The NEW Bunkbed....

Okay, please start praying for the safety of our boys! They have a bunk bed and LOVE being on the top....Rylan can climb up the ladder by himself and especially thinks it is funny to do it when you aren't looking.... Here is a quick video we made so you can check it out! They just got up from naps....they even have nappy hair! Enjoy!

Trip to the Museum

Last Sunday Becky called and asked us to meet her and the boys at the Discovery Museum in Rockford. The last time we had been there was when we took Becky and our boys to it! Here are a few pictures of the "kids" having a good time. The boys are playing in the "lava" pit of a volcano. Hunter said he found lava in his undies that night!

Six-Month Doctor Visit

I took the babies for their six-month check up today. Gracie weighed 16 pounds and 5 ounces and was 29 inches long. Loran weighed 16 pounds and 8 ounces and was 28 inches long. I can't believe how fast Gracie has caught up to her sister. Dr. Kummer says they have "good genes", but we already knew that! Loran and Aubrey are a little under the weather. Aubrey stayed home from school yesterday and today with a sore throat and the need to recover from a weekend of sleepovers. Tomorrow when she goes back to school she will have five tests to take.

I enjoyed the sunshine today. Definitely not looking forward to snow tomorrow. Pam

Go Illini!

Ok, had to say that as we haven't had too much opportunity and they managed to not embarrass themselves tonight. Actually, it was a fun game (although I need a special guide with all of the changing lineups...sheesh!) and a long drive, but coming down worked out well. There is still more snow left on the ground than I thought - must not have been as warm today as I thought it would be up here. Was nice in Homer...

Everything went well with the visit to Aunt Chris and Uncle John's. The girls were charmers and they enjoyed seeing them. Loran kept stealing Gracie's pacifier and tried putting it in her mouth. They were great fun to watch again today at Mom and Dad's, as well, rolling around and over each other. Easy entertainment, and they will change fast, I know.

Mom is right about the bathroom, it looks bigger and more open. Can't wait to see the new lights up and everything done.

Better get to bed, I guess.

See you all - Sharon

From Homer

It is cold in Homer too. In fact so cold I can't figure out why I am double spacing.
Sounds like it is not going to get warmer than 12. We have not had a lot of snow -
just cold. Sharon, Darrin and Pam and the twins are going to see Aunt Chris this afternoon. I wish it was not so cold. Aubrey is coming here after school. She will probably beat me in Monopoly. We finally ordered the carpet. It took several trips to bring samples home. Yesterday Dad took the shower doors off and it made the bathroom look bigger. It also will be more fun for the little ones to play in the tub when they are at grandmas. Dad said just remember spring is coming! Love, Mom

A Winter Wonderland

Becky is right. This winter just won't quit. We didn't have school on Tuesday due to 8 inches of snow and they are calling for 30 below temps tomorrow. The news is talking about possible school closings. Yes, the snow and ice have been a pain. But you have to admit it has been one of the most beautiful winters ever. All day today at school, the snow just kept softly falling all day (another inch or two). Here is a picture of our back patio. I usually grill out all winter, but not this year. Notice the piles on the chairs and the conehead bird feeder. Mindy

It is stinkin' cold here!

No one else has written lately, so I thought I would start it up again. Rob is in the midst of finishing the 5th /6th grade basketball season (yea!) and has started his 2nd to last course he needs before his thesis for his doctorate. He is also now a school board member at Zion. Hunter and Rylan are getting very excited for the transition to being "bunk mates." We have the bunk bed and the sheets but no mattresses yet. Maybe this weekend! Rylan is starting to use all sorts of words lately. He loves telling me "NO!" and running away. It just blows me away that he will be two in a matter of months! I have been busy with some extra days at work when Rob is home and also finding and getting music together for my piano students for recital this spring. I decided to do away with the traditional recital this year and we will be having a Disney theme. It has been fun finding music...traditional disney stuff to pirates of the carribean and high school musical. I am debating about encouraging them to dress up like a character from their song. Well....I think that is about all on the Smith coldfront. We are just trying to stay warm and praying that our furnace continues to do what it's supposed to! Love you all and we are thinking of you!