December in Pictures

The quilt I have been making for Caleb.
EB at his first preschool Christmas Program. Who waved at his mum the entire 20 minutes. It's great being Ethan's best friend!
Declan's first basketball game. Declan plays guard usually.
Ethan tries on his dad's new boots he requested for Christmas that go to -148 F. Yes, that's correct - negative 148F - what on earth he'd be doing out in that kind of weather I don't know, but EB thought he should model them for us and give us his best gangster pose.
Our little ballerina Angel at her Nutcracket Ballet performance.
Caleb performed with the orchestra at his school concert.
Caleb performing with the Pop/Jazz Choir at the school concert. They performed a few songs, but this one is my favorite. It is their "signature" song - St. Elmo's Fire theme song - with great dance moves. Apparently some DeMille boys actually can dance.
EB at his first eye appointment with the wonderful Dr. Parmley. He didn't seem to mind at all getting his eyes dilated. As usual, he flirted terribly with all the ladies in the office. He's such a player.
Declan at his district wrestling tournament, pinning a kid. He is a scrappy and wily little wrestler.
Caleb performing at Sing Wisconsin in Appleton.
Maddie on her way to the Beauty College in a limo for her friends birthday. Man, these kids really know how to live in style. When I was a kid birthday parties usually involved Pass the Parcel and some Jelly in a shape of a bunny.

Other events that have been going on without pictures taken:
1. Declan having allergy testing done on his back with HUGE reactions - poor kid.
2. Ethan having an appointment at the ENT to discover his tonsils need to come out - surgery is scheduled for January 19. Would love anyone to come and help me out that week, the guest room is yours - we'll beg if we have to.
3. Steve's holiday work party at WISH Steakhouse, followed by dancing and riding the mechanical bull at Bullshooters. No, Steve and I did not ride the bull. I knew I'd be tempted to, but Steve had told me about a patient who had tore their rotator cuff riding the bull, so I wore a skirt to prevent me from getting carried away. No injuries allowed for England.
4. Madison had terrible pinkeye in either eye. Did no one hear me? I said no injuries or illnesses for our trip to England.
5. Ethan with double ear infections. Hello??!!!! Did I stutter - no sickies on this trip.
6. Caleb was the Student Director for his school play.
7. Kim teaching knitting classes at the local yarn store.
8. Madison's half birthday celebration at school. Ethan is the only child in our family who will actually have his birthday while school is in attendance. Interesting to note that all but Ethan were delivered while Steve was in school and couldn't take time off until school breaks for me to have a baby. Although none of them were planned that way (in fact, some were trying to be prevented at the time) all of them (with the exception of EB) arrived at just the right time for the Cute Guy to be there when they were born. In case you need a reminder, Heavenly Father answers prayers.
9. Kim is now sick with bad cough and Kermit the Frog voice. Apparently I need to listen to my own warnings about now getting sick.

A Little Something for Santa's Biggest Helper!

For all of those Mummies out there who are running around like a chicken with their head cut off at this time of year trying to get everything done.... this is for you!!!



And for those who wonder what a mom does all day.



And in case you guys are feeling left out, this ones for you.

The Weather Outside is Frightful (or is it Delightful?!)

The weather has been a little on the chilly side in the Northwoods today. I'm not sure if it ever broke 0F (for you limey's that's -17C). Wind chills this morning when I took the kids to school were around negative -29F (-33C). Right now, it's negative 6, but the windchill has warmed up to negative 24F (-31C). On Saturday night, it was a lot warmer at 36F (2C) so Steve and I didn't even think to wear our coats when we went out for his holiday party and were plenty warm.

Steve, and my friend Deb - the Pavement Princess, think I'm a little crazy, because I love this weather. The sky was clear today, the sun was shining and it was nice and crisp. Admittedly it kind of hurts to take a deep breath, but it was beautiful. I love winter and have been begging Steve to buy a place up north in the Upper Peninsula, where they really get some cold and snow, but he just suggest that I see a Psychologist and get some pills. How rude!

I was talking to my dad this morning and he informed me that it was very cold in Torquay (uk) today. 5C (that's 41F). I mentioned this to the kids and they informed me that it was obviously hot in the English Riviera and that they didn't think they needed to pack their coats. I tried to explain to them about the damp cold, but when you walk out the door and the inside of your nose freezes and yet they still want to play outside in the snow, its hard to argue with them with what cold "is".

I think I'll just pack the coats anyway. At leats they'll keep the rain off them.

Book Bowl

Declan is on the Book Bowl team this year for school and has a huge amount of books to read for it. 40 in total.

Here's the list:
The Door to Time Baccalario, Pierdomenico 240 pages
Wright 3 Balliett, Blue 352 pages
Hiromi's Hands Barasch, Lynee 30 pages
The Secret of the Painted House by Marion Dane Bauer 112 pages
The A+ custodian by Louise borden 40 pages
No Talking by Andrew Clements 160 pages
The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech 336 pages
Theodore Roosevelt: The Adventurous President by Lisa DeMauro 44 pages
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo 228 pages
the Broken Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street by Sharon Flake 144 pages
The White elephant by Sid Fleischman 112 pages
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke 224 pages
The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman 176 pages
Ida B and her Plans to Maximize fun, Avoid Disaster, and (possibly) save the word by Katherine hannigan 246 pages
Sheep by Valerie Hobbs 128 pages
Babymouse: Queen of the World by Jennifer Holm 96 pages
Penny from heaven by Jennifer Holm 288 pages
My Brother Made Me Do It by Peg Kehret 144 pages
The Canada Geese Quilt by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock 64 pages
Horrible Harry and the Goog by Suzy Kline 64 pages
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin 160 pages
Drita, My Homegirl by jenny Lombard 144 pages
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry 96 pages
Edward's Eyes by Patricia macLachlan 128 pages
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald 96 pages
Away West: Scraps of Time by Patricia C. McKissack 128 pages
Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo 96 pages
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor 176 pages
My Life in Dog Years by Gary Paulsen 144 pages
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker 160 pages
Ben and the Sudden Too-Big Family by Colby Rodowsky 128 pages
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick 544 pages
The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 240 pages
My Name is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton 128 pages
Dragon's Egg by Sarah L. Thomson 272 pages
Crossing Bok Chitto by Tim Tingle 40 pages
The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow by Kaye Umansky 304 pages
Shredderman: Secret identity by Wendelin Van Draanen 144 pages
The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 128 pages


For those of you who are counting that's 6,692 pages!!!!!!!!!!!! over under four months.

There is a real variety of books and some very interesting topics as well as some more lighthearted ones.

Sometimes I read alongside Declan (to give him a morale boost, or when he wants to take lots of notes). I'll read a chapter and then Declan will read one. All the while, he actively scribbles away lots of notes, so that he'll be prepared for the Book Bowl event/quiz.



This evening we read The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Many times in reading this book we were moved to tears. It also tells about the race differences in San Francisco at that time, and children's crossing and breaking down those barriers. Henry Travis' family is wealthy and hires Ah Sing, who is Chinese and lives in tenement housing, to be their houseboy. He son Chin and Henry become friends. Not only does this book describe in great detail what was taking place in San Francisco that day at the three Great Fires combined, but it also tells of how class and race issues were set aside because of children and their ability to overcome biases and stereotypes. It was a wonderful book and very educational. I wouldn't recommend it for kids younger than 8 as it is quite graphic in places. Declan was busy chewing on his lips anxiously at points during our reading.

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to explore books with Declan while he has been working on this. He is such a great reader and has a large appetite for books. (just like his momma).

Time is running out on us and he still has a large amount of books to read. He refuses to skim the books and takes pages of notes and likes to discuss what is happening along the way. It has been delightful spending time with Dec doing something that I love so much. There have been many nights where I have stayed up all night to finish a good book. I remember as a child reading the Secret Garden and setting my alarm at 5am so that I could get up early and read as much as possible before school started. It would appear that Dec and I have something in common, besides our fiery tempers.

Okay, I promise this is the last one - maybe

For those of you who really know Steve, the likeness is uncanny. Particularly the Oh C*&#'s.

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Thanksgiving Recap

I can't believe it, but we didn't take any pictures at all on Thanksgiving. However, we had a wonderful day. It was so relaxing, wonderful food, and great family time.

For once, it was just us for Thanksgiving. No missionaries, no last minute (as in the morning of) invites of large families from Steve, and as usual no extended family. We loved it.

I often use our blog as our family journal, seeing as I'm rather pitiful at actual journal writing, and this blog provides an opportunity for me to record what the DeMille's get up to.

I was determined to have the day be as less stressful as possible, however I like to do Thanksgiving BIG-TIME, so I just prepped alot beforehand. All vegetables were chopped and bagged in the fridge, and anything that could be premade, was. I also downsized on how many types of pies I offered this year (eight different kinds isn't unusual for me on a Thanksgiving Day menu - Yep, i know a little carried away - I celebrate Thanksgiving like a true immigrant attempting to make up for missing out on the feast for the first twenty years of her life.)

Steve dropped Caleb off early at church to play a game of Turkey Bowl with the Young Men and missionaries (translation to non-yanks = football, the American kind). It was very warm for this time of year, annoyingly so in my books, with temps around 32F and a touch of snow. I think I need to move further north.

Steve and I cooked the turkey together as usual, and the rest just flowed. EB was ready to eat that "big ol' turkey" at 10am after he logged off Webkinz.

MENU

Appetizers: Spinach and Artichoke Mini Pizzas/Bread Bowls, Pigs in Blankets, Roasted Red Pepper and Wasabi Dip, and French Onion and Bacon Dip. (EB ate about 10 sausage rolls while trying to wait for the turkey).

We ditched the salad this year, although i had one made in the refrigerator.

Herb Roasted Turkey (20lbs - smaller than some years, but enough for our beloved leftovers)
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Kim's Special Recipe of Stuffing - involves, Sausage, Granny Smith Apples, celery, carrots, onions, Chicken Demi-Glace, Gravy and Stock. It's the Cute Guy's favorite.
Green Bean and Crispy Onion Casserole
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Hard Yeast Bread Rolls (all recipes were made in two versions, with and without Gluten - we have to accommodate for Declan, so it's double the work, but he's more than worth it and loves every bite)
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Turkey Gravy (for Declan Herbed Gluten Free Chicken Gravy)

Dessert
Pecan Pie (Kim's absolute favorite - i love this more than Sushi and Tiramisu, slightly)
Lemon Meringue Pie (Steve's favorite - but he annoyingly claims his Mom makes it the best, which has resulted in my deciding to buy the cheapest nastiest store made pie and not waste my time trying to best the incomparable.)
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake (Caleb's and Ethan's favorite)
Pumpkin Pie (it's not thanksgiving without pumpkin pie)
Gluten free Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

plus unhealthy doses of Whipped Cream, Cool whip (yuck, a disgusting American favorite - almost as nasty as Miracle Whip - which I think is truly the nastiest thing on the shelf at the grocery store, and I live in Wisconsin where Pigs feet are common on the shelf)

Pomegranate 7up
Cranberry Mist
Fizzy Red grape juice
Fizzy White grape juice
and the best...
Steven's Point Brewery Root Beer - seriously the best root beer around.

We inhaled our food in fifteen minutes, so that we could dash to the airport to see Holly Beck return from her mission in Utah. The Beck's are one of our favorite families and have been through a lot this year, it was wonderful to see Holly get to see her Dad who was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma and multiple tumors in his brain, leg and lungs this year. Whiz is an inspiration to us, and has been the recipient of many miracles this year. It was touching and reminder to our kids of the importance of serving a mission, and how even though tough times may come, that our Heavenly Father will not give us more than we can bear. We are particularly greatful this Thanksgiving for the many lessons we have learned from this special family and the wonderful example they are to us and our children of the blessings the gospel brings to those who are faithful.

Dashed home, and all sat down for another go at dinner. With aching bellies we rolled ourselves into the kitchen to clean up and then play a game of Piranha Perfection, before watching a movie. We attempted to watch Hancock, before deciding 2 minutes into it, that it most definitely was not a movie for kids and switched to Kung Fu Panda. Once kids were in bed, the Cute guy and I stayed up to watch Hancock (seriously hilarious movie, but lots of potty humor), while I got my plan of attack together for Black Friday Shopping. The stores opened at 4am, so after going to bed at 1:30a, I got up at 4a. Sleep is for the weak.

This Thanksgiving we are so thankful for friends and family both near and far. We love you all and hope that you take a moment to think of all the ways that the Lord blesses you and express thanks to He who gives all things.

We couldn't resist!

Okay, we had so much fun putting together the other movie, that we decided to post our Christmas Movie now, and maybe you'll get a card (you know how poor we are with sending those out). The Cute Guy, Steve, prefers incognito as Santa Claus. Enjoy and Happy Holidays (early)!!!!

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Thanksgiving is Almost Here!!!!

Found this great site from my SueBoo and made this this Holiday Movie for you all to enjoy this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from the DeMille's.

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Tag Dang It!

Sue tagged me! Well, to be honest, she kind of did, as did Charity. Kind of!

The instructions are to post the fourth picture in the fourth folder of your pictures file.
Tell us about the picture.
Tag a friend or two.



So, I thought it was rather funny, when I discovered the picture was an impromptu shot of Charity and Ollie at our little Tuesday Playgroup that we held last year. I'm sure that Charity isn't going to be too pleased with me posting this picture, but I think she's one of the cutest gals I've ever met. Everybody wants to be Charity's friend. Seriously! We all fight over her. For those of you who don't know her, let me fill you in a little bit about her. (while I'm embarrassing her, I might as well go all out)

Charity is the embodiment of her name. She gives constantly to others, selflessly, without any thought for herself. She is a wondeful example of a friend, mother, wife and sister. She has some wonderful sayings that I've seem to have acquired, such as "I tell ya", "Holy Buckets", "What ya going to do", and "Gosh Darn It", all said with the best Northwoods accent (which unfortunately I can't imitate). She has gone through an awful lot lately, and still manages to brighten every ones day that she comes across. I feel blessed to consider her one of my friends.

One day, when I grow up, I'm going to be just like her.

Emma, Alisha, and Carrie, consider yourself tagged. (if you want to be, that is)

Twilight Quiz

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

I'll admit, I thought I was going to be a Rosalie! Whew! Apparenty, I'm a lot nicer than I thought.

Oxymoron!

Sorry that the picture is a bit blurry, but I just love this picture of EB as we began our trip. He was crying because upon leaving for our trip, we realized that we'd forgotten the asthma medication and had to turn around (we were only down the street) to retrieve it. EB was upset because he thought we weren't going to go "play off-roading". Note the Hummer Tuff on the hat, with a big tear on the cheek.

Playing in the Sand

On our second day on our October Hummer Event, over 35 hummers convoyed from South Bend, Indiana to Mears, Michigan, a 2 1/2 hour trip. We were quite the site to see as we wove our way through the highways of Michigan to go and play at the Silver Lake Dunes.


Upon entering the Dunes we lined up for a photo op along the Lake Michigan coastline.


The toughest obstacle at the Dunes, is the Test Hill, which took a great deal of consistent speed and driving ability to be able to reach the summit. It took more than a few tries, as you would speed your way almost to the top only to sink into the almost two feet deep sand. We had so much fun trying and were able to reach the peak and continue. Others reached the top only to high center at the top. Here is a picture of our friends getting towed back down.


It wasn't just the H2's that were struggling that day. Here is a H1 that really showed up just how stuck you could get high centered. Part of the fun of "hummering" is being towed, and towing others. You know you've not been holding back when you get stuck.


Due to the Cute Guy's amazing driving skills, we only got really stuck once, on the last dune of the day. We were completely high centered. Steve and I managed to force the doors open, despite the 50mph gusting winds (followed by the mouthfuls of sand) to assess our situation. The kids enjoyed getting stuck almost as much as towing out another vehicle.


Almost!


It wasn't all about the driving. We had to get out and appreciate the amazing landscape for ourselves.

Three Little Monsters

Well, we have four in this house, but Caleb decided to stay home and hand out the candy, and for a rare treat (seriously, I think this is the first time ever) the Cute Guy came trick or treating with us. He claims that usually it's his job to stay home and hand out the candy, but the truth is that he usually stays home and eats all the Dum Dum's. This is one dentist who has an addiction for Lollipops. Lucky thing has only ever had one cavity in his life.



Madison decided to use those lovely blonde locks to her advantage and be Hannah Montana.



Ethan was certain for over a month that he wanted to be Batman.



If you go into the woods today ....
Declan decided that crazy hunting guy (which is his alter ego) was a perfect costume for him.



Do you like their approach for getting candy? Dec has his gun on the ready.

The kids were excited to come home and eat up some of their candy. They are looking forward to Monday when they can take their uneaten/excess candy into their daddy's office and get some cash for turning it in.

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20081031/WDH0101/810310678/1981
Steve's office is having a Candy Buy Back and are sending the candy to the troops. For every lb of candy that a child brings in, they will receive $1. It's a great way for the kids to earn a little cash, the parents to save some by not having dental bills from their kids getting cavities from all that sugar (or sugar bugs as we call them in our house).

If you're in the area, the Buy Back will take place on Monday Nov 3rd from 3:30pm to 6:00pm (at the Wausau office), kids will also receive a gift bag with a glow in the dark toothbrush.

Take Note!

Scene: Mum is looking for her tape measure which had been on the table in her bedroom. When she can't find it, she heads down to the Family Room and asks the resident 'sticky fingers' - EB - if he can help her find it.

EB: "Follow me Mom". He then heads to the Living Room to the precise spot of the couch and reaches under the couch and pulls out the tape measure (why, of course, isn't that where I should have initially put it).

Mum: "EB, you need to stop taking peoples things."

EB: "Sorry, Mom. I had to."

As he heads back down the stairs, he turns and warns:

"Just so you know, I'm pretty hyper today."

Well, that explains it all!

New Presidential Candidate

Check out this video:

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=46832&altf=Dbmfc&altl=Ef1Njmmf
Now, there's a candidate you can really get behind. ;)

Hardware

A couple of the boys/men in my life, have some new hardware.

In preparation for our most recent Hummer trip, the Cute Guy decided to invest in a jack that would actually life our vehicle, unlike the stock issue one that comes with the h2. When DHL showed up, I could hardly believe the size of this puppy. Steve informed me of the wonderful versatility of this jack and how, not only could it lift the vehicle easily to change a tire, but could be used to winch the hummer out of a tight spot. It could be clamped around a tree and ...... This is where I zoned out and smiled and nodded hopefully in the right places.



Steve - All Jacked Up! Yep, it's as tall as the wing mirror??!!!!

Dec also acquired his own hardware at the beginning of October, the day of his second flag football game - thank heavens for the invention of Motrin. He made some awesome plays though.




Here's a pic of our 'Jaws'




He's #25 in the black shirt. He's a zippy little fella, whose feet are almost as fast as his quick/sometimes smart mouth is.

October Hummer Family Event Contintued

Just a really quick post before we check out of the hotel and head home. We've had a fun-filled trip getting our truck dirty. It rained all day Friday, so the AM/General course was really wet and muddy - perfect hummer weather. The obstacles were fun and pretty "greasy" from all the rain and dirt. Ethan at one point, yelled out that he loved the "Muddles", which he explained to us were a combination of Mud and Water. He also complained that his car wasn't getting covered in enough chocolate.

Saturday was the Silver Lake Dunes, which is like riding natural roller coasters. We played, got towed off a crest of a dune when we became high-centered (stuck), towed somebody else off a dune when they became high-centered, and had a complete blast.

p.s. Yes, that is Madison standing next to a hummer with machine guns on the hood!!!

On The Road Again

The DeMille Family is in Indiana tonight for yet another Hummer Club Event. This time we're going to the AM/General course to play on the Real Hummer Trails, then on Saturday will be going up to Silver Lake Dunes in Michigan to do some more off-roading. The Cute Guy and EB can't stop smiling they're so excited.

Pics to follow.

http://www.thehummerclubinc.com/Events/Docs/AMGeneralSilverLake2008Invitation.pdf

Another 3 Year Old Moment

Scene: Hubbub had just read EB a story (what a nice big brother!) and I was tucking him into bed.

EB: "Momma, please read me my new book again!"

Mum: "No, it's late EB, but you can read your book in bed for a few minutes, if you'd like."

EB: "I can't read those words. I can only read some other words."

Mum: "What words can you read EB?"

EB: "You know, just the naughty ones."

Hubbub and I listen in eagerly and ask what words exactly can he read.

EB smirking: "Ones like Poo, Underpants, and Trucks. You know, the ones that get you in trouble."

A few Blog Words

Future Politician

Keep watching and see if you can spot our favorite President....




Here is the printed story with more quotes from the Man-to-be in Charge.

http://www.waow.com/Global/story.asp?s=9155278

Conversation with 3-year old

Scene: Mum placing her 3-year old into his car seat smells something she can't quite identify.

Mum: "EB what's that smell?"

3-year old: (very matter of factly) "It's my cologne."

Mum: ......(can't speak over shock of 3 year old applying cologne and knowing what it is - stares at son dumbfounded.)

3-year old: "I know, I smell cute!"

Bag This!

Now, tell me, does this blog quiz result sound confused or is it me?

Who knew my Coach purses were this telling?

What Your Handbag Says About You

You are concerned with how you appear. Projecting your high status is important to you. You tend to be relaxed throughout the day. You are naturally at peace. You are a low maintenance person. You can adapt to a variety of situations. You are a high maintenance person. You feel lost outside of your normal environment. You are a very creative person. Your life tends to be a whirlwind, but you always seem to pull it together. You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person. You are a very unique and special person. There's no one else who is anything like you.

What Does Your Handbag Say About You?

Am I low maintenance or high maintenance?

Am I practical and down to earth or intent on projecting status?

I guess the 'cat is out of bag' (yes, that pun was intended). I have a split personality!

School's Back In Session

Caleb's first day of school. He missed his school bus due to First Student (bus co.) being a bunch of dork's. Don't worry, I'm not saying anything behind their back, I made sure to tell them it to their face. Pickup scheduled for 7:09am. Suggested early arrival time for student: 7:05am. Caleb's arrival at bus stop 6:59am (yes, for those who can count, that's 10 minutes early). Actual pickup time 6:55am. Suggestion of customer service rep at First Student when I called to discuss the situation with them: go 20 minutes early at least to stop 6:49am. (even though we are in a state of winter for most of the year in the Northwoods with temps around negative 20). My suggestion to Customer Service Representative at First Student: ..........note to self:make appointment with bishop on Sunday to repent.

He quite happily had his mum drive him to school in the new Hummer , so all was good.
Little Princess and Dex' pickup went very smoothly. We went outside at least fifteen minutes early and played catch while we waited for the bus.
They were even in such a good mood about school starting, that they hugged. I know, they actually touched each other and no one winced, screamed, cried or retaliated. Look how they're learning from attending school already.
This is the picture where mum starts crying - which is strange seeing as he was convinced she'd be dancing naked around her house at this point, doing the happy dance and singing at the top of her lungs "School's back in session!!!!!"

Instead she moped around for a minute or two and then happily played Mario Kart on the Wii with EB when asked. Thank heavens for her best friend, the EBster.