Here's the photos:

Here's the fish and poles Caleb brought to trade. 

 He had some tough negotiating to do... his friend Steven in particular was a shrewd trader. Caleb ended up having to trade a pole 2 fish and a rope just for one pelt.

This is his good friend Ethan.

This is another good friend, Joren.

 Caleb with some fish and rope.

 He even learned about gambling with his teacher who bet him 2 sugar cubes that he couldn't beat her in one of the games. HE won. :)

His haul:

1 fishing pole

5 fish

3 pelts

2 pairs of boots

2 ropes

2 leather hides

2 hot cocoas

2 bags of sugar

bag of rice

salt

2 bags of beans

2 turquoise rocks

beads 

precious stones

1 bedroll

3 seashells

My Bouncing Baby Boy

Micah sure loves to bounce. If you call and I can't hear you on the other end- this is why!

(Please disregard Seth's whining and snippets of The Muppet Movie from the tv in the background...)

Little Boy Capes

Many years ago my Mom made capes for the older kids. They still wear them from time to time. These little boys were too young (or not born yet!) so Grandma J made a few more and sent them out. They loved receiving this gift in the mail! Thanks Grandma!

Kellie and Micah

Kellie's a good big sister... 

She got him to fall asleep and won't let me take him to lay him down. 

I think she enjoys the snuggles.

Valentine's Day Mantle

I made this banner this year...

... and I stitched this "LOVE" sign...

... and I just happen to love these love birds.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Micah...

Someday his wife is going to thank me for this little gem...