Korbel Floor "Kleaners"

Boys In The House = Messy Floors

My daughter-in-laws will thank me one day for I am continuously teaching my boys how to pick up after themselves. 

Sometimes, to keep their attention, I am challenged to come up with creative ideas.

Last week was one of them...................

Supplies:

2 energetic boys with a desire to slide and clean at the same time
4 wash clothes
Several rubber bands
1 bucket
Floor cleaning substance (I use vinegar and dish soap with warm water)
1 camera
Patience and a sense of humor

Happy "Kleaning"!

Christmas with the Korbels!

As we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ I too rejoiced for the blessings God has personally given me in the last 10 years. 

This man .......

                                  (Making our Jesus cake!  We even ate it for breakfast.  Call me a bad mom, but I think the birth of our Savior was well worth celebrating  even if it was 7 am)

and these boys......

(an attempt at a Christmas morning photo)

Frankly, their "presence" is gifted to me daily and that is better then anything wrapped under a tree.

Warmth at the dinner table!

The best part about being home on Tuesday is I get to pick Owen up from school.  I cherish the moments we share right away when we get home.  Most Tuesdays we all (being the boys and myself)  sit down at the dinner table for a snack, followed by some "sight word" practicing and sometimes a game or craft.  It gives us the opportunity to visit about his day and talk about what is going on in his life.  Most nights I don't walk into the house until 6pm and our routine of nighttime activities has already began.  Tuesdays are different though. Life is simpler on Tuesdays and I get my dose of "warmth at the dinner table". 

It has been frigidly cold here in the fine state of Minnesota so I didn't argue when Owen suggested we have hot cocoa with our Annie's Bunnies! 

It was a perfect photo opportunity as Easton never fails to eat or drink without creating a disaster of himself.  Owen did a mighty fine job as well. 

Love is like swallowing HOT CHOCOLATE before it has cooled off.
It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time. (thinkexist.com)

Nurse Momma!

The house smells like Vicks,
Owen is sick!
A fever has he,
and tired is me.
A night full of hacking,
germs please go packing.
Kleeze, cough drops and juice,
to help get things loose.
This boys needs his rest,
Please wish him the best!

Feel better soon buddy!

Coughing, Christ and Catching up!

All is quiet in the Korbel household minus the occasional barking cough that is coming from the boys room.  Poor little guys have icky colds, complete with runny noses, coughing fits and the crabbies.  It's tough to see your little ones sick.  Please pray this passes quickly and a restful nights sleep with help them to heal. 

I too am recovering from the ickies.  Most of my weekend was spent on the couch watching movies and snuggling (probably why the boys are suffering now).  The body aches and overall yuckies hit me and I was down for the count.  Not easy when you have children to watch over, laundry to be put away and mouths to feed.  Thank goodness for an awesome husband who steps up to the plate whenever I need him.  I sure am blessed.  Paul put on the "momma hat" and successfully managed the household between football plays.

Today, my day off, was spent "catching up". I got the most of my chores accomplished and managed to make and freeze 4 meals (thanks to the wonderful suggestions from my Facebook friends).  I am looking forward to a week of not having to wonder "What should I make for supper tonight?" 

The next week will be consumed with Christmas Concerts, Sunday School Pageants, and cookie baking.  'Tis the season.  I really do love this time of the year and I am striving to keep it simple and really enjoy the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

Lastly, we currently have a MIA Christ-Child.  It appears he and his manger have not been seen since Saturday.  I found a leg of the manger under the couch this morning but Jesus remains unaccounted for.  Wonder when and where he will show up?  Then again he always shows up when you need him most doesn't he?

Shutter, shutter, shake, shake. Shutterfly is really great!

'Tis the the season.  It is now the time of the year we gather our families together to capture the perfect Christmas picture.  We don matching clothing, pose in wintry locations and desperately hope the kids look at the camera at least one time. 

This task can be difficult. It causes tears, arguments and forces parents to remind their children to keep their hands to themselves. 

The last thing I want to fret over after the picture is finally taken (and hopefully successfully) is what I am going to select for my Christmas Card. 

I recently began creating a book for my sons at http://www.shutterfly.com/.   It is so simple to use and I love how book is taking life. 

Since I have been so pleased with the site I couldn't help but look at their section on creating cards.  You too can find your perfect Christmas card here http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards.

With so many choices  (278 to be exact)  it was hard for me to pick just one.  Some of my favorites included: Pine Cone Toile, Snowflake Dazzle, and Elegant Floral Black.

I choice the Elegant Floral Black for our family card because of it's simplicity and coloring.  I especially liked the fact is said the word "CHRIST" MAS, which I feel is truly the reason we celebrate. 

I have received Shutterfly cards from friends in past and have always taken note to the quality and beauty of these products.

I look forward to making more projects using this user friendly site.  My mom loves photos of her grandsons so I think a calender found here: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars would make a great birthday present.  Our oldest has a birthday coming up and the cards here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery would be a fun way to invite his friends to celebrate his 6th year of life.

Shutterfly helps you tell a story. Check out these awesome products and began creating you family history  today.  Merry Christmas and remember the real reason we celebrate this season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

If you are interested in finding out how you can get FREE Christmas Card as Shutterfly check out this: http://bit.ly/sfly2010 .  Happy Creating!