We spent part of New Years Eve waiting for to fill a prescription of Levi’s meds….this is how we killed the time in Walgreens!
It’s amazing how much Levi and Alice look alike.

Hope the New Year brings lots of love and happiness! Mine started perfectly.

As a way to bring in the new year, the boy’s aikido teacher leads a group of students in a New Years Misogi. We met up at the lighthouse at Point No Point and prepared for a plunge into the icy waters.
Our guys were the youngest of the group, with only a couple other older kids there and the rest of the group adults.
The boys went with the group and took the big plunge! I couldn’t believe they went through with it, but they did. When they got out of the water, they were FROZEN. The worst part was that their feet hurt and nothing we did seemed to help. The were all in tears and we were really questioning whether or not this was the right thing for us to have them do. Sensei Chris came over and told them how proud he was that they did it and reassured us that even though it was hard, they would warm up and feel great about what they had just accomplished. It was quite touching, though, because a couple of the adults (who had also just come out of the frigid water) came over to try to warm the boys up and offered up their own blankets and towels to help.
When we got the guys into the van, got their wet swim trunks off and warm clothes back on and they started to feel good again, I looked back and saw Carlos grinning. The pride he felt was intense and it showed. Chris came over to the van and chatted with them again before he left and we made plans to go to Nana and Papa’s for a bath and something warm to drink.
So glad we made the trip and so, so proud of my boys!

So, I’m an avid baker that’s been in semi-retirement for the last 7 years since the boys came along. I love baking. Despite our small kitchen, I’ve always wanted a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. They are pricey, so it’s never been a reality. The lack of space is an issue as well, so it’s not even something I’ve saved for. Yesterday on Freecycle there it was….for FREE! I actually know the woman who was getting rid of it (she has been ultra generous and given us a Jumparoo for Baby B and a Britax carseat) so when she saw my “I’d love it” email, she gave it to me.
I am SO happy, it’s in perfect condition you only have to plug it in to make it work (a faulty switch) and it’s white and matches our kitchen. Hoping the new year can bring more time for baking and many who may enjoy the treats.

Oh what fun it is to sing a sleighing song tonight! We had a terrific dinner courtesy of the Russo family, then bundled up and went caroling. The kids had a ball, I think the parents did, too! So glad we live where we live and so grateful for the people in our lives.

Gingerbread houses are a tradition at The Island School…love ’em! Carlos decked his out, but lost it to an overzealous dog at home.

And we’ve also got some funk!

From our rockin family to yours….