We got exactly what we'd hoped for with this snow...a bunch to play in right over the time that school is closed- Christmas and New Years vacation! The children have been out for over an hour now.
I was able to get them to do some chores before they bundled up, though!  :)  We were all out yesterday forenoon and Jason helped them build a snow slide from snow off the scraped driveway. It is working well this morning...real slick!
Ciara and Eric just came in now, but who knows how long Ryan and Jennika will be out there. Venesa seems ready for her nap....I missed getting her to sleep while the house was so quiet. I had to pack some food for Jason. He finally got the call that yes he has some work for today. So now he is off for the day.
Jennika came in and wants to put Venesa to sleep. So I will give her the privilege this time.
Eric has started to take responsibility as far as going potty. He stays dry all day with a few reminders from me. Way to go, big boy!
I had to take a picture of Ryan's snowman (need to ask Jason to post some pictures tonight)
He made a snow hat, too. It's face is turned to the kitchen window where I can enjoy it! :)
The funeral of my mom's youngest sister was the day after Christmas. We were not able to make it to the funeral -it was in Pa- but I listened to the service over the phone. That helped so much cause I really wanted to be there!
Janie is my Downs Syndrome aunt. She lived with us in Ohio now and then over the years. My mom had her last about two months ago. That is when the children and I said goodby to her for the last time...She lived to be 50 years! The other day I looked through my picture books to find pictures I'd taken of her. I love the one of her and Ryan eating lunch together....corn on the cob, at the little table out in our woods. Ryan was about 3 or 4 years then. 
Eric was frowning the other night and he said "I don't like Janie to die! Mom, how do you die?"
I've had him ask that before, and I am not sure what answer he is looking for. I say that the heart stops working and the body doesn't move anymore. This time I assured him that people don't die unless it is time for them to go be with Jesus.
Reminds me of a conversation I overheard at bedtime between Jen and Eric.
Jen- "But Eric, some people live to be about a hundred!"
Eric- But Jen, I might die when I am four."  And that was all I heard of their discussion.
I could write so much more...but I have a goal to get the laundry done by supper time....and it is alot of clothes...from the weekend and Christmas gatherings...ect. And if that phone rings it might be that I have to go pick up milk! Which means quickly loading everyone up in the suburban. Some one is most likely going to be napping too. So I hope it will work to get milk tomorrow instead!
The children are playing great together right now; louder though than I'd like, so close to where baby is sleeping! The last time Jennika got her to sleep she slept for 3 hours! I hope she'll stay sleeping till Eric is down for his nap, too.
I am for sure feeling my size now! I couldn't close my coat to go Christmas caroling....  :) Now I  remember it being the same way last year!
We had a great Christmas season! I tried to make sure I wasn't too busy to enjoy it all....which meant barely anyone got a card or letter from us :( that was hard for me!....shopping was done two weeks
 before...that was really nice! Now we are taking more of a school break than I was earlier planning....
but I think we need and deserve it! :) My children got some wonderful gifts from our families, and I love the time between Christmas and New Years to take some time to play with them and enjoy their new treasures. This was a really special year for my girls... the Christmas they received an American Doll from their Grandma! What a gift! I need to read the books to them that came with their dolls.
This was Venesa's first Christmas- she received her first toothbrush and a hugable doll baby. We all love her dearly, and she sure loves us too! She says about 5 different words, not as many as Eric at nearly 11 months. She does shake and nod her head in response to questions.
And she's been clapping for a long time- I love it. All I have to say is "Are you happy?"
She isn't fully weaned yet...she'd be quicker to give it up than me maybe? One amazing night she slept till 8:00 without waking at all! I could get used to that! Although I wake every few hours anyway...
 It will be fun to see her respond to a new baby.  8 more weeks to go...and you know how fast one week flies by! I should be back to update before that......unless I get into "nesting" so much I have to clean everything! But my life with 5 children doesn't leave time to go overboard and get ridiculous!
But sometimes when you run out of time during the day...well, there is always the night.....while everyone else sleeps! :)
Hope you and your family have a nice New Year celebration, and a good start to Year 2013!