My '09 Resolutions

I have heard that in order to accomplish goals, you have to state them, make them known...so that others can help you attain them.

These are my goals for 2009:

*** play with my kids more...household duties can wait

*** plan a date night w/Mike each month

*** obsess less...worry less...everything doesn't have to be perfect

*** exercise more

*** save more money...so we can build our dream home

*** donate more...it feels so good

*** volunteer more at my church

*** balance work and home as best I can

*** do random acts of kindness...it's so rewarding to see others smile

*** be positive...look at the bright side

*** be a more patient mother...even when the kids test it over and over and over

*** count my blessings...everyday

*** read at least 6 books (not school, work, or kid related)

*** take a new class of some sort

*** sleep more

*** get better at recycling things

*** go on enough scrapbooking retreats to stay caught up

*** cherish each day and remember to thank God...for He is good!

*** take time for myself

*** always wear a smile

*** be happy!

I've been tagged!

Thanks Jessica! I hope I am understanding this correctly... I am supposed to pull the sixth photo, from my sixth folder, and write about it...is that correct?

This photo was taken a long time ago, when Nolan was just three months old. It brings back a lot of memories for me. Nolan wasn't the easiest baby. In fact, I am surprised he is not crying in this photo. Many of you remember the tummy troubles he had and all the crying he did. There were only a few of you who could actually calm him down. He wasn't sleeping through the night yet! Actually, he was still sleeping in a bouncer. I was worried we would never get him to convert to the crib, but we managed.

Thank goodness that colic behavior subsided...I was a little cautious about having baby number two. He really made up for it though...no terrible two's and now he's a very delightful, kind hearted boy. Look at my hair...glad I decided to grow it out! And that entertainment center...what a dusting nightmare! Glad that is gone too. What a flash back!

I tag Terri and Noel!

Christmas w/ the Houghton's

Yipee! I love my polka-dot jammies...they even have a cupcake on the front of them.

Papa Marty has the best treats ever!

Thanks Grandpa John and Grandma Rita for everything!

Shirley was really excited about getting her first digital camera...

Look-out Ebay, here she comes!

Today we celebrated Christmas Houghton style. We all gathered at Mike's mom's house for an afternoon of food, gifts, games, and fun. Nolan was super excited to come home with Wall-E sheets and DVD and Lilly was really happy about her new cash register and polka dot pajamas. The kids enjoyed spending time with their cousin Ben and playing with their toys in the basement, while the adults visited. Of course, it wasn't the same without David and Marybeth around, but we were lucky enough to all take a turn talking to them on the phone. We miss them and hope that we won't have to spend too many more Christmas's without them in MN. Thanks everyone for everything. It was another wonderful day!

Snow Much Fun

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A True Christmas Miracle

Bonnie and I have celebrated Christmas together for as long as we can remember. Reminiscing about our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins brings back so many good memories.

We love you Owen!

Tonight we got to celebrate with our godson, Owen. He is a true miracle and we have been so blessed to have him healthy and strong again. Owen is full of life and thriving like a three year-old should be. My cousin Bonnie and her husband Brain came with their family to celebrate Christmas with us last night. It was a lot of fun getting the kids together for swimming and pizza.

A Christmas Surprise

Mike never ceases to amaze me... I have been truly blessed with a very caring, giving, and romantic husband. He has always had a way of surprising me and out-doing me when it comes to gift giving and surprises. No matter how creative I think I am being, he still comes out on top. This is not a bad thing...it's another thing I am very lucky for.

We had decided that with all the moving expenses, an upcoming vacation, and a future house building project, we would only purchase stocking stuffers for each other this year. Mike played it cool and pretended on Christmas Eve to have nothing for me. He has done this in the past, so I really wasn't believing him and knew that there would be something small for me in the morning. However, what was in my stocking on Christmas morning took me by surprise. He made me a personalized photo album with pictures of the kids in it. He also managed to cut a small square out of the back of the album to place a very small treasure. I am not sure what was more sentimental, the photos and journaling or the treasure...check this out:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Like I said, he is an amazing husband... with a big heart!

Our House Believes

We had a wonderful Christmas again this year. Having young children to celebrate with truly brings the magic back for everyone. It has been a tradition to spend Christmas Eve at my Mom and Bruce's house. With a car full of presents we headed there filled with anticipation and excitement. The children and the "big kids" were so happy to be together to celebrate Jesus' birthday. We were all spoiled with gifts galore...in fact, I couldn't use my rear view mirror to back out of the driveway. Nolan said we got the mother load, and I would have to agree.
The kids were pretty tired when we got home, so putting them to bed wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Nolan prepared a plate of cookies for Santa and they both settled in nicely to wait for him to come. At a shocking 8:00A.M., they yelled for us to see if they could get up. (I say shocking, because we are generally up before 7:00A.M. and it was a real Christmas treat for Mike and me to be able to sleep a whole extra hour.) We followed them to the kitchen where Nolan discovered only cookie crumbs left on the plate...then, low and behold...a living room full of presents! Santa came!!! They were so excited to unwrap their treasures. Nolan got the Lincoln Logs and basketball hoop he asked for and Lilly was tickled to see a magic wand, butterfly wings, and a Fur Real Puppy. Mike and I also exchanged stocking stuffers...(That's another blog posting in itself!) The kids opened presents from us and we got ready to head to Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary's house.
The kids were not presented out yet, so off we went with as much excitement as the night before. Lilly was thrilled to get a highchair for her babies and her first Littlest Pet Shop and Nolan was very happy about his first pair of rollerblades and an Animal Scramble Game. He has decided our heated garage would be the perfect spot to skate this winter...pretty good idea! The kids all gathered around Jesus' birthday cake while we sang to our Savior. Mary always makes our favorite...confetti Angel Food with whipped strawberry frosting. Yummy! It was Mike's idea years ago to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus underwater style, and that tradition also lives on.
Each one of us felt joy in our heart this Christmas, not only because the children have brought back the magic, but because our house believes. Believing in the true meaning of Christmas...is reason to celebrate! Happy Birthday Jesus! We are truly blessed!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

You better watch out!
You better not cry!

You better not pout!

I'm telling you why...

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Tonight is the night we have been waiting for...it's finally here! We sure hope Santa has seen how good we've been this year. We know that Santa will find us in our new apartment, because we told him we moved, but we still aren't sure how he is going to get in?? You need a special key to open the big doors and we are not sure Santa has the master key. My mom and dad told us he probably does, and if not, he is full of magic and can get in any house or apartment if a good boy or girl lives there.

They have been using a bobcat to plow our parking lot non-stop this week. It has been fun to watch! Our dad is so glad he is not the one out there shoveling this time. We think it is smooth enough now for Santa to park his sleigh right by the front door. The elevator might be the best option... since he will have a heavy sack of toys. It would be really hard to carry it up four flights of stairs, so that's what we think he should do. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! We hope that you get all the things you're wishing for and more!

Gingerbread Creations

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The whole family had a lot of fun creating our homemade gingerbread house and train tonight. I am not one who particularly enjoys baking dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies, so I thought that by creating these, it would fill the holiday baking void. Holiday baking is not my cup of tea. Baking a variety of cookies not only takes a lot of time, but it creates an enormous mess...which I have a hard time dealing with. One batch of brownies or cookies on a Saturday is about all I can handle.
My thought with these kits was this: It will be something fun to do on a cold winter's night, and it will allow my kids the opportunity to create a Christmas (semi-baked) goodie with less mess. My idea proved to be good in many ways: 1) it only took 40 minutes, 2) it was a blast, and 3) it was festive! However, I was definitely wrong about it making less of a mess...by the time we finished, we were all covered in frosting! Good thing it was tasty enough to lick off. Both kids loved all the candy that accompanied the kits, and we luckily got Lilly to add some before eating the majority of it! I am afraid we won't be bringing these to any of the upcoming family potluck dinners...good thing I am not in charge of dessert this time!

My Great Depression

Last weekend, while I was out Christmas shopping, I spotted this dreadful sign. I actually couldn't believe my eyes, so I had to call them right then and there on my cell phone to see if what I read was true. Could the store I call my home away from home really be closing? I didn't want to hear it, I couldn't bear the thought of losing our Friday night hangout. My stomach hurt and my heart ached. To my horror, it was indeed true.

People aren't spending on their hobbies like they used to the owner told me. People are cutting back during this hard economic time. As hard as it was, she had to make the decision to close the store. My heart goes out to her and all the employees. Things are tough for many people right now. Many businesses and families are struggling to make ends meet...and it stinks!

I have been in a state of shock, depression, and mourning all week. I made two trips into the store, because I knew they would be my last. When I made my final purchase today, I started to cry... to some, it probably sounds silly, but it was indeed a home away from home. Scrapbooks Plus was a place where my friends and I gathered to be creative and preserve memories. I will deeply miss our hangout.

Nolan's First Debut

We have been taking Nolan to a variety of plays this past year and have observed his love for theater, singing, and dancing. He tells me that someday, he too wants to be on stage. Today, he was a shining star (actually a little shepherd boy) in the children's Christmas program at our church. He was very excited about the Saturday morning practices, and couldn't wait until he could perform for us today.

When Nolan entered the church this morning, my eyes welled with tears. Pure pride filled my heart, along with memories of my childhood days. He walked down the aisle ever so carefully looking for his mom and dad. When he spotted us and all his fans (grandparents) he blushed and got a little more nervous than I thought he would. I think the large crowd was a little overwhelming.

He performed three songs; Away in a Manger, Silent Night, and Happy Birthday Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus was by far his favorite. After the service, his Sunday School class celebrated Jesus' birthday with cupcakes and punch. This program was a great learning experience for him. Not only did he get to perform, but he was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Olive My Kids

We all know that Nolan and Lilly can get a little silly at times, but tonight put the icing on the cake. Both of my kids absolutely LOVE black olives and will eat a whole can if I let them. I've taught them to put them on their fingers and pop them into their mouths' one by one. Well, tonight they decided it would be fun to give high-fives while eating them. There were black olives rolling all over the table and floor before they were finished. It didn't matter though, because the giggles were priceless. It's moments like this that OLIVE.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

On Thursday morning, Lilly woke up and decided she didn't want to wear a diaper anymore. She insisted on putting on a pretty pair of polka-dotted panties. We tried training her at the end of August, but she wasn't quite ready, so I didn't push the issue.

I've been giving her little pep talks about how when Santa comes, she won't need diapers anymore. I have to be honest and say that I have been trying to plan this potty training thing at a time that was convenient for me...two weeks off from work sounded like the perfect time to try again. Well, she actually made the decision on when to start, and Thursday morning it was.

She was so proud to enter her daycare and announce her "big girl" news. When I picked her up, she ran over excitedly to proclaim the good news, "Mommy, I stayed dry all day!"

Lilly is not quite 100% ready, as she has had a couple of accidents, but that is to be expected. I am not really sure she truly knows when she has to go, because a couple of times she told me she had to go...right after she just went. She gets pretty frustrated with herself, but enjoys picking out another cute pair of panties. If we consistently put her on every 30 minutes or so, she does very well. If she is motivated to do it, then by all means she should be going on the big potty like the rest of us. By the new year, I believe she'll really have it down. Way to go Lilly!

All In a Week's Time

Our first week in our new apartment went very well. It definitely is different coming home each night, but we're adjusting. I guess I am not quite used to being so close...ALL the time! We did sign up for numerous activities through community education this winter to keep us busy. They are all in full swing. I thought that by doing this, we wouldn't feel so cooped up- in such a small place, but have to admit we're so busy, it's hard to even relax when we get home.
Nolan and Lilly are both playing soccer on Tuesday nights. Both are excited about going and love to run around the gym after being inside all day. On Wednesdays, Lilly is in Sport's Sampler. She played kickball and will experience soccer, baseball, football, and various other sports. Thursday is our busiest night with Nolan in gymnastics, Lilly in ECFE, and Mike in dodgeball.
On Wednesday night the management team at the apartment threw a big Christmas party for all the residents. Approx. 200 or so people showed up for the event. It was pretty impressive...tons of great food set up buffet style and gifts for every apartment. Santa came to visit with the kids and each one received a goodie bag. It was a nice welcome gift that's for sure.
Last night, we attended my grade-level Christmas party. Mike's mom and Marty came here to the apartment to watch the kids while we had a nice evening away. It was a lot of fun!
Clearly, staying busy is not a problem in our house!

Our New Home

We made it...thanks to everyone who lended a helping hand. We couldn't have done it without you! I have to admit it feels a little weird, but for the most part, good! It is just how I imagined it. It is truly the perfect pit stop. I am in love with the updated appliances, wood-work and hardware, and flooring. Not that our house wasn't decent before, but it was 15 years old...and I was ready for some updates. Our apartment also has vaulted ceilings and lots of cupboard and closet space. I was a little worried about us down-sizing, but we are making it work. In fact, the kids' closet is so big, that they're using it as a mini playroom. Yeah! No toys in the living room! We did put quite a bit in storage, but managed to bring everything we truly needed. It's amazing how much stuff a family can live without. Wow!

The kids are adjusting pretty well too. They've been sleeping well, which is a sign that they're comfortable. Lilly did ask when we were going to go home, but was okay with the idea of this being our home. They loved the pool...as did Mike and I! Mike has been to the gym twice already, and I am going to get there once I have all my mini projects done. We managed to put up a few Christmas decorations and will be taking part in a Christmas gathering scheduled for all the apartment residents this week. This place is amazing actually... the halls are decked with balls of holly. =0) Lots of Christmas spirit around here... yet, so quiet. I have honestly seen only a couple of people in the halls. Nolan is in love with taking out the trash-there is something about throwing it down the chute he particularly likes. He also likes to be our elevator operator. I loved the fact that my car was in a heated garage and registered 60 degrees when I got into it this morning. Yes, I think we're going to like it here. Stop by to see us anytime...the pool is warm!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Change...is never easy!

The Move Is On!

Your last bath in this house.

Sweet dreams Little Lilly!

We love you Nolan!

A really big change is about to happen at our house this weekend. It has been coming since September, but is finally here. This week has not been easy...even though, it is truthfully what we want. Change is never easy- even when it's good. We've been organizing, packing, and moving things into storage for the past two weeks, but tonight marks the last night our kids will spend in this house. I knew I was going to be a little sad to leave, but I guess I wasn't really prepared for just how sad.

The house is full of so many good memories. It was our first house, the house we brought our kids home to, the house we gathered our families and friends in for the past eight years, a house we changed (more than Mike wanted) over the years, a house we looked forward to coming home to...a house we called home. Now, it is filled with boxes and is in complete disarray. It almost doesn't feel like ours anymore... I know these memories will follow us to our next home, but it's still not easy. Our apartment will be smaller than we're used to, but we'll make it a home. (Just think how big the new house will seem when the time comes.) I do have to admit how good it feels to clean out and organize an entire house. It will also be fun putting things away and being organized in the new apartment this weekend.

I will never forget the love and comfort this home brought us, but it is time to move on, and that's what I need to focus on. Our blueprints have been printed and there is more out there for us. The changes we're going to make in the year 2009 are going to be exciting and rewarding. We're very thankful to be in this position...even if it's not easy.

P.S. This computer is being disconnected tomorrow, but I am hoping to get back on here before the weekend is over...God knows I couldn't live too long without blogging. (Especially at a time like this!) =0)

Santa Letter Christmas Jokes

Santa Letter Christmas Jokes

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A Jolly Trolley Experience

Hi Santa, I've been a very good boy this year. My mom and dad have been so proud of me. I would really like to have Lincoln Logs.

P.S. My dad wants a hot tub! (Not sure where that part came from, but it was cute.) He must have heard Mike say he was excited about having a hot tub at the apartment???

Hi Santa, my name is Lilly and I am two. I would like a magic wand.

You better watch out...Santa Claus is coming to town!

During the holiday season, the Metro Bus company uses the trolley on the weekends to transport shoppers/people through the busy streets of town. The bus has an old fashioned flare. It's filled with old wooded benches, shiny brass poles, brown leather straps, and even has a bell that rings when you depart. We thought since the weather was still nice, we would let the kids experience their first trolley/bus ride. They thought it was great...no car seats, no seat belts, and lots of windows. We liked not having to locate a parking spot in the jam-packed parking lot! It picked us up and dropped us off at the City Hall in Sartell. We rode to the mall to have lunch and visit with Santa.

I was surprised to see Lilly get on Santa's lap this time. Mike actually took the kids last weekend when I went scrapbooking, and she wanted nothing to do with it. She was very brave today and even gave me a smile when I wanted to take a picture. Nolan again asked for Lincoln Logs and Lilly said she wanted a magic wand. It was truly a jolly trolley experience for the whole family. We will definitely be adding it to our list of traditions.

Happy Turkey Day!

Gobble!!! Gobble!!!

Celina and the Boys

My greatest blessings!

Grandma and Grandpa's Little Darlings

The whole family gathered at my Dad and Mary's house today for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Everything was wonderful. The grandchildren have so much fun when they're together. If you're wondering where the men are in these pictures, yes, you guessed it...in front of the T.V. cheering on their favorite football teams.

We are already looking forward to Christmas.

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with their family.