New Year Randoms

We always begin each new year celebrating Grandpa!  When your birthday is literally on New Year's Day, it's a great way to jumpstart the year.  His meal of choice was chicken wings (Steve handled that part) and an apple pie (my specialty).  Of course, we had lots of other fixings too; watched some New Year's Football Bowl games; and watched Grandpa blow out his extra-fancy candles.

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As an extra credit project in Spanish class, Samantha was supposed to work with a partner and make an authentic Spanish dish that they could bring in and share with the class.  

There were a few 'hiccups' along the way (I forgot to pick up the most important ingredient that day at the store -- the fresh corn!) and she got a much later start than planned ...

... and her partner forgot about doing the project with her -- resulting in more drama than I really needed that evening ...

... but the end result was perfect.

The class raved over her "cornbread type of dessert" and she score lots of extra credit points on the project to add to her already high score that she has in the course.

I even took her to school that morning to make it easier for her to transport the beautifully-plated dish,

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December did not bring with it much snow to Michigan.  In fact, the month was unseasonably mild, but it looks like January finally got the message that we would like a bit of snow.

Jack has been 'itching' to get the snow-thrower up and in action:

Yup, while Jack used modern technology to clean the driveway, Jimmy plugged along the 'old-fashioned way' with his shovel.

How old do you think he needs to be to start snow-blowing the neighbors' driveways for cash?

Smiles for miles!

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Basketball season is underway for Sam!  Her non-school-affiliated league took 2nd place in their division and now we are waiting to start her 8th grade season:

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