Christmas is soon to be here. My mom is talking to her sister and brother about this, that, and the other thing. We are all excited to see our family and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Matthew and Kate have been spotting the presents that sit under the tree. Little do they know that the ones for them sit in the back face down. Today is Monday and it seems that they are simply living for Thursday. I just want to be done with school for a couple of weeks. Have a Merry Christmas!! -Laura

The boys

Lat night I went to watch my three younger cousins. They were all very good. We ate pizza, played go fish, and just had a good time. After getting them ready for bed we went downstairs and took a few fun pictures. (they wanted to see themselves being funny) Brotherly love is right here folks!

A Family Tradition

Everyone spreading

this is the scale that we measure the amount of ingredients for each batch on
Grandma working on the sugar
Already stretched peanut brittle on the slabs


This is what the batter looks like when we begin cooking
good job Matthew!
hi dad!
This past Saturday we made peanut brittle. We had a lot of fun as we measured, stirred, and stretched six batches. Not to mention all of the greasing and cleaning that was included. Here are some pictures to help you visualize what we do. Sorry, I can not give out the recipe it is a family secret!

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph"

I was reading to day ( for fun) Part of "The American Crisis" written by Thomas Pain. ( He also wrote common sense) He wrote this in his paper.
" Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain to too cheap, we esteem to lightly; 'tis dearness only that gives everything its value."
When we work extremely hard for something and reach the goal the rewards feel much greater. When we don't try and do well we don't have as great of a reward. What is "hard"? What is "dear"? I am going to use the word " fight for". There are small things to "fight" for such as sticking up for your 4 year old sister when she is being clobbered by my 7 year old brother. Then there are really big things to fight for such as taking the stand of pro-life. You are fighting for the lives of unborn children. We can not be afraid to fail. Something that we know that God is calling us to work for we can be sure will have the rewards in heaven. "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."-Laura

tonight

Tonight Hari is moving in. I am praying for a good transition. I must finish cleaning up my room and getting things ready. Matthew, Dad, Kate, and Alyson will be going to church tonight as it is the first night of "The Christmas Festival." We should win the award for most insane family. However, I wouldn't trade my family for anything in the world. Right now I am just trying to get to Christmas break. It is not to far away. It is only 18 more days of school. That is including the weekends before Christmas vacation. My mom is just not even thinking about it to keep from becoming stressed. A happy mom makes for happy kids and a happy house! -Laura