Three Ways to Eat Yogurt

After months of going back and forth about whether or not we should get the kids a play place, our other home finally closed on December 31 eliminating our double mortgage, and John got a bonus, so I took the plunge and bought one today. After looking on the Internet high and low, I found this awesome play place but felt it was too expensive. I emailed the seller twice asking if they would discount it by two hundred dollars and they said no. So as a last attempt, I called them today. If they gave me any kind of discount, I would buy it, if they didn't, it wasn't meant to be. I told them that this was the only set I wanted for my kids and I wouldn't settle for a cheaper one on their site.... I would simply do without, and they took one hundred dollars off! I am so excited for my kids. We used to have something like this at our old house but we left it thinking it would help our old home to sell faster. Our kids have missed having a fort to play in and climb and hold club meetings in. Just think! In five days, it will only take John and the older boys a mere 24 hours to put it together and then our kids could play, play, play! How fun!
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Adam is a homebody. He is content just hanging out with his family. I think that's cool.

Sveta is wearing a present from Uncle Brad and Aunt Connie in Egypt. Isn't she pretty?

Oh my, is that my Jonny?

Yes, I encourage cereal night at least once a week. I'm not sure who likes it more--- me or the kids.

Adam and Julia wanted to prove that there are at least two other ways to eat yogurt besides with a spoon.

Here is my little cuddlebug being carried upstairs so that I could get him ready for bed. Nightly routine is to brush teeth, wash and put ointment in his eye, change his diaper, put on his jammies, and give him at least twenty kisses. I'm telling you, everything about this little boy brings me joy--- including watching how much all of his siblings love being around him too.

Today, was a follow-up to his cleft palate surgery. The surgeon said that everything looks great. He reminded me that his surgery in March is going to be a very major one which will include working on both sides of his face, his lip and mouth, and trying to close up his eye. Dennis' last surgery was pretty major in my opinion, so you can only imagine how nervous I am about this upcoming one. Please keep Dennis in your prayers--- March is not very far away.