Our Family

Our Family
October 2013

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The girls' birthday party

For Jessica's 5th, and Lia's 3rd birthday celebration, we hosted a family gathering at our place.

Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins all came together to help us celebrate on this Saturday, April 13th. The party went from about 4-7 p.m..

We had Rainbow Unicorn decorations per request of Jessica. And, of course, Lia wanted Dora the Explorer.

The cupcake towers:





I had this banner printed from Walmart.
"Happy birthday Jessica (5) & Lia (3)!"
All the guests at the party signed it, made it a special keepsake for the girls.


Mmmmm! Yummy.


What a fun day it was!! Happy birthday to our two sweet girls!


Monday, April 22, 2013

Easter 2013


!WARNING! The following post contains way too many pictures! My apologies. But, I hope you enjoy them. :P


Easter 2013, for our family, can best be summed up as follows:
Snow!...Water park!...Umpteen egg hunts!!!


Here are a few pictures of the kids during their first egg hunt of the season...







Thanks for the fun egg hunt, Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob.
It was so much fun!


And later, that very same day, another egg hunt!

This one, outside in the snow.
Brrr, for the grown-ups. Awesome, for all the kiddos!




The following weekend (Easter weekend), we had some fun at the Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, with...surprise, surprise -another egg hunt!
This one was in the hotel suite.







It was a bit long, yet always entertaining, stroll down to the water park... :)




Wheee!!!





Nothing beats a nice, warm bath after a long day playing at a water park!



Afterwards, we went straight to Grandma Barb's and Grandpa Terry's for Easter dinner. Uncle Zach and Emily were there, as were Uncle Ryan and Maddy and Logan. Harold, Kristy, Cortney, and Cade were also there for the Easter celebration.
Grandma Barb prepared a delicious meal, and we had a fun time visiting with family.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Jessica turns 5!

Dear Jessica:

Your birthday was on a Friday this year. You two girls helped me make a cake and cupcakes while the other children napped at daycare that day.



We had to mix, pour, and frost downstairs in our family room because there were daycare children taking naps upstairs next to the kitchen. It worked out pretty well. And, it was fun too!




Later that night, we celebrated with a family dinner of your choice --chicken nuggets (your favorite), followed by birthday cake and presents.




The weekend after your birthday was filled with fun at a water park with some family (which I will post on the blog later).

The following Monday, you brought Oreo cookies (one of your favorites) to share with your class as school.

On this birthday, we find you to be a very independent young lady who likes to 'have a say in the matter.' You enjoy helping out with the younger children at daycare, teaching Lia how to play "big girl" games, and hanging out with big brother and his friends.

School has come very naturally for you. This was a big year for you, starting Pre-K! Your teacher, Mrs. Lang, enjoys having you in class, and says you are advanced in your writing and reading skills.

You are very creative in both your play, as well as, your art projects. It is fun to discuss make-believe with you because you can think up unique thoughts and ideas to add some fun to the conversation.

We love you Jessica. Happy birthday!
Love, Mom & Dad

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Things I don't ever want to forget...

When life gets busy, it is sometimes the smaller, more important, things that get over-looked (or purposefully ignored due to exhaustion).

As much as we remind ourselves to slow down, and take time to enjoy the present moments with our kids, there are times we still struggle to find that balance.

While I'm quite certain the broader picture of our kids' childhoods will forever be engrained in my memory, I worry about forgetting the smaller stuff.

LIKE..


I want to always remember...

The way Jessica sneaks her way into our bed at night, always approaching from Dad's side of the bed (because I'm not a very patient person to greet in the middle of the night). :) No longer does it upset me to wake up with our sweet Jess asleep beside me (given it's only happening once or twice a week, and not on a nightly basis); I've chosen to appreciate it as a special moment and to embrace it while I still can.

I want to always remember...

The way Lia greets me whenever I return home, after a few hours, or even just a few minutes, "Mommy's home!" and she runs to meet me at the top of the stairs with open arms, waiting for a hug. Melts my heart! <3

I want to always remember...

How the smell of fruit fills the air after the kids take a bath or shower. It seems like we always have strawberry or mango scented shampoos and conditioners for the kids.

The way Jessica enjoys writing notes and drawing pictures for her friends at school. She carefully folds them up, and places them in her back pack to give to her friends when she goes to school.

I want to always remember...

How Jackson took such pride in speaking his line, "The railroad took us many places, to and from our homes." He spoke this sentence into a microphone in front of all 80+ 1st graders and their parents during the 1st grade music show last week. And, then he looked out at me in the crowd, during applause, and he smiled!

The way our home, specifically the kitchen, is always decorated with artwork made on a daily basis (either at school or with me at daycare), and interchanged with new artwork, or added to daily. It's a never-ending process! :)

I want to always remember...

The way all three kids love to dance and sing with me. I know there will probably come a day when this will be an embarrassing thing to do with Mom, so I'm enjoying our daily dance parties while I still can!

The sounds of laughter that fill our house when we play the 'witch game' or any other game involving a chase or the 'tickle monster.'

I want to always remember...

The way Jackson can't leave for school without one last kiss from me just before he goes out the door. And, the way he still touches his heart and then points to me when he leaves (a symbolic way to say I love you that Jason and I taught him when he was only 3 years old). He still remembers and uses it! <3

And how Lia always wants me to carry her upstairs when she wakes up from her nap ...just because.

I want to always remember...

The excitement in Jessica's eyes whenever she talks about school. I love how she sings all her school songs, and most recently, all the nursery rhymes she has learned.

Seeing Jackson and Jason sitting on the couch together watching and discussing sports. It's also fun to see the two of them sitting on Jackson's bed together, looking through binders of sports cards.

I want to always remember...

How much Jessica likes to go through my closet and try on my boots; and, then she proceeds to sashay around the house, swaying her hips side to side. Does she get this from me? ;)

How excited Lia gets when she is the "ducker" for the game duck-duck-goose, and how her uncontrollable laughter will sometimes cause her to crumble to the ground.

I want to always remember...

The way Jackson likes to have me lay with him in his bed at night so we can discuss important matters about the planets such as, "why is Uranus lying on its side?" or "how many moons does Jupiter have?" Ha! He always surprises me with what he comes up with.


I want to always remember this feeling I have as a parent with young children. It is an incredible, yet terrifying, feeling to know that your children view you as a superhero in their worlds. It is every parent's dream to hope these feelings can withstand the test of time. But just in case, I don't want to ever forget.

Love, Mom

Sunday, February 10, 2013

What's happening with J, J, & L?

Sometimes the easiest way to update our family blog is to just ask the kids!
Especially now that J & J are old enough to verbalize their own ideas for a blog post.

Here's what I believe the kids would want you to know...



The world, according to Jackson...

"A body in motion stays in motion, a body at rest...wait a minute, Jackson doesn't rest!!"

I am 7 years old, and I'm in 1st grade at Irving Pertzsch elementary school. My teacher, Mrs. Simmons, says I am a "joy to have in class." The subjects I am learning about in school are: math, reading, science, social studies, art, P.E., and music. Reading and math are the only two subjects I bring home for homework on a nightly basis. "Learning about the Planets is really fun!" And, "I like to play 'Monster Physics' on the iPad because it's fun to build stuff." My favorite things to do at school are: P.E. class and play sports with my friends during recess. My friends and I prefer playing soccer and football year-round on the black-top of the school playground, vs. playing on the snowhills or on the playground equipment.
When I come home from school, I play with my friends until it's dinner time. After dinner, I do my homework. Park and Rec basketball has kept me busy on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. Our last game is Saturday, Feb 16th. Then, I will have about a month "off" before soccer practice starts up mid-March. I love to play and watch sports!!
I have been doing quite a bit of downhill skiing at Mt LaCrosse this winter. I always go with Dad, and sometimes we meet up with Grandpa Bob or some friends. I've been practicing how to stop and maintain control on the hill. Dad says I do a really good job! We ride the chair lift up, and ski down both 'Apple Blossom' and 'Mile-way.'

Mom and Dad say I have more energy than I know what to do with, and that they wish they could harness some of my energy for their own personal use. So, I guess that's a good thing :)

I feel happy when I make a basket and everybody cheers at my basketball game!
I feel sad when I'm sick.
When I think about ghosts, I feel scared.
When I think about Jellystone, I feel excited!

Mom did a "favorite things" interview with me, and this is what I said...

Favorite color: blue
Food: Mac n' cheese
Stuffed animal (sleeping buddy): gorilla
Book: any animal book
TV show: Wipeout
Sport: football
Veggie: carrots
Fruit: apple
Night owl or early bird? --Jackson is definitely a night owl. He'd stay up till 10:00 every night, if we'd let him.

__________________________________________

And now for Jess...

"The world is but a canvas to our imagination" -Henry David Thoreau

I am 4 years old, and I'm in Pre-K at Irving Pertzsch elementary school. My teacher, Mrs. Lang, says I am "advanced for my age." I practice writing numbers and letters at school and home. I bring home LOTS of artwork I make at school; in fact, artwork is my favorite part of school...along with playing with my friends.
Since I go to school in the afternoons, my mornings are spent home with Mom, Lia, and daycare kids. Although I always try to help out and play nicely with the little ones, sometimes Mom says I give "too much love." Anyhow, I love to be a leader at daycare and teach the younger kids how to play school and house.
When I come home from school, I play with my friends until dinner time. After dinner, I like to color, and sometimes I play with Lia while Jackson is doing homework.
I've tried Dance class and don't care for it. Gymnastics was ok. I really enjoyed my cooking class. Right now, I'm not enrolled in any extra activities.
Lately, Mom has been setting up play dates with a few of my school friends...which I really like!

Mom and Dad say I am very responsible because I do a good job getting myself dressed morning and night, and getting my school bag ready for school. I also do a good job keeping my bedroom cleaned and organized. Thanks! :)

I feel happy when I make people laugh!
I feel sad when I'm sick.
When I think about the Scooby-Doo show, I feel scared.
When I think about the circus, I feel excited!

Mom did a "favorite things" interview with me, and this is what I said...

Favorite color: purple
Food: red grapes
Stuffed animal (sleeping buddy): penguin
Book: 'If you give a mouse a cookie'
TV show: Doc McStuffins
Sport: soccer
Veggie: celery
Fruit: grapes
Night owl or early bird? --Jessica is an EARLY early bird! Her typical wake time is between 5-6 a.m.. So like her Momma!

___________________________________

And, if Lia was more fluent, I'm sure she'd tell you something like this...

"Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." -Mark Twain

I am 2 years old, and I'm in daycare full-time with my Mom (yay!) Mom says, most of the time, I do a good job "being a good friend" at daycare, but every now and then, I get a little possessive of my toys. The biggest thing we practice at daycare is how to share and play nicely with our friends. I also enjoy craft time, outside time, dance party, and story time. My nap time is hit or miss these days.

Mom and Dad say I am a little comedian, and we enjoy our nightly laughs together! :)

I feel happy when I'm busy playing.
I feel sad when I'm sick.
When I think about witches, I feel scared.
When I think about playing in the sand, I feel excited!

Mom did a "favorite things" interview with me, and this is what I said...

Favorite color: red
Food: hot dog
Stuffed animal (sleeping buddy): puppy
Book: 'Dora's Christmas Carol'
TV show: Dora
Sport: what's that?
Veggie: cooked broccoli
Fruit: banana
Night owl or early bird? --sort of a toss up lately, but usually Lia falls into the category of night owl. Lately, however, it seems she's been dabbling in her sister's world a bit, by waking up early about twice a week.


J, J & L have started off 2013 busy and happy! Jackson has remained healthy, but both the girls are currently recovering from the stomach bug.

We are all very excited for Valentine's day --and all the Vday cards, treats, and parties it brings with it!


Monday, January 14, 2013

Proud parent moment: # 1,000,001 :P

This morning, after returning home from my exercise class at the Y, I said "goodbye" to Jason as he left for work, greeted all three kids with "good morning" wishes, and then went to take a shower.
After the 15 minutes needed to get myself ready for the day, I walked out into our living room to find this...






To my surprise, Jackson had taken it upon himself to "cook" (using the microwave)breakfast for all three of them!
And, as if that weren't enough to declare this a true proud parent moment, what's more is... They were all eating happily together!
There weren't any fights to break up, or scrambling to get breakfast out on the table because they were STARVING!... Nope, just peace and quiet, contentment, and smiling faces. It was such a great way to start the day!


Sunday, January 6, 2013

Four Christmases

Our family had four Christmas celebrations this year. All occurring on different days, close to home, surrounded by loved ones...and of course, lots of presents, food, and three very excited children!

We were blessed with good health and many happy memories this year.

And, since pictures speak louder than words...

Christmas #1:
Sunday, December 23rd at Grandma Barb's and Grandpa Terry's.


Grandpa Terry made this doll house!...2 of them, actually. One doll house for Jessica and Lia, and one for cousin, Maddy as well.
Green Bay played the Tennessee Titans on this Sunday, giving our Packer family reason to sport all their Packer apparel.
Jason and I didn't dress up for the game, but those reindeer antlers have to count for something...:)

Christmas #2:
Tuesday, December 25th at home.
Christmas Day tradition for our family -- play with toys, play games, watch Christmas shows on TV, eat pancake breakfast, snack on Christmas cookies throughout the day, and stay comfy, cozy in our PJ's.

Stocking stuffers...

Christmas #3:
Wednesday, December 26th & Thursday, Decemeber 27th at Grandma Chris' and Grandpa Bob's
Jackson decorating his rice krispie train...
Ta-da!
"How many M&M's can I fit in my mouth?"...
Dress-up fun!
Grandpa Bob!...we always knew you were secretly a Packer fan...;)
All the girls...


Christmas #4:
Saturday, December 29th at our house with Grandpa Mark and Grandma Bonnie.

Lots of great gifts, including a scooter for Jackson...

Such a fun visit!
That's all folks!