A few Saturdays past we learned to use our sewing machine

Grammy Pammy came to visit and taught us how to use my birthday/Christmas present sewing machine.  Really, she came to see the kids, but I like to think she was excited to give a hands-on lesson in sewing machine operating.

I started out with doing some pillow forms with fabric that I bought pre-cut since I needed practice sewing in straight lines.  I think I got the hang of it.  Then, the boys heard the sewing noise and came to investigate.  Everyone wanted a turn helping sew.  We ended up making 2 pillows and 2 rice heating pads.  We even had enough rice in the pantry to fill one of the heat pads.

These colors are cute.  Now I need to get some filling for them.  And, more fabric.  I'm thinking I could replace all my couch throw pillows with these.

Kella spend her time during the sewing lessons by creating a habitat for her frog.

Liam got a turn, too.

Marcus, modeling the heat pack. The pack heated up nicely in the microwave.  Guess what the kids fought over the rest of the day/night?  Right.

Glasses selfie.

Probably the sweetest thing I heard one of my kids say (Cale), was that he thought his teacher would really like one for Christmas.  Of course, we will be making more heat packs.

the days after Christmas...

We had a great Christmas here in the land of red heads.  I'll find some of those pictures to post later.  But, the day after Christmas, I took the kids to Grammy Pammy's for more Christmas fun.  The car ride wasn't horrible, but it took us forever to finally get on the actual interstate.  Then, we had to stop to eat and stop again for the bathroom.  We got to Eric and Bitsy's in time for some unsupervised cousin play time and time for the grown folks to sit around and talk.  It was nice.  Joe was there and I hadn't seen him in a long time.  And, everyone got to see Kinley with her super-friendly personality (insert sarcasm here).

Ah, family.

Me, Joe and Bitsy.  Photobombed by some of Bitsy's kids.

The next day was Christmas at Grammy's.  We had a great lunch and then opened gifts from Grammy and Lanny.

Yummy!

We put the kids in the back bedroom while presents were put under the tree.  Liam wants you to know that he is holding a treasure map that he made.

Let the chaos insue!  Presents and wrapping paper were everywhere!

Liam loved his new shirt.  He wore it 2 days in a row.

These lucky boys got a Wii U from Lanny.

Kella, in her new pretty purple dress and crown.

Marcus, excited about bubble wrap.

Liam commandeered Jacob's microphone and sang to us.  Mostly a One Direction song that he knows.  And, then some Christmas music.  He loved this microphone so much, we ordered one for him that same day. (as I type this, Liam is reading right along.  It's pretty fun.)

Kella had to sing, too.

We chilled out and watched Babes in Toyland.

Grammy Pammy's fireplace with all the Spielman stockings.

around the house

just sitting here, forcing the boys to stay inside until 8am.  That will give them about 15 minutes to tear around outside like fools before the bus comes.  I actually have time, right now, to upload pics from my camera to the computer. = photos to share here.  I've been trying to play around with the manual settings on the camera.  I figure, since I've had the camera for almost 2 years, maybe I should learn how to work some more of the buttons.

Nothing really on tap for today.  Andy is working a cycling event this morning.  I will be home with the girls, probably attempting to clean something (me, not the girls).  I think I will order a new phone for myself today since my relic (iphone 3) bit the dust a few weeks ago and living in a bag of rice has not revived it.

We have 1 soccer practice tonight (Ewan's).  The last one of Heights' rec league.  Cale, Ewan and Liam all have their last game on Saturday and then we rush off to the first of 2 games that Marcus has that afternoon.  Marcus has 2 more weeks of soccer after this for tournaments.  And, travel basketball tryouts are Monday and Tuesday.  We won't have down time for long.

just a superhero swinging.  a daily occurance to have a masked child running around.

a great close-up of Liam

"Hi. My name is Kinley and I like to eat chalk."

a little bit over-exposed.  the kids built a camp in the yard.

Princess Batgirl-Kella armed and dangerous

Grammy Pammy came last week to see everyone.  The kids were excited.  Princess Kella liked having a buddy.  And, Grammy brought zucchini bread.  Awesome!

So, we were able to get most of the kids in the picture.  You-know-who was too cranky to pose.  I think 5 out of 6 is pretty good.

Here's to a great Friday!

having fun at home

Grammy Pammy was here last week to help with the kids. 



Liam found a new game playing friend

Monopoly (Grammy's favorite game) was played a couple times.

Of course, there was some outdoor play time.  Cale wanted me to take this picture to show Grammy. (Hope you see this-I told him I would post it online-he was so proud!)

Not to be outdone, Ewan wanted his picture taken, too.

The new thing in our yard, also, is playing lacrosse.  Cale got a lacrosse stick this week and Andy already had one, so now we can have little matches.  I'm pretty sure we are the only house in our neighborhood where kids are playing lacrosse.

first visitors

Andy was a brave Daddy and brought all the other kids down the day after Kinley was born so they could meet her.  I think if we had not had the suite, he wouldn't have brought them. But, we had plenty of room for everyone to spread out.  Grammy Linda came, and Grammy Pammy, too.  That morning also, our pediatrician came by.  We had a good laugh about Kinley being born the day before since I had been in her office that morning with Kella for her 2 year check up and I told her about the induction date and we both assumed we would see each other the next week.  I guess Kinley wanted to meet her sooner.

All the siblings wanted a chance to hold her.

with Liam

with Ewan

with Cale

Kella got a turn, even she was excited

Liam chilled in bed with me for a little bit

with Marcus

with Grammy Pammy

and with Grammy Linda

Kella was pretty excited to be there (or just tipsy from being sleepy).  She ran around, jumped on the couch, squealed a lot.  Good thing we had the room at the end of the hallway.

That was a lot of excitement for an otherwise quiet day. 

Grammy came to visit

Grammy Pammy came out to visit for a whole week.  To say that the little ones were spoiled is an understatement.  Grammy also got to help babysit the kids while Andy and I worked and helped shuffle them around to whatever sports practices weren't cancelled by rain that week.  She was also here to help celebrate Liam's birthday and decorated his cake for us.

There were many fights over Grammy's lap.  Poor Liam usually got shoved out by his bossy sister.

We played some games.  Liam really liked playing "jenga-boom".

Cale convinced Grammy to play a round of Monopoly.

Got a few pictures with the grandkids.  Liam didn't want to be in this one.

I think it's because he wanted his chance to be alone with Grammy.

 

Of course, not to be left out, Kella wanted her own own photo op, too.

Perfect timing for a visit.  The kids loved having her there for a whole week and were sad to see her go. We don't expect to see Grammy again until Baby Kinley makes her apperance.