Her two front teeth!

All Sarah wants for Christmas is her two front teeth. If only that were true and her list wasn't actually a mile long! Sarah lost both her front teeth within two days. No apples for her now!

What happened to the two front teeth 

 We had our first snow of the year and the girls made an awesome snowman. Matthew did not want to help because it was too cold. The girls, however stayed outside for quite awhile and had a blast. They really do love snow.

Frosty the snowman

 It's been a few weeks since I posted but we have not been idle. We've been enjoying the weather and sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate in the evenings. That's my favorite part of winter. The toasty warm fire!

I have also been overloaded with work. I'm on two new course developments while still teaching my courses.  Luckily I've been able to take the kids to Grandma's house so she can babysit while I work and do my endless conference calls.

Pink Moon cupcake Bakery - Matthew and I went one day

Kid pile

 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. Unfortunately Nana and Papa were sick and Uncle Dave had to work so no one from my side of the family could come. Hopefully Nana and Papa will feel better soon. We had Grandma and Grandpa and our friends Sunshine, Matt, their kids and Sunshine's Mom Pamela here. We ate lots of delicious food and dessert (which is my favorite part!).

Thanksgiving table

I made a chocolate caramel pie that Erik loved so much he requested it as his birthday cake instead of cake. I also made lemon cake that was to die for! It was so moist and delicious and had a bright burst of lemon flavor. Both recipes I found on pinterest. Thank you pinterest!!

Desserts

In other news:

• Jenna and I read The Giver by Lois Lowry. Jenna really loved the book. It is one that makes  you think certainly.
• I finished the Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks. I love his writing and can't wait for the next book to come out in this series.
• I am reading the Matched series by Allie Condie. This is another dystopian young adult series. This seems to be the theme in young adult literature now.
• Jenna is now reading the Belgariad by David Eddings. I read this series many years ago and liked it, not for its thematic elements or intellectual stimulation but because it is a fun read. And I'm all about fun reads! 
•  After 6 1/2 years of leading our small group we have decided to take a break. We are not going to lead and host anymore but we still plan on attending a small group. 
• We have also joined the YMCA. I realized how much I missed fitness classes after not doing them for 2 years. Erik is planning on running outside all winter long. He is crazy.