Snow!

Lydia was so sure that she would see snow this Christmas after all the Christmas shows and commercial images, but I'm afraid this is as close as we are going to get. Someday, we'll go see some snow for Christmas.

We went ice skating today. It was the first time for Ryan and second for Lydia. We spent a lot of time on the ice, like knees and hands on the ice. After a few big sprawls and slides, Ryan liked to sit for a bit after every lap. We had a great time, and now the kids are with Erica and Chong at Chong's sister's house with other nieces and nephews. It is so peaceful.

Last night, Joel and I dropped the kids at Martha and Phil's house where Jeremy and Rufaro were official babysitters. We saw Dreamgirls. It was so good. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire show from music, to acting, to costumes and dancing. It was just fun, and moving in many parts as well. I hadn't put Jennifer Hudson together with American Idol until I was watching the movie. She was great. She didn't age as she should have, so that was a little more difficult believing, even though she probably was only supposed to be a little older than her actual age at the end. You just couldn't believe that she had the life experience she was supposed to have at that point. Beyonce was also wonderful, but had a few acting moments that didn't have much power behind them...although she was altogether powerful. She is so beautiful. I enjoyed the entire cast. I never saw the stage show, only knew the music. It was highly entertaining.

I also saw Happy Feet with the kids. Fun, Fun, Fun! Cute show that had me laughing and tapping my feet. Two movies in a week...I think I only saw two movies the entire last year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Oy! It has almost been a month since I last posted. Of course, that is still more recent than my Mother's blog.

We have been very busy with holiday excitement all leading up to a wonderful Christmas spent in Richmond, VA. The Schmidt Clan (although there are truly not many with the last name of Schmidt...) gather yearly at Donna and Tom's

for a delightful celebration. I believe that there were 20 this year.

Not everyone was seated for the photos, and I was eager to eat the delicious meal, so not everyone is pictured...but you can count 20 place settings if you please.

Below is a picture of the kids on the Cousin Joe Monster Couch. As you can see, lots of entertainment.

Thank you very much to the Greens and the family for a very special and happy time. I hope all friends and family had a joyous Christmas Day.

PEACE