Spending a Day in Lake Geneva

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Colin sang in late church with his class. After lunch we had decided to go venture out to Lake Geneva for the day. This weekend they had ice sculptures going on by the lakefront. When we got there to see the ice sculptures we noticed you really couldn't make out them because of the beautiful weather we've been having. Oh well, how can we complain we love this weather. We got a chance to get down by the lakefront to walk on the ice and they had helicopter rides going on there. We took a walk around the downtown area. We then stopped in at a Coffee Shop to have hot coco and white chocolate covered pretzel sticks. The kids loved it.

A Cold Week

Sorry haven't post in a while. It was nice getting the kids back to school to get back to our routine again. With it being so cold last week the kids had no school Thursday and Friday. Thursday the kids were so happy to have off but, by Friday I think everyone was getting stir crazy.

I have a magazine that I've had for over a year now. In this magazine they have a kitchen that I love with a fireplace in the dining room and the fireplace was painted a light beige by the owners. I really dislike the color of our fireplace . So, Brandon worked 2nd shift on Thursday and when he walked out of the door I took it upon myself to paint the fireplace. So he was surprised when he called me that night and I told him what I did. I don't think he believed me until he got home and saw it for himself. I think he likes it.

This is a picture of the fireplace before.

This actually looks better than the picture. The oak mantle had a golden tone. So, I was going to paint the mantle white with a primer paint color. After one coat of it I didn't like the white so I tried to clean it off with soapy water. It took off the shiny seal and instead of taking off all the white primer I left some on it to give it a vintage look. I am happy with it.

While I was painting my cousin Carie called me and I was explaining what I was doing. I told her I would put it on my blog so she could see what I was doing. I think she got the impression I had no idea what I was doing. She was laughing at me because I was using the paint color that we used in our foyer. She thought there was paint specifically for painting a fireplace. That night after I painted the fireplace I did google and she was right. Hope you like it.

p.s. In the magazine (with the painted fireplace ) the picture has an amazing crystal chandelier. Friday night I looked everywhere for the chandelier and finally I found it (were I was hoping I wouldn't because they're so expensive) PotteryBarn $400. I was so bummed. I did hint to Brandon that it would make a wonderful anniversary gift. But he laughed at me. Oh well, I guess a girl can dream.

-nicole

Papa's Visit Day After Christmas 2008

Papa and Sue visited us on Friday after Christmas. After dinner we opened gifts from Papa. The kids also got gifts from Andy and Tammi and Clint and Karen. We all had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone for all the great gifts. Sue made a homemade cheesecake and it was a big hit. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

Pictures From Christmas Day 2008

Gabe's favorite gift was the Leapster that he asked Santa for.

Noah is always excited when he gets a gift that has to do with cars.

Santa suprised Colin with an IPOD which he loves.

When we can't find Lily we know she is in her room playing with her new dollhouse. She will not allow her brothers to play with her dollhouse.

Kids waiting for dad to open their new gifts and assemble them.

Kids playing on kitchen floor with Noah's new gift.

Mom making caramel apple pancakes and sausage for Christmas Day breakfast.

Mom and Colin came over in the afternoon to celebrate Christmas with us.

We had a wonderful time on Christmas Day. The kids kept on saying this was the best Christmas ever.

Thanks to Mom (Mar) for all the wonderful gifts and treats she brought over to our house. A special thanks to Colin for the delicious guacamole.

Christmas Eve 2008

This year Christmas Eve was not like any other year. Unfortunately this year Brandon had to work which forced us to miss the Behling Christmas family get together. It is always fun to get together with the family and the kids. One of mine and Brandon's favorite part of the party is playing White Elephant. It is a game that can take up to an hour with our family. Everyone puts so much thought into their gifts. While Brandon was at work with the help of the kids we made cupcakes, cake, Apple Crisp and my aunt's famous potato casserole. They seem to want to help me in the beginning but eventually they deserted me especially during the cleanup. When Brandon got home from work we made steak and sea scallops for dinner. Brandon and I are looking forward to tomorrow to see the kids open their gifts. Happy Holidays to all.This picture was taken a few days ago when Lily got done making snow angels outside. She wanted to show us on the kitchen floor.

Noah, Gabe and Lily getting ready to help me make cupcakes on Christmas Eve.

Lily cleaning the frosting off the spoon.

Colin, Gabe and Lily playing games on the computer.

Noah playing on the snack bar while I am cleaning up dishes.

Getting ready to sit down and eat dinner.