40

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY to our fearless leader, wonderful husband, kind friend, amazing father, and in house handy man. Today we celebrated JAKE! What a gift and blessing he is to each of us. He loves us so well and we love and appreciate him!

After the requested monkey bread breakfast, we opened gifts and cards before the big kids headed to school and Jake headed to work.

Bowling before a family dinner at Kyoto Grill

Wren & I made chocolate whoopie pies with peanut butter frosting for Jake's birthday.  

Ignore the green frosting....I decided to save some time and also use up an open can of green vanilla frosting from our Christmas tree craft. Mixed in some peanut butter and it was really good.

 

Spending on an Experience

Once again this year, the kids received some money for Christmas from extended family members. Last year, we encouraged them to save all their money for our trip to Africa - which didn't happen.  This year, we are encouraging them to spend it on an experience. Something that if we ask in 6 months what they purchased, they will remember. I think the idea of an experience is really sinking in. It especially hit home since after Christmas we went through ALL THE TOYS and chose items to sell or donate. Some items were gifts received, or that they purchased with their own money, just last year. We are learning some life lessons over here on Asheton Road.

Ella chose to purchase another horse riding lesson with Jill at Hanover Stables. She had her lesson on Friday afternoon, January 15 and learned how to trot.  She also got to take her horse, Cricket, back to his pasture after the lesson.

Lily chose to purchase a one hour pottery wheel lesson at Hot Mess Studios. She had her lesson on Sunday afternoon, January 17. Lily really enjoys art and naturally loves to create, especially with messy clay. This was so fun for her! She made three items and gets to keep two. She is keeping the bowl/vase that she etched a starfish into and the plate.