Christmas Card

We had a little photo shoot at Jared's birthday party in an attempt to get a family picture for our Christmas Card. It's always interesting when we attempt to get 3 kids to look and possibly smile at the same time.

Here's the shot that turned out the best...

Thought it would be nice to have one of Keith and I...

And here's the final result...

Jared's 6th Birthday Party

Sunday, December 12th...

We had Jared's 6th Birthday Party a few days early. We had the usual crowd and almost everyone was able to make it. The roads were glare ice due to the Blizzard the day before. Other than that, we had a great time and Jared got lots of great gifts. Thanks to everyone for making it a special day for him! =)

Most of the cousins...

Lily, Brianna, Ava, Jared, Alec, Nick, Gabbie and Luke

James and Ashlyn

Aunts and Uncles...

Katie, Jesse, Kristin, Ryan, Chelsey, Kelly, Jeremy, James

Birthday boy with his cupcake cake that Grandma Deb & Grandpa Jim made...

This would've been a great pic but I didn't notice that the darn camera strap got in the way of the flash.

This girl can sleep anywhere!

December 11th...

She plays hard and crashes even harder! Chloe can almost sleep standing up...

BLIZZARD!

Saturday, December 11th...

We were hit with one heck of a storm! It was freezing rain, snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph. I guess they said we got anywhere from 15 to 20 inches but it was hard to measure since it was blowing so hard. Here are a few pictures I took of the crazy kid that wanted to go out and play.

You should be able to see for miles behind him (St. George).

Snow was sticking to the siding.

Can you see the power pole on the highway? Behind Jared to the left.

Notice the massive drift building on the roof.

"Mom, are you done taking pictures so I can go play?"

You can barely see the mailbox at the end of the driveway!

NU Journal Article

NU Journal Article from 12/13/2010

Santa at the Bank

Friday, December 10th...

Jared was lucky enough to get to see Santa at United Prairie Bank when he came to visit.

He was the first kid in line but once he got on his lap he froze and only mumbled a few things to Santa. Good thing we got to see him one more time before Christmas! Jared was worried that he wasn't going to get everything that he wanted. =)

Can you read the nervous body language... teeth clenched smile and sleeves pulled over hands. Santa just makes some kids nervous!

School Christmas Program

Thursday, December 9th...

St. Anthony Elementary put on their annual Christmas Program. Jared was excited to participate since this was his first year! The kids were adorable and the program was excellent.

First they come out and sit to wait their turn. It's cute to watch them all looking around trying to find their families.

Yes, Jared... we see you!

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

All of the songs were choregraphed and the kids did really well! Jared is in the top row, 4th from the left.

He got a little wild with the arm movements and flipped his scarf up on his head. Lily is in front of him with the pink hat.

He must be mimicking the music director...

Missing: 1 Tooth

Sunday, December 5th...

Jared lost his first tooth! And I mean he literally lost it. We were in the living room hanging out and then all of a sudden I noticed a black spot in his mouth while he was talking. I asked him "Did your tooth just fall out?!" and he got wide-eyed and felt for it with his tongue and started freaking out!!! He was SO afraid that it was going to hurt but he didn't even notice it! Of course, it had to be on our new super plush and thick carpet. Ugh! We felt around for a while but couldn't find it so I fired up the vacuum cleaner and started going through the cansiter very carefully. Felt like we were on CSI or something. =)

Nothing...

Crap...

Now what???

Idea: "How about we write a letter to the Tooth Fairy explaining what happened?"

He loved it! Whew... Disaster evaded.

SO proud!

"Move your finger so I can get a better shot"

He does this thing with his jaw that makes it look like the tooth is on center. Goofball.

The girls were being silly while we were searching for the tooth...

Flooring Project - Phase 3

Monday, November 29th...

The nasty, old carpet is finally going "bye, bye"! The kids thought is was the coolest thing to have that big empty room to run around and chase each other. That is, until Keith kicked them out cuz he was ripping it out and the tack strip was exposed.

Tuckered Out

Sunday, November 28th...

I can't remember what we were doing at the time but Morgan decided she needed a quick nap right then and there.

It's a lot of work be this darn cute!

Flooring Project - Phase 2

Saturday, November 27th...

The next phase of the flooring project was to move all of the kitchen appliances into the dining room. I'm definitely not going to miss that linoleum!

Owie Butt

Saturday, November 27th...

Chloe and Morgan were on an antibiotic for ear infections. They only took the medicine for a few days becasue it caused extremely loose stools in both of them. I've never changed so many poopie diapers in a row... unreal! Unfortuneately, Miss Chloe got what I thought was a really bad diaper rash but it turned out to be a yeast infection. I guess babies (boys and girls) can get them on their bottoms (not like the normal ones women get). It lasted about 2 weeks and was horribly uncomfortable for her. Every time she'd go to the bathroom she'd grab her diaper and say "Owie butt". Poor thing!

Here she is soaking in Dreft water. I guess that's an old remedy but it didn't seem to help. At least she had fun with it!

Jared had to get in there to check it out so she shared her bubbles.

And LOTS of giggles!

Playing Outside

Saturday, November 27th....

Keith was putting up Christmas lights so we decided to go outside for a little bit. It wasn't too cold so the kids had fun playing in the yard since that doesn't happen too much anymore.

Chloe still has to ride like this... what a cheese ball!

And of course, the trampoline had to get bounced on one last time.

It was a little tricky since it was kinda slippery with snow on it.

Morgan fell asleep in the stroller but I didn't want to wake her by taking her out so I put her in the front porch. The sun makes the porch nice and warm so it was actually perfect for a nap!

Parade of Lights

Friday, November 26th...

I took Jared and Chloe to see the Parade of Lights this year. Keith opted to stay home with Morgan since it was SO cold. Too cold for her... plus I think daddy would rather stay home where it's nice and toasty too.

Jared, Chloe and MaKenna... look at those rosy cheeks!


Hi, Chloe!

There's Santa!!!

What's wrong with this picture?

Sorry for the lack of updates lately... the holidays and flooring project has been keeping us super busy. Get ready... I have a TON of posts coming shortly! =)

Thursday, November 25th...

I was home with the kids for the start of the long holiday weekend. We were busy playing, as usual, and all of a sudden Chloe was quiet. NOT normal. So I walk into the dining room and find this...

Chloe discovered that the new floor is super fun to zip around in the walker. And then suddenly needed a nap. Too cute!

And then I walked down the hallway to our bedroom and find Morgan passed out on the floor. My kids are really good at falling asleep quickly and wherever they happen to get tired.

Another tooth!

Morgan had another tooth appear earlier this week! 3rd one on the bottom... none on the top yet. She's been gnawing on anything and everything she can get her hands on so I'm sure there are more on their way! I'll try to get a pic... won't be hard since she's SO smiley!

6 Years Old!!!

Jared turns 6 years-old today!!!

I snapped a quick cell phone pic this morning...

I have more on my camera that I'll add later.

Jared had his annual check-up with Dr. Jorve. He is still topping the charts!

• Weight: 57 lbs. 3 oz. - 93%
• Length: 4' 0.5" - 94%
• BMI: 17.13