Our Cute Kitties!

The thought it would be nice to post some pictures of our cute kitties. Mandy is 11 plus yrs old. Mellow is 6 months old. They were both adopted from PetSmart. Mandy has been are buddy from a kitten. Most of our friends have not seen her. She is not a people person. Mellow on the other hand loves people. Which is a good thing because the kids will not leave her alone. She plays chase, catch and love the laser pen. Mandy loves to be petted on her own terms. They are starting to like each other more and more each day. Mellow joined our family on Nov. 30. Their favorite thing to do is sit in the sun.

Mellow is Ben's buddy. He loves to sit by her bowl when she eats. He also loves to pull her tail and run after her. Katie loves to hold her and read to her is her room. Maddie would love to hold her but Katie always takes her first. It is great having two cats. They bring such joy to our day.

Ready to go!

First Day of School Picture.

Smile!

On the bus with a smile!

Playing in the snow before school.

Today is Ben's First Day at Preschool. He was a little uneasy in the morning but then he got excited. The kiddos played outside in the snow before the bus came. Once the bus arrived he ran right in. I couldn't even get a face shot. The bus driver let me get on the bus and take his picture. The Aide buckled him into his seat and off they went. Katie, Maddie, Tony and I waved goodbye with a little sadness. Maddie was a little sadder then the rest of us. She is afraid that he won't like school or that he will be afraid. It was sad sending him off. I can't believe that he will be 3 on Sunday. He has grown so much faster then the girls. They are all growing so fast. I will post after school news.

My thoughts!

Ben starts Preschool tomorrow. I can't believe it! They are letting him start before his birthday because of the other kids all coming back from winter break. This way, they all restart at the same time. He will be getting on the bus around 8am. School goes from 9am to 11:30. He will get off the bus around 11:50. He will be going on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The bus has 5pt harness car seats and an aide. The class has 14 kids total, some with speech issues. I am hoping that they can teach him how to talk and to use the potty. He seems excited. He has a new Toy Story backpack and new boots. Hopefully I can get him to wear a nice outfit. He loves to wear his pjs all day long. Next week I will be observing the classroom thru the observation window. The Speech Teacher comes on Fridays. She works with the whole class all day long. I am not sure how much time she will be spending with Ben. I will post pictures tomorrow. Praying that Ben has a great day!

New Years Fun!

 New Years was a lot of fun. The kids loved having friends over to welcome in the New Year. There was so much food. I think the chocolate fondue and cheese in the can was the biggest winner with the kids.

My New Year's Resolutions!!!

I decided to list my New Year's Resolutions this year on my blog. Maybe this will help me stay on track. The list will be of the goals I have for the year. I am going to try and be practical about my goals. So here is the greatest list of the year.

1. Post at least 3 times a week.
2. Cook homemade meals 5 times a week.
3. Lose at least 30 pounds!
4. Go on a train ride to Downtown Chicago.
5. Go on the observation deck of the Sears Tower.
6. Read a book a month.
7. Make a new recipe once a week.
8. Do 1 scrapbook page a week.
9. Do 1 craft project a month.
10. Be more organized.
11. Volunteer
12. Go to the "Y" at least 2 times a week.
13. Help Ben with his speech.
14. Learn to blow glass.
15. Go on a chocolate tour.
16. Learn how to make a watch bracelet.
17. Go horseback riding.
18. Paint the hallway, TV room, landing and Master Bathroom.
19. Rearrange the Hallway of pictures.
20. Learn to knit a hat.
21. Make a purse.
22. Make a apron.
23. Sew a dress for Katie and Maddie.
24. Write a letter to a friend monthly.
25. Take and develop more pictures.
26. Spend more quality time with friends and family.
27. Go roller skating.
28. Go ice skating.
29. Go camping with the girls.
30. Go to the Art Museum.
31. Go to 2 zoos not by home.
32. Go to 2 new museums.
33. Plant Sunflowers.
34. Go to a new restaurant every month.
35. Use my wood burning supplies.
36. Celebrate life everyday.
37. Bake something new every month.
38. Be more involved in the kids school.



Happy New Year!!!

Lets hope that 2012  is a great year for everyone!

Santa Picture!

 Santa was already at the mall. Ben wouldn't take a picture by himself. I will give it a try again later.

Fall Fun!!

The Spratley Wedding Weekend!

We were in Carbondale, IL this weekend to celebrate Tony's cousins wedding. The kids were very excited. The girls went to breakfast with rollers in their hair. They are so excited.

Before the wedding we went to this great park. It had a huge castle, sculptures for wizards, horses, knights and so much more. The kids had a great time.

 The kids had so much fun. Ben feel asleep in the car on the way to the wedding but woke up long before it started. Annika looked great. Ben was the Ring Bearer and Katie and Maddie were his escorts. They did a great job.

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Today Katie turns 8.

What an amazing 8 years it has been. We have moved three times. She has a brother and sister. Katie has taken ballet, gymnastics and growth so much. I never thought that her favorite books would be just about any chapter book. She loves horses! We are hoping to sign her up for riding lessons soon. She loves to help out and being a big sister. What an amazing girl she is. Happy Birthday!

Added a picture from a couple of xmas ago. What a deer.