Show Day!
Justin’s birthday party wasn’t our only trip to The Little Gym last week. Ella has been taking dance and gymnastics there for the past several months, and because last week was her last class, there was a show day.
Isn’t she adorable? I think so!
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Happy 4th Birthday to Justin!
Last week, we celebrated Justin’s 4th birthday at The Little Gym. He had a great time the first 5 minutes until he got hurt (picture right).
It almost ruined the rest of the party for him, and he spend the next 45 minutes not wanting to do anything. His 2 cousins were finally able to persuade him to play during the last 10 minutes of gym time, and then when he saw his Star Wars cake he was back to his normal self!
And The Little Gym wasn’t the only celebration we had. Justin got to take his cousins ice skating, I brought cupcakes to his preschool class, and we had a family birthday party for him at his Uncle Patrick and Aunt Shayne’s house. So he did have a good birthday overall. I just can’t believe my baby is 4!
More Bday Pics……
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Most Memorable in 2009
I guess this will be my yearly tradition from now on. I did this last year, and really like being able to go back and see what my most memorable moments from the year were. So, here we are again. Top 10 memories from 2009.
10. No training wheels. This past September, both Justin and Ella learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels. It is such a great memory because Justin was only 3 1/2 when this happened. He told me one day that he was ready to ride like a big kid, and he did. He basically just hopped on his bike and went. It was amazing. Within an hour he could start by himself, turn around, use his breaks to stop and start on an incline and actually go. Ella couldn’t let her younger brother show her up, so within 2 days she was riding also!
9. Matt going freelance. This memory did not start out as a good one, but does have a good ending (so far). Last January I got a phone call from Matt that made my stomach drop. He told me that he had gotten laid off from his job of 5 years. Being that I am a stay at home mom who brings no income to the table, I kind of freaked out. It was really scary. But, by the grace of God, we have yet to worry since that day. Matt immediately made some calls, and within a couple of days he started getting freelance work. He ended up getting quite a bit of work this year, and we also were able to see him a bit more than in previous years. So far everything is working out, but it has definitely changed some things about the way that we live.
8. Austin. One of the things that has changed with Matt going freelance is how I spend my days. The same week Matt got laid off, I got asked to take care of a very cute and sweet little boy named Austin during the week while his parents are at work. He was 11 months old when I started taking care of him, and I have been able to see him grow and learn all year. Ella and Justin absolutely love having him around and helping me take care of him. He’s almost 2 now, so he and Justin actually play together quite often. It has definitely changed our schedule a bit, but nothing that we can’t work with. I love knowing that Austin benefits from being at my house as well, because we sure have lots of fun around here!
7. Justin in preschool. Last year Ella went to preschool. This year it was time for Justin to go as well. We waited until Ella was 4 to send her, and I had thought that while she was at school Justin and I would have lots of one on one time together. I was wrong. He spent all last year asking me when he could go to preschool and not really wanting to play with me during the day while Ella was gone. I quickly realized that I have a people-oriented child, and that he really didn’t like being home just him and me. He likes being around other kids, having people to play with and doing lots of different activities. So when this fall rolled around, Matt and I decided we would send both of them. It’s great – he loves it and is very happy to finally be big enough to go!
6. Duncan and Courtney’s wedding. June. Phoenix, AZ. Matt as a groomsmen, me as a bridesmaid. Ella as the most beautiful flower girl I’ve ever seen, and Justin as Mr. Charming – the ring bearer. All of us as a family in my brother’s wedding. We had so much fun, and the kids were so adorable. It took several months of planning, picking out outfits, practicing roles and getting everything ready to travel across country for the big event. I was so nervous that the kids would decide last minute not to cooperate, but my fears never even came close to coming true. The kids did everything perfectly and according to the plan. Definitely great memories all around – a fun trip, my brother getting married, seeing family – what could be better? And come to think of it, I totally forgot to post the wedding photos on my blog, so how about now. There were so many good ones, it was really hard to narrow it down to these.
Ella & Justin with a front row ticket to the cake cutting!
See? I told you he was Mr. Charming!
I would like to thank the photographer for getting me so many beautiful photos of my children!
5. Braces. I know you’ve heard this story before, but I finally got braces this year. I’ve been waiting my whole life to have my teeth straightened, and in just 2 more months I’ll be done! I got them on in May, and I have had quite the time with them. Love them for fixing my teeth. Hate them when I can’t eat what I want and have a sore mouth. At least they are clear, and I only have 2 more months to go!!!
4. Community Group. This year (technically last December) we became part of a group of couples who meet every other Saturday to study God’s Word and serve people in need. We have become pretty close to the other couples in our group, and love getting together with them a few times a month. Recently, our group became an official Elevation community group (our church). It is awesome having other people with our same values encouraging us in our walk with God!
3. Girl’s Night. This year two of my friends, Megan and Sarah, and I decided to have a girl’s night once a week. Anyone who has kids knows that it’s pretty much impossible to have a conversation with friends when your kids are around, and every time we would get together, we would find ourselves constantly being interrupted by our kids. So we thought it would be nice for us to go out without our kids one night a week. Unfortunately, Sarah moved away over the summer, but Megan and I have been keeping up with the tradition! We have tried many different restaurants and have sometimes turned our girl nights into shopping trips as well. If you have kids and you don’t do this with your girlfriends, I highly recommend it.
2. My soon-to-be stepdad! Yes, in case you haven’t already heard, my mom is engaged to be married! Her husband-to-be’s name is Byron, and he is wonderful! My brothers and I just met him for the first time a few weeks ago, and we had the best time getting to know him. I am excited to have a new stepdad and that my kids get one more grandpa! But, I am even more excited for my mom. She is so happy & is having the best time. This is great news!
1. More Family in Charlotte. Hands down number 1 memory of the year. Matt’s sister, her husband and their 4 boys already live in Charlotte (we followed them here). Last year my youngest brother, Colton, moved here. This year my other 2 brothers, Patrick and Duncan, along with their wives, Shayne and Courtney, moved here too!!! Yay!!!!!! They all got jobs, and have either bought a house or are in the process (which means they are staying)! My kids now have every aunt and uncle they have living minutes away. It is so fun -we see them all the time and have so much fun together. We are really, really, really blessed. 6 years ago when we moved to the East coast, I never thought all of my siblings would end up here too. I am so glad they did, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds (nieces, nephews?). Now all I need is a bigger dining room to fit everyone!
It has been a great year full of surprises and changes. We have sure been busy and are anticipating an even busier 2010. Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas this year. I can’t believe it’s about over. We had a great day spent with my brothers, their wives, and Matt’s sister’s family. It was nice and relaxing. So relaxing, in fact, that it’s almost midnight, and I am still in my pajamas. This was the first time I’ve spent Christmas with all of my siblings since 2004, and it was so much fun!
The kids got quite a bit of toys, although I am realizing that the older they get, the smaller their gifts get (and more expensive)! I feel kind of bad, because I am not sure Ella was overly thrilled about anything we got her. We tried so hard to find something that she would get really excited about, but had the hardest time. She really doesn’t play with toys much, except baby dolls, but we already have about 15 of those. We did get her a Leapster, which is not the most exciting gift to open, but by the end of the night she was really into it. She was really into her hair stylist kit as well, and the 2 baby dolls she got.
I was surprised when Justin’s favorite gift turned out to be this little hockey set we got him. I thought it would have been the big Playmobil ship he’s been asking for or all of the nerf guns, but he spent most of his day playing with the hockey guys.
Here are a few photos that I managed to get during all of the chaos. It was hard to find time to do anything other than getting the kid’s toys out of the packaging. Now, that is a lot of work!!!
Merry Christmas 2009!!!
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Three
Why is it that bad things always happen in 3’s? In the past 2 weeks, we have had our washing machine, vacuum cleaner and refrigerator all break. Luckily, the vacuum was able to be repaired, but we had to buy a brand new washer and fridge. Luckily, the washer broke right before Thanksgiving, so I was able to get one almost 1/2 price on a Black Friday sale (which still hasn’t arrived even though it’s 2 1/2 weeks later). The fridge was the most current thing to go, the hardest thing to go without and the most expensive to replace. It just got delivered today, and I am so thankful!!! I plan on going to the grocery store and Costco tomorrow to stock up on food, because we really haven’t been able to eat much at home all week. Of course all of this would happen in December during Matt’s off season. But it’s okay. Appliances don’t last forever. And at least I have a much larger fridge now!
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Gingerbread Houses 2009
My mom and her fiance are in town this week, so we have been cramming every fun activity we can think of into our schedule. It has been a fun week so far with big family dinners, Christmas shopping and my personal favorite – gingerbread houses. I know I have been absent in the photography department lately, but I’m back today with lots of photos to share!
Right before the fun started. My two sister in laws and I spent about $100 on supplies, 5 hours baking and an hour setting up to get ready for this! But so worth it!
Time to get messy and creative. Please excuse my brother, Patrick. He apparently thought I said “silly faces”. Wrong picture.
Justin ate way more candy than he put on his house. Why put it on the house when you can eat it instead?
Ella was so good at decorating this year. She made everything perfectly symmetrical, did every single thing all by herself and ended up with a very impressive final product!
See?
Courtney’s
Shayne’s
Matt’s
and mine!
Some of the boys houses I deemed as too inappropriate to put up on my blog. It was definitely pretty clear by the end of the day which houses were made by the boys. I am sure it will be the same story on Tuesday when we do the Christmas cookies!
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Thanksgiving Weekend
Well, once again, I have a post without any pictures. I have been horrible the past month about taking photos. Every Thanksgiving I intend to take pictures of the family, but every year I wind up in a chaotic frenzy trying to get all the food cooked and ready, that I forget my camera. Every year. This year was the busiest so far. I spent 4 days preparing food for this ministry (they are working on their website, but the link is to an article about the ministry). And then, of course 2 days working on food for my own family. Our Thanksgiving this year was spent at Matt’s sister’s house with our 4 nephews, Matt’s parents, and all 3 of my brothers & their wives! Bringing the total to 17 people. Lots of fun! I love loud busy family get togethers.
Friday we braved the mall. Actually, it was 2 malls. First we took the kids to go see Santa. Then, Matt and I went out alone to do some shopping. We got a few things for Matt here, and really had no luck anywhere else. I really am not a fan of shopping when stores are a mess and clothes are just thrown all over the place – something you just can’t avoid on black Friday. We did spent some time marveling over the fact that there are so many Christmas sweaters with cats embroidered on them in the women’s section of all the department stores. Really? That many people buy those? Then, we ended our date here, a new restaurant in Charlotte where my brother bartends.
We are going to try to get our Christmas decorations, lights and tree up over the rest of this weekend. My mom and her fiance are coming on Thursday for a week, and I don’t really want to have to do any decorating while she’s here. I am hoping to maybe have some pics up soon though. My blog just isn’t as fun without them.
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Thankful
Family. I am THANKFUL that all of my brothers and their wives moved to Charlotte this year. I am THANKFUL that they love my kids and spend lots of time with them. I am THANKFUL that my kids will know how important family is, and that they will grow up surrounded by positive role models.
God’s Provision. I am THANKFUL for all the freelance work Matt got this year. I am THANKFUL that God provided an opportunity for me to bring in a little extra money this year after Matt got laid off, and that I am still able to stay at home with my kids. I am THANKFUL that my husband put us on a budget. I am THANKFUL that my friend Vickie motivated me to use coupons, and that it saved us thousands of dollars this year on groceries!
Girl’s Night. I am THANKFUL that every Thursday night, I get to look forward to meeting some of my girlfriends for coffee or dinner. I am THANKFUL that I have such a great group of friends to encourage me and support me. I am THANKFUL that I get a few hours of time to relax with adults every week.
Ella’s Growth. I am THANKFUL that we decided to hold Ella back from going to kindergarten this year. I am THANKFUL that because of that decision, she has come out of her shell. I am THANKFUL that my daughter is not so shy anymore. A year and a half ago, I feared that she would hate school. Now, I am THANKFUL that she doesn’t want to go home when I pick her up at preschool. I am THANKFUL that she is asking to do things independently now.
Almost Straight Teeth. I am THANKFUL that I finally got my braces this year. I am THANKFUL that in just a couple of months they will come off, and I will have straight teeth. I am THANKFUL that they are clear.
Fall. I am THANKFUL for this time of year. I am THANKFUL that the trees are so beautiful. I am THANKFUL for the leaves that cover the ground. I am THANKFUL for pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks. I am THANKFUL for homemade cookies. I am THANKFUL for yummy smelling candles. I am THANKFUL for daylight savings being over so that my kids can go to bed earlier. I am THANKFUL for all the pumpkins I see sitting on porches. I am THANKFUL that I will be spending Thanksgiving with 16 of my family members!
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Finally over the flu!
Wow! Is it really mid-November already? What happened? Oh, I know. We lost over a week when we all had the H1N1 flu last week. And not only that, but I got bronchitis to top it all off. Luckily we got it now and not over a holiday. And I have to say that I have the best friends and family a girl could ask for. I had so many people watching my kids, bringing me soup and just calling to check in on us. Thank you to all of you….you know who you are! It made me feel very loved and blessed to have all your help. And I do have to apologize – no Halloween pictures. I can’t believe it, but I actually started coming down with the flu on Halloween. It took all of my energy, and lots and lots of ibuprofen and Tylenol, just to muster up the energy to get through the days activities – a birthday party and trick-or-treating, that I never took any photos of the kids dressed up. I am very sad about it. Justin was Batman and Ella was a Cat. They were so cute! Better luck next year I guess.
Other than being sick, we’ve had quite a relaxing week. It has been pouring down rain the past few days, so we haven’t really left the house much. Matt and I got to go on a day date Tuesday while the kids were at preschool. We started our Christmas shopping and then went out to lunch. We picked up quite a few goodies for the kids while they were on sale at Walmart this week. Here is a sneak peak of one of Ella’s and one of Justin’s. And can I just say that 5 year old girls are really hard to shop for. I have hardly any ideas of what to get Ella this year….any opinions?
Speaking of Christmas shopping, I am really looking forward to the holidays this year. Matt will have pretty much the entire month of December off (which is good and bad), but it will be great to have him around for all the fun activities. I just got a call today that my mom and her fiance are coming to visit in December! Plus, all of my siblings and their spouses moved here over the summer, and I am really looking forward to celebrating with them. Yes, it is going to be a fun holiday season this year!
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