Homemaking with Monica

Hey, everyone. Monica started a new blog.

It's about home decorating, entertaining and pretty much anything else that happens around here. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks.

Note - I will continue to post family updates here.

Your invited...

...to a Mystery Party.

Here's a glimpse of our afternoon of party fun.


We started out with the favorite M&M guessing game.

Then the girls filled out their Private Detective licenses.

They tested their skills at a Spy word search.

John hands out the picture cards to the next game. The goal is to work as a team and put the pictures in order.

The final activity, a treasure hunt. Here are all the detectives in their disguises.

After all the activities it's finally time for some cake and ice cream.

Present time =)

Happy Birthday, Clara!

Hooray, hooray, Clara is 8 today!

After lunch at Steak & Shake with Dad, Clara opened her presents.



Target giftcard & Little House on the Prairie Book on CD

Barbie Princess Charm School DVD from Nicholas. We watched it this evening for our pizza & movie night.

Lots of Nancy Drew books and the entire Anne of Green Gables series.

Last, but not least the long wished for typewriter.

Fall Clematis

Here's a look at the gate leading into the backyard. This clematis is a transplant from Grammy's. Let me know if you want a start. We have lots!

Happily Ever After

13 years ago this Cinderella married her prince!

Orchestra Piece

Here is Clara practicing the first movement of an arrangement of Concerto in D Major by Teleman.