7 Days: Day 7

And here we are to the very last day of my 7 days photo project.

It's not an original shot at all. But I wanted something Christmasy to end my run. So it will do. Happy Holidays everyone!

7 Days: Day 6

Here I am with my boys (Zach, Josh and Alex). It's a tad blurry but we were giggling trying to get a shot so it was hard to hold still. :) This is the best I could get.

7 Days: Day 5

Day 5 had a theme of festive. So tonight we were "festive" and celebrated Christmas with my mom, step dad, step sister and her family. It was a fun and festive evening. :) We all went out to dinner together then came back to our house to open a few gifts.

One of the presents that my kids got was a hot wheels race track. Here is a picture of Josh trying to play on it while my step sister and I tried to put the stickers on.

7 Days: Day 4

Today I finally had the chance to make the hands ornaments for our Christmas tree. For those of you out there with young children I would highly recommend it!! It is so much fun to see how they grow from year to year!

Matt's grandma did this when he was growing up and I LOVED LOVED LOVED the idea that I did it when my kids were born. I put Josh's first hand ornament in the picture just to show you how fast they grow in six years!! These are HANDS DOWN (ha ha ha) my favorite ornaments on our tree!

7 Days: Day 3

Here is my day 3 of 7 days shot. Isn't this sign beautiful? I mean seriously- it brings tears to my eyes!! It's so awesome!! We are giddy with excitement (Well, Josh wasn't happy at all at first. He was refusing to move. But once we drove him by the new house we are moving into he gave his stamp of approval and is now excited along with the rest of us)....And our excitement seems to be turning into stress and overwhelming emotions with all that needs to be done...but overall it's all good! We are really happy!!

7 Days: Day 2

Today there is a theme....and the theme is BRIGHT!! The sun is bright...and I think I look a little bit like the sun in this picture. :) er something like that.

I took this picture with an ipod and used the FaceMan ap to make me look all bright and shiny. That and Matt shined a flashlight in my face for a tad more effect. hee hee

7 Days- Day 1

Seven days (the daily self portrait group) is back on!! I didn't do it last time because for some reason I didn't feel the creative juices flowing. I feel more creative this time, plus I missed it. So I am excited to participate in it again.

Tonight we were able to go spend the evening with Joe and Kassie- which is always a fun time!! We went to Valentinos for dinner then came back to our house to hang out a little more. It's a chatting, picture taking, ipod game playing, good time!! :)

Here is my Day one Shot:

And here is my alternative:

Third Time's the Charm, Right?

Josh had his eye surgery for the third time today. Things went really smoothly. No complications. And so far it has worked!! His eyes are straight as arrows!! Now the trick is to get them to stay that way!! Fingers crossed!!

Josh's doctor is really awesome and lets Josh pick out a stuffed animal each time he has surgery. And boy does Josh latch onto that thing for a day or two. He isn't one of those kids who has a security item so to see him attach himself to something is interesting to me. Today he chose a red cardinal. His name was Mack. Then it was Birdie. Then Reddie. Then Blackie. Then Red and Black. And then nothing....it's just a bird. Good luck someday to when you need to name your kids Josh!! :) He also got another teddy bear from the hospital- oh and the cool shades he is wearing. Last time he had surgery he got to ride out in this wagon. Today he chose the wheel chair. The nurse even let him try to roll himself a little bit. Quite the highlight.

Today we have taken it easy. Josh (and Matt and I) have slept on and off all day. Getting up at the crack of dawn takes a lot out of you!! I think I have been up since 3am. Yawn!! I am just happy that all went well and like I said- I am keeping my fingers crossed that his eyes stay put!

Holiday Program

Friday was the boys holiday program at their elementary school and I was happy to attend this awesome event!! Unfortunately, Zach was sick with a bad cough. Matt stayed home with him and I got to see Alex and Josh preform what they have been working so hard on. Grandma and Granddad were able to make it too!

Josh spotted me in the audience right away. He is in the red sweater.

Alex did not find us. That's ok though he knew we were coming. Top row- striped shirt.

They sang two songs and recited a poem. I am NOT good at filming these things. In fact, it took me a little bit to figure out how to record them at all. In my defense, I did get a new camera and just assumed I could figure it out. Which I did- just not fast enough. Anyway- enough excuses- their cuteness speaks for itself. Watch and enjoy! Oh and Alex is on the left and Josh is on the right.

Their snowman poem:

Jingle Bell Rock:

Santa and Darth Vader

Yesterday Matt and Larry (Matt's dad) took the boys to see a Santa and Star Wars extravaganza! The boys were in heaven let me tell you. Unfortunately, I was not able to go as I am sick. Again. Sinus infection relapse. Stinks. Since we had another house showing, Ronna and Larry let me sleep at their house because they are super cool like that. Anyway the men took the boys to SAC museum to see Santa and stormtroopers.

The boys seemed very excited about it. They told me all about the R2D2s. I know there are other names for the different colored ones- they would know them. But I do not and I don't remember what they said they were called. I am not that hard core of a fan.

Matt said it was really crowded.

And it looks like it was. Obviously since I was not there, all pictures were taken by either Matt or Larry.

The boys told me that the Star Wars characters came down the escalator for their grand entrance.

Then they all lined up so you could wave and look at them. Next you got to get into a line to either see Santa or the Star Wars Characters. I thought for sure the boys would choose the Star Wars line, but they chose the Santa line! Santa got into one of the planes and the kids got to crawl up into the plane to talk to Santa.

Josh telling Santa what he wants.

Alex telling Santa his wishes.

Finally Zach. Evidently all three boys want the same thing. They all asked Santa for Bigfoot.

They wondered around the museum a little. SAC had a Star Wars display going on right now. On they way out the door they got lucky enough to get their picture take with a Storm Trooper!!!

It sounded like they had a REALLY awesome time. I think the only thing that would have made it absolutely perfect was if Batman would have been there too! :) And me too of course!

The Tree is Up!!

Actually the tree has been up since Thanksgiving weekend....I just haven't blogged about it. There really isn't much to say about it. Other than it's a family tradition. We put on some holiday tunes, maybe drink some hot chocolate while putting out the decorations.

I do have to say that we were very minimal with our decorations this year. Since we are selling out house we wanted it to be simple. So there aren't a ton of decorations out. One wreath on the door, one Christmas tree and 5 stockings. That's it. None of the cute decorations that are homemade by the boys- unless they are ornaments on the tree- and even those are few.

Some of us may have been videoing and picturing ourselves while decorating, but that's ok. It is something I want to remember for years to come. Cause Christmas is about enjoying time with your family right?

Now if only I could find the motivation to write out a Christmas letter!

More Thanksgiving Fun

The day after Thanksgiving, we headed out to my aunt and uncle's farm. Two of my aunt and uncles from Kansas came up to see everyone and we didn't want to miss them. Somehow I didn't get any pictures of them. I guess when there is a cute baby around my focus on pictures is distracted or something. :)

Not only did we get to see my aunts and uncles, we got another chance to eat turkey and mashed potatoes!! YUM!! And of course play with Sarah!! Who wouldn't want to head out to the farm with a few hours like that?!?!

She is such a doll. I love my boys and am very thankful that I have them!! Wouldn't have it any other way. But I do have to admit that it is so great to play with a girl!

We chatted and ate lunch.

Had a great time hanging out with each other!

My aunt Jane had a cool ipad that she was nice enough to let the boys play with.

It is a cool device!! I wouldn't mind having one of those things myself!!

Later Alex went outside to play Spiderman.

In Iowa he got this cool Spiderman web shooter for Christmas. (It shoots out silly string) It is obviously a HUGE hit with him!!

He was shooting "bad guys" left and right.

And of course what is a trip out to the farm without Wade getting out some sort of equipment for the boys to ride on. This time it was the lawn mower!! They had a blast!!

It was really great to see everyone, even if it was a short visit! We are looking forward to the next time we can do it again.

Thanks-mas or Christ-giving

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas in Iowa. We were so happy that everyone made it safely there!! There were some ice storms that were in the works that made it a little iffy but those from Minnesota-

to California-

all arrived safe and sound. And it was a really great day!! So much laughing and chatting- it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday!!

Of course there was lots of food.

Really yummy delicious food. Food wise-I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, various salads, home made rolls, pies- all favorites of mine!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

It was heavenly!! We all shoveled it in as fast as we could! So yummy!

After dinner, we chatted and played.

Maybe got a little silly.

Then the day got even better!! As if it wasn't awesome enough already!! It was time to open presents!!! First the kids....

Then the adults...We do an exchange of...hmmm....how do I put this.....an exchange of.....well things like this:

You know they stuff you never knew you wanted until you got it.

It was awesome!!! This year things like a 30 year old wedding survival kit, a DVD of the Beverly Hillbillies, a parrot necklace with matching earrings, 70s ties and a VHS of New Kids on the block were amongst the gifts given!! We spare no expense in this family! It is belly laughing fun!!! Of course, after gifts comes the wrapping paper war.

After presents there was more chatting and laughing. Larry taught Zach how to play checkers.

I can't remember who one but I think it was a close game!! Over all the day was wonderful!!! It was so great to see everyone and spend the day together!!! Can't wait to do it again next year!!

Ronna's Brood:

Calvin's Brood:

Stan's Brood: