Jacob's 5th Birthday

Jacob is finally five. I really can't believe it. It seems like he should stay 3 forever and be my little boy. We had his party at a local gymnastics gym and all the kids had a blast! The foam pit is a definite favorite, and harder than you think to get out of. Jacob has made such great little friends and is really going to miss them when we have to leave.

Fortunately Moss was able to get away from work for a while. There is nothing quite like a dad to come and make everything more fun. Every kid wanted a chance, or two, to swing on the rope (which is really meant for climbing up). Moss pushed and pushed each kid while the rest of us Mom's enjoyed the chance to just sit back and relax.

The weather was horrible that morning and school was out for a "snow day", for which Mary and Anna were very glad. All the moms were good sports and willing to brave the icy roads. The kids all enjoyed brownies and ice cream with sprinkles on top. Most importantly Jacob was thrilled to have all his friends come and celebrate his birthday.

The Latest Craft

After stealing this technique once again from a friend, we decided to use it on a jewelry box. We bought the unfinished box at Michaels, picked out some paper, paint, and embellishments and put it all together with a little modge podge and hot glue. We had a fun time doing it together. It is definitely a quick gift idea for little girls. (It would be even better if you wait until the boxes are on sale.)

And Growing...

Well, for those who are wondering how I am coming along, here I am in all my glory. I think having the kids in the photo gives you better perspective. I can finally say my abdomen is like a rock. There is no squishy-ness at all when you give me a poke. The kids are having a great time watching the babies move around and push out in a variety of directions. It really is quite fascinating. I am to the point of not being able to see my ankles (even in the morning) and none of my shirts are doing their job. (For example, the red sweater above.) Thank goodness my friend loaned me her "unit belt", which keeps me modest. January 6th is the planned induction date, and I must say I am hoping to come on my own before then! We are still open to names, so if you have any (helpful) suggestions please feel free to share them.

The Skating Party- A Success

Since I am not completely myself these days, we decided to have a skating party for Anna's "friend" party. The girls really love it, and we had just gone in NC on our Thanksgiving trip. It was well worth it to have it there and to not stress about the house and the wild raucous that would have occured here.

We were worried about what to do with Brooke, but they had these great shoe skates that let her go like crazy all around the floor. It was also nice that it was a special skate time where only kids 10 and under were allowed to skate. Brooke was unrestrained and didn't quit until we had to make her take them off.

Anna with her friend Sammi, and Brooke

Who's helping who?

Anna's 7th Birthday

We started the day off with a treasure hunt for all of Anna's gifts. I had posted the first clue by her bead, and in the dark of night I heard feet pattering down the hallway. We had to send Anna and Mary back to their room so we could at least get out the camera. They had a great time finding the gifts, and it prolonged the excitement of all the surprises.

Anna has been in need of a new bike for a while, and she was excited to get it. She had been saving up for a new bike this past summer but lost interest. Now she is glad that she got one for her birthday so she can spend her money on something else. Plus, her little bike made it possible for Jacob to beat her in bike races, so now she is ready to take him on.

We had a yummy breakfast with blueberry muffins, eggs, and strawberry milk. And of course we had to include a candle for the fun of it. I was able to take in a birthday treat to Anna's class and we went out to celebrate for dinner, and to celebrate our match to Boston, which happened to be the same day.

Happy Birthday Anna!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Anna and Jake both have their birthdays in December, 3 days apart. It makes for a extra busy holiday season.
They began their celebrations with a visit from the best primary leaders ever. They each received their own personal cake, decorated just for them. They were in heaven.

Lisa, knowing Anna's love for dogs, made this super cute puppy cake, and of course Jacob was very impressed with his soccer ball. And we all enjoyed eating them!

And the verdict is.....

Well, I have to say I am surprised and relieved all in the same moment, but we finally know where we are going for fellowship...so much for somewhere with a mild climate, we are headed to Boston, Massachusetts!

Decorating the Tree

The Annual Gift Exchange

Every year we have the cousins draw names and give each other gifts. It is always a big hit, and the kids were patient in taking their turn to open their gifts. Jacob received a globe, which sits proudly on his dresser and he admires it daily. It really has invoked a whole new level of questions about geography (Thanks Alister).

Leo was the recipient of a set of marshmellow guns. He was thrilled, and had a hard time when the babies wanted to eat all his ammo. I think Moss had as much fun helping him put it together and shooting other people.

We made Lilias a fleece boa and headband, and and apron with her name on it. She gave the girls some very appreciated littlest petshop animals that have log on codes to play on the internet. Mary and Anna are still having a great time playing with them together, as well as protecting them from Brooke.

Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Lilias is the only girl cousin in the Fenberg family (and very beloved). I think the girls only spent one night apart from each other the entire trip. Whenever they got a little "tired" of each other, we only had to threaten their separation for a night and they immediately improved.

THE BOYS.
It is only another year before they become a rough and tumble gang to be reckoned with.

"The Mamas"
(Brooke's last days as "the baby")

Dinner in the Gallery

Lessons from Grandma Charlotte

Grandma Charlotte is an incredible decorator of pottery, and has spent many years perfecting her technique. She is famous for her birds, and does beautiful flowers as well. Now that the kids are older she has begun to teach and help them get involved in the process. The plates above are the girls first attempt with designing and painting, and to the right is Jacob's first rocket bowl (which he eats out of at every opportunity). Charlotte was very brave on this trip, and let all the kids work together. They take it very seriously and are very confident in their abilities already (thanks to Charlotte's continual praise and encouragement).

(Don't mind the face paint, just the residue of a great time painting their own faces)

This was Brooke's first go at it, and she too is very fond of her bowl. Thank goodness she has one, or we would have a serious dilemma on our hands every morning when all the kids get out "their" dish.

The Extended Fenberg Fam

I am not sure why we waited until the very last moment to get a group picture, but here we all are. We all had such a great time together. The kids never could get enough of each other. It really is amazing the power of family. There is definitely a spiritual connection there that keeps you bonded no matter the distance or time between you. The kids all wailed as we drove away wondering how we could torture them by keeping them away from their family. (of course, now Mary is old enough to bear the same burden Moss and I carry, which is, we will never live close to both of our families.) Mary sobbed, "Why didn't you think of that before you got married?". Somehow I never really thought of the children and their feelings about it.... what were we thinking?

The Cousins (Left to right) Roland, Leo, Lilias, Brooke, Jacob,
Anna, Mary, Baby Aubrey, and Alister.