Yes, these kids know how things work around here.

Tonight, after we had applied the decals to the boys' pinewood derby cars, Henry said to me, "Mom, do you think you could take a picture of us with our cars and you could post it on the blog?" And imagine that, I already had the camera in hand.

So then I was reorganizing in the boys' shelves in their room tonight, and just happened upon something that I believe was TOP SECRET. (And now I am posting it on the blog, so don't tell anyone.) You see, Henry received a spy kit from his Uncle Mark and Aunt Nacibe for Christmas this year, and now most of my children fancy themselves superspies. Now any activity that I do is under secret surveillance and watched with intense interest. (I have been named a suspect, but I'm not sure of what.) Apparently, according to the SUPER SPY notes they've taken, I've been observed taking pictures (imagine that!), watching FOX news, taking care of a baby who screams SANTA (hee hee!, to see what I'm talking about, click on this post), and, my personal favorite, EATING GREEN BEANS. Wow, I hope that this information doesn't wind up in the wrong hands! (Click on the picture if you'd like a closer look.)

Think the kids need to get outside?!

It is still so cold here!! The high was -10, and get this, the low was -27!!!!! (School was canceled today.) And with wind chill right now, it feels like -47. Apparently, because they can't get outside with this freezing weather, the kids need to expend a little energy inside by taking a few laps around the island. This is real life at the Nosek house. I have to admit it. Messy kitchen, crazy kids, my husband's joining in, and what am I doing? I'm recording it for the blog.

The kids are moving along nicely on their pinewood derby cars. They just painted them. The race is just 8 days away.

And of course, Miss Caroline can't be left out. She had to color pictures of her brothers' cars.

Be honest...

...how many of you see that I videotaped my cleaned up basement and are thinking to yourself, "Oh my word, Sarah, GET A LIFE!!!" ? I agree, and I'll work on that someday. It was one of those things where I was doing it, but couldn't believe I was doing it. But I can't help it. I'm pretty proud of myself. Especially because I have one of these hanging around here...

Speaking of our two year old...he gave a shout out to Uncle Mark and Aunt Nacibe tonight. He grabbed a picture of them and said, "Ceebee, Mark," and then he kissed the picture! Now, before you two start getting big heads and all, just know that this is the same boy that will kiss the refrigerator when he is hungry. Not to minimize his love for you too much, which I know is strong. ;) And before all you other aunts and uncles start getting all jealous, just know that I will be placing your pictures at Evan's eye level as well so that they can get their fair share of Evan affection.

It is 1 here. One. ONE. one. 1 degree.

Wow, do I miss summer!!! I miss flowers and no coats and the lake. How about some nice summer pics to warm us up?

On a happy note, I CONQUERED THE BASEMENT!!! Victory at last! The kids love it. Caroline said it rocked (where did she get that phrase?!) and that it wasn't scary anymore now that it is cleaned up. (I definitely agree with you on that one, Caroline!) Pictures to come tomorrow.

Fort Nosek(s)

I can remember building a huge bi-level snow fort with my younger brother when we were kids, and we named it Fort Ort (my maiden name was Orton). I have to admit, the fort that Dave built with the kids rivals that one. It has tunnels, windows and a slide. But then multiply that by three. Henry, Seth and Caroline each have their own. They were quite industrious.

Henry informed me when he got home from CCD tonight that they are going to have a snow day tomorrow, that school will be cancelled because we are due to get even more snow, high winds, and a sharp drop of temperature. Remind me...why is it that we live here?! I might have to post some summer pictures just to warm up a bit.

Dave and the kids by the biggest fort

Caroline's slide fort

Henry made this tunnel himself

Seth, aka The Snowman, needs a hot chocolate!!!

Sledding with Dad

He's ok, but it makes it tough to work on those pinewood derby cars with the boys!

The following might be a live action shot of Dave's injury (footage and picture compliments of my friend, Jane!).

Father and Son--1st Pinewood Derby Car

Its nice to have more company in the basement! Today, while Caroline and Henry were at birthday parties and Evan was napping, the rest of us went downstairs. Dave and Seth were working on their first pinewood derby car together. Seth has been very involved in the planning, from picking out the design, to drawing it on the car, to sawing and chiseling. Its great that Dave has gotten Seth so involved. He is very proud of his work, and it is coming along nicely.

I am moving right along on the organization in the basement. It is fun to see progress, especially since it has been so hard to get us to the point of letting some things go. I'm now at the point of working through some memorabilia boxes, and I was very much feeling sentimental as I was looking at the ways our family has grown, from starting out as a couple to having our fourth child. All in the space of 11 years! Its been fun to look back, but I really do want it all to slow down. I guess that everyone says that, but it really hits home when you see all the pictures at once, remembering all the stories. We've been blessed.

Our cuddlebug and his very tolerant oldest brother. Whenever Evan sees anyone laying on the couch, he takes it as an invitation to climb all over them, cuddle, and more often than not, a little bit of both.

We wish you a merry Christmas...again!

Technology...I love it, but can't always make sense of it.

We went to Caroline's Christmas program today. Yes, today. Her program before Christmas was cancelled due to weather. So we were celebrating Christmas still today on January 9. :) It was such a sweet program, and the kids were so excited and proud. One of the things that I will remember was Caroline walking out to the program with her class. All of the children were walking in a line, looking for their families in the audience. How sweet and beautiful she looked when her eyes found Grandpa Orton, Evan and I.

That was the moment that I wanted to share on the blog. However, I forgot my memory card for my camera, so I was using our video camera to record. I can't figure out how to select the footage I want from the video camera. Grrr. Oh well. We'll just wish you a merry Christmas once again (I think this is Caroline's third serenade of you with this song!) with the video footage that I did manage to post! :)