Days With the Duerksens

Well, I just finished my first sewing project in about 15 years! About a year ago, I purchased material to make valances for Caiden's room. So, in August, I cut the material out and now, close to the new year, I've finished all 3. If you don't look too closely, they're all right. I'm quite proud of myself for re-learning how to sew a few seams, even if they are crooked!

Christmas Eve has always been the highlight of Christmas for me. Maybe it's because of our church's program, or opening gifts at my parents' house afterwards (ever since I was a little girl). Whatever it is, I look forward to it every year! The kids both got to sing with the SonShine Singers at the program and this year, Caiden actually had speaking lines with his Kdg. class. He did a great job after much practicing! Cambry was brave enough to share a short poem for the children's sharing time -- everyobody's favorite part of the program. Her poem was, "Jesus was born today, This happy Christmas Day." (a made-up poem) Short but sweet! Afterwards, we opened gifts and had goodies at my parents' house -- so much fun! We got home shortly after 11:00 -- dodging a few snowdrifts along the way! Caiden waits with Ty, Timothy, and Jacob for the Christmas Eve program to begin Cambry got a new scooter from Grammy and Papa -- she's trying it out in t

Our Christmas was pretty laid-back this year compared to other years. We were at home all day! The kids enjoyed opening presents in the morning, and then in the evening, we had an impromptu dinner with Chelan's parents and my parents. I had cooked a ham that Chelan received from work, and it happened to work out that they all could come. We had a very nice Christmas Day! Caiden got a new combine -- he had long since worn his old one out! Allow me to explain the short tree in the back -- We got rid of our cedar tree the week before because Cambry had been sick 3 times since we brought it in. So, we were left with our little decorative tree on a plant stand. Cambry has been much better since we got rid of the tree, so I guess that means no more pasture trees in the years to come! Cambry showing off her magnetic fashion dolls, Aquadoodle, and Fancy Nancy book

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a snowy day at home -- NO School for Caiden! We took advantage of it -- making snowmen, baking zwieback, and drinking hot chocolate. It was fun to be at home and not worry about driving somewhere! Cambry enjoyed helping! I have to take a picture before I bake them because they usually fall over! After this snowman, Caiden made another one! Yum! Hot Chocolate!!