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.

I Am Truly Blessed

At Thanksgiving time, I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for. When I stop to consider the many blessings in my life, I become more optimistic, appreciative, and humble.

This Thanksgiving I am particularly grateful:

* My husband...Mike and I have been happily married for close to 10 years. He is my best friend and pillar of strength. When life spins out of control, he has a way of bringing everything back into focus. I am so grateful for his unconditional love for me and the kids.

* Nolan is truly a one-of-a-kind son. He has a special way of making me smile. His energy for life, outgoing personality, and sensitive side make him so lovable. Nolan tells me he loves me about 20 times a day. Sometimes, it's out of the blue...it makes me stop for a moment to thank God for the gift of him.

* Lilly is a real sweetie. She melts my heart with her constant smile, expressive personality, and contagious giggle. Her carefree way makes me realize that everything doesn't have to be perfect. Lilly is extremely independent...most days, I am thankful for this leadership quality.

* My family...they all bring me so much comfort, support, and unconditional love. The time we spend together and how much each of you cherish my kids makes me so happy. Thank you for all the memorable moments.

*My friends...where would I be without them? You are all so special to me. Thanks for always being there for me. We've had a lot of fun together over the years.

*My health...and the health of my family and friends. We are truly blessed with great doctors and nurses. I pray for good health for us all.

* My job... I am thankful that I still find joy in going to work each day. Being a teacher is both challenging and rewarding. Helping kids find joy in learning new things, as well as being able to use my creativity on a daily basis is something I am grateful for. Plus, I have an awesome teaching partner! Getting paid for doing something you enjoy doing is almost like not working. I can't forget that the paychecks help fulfill my need to shop. =0)

* My home...even though we will soon be leaving our house, I am so thankful for all the memories we've made here. Because it was our first house, the one we brought both kids home to, it will always be remembered as a great home. Even though our family has outgrown it, there was never a shortage of love in it. The fact that it sold makes me sad at times, but it is also another reason to count my blessings...God has plans for us and it is time to move on. We will never forget the fun gatherings...

* Owen...our godchild is something we continue to thank God for daily. What God did for him and our family is truly a miracle!

* Scrapbooking...it is more than a hobby, it is a way of life. It allows me to record all the things I am thankful for. Memories that might be lost forever if I don't preserve them. A creative outlet, a time to be with friends, a passion. Hopefully, my kids will look back on their books someday and know just how much their mom loved them!

*Grey's Anatomy...this is the only T.V. show I watch regularly, and it's one time Mike and I can spend time together. Even though it's only one hour a week, it's great to cuddle with my husband. He won't admit it, but I think he enjoys it too.

* Naptime...I am so happy my kids still take an afternoon nap. This time is so precious! It's a time to unwind, a time to catch up on things around the house, a time to blog, a peaceful, stress free time, it's my ALONE time. And sometimes, I even use it for naptime.

* Daycare providers, teachers, coaches, instructors...all the people in my children's life who help them become more well rounded individuals. We are blessed my their patience, knowledge, and caring ways.

* Cellphones...my kids would say that I talk on the phone too much. There really isn't anything wrong with staying connected with my family and friends, right? I have been obeying Mike's rule and quit answering the phone during mealtimes. The cellphone allows me to talk with people before picking up my kids or when I am away from home and can actually concentrate on the conversation instead of trying to talk and discipline my kids at the same time. Why do they always act up when the phone rings??

* My faith...because without God, I wouldn't have all these wonderful things to be thankful for. Trusting in Him and knowing He is with me and my family at all times, makes life easier. Thank you God for filling me with your love and letting me know that I am not alone when life isn't going perfectly.

* And the simple things in life... pizza delivery, chocolate, dessert, coupons, sales, my car, the fact gas prices are down, no credit card debt, a savings account, a safe community to live in, the pool and movie theater and workout room and heated garages that will be in our new apartment, clothes and the fact I can buy them without my husband throwing a fit (even when there are too many in my closet), my camera (I would be lost without it), vacations, sunshine, flowers, parks, this blog and the vacuum cleaner (they're so therapeutic), antibiotics (so we can get sleep in our house), treats (Lilly's happy pill), restaurants (no cooking and no dishes), music, books, magazines, movies, Dt. Coke, and all the other countless blessings in my life...

I hope this Thanksgiving season is full of grateful blessings for you and your family!

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy,
Never have a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
And your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner,
Stay off of your thighs.