Happy 5th Birthday Maddison (Dec.16)!

Can't believe it has been five years since she was born. What memories her birthday brings back. What a blessing she is to our family! Love you little Miss Maddie Pants!

Another 'First'

Once your kids start getting older it seems that the 'firsts' become less and less. Well, tonight we had a 'first'. Our first 911 call. Creighton was playing with an old cell phone he still charges up so he can take pictures, etc. with it. He dialed 911 and I guess hung up when someone answered. My phone rang and it was dispatch wanting to know what our emergency was. Ugh. He cried when he found out it was the police calling. I think this was a first and a last. I hope.

Creighton and Colby Gave Water For Christmas

Dug this out of Creighton's backpack tonight, from his teacher, to whom he gave a Water Ornament (thanks Amy and Amy's mom--the ornaments were the PERFECT gift :)

So glad to be able to participate in Water For Christmas.
Never before have I felt so good about giving. Even if it's just a little, it still feels so right and good.
Sometimes it hurts my heart to think about how happy these people, our brothers and sisters in faraway villages,
will be when they get water, life, because of what little ol' Muskie
is doing for water.

Um....thanks, Dave.

Creighton has been known to be just a 'little' competitive. Ok, a LOT competitive. Last Saturday when Dave and his family came out to Wii, Dave brought Mario Kart and these yellow 'racing glasses'. He now has Creighton COMPLETELY convinced that they will make you drive faster, bowl better, hit farther, etc. Creighton wears them EVERY time he plays Wii and hides them in a special place in his room when he goes to bed. Ugh. Thanks, Dave :)

some of the animals

These two are the big babies that think they want in all of the time....

They decided they don't like ice.

And this guy...well, he's just one handsome man. Never complains about anything. Unless he wants out. Oh and he doesn't like snow plows either. He whinnies at them and then runs in circles :)

Christmas Program

A little behind. I think this was a couple of weeks ago already! Oops. Far away in a dark auditorium with bright stage lights--doesn't make for a very good picture. Especially with me behind the camera. :)

Tomorrow

We haven't shown the house for a VERY long time. A realtor from Iowa City will be showing it tomorrow around 4pm. Still hoping....

Weekend recap

Another weekend down. Pretty low-key couple of days. I am not sure what we did Friday--nothing significant that I remember. Saturday was softball for Colby, gathering wood for Greg and Creighton, and then Dave, Tangie and Kenzie came out for supper and some Wii. Today was a play all day, hang out in the house kind of day.

I hit the Water for Christmas benefit for a little bit this evening. It was a very nice event and I am excited to hear the final outcome of the night. Many thanks to all of you girls who have worked so tirelessly to bring clean water to those who so desperately need it. Lives being saved one well at a time. Thanks for your passion, your energy and your hearts. You know who you are.

Really?

Has it been that long since I posted? Oops. Not even sure what has went on since then. The kids had their Christmas program. I think I got a couple pictures, but I haven't loaded them. Yesterday, I took a vacation day from work to stay home and clean. I don't have a cleaning lady right now as she has been student teaching and finishing school. So in order to free up my weekends to hang with the kids I have to take a day off during the week and clean. What a wonderful way to use my vacation time :)

We are trying hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Trying even harder to reach out to those much less fortunate than us. We have helped sponsor food and gifts for a couple of different families. With all of the economic doom and gloom, I have come to realize more than ever how fortunate we are. Jobs, a home, a little money in the bank, vehicles to drive, plenty of clothing, warm coats, food, clean water....the list goes on. How blessed we are. And how much we take for granted.

Happy Holidays from Carlson Acres!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The one and only

picture of either of us from the weekend. And it was by accident--he walked out the door while I was taking pictures of the cabin. But, he's kinda cute too......

Many thanks

to my parents and brother Dave for holding down the fort while we were gone. Mom and Dad kept the kids, and Dave made many trips back and forth to our house keeping our woodburning furnace going and caring for the cats, dogs and horse. Your help is appreciated more than you know!!

A couple more

A very comfortable bed with top notch cozy down alternative bedding

A nice bath with heated towel bar, lighted make-up mirror, robes, and of course a phone by the toilet so I could call all of my friends while sitting on the throne?! I guess I never understood the concept of phones in the bathroom--not somewhere I want to sit to talk :)

10 Timberland Cabin--perfect!

The main inn. It has several suites also, some overlooking the river--not a priority for us since we live near the river.

Little Cabin in the Woods

After a LONG last few months, Greg and I went away for a little weekend retreat. It turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. We stayed 2 nights at this log cabin at the Goldmoor Inn just outside of Galena. It was very nice and a great compromise between luxurious and homey. They definately have the fine details down to make your stay extra special. When we pulled up to the inn the innkeeper came out to greet us at the car. Then after check-in she met us at the cabin to show us around the place and how everything worked. All of the extra little amenities provided in the room were nice touches. It was definately the CLEANEST place I have ever stayed. The bed and bedding were top notch. In fact, we loved the bedding so much that it is what we asked my parents to give us for Christmas! They are always looking for ideas and this was something we BOTH loved--COZY! If you are looking for great little getaway for two I would recommend the Goldmoor, no doubt! They have two of the cabins, a couple of cottages and then the main inn has several suites. Breakfast was included with your stay. You can eat in the main dining room or have it delivered to you. The first day they noticed we hadn't eaten and called our room to see if we were ready to have it delivered. And, it was great food! The refrigerator was stocked with water, soda, and juice--all complimentary. We headed to downtown Galena a couple of different times. It was about 8 miles away. The fireplace, the whirlpool in the living room, the cute little kitchen, nice bathroom, the most comfortable bed, the privateness all made this a perfect getaway. And, on Sunday when we woke up it was snowing--made me wish we were staying one more night!

more of the 'cabin'

Dual Purpose Family Gathering

Today my family got together for Thanksgiving, and we celebrated Creighton's birthday since we were all together today and his 'real' day is tomorrow. It was a great day, a fanstastic meal and a happy birthday boy. Fun for all....

The kids

#6 for the Big Man!