He's back......

Look who found his way back to our house today.We were on our way to bed and Connor screams, "Mommy, Elfie's back! Look!".
I think he had been there since early this morning, but we didn't find him until tonight.

For those of you who have no idea about Elfie. Santa sent him to the boys last year at the beginning of December and the story is that he hides in a new place every night (I just hope he doesn't forget to move every night! ;)). The boys named him last year. He is one of Santa's helpers and keeps an eye on the boys and goes back to report to Santa every night (or so Connor thinks it's every night, I think it has to be pretty exhausting doing it every night, but we'll go with it!). He comes at the beginning of December and heads back to be with Santa after Christmas. The boys were so excited. In fact, they went to bed the best that they have lately because Connor kept saying, "Guys, Elfie watches everything we do now and goes back to tell Santa, so we have to be good!". It's pretty funny. Even Jacob was telling Nolan to go into his room because Elfie is watching. Connor asked me to keep an eye on Elfie to see if he moves at all while I'm still awake. Not sure what we started.......
Welcome back Elfie!


The boys and I went shopping after I picked them up and got Matt a new coat and sweatshirt. They picked them both out. We talked about surprises and how we can't tell daddy. I really didn't expect it to stay a surprise until Christmas, but was wishful thinking a little bit. We'll probably end up giving the coat to him early anyways. When Matt called to talk to the boys, Jacob right away said to him, "Daddy, we got you a new present. It's under the tree. It's a coat." Right as he said it, his eyes got big, and his eyes teared up (he knew that he wasn't supposed to tell). He handed me the phone without saying good bye and started bawling. He kept saying, "I sorry, mommy! I sorry, mommy!".
It was the cutest thing, and there was no way I could be upset with that. I told him it was OK over and over...but he was sad for most of the night, but eventually calmed down. It didn't help that Connor was not happy with him for telling Matt.

Visitors and Christmas tree

Nana and Grandma Doreen came to visit today. It was a great visit. Thanks for making the trip ladies.

After they left this afternoon we decorated the tree and listened to Christmas music. The boys really got into it. They all wanted a turn with following daddy around the tree with the string of lights. He had to lift them up many times to put the ornaments on the top of the tree and Connor had to stand on his shoulders to put the angel on. I'm pretty traditional and old fashioned when it comes to the holidays and love putting up our family ornaments still. There are some beautiful trees out there that focus on a color and a theme, but I figure I'll have plenty of time to do that when the kids are grown up. Right now I like them to have their ornaments and be able to put them up, along with all of our family ones. Matt and I try to get an ornament from every place we visit, we get ornaments as gifts (one of my favorites is a wine bottle! Matt also got one engraved for me when he proposed!), and we have some of our ornaments from when we were kids. I love snuggling on the couch with a warm blanket, lights off (or on), and the glow of the Christmas tree lights shining. Nolan concentratingJacob found the "perfect" spot as he would say after every ornament he hung up.... Connor kissing my belly in front of the tree.

Oh, how I wish I was going back here this winter.....Connor doesn't think we should put this ornament up again after this year. ;)

We even had eggnog for supper. Let the holiday season begin!

Baby Names

Yesterday Natey and Diane came over and while Diane and I worked on our scrapbooks a little bit, Natey hung out with the boys (Matt is in Milwaukee for work until tonight).

After they left, the boys and I started talking about baby names. They were talking to the baby (or my belly I should say) and I think it's funny because they always think they need to talk to the belly button - like it's some hole, or microphone to get to the baby!

Nolan's ideas were Dora and Boots. Jacob thought Loot and Ce. Connor liked Wheeler. We talk to them about the names we like all of the time and they like them too (Matt and I went through a list the other day and each highlighted what we liked - we have a few that are in common). We're struggling with names a little bit this time around. The names we liked for all of the other pregnancies are not necessarily on the top of our list this time. Funny how it changes.

Anywho, after thinking of some names, Jacob then said to me, "How about Diane?".
Connor replied, "No, we have already have an aunt named Diane. Well, that is, if Natey marries her. Mommy, do you think he's going to marry her?".
Again, no pressure Natey! ;)

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you that are always asking about how I'm feeling, how the baby is doing, or just curious or interested in general about the pregnancy. When some of you have so many things and unfortunate circumstances going on in your lives right now, you still find the time to be happy for us. Thank you! You are very special people!

I had a Dr. appointment this week and everything looks good. My belly is measuring right on track at 32 inches and the heartbeat is 140 (which is really low compared to what is has been). I also had to get my Rhogam shot(for my blood type), the flu shot, and the H1N1 shot. I got poked everywhere possible! ;)

We're hoping to put the Christmas decorations up today, but we'll wait for the tree for daddy to come home. Matt got the house lights on earlier this week. They look great. Thanks daddy. My mom and dad are coming over later. Mom and I are going to paint Connor's room and dad will keep the boys entertained.

Happy Thanksgiving

What a wonderful day we had! We went over to my mom and dad's for a delicious lunch full of the traditional fixings! Mom did most of the work, though the big kids (that would be us)did bring a dish or two do share. ;) I don't know what it is, but I always feel the need to stuff myself, whether I'm hungry or not, and pregnant or not! Mmm.....
We lounged around and the guys watched lots of football, the little kiddos dragged all of the toys out, and of course there was cards and games.
We brought out the food again for supper and it was just as yummy.


Had to get this picture- the guys around the stove, doesn't happen too often! Just kidding guys....Presents from Grandpa and Grandma Jacob and Grandma, playing cards
More cards....Connor, Diane, and NateyConnor really wanted to learn how to play chess. He knows more about how to play than I do now.....The kiddos
As you can see in the picture up above, Nolan was not happy because he wanted to hold Kelsey. So, the poor girl got passed around from boy to boy. It was the cutest because she would say, "No, no, no"....she had had enough and I don't blame her. The the boys got a kick out of her saying "No, no no". They sure love their Kelsey girl. I do not have many pictures of me pregnant; 1. I'm the one always taking pictures 2. I'm getting really FAT! Thanks for taking the picture mom.
We have so much to be THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for. We truly are blessed.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving as well.

Conferences

We had Connor's conferences Monday night. We're so proud of him. Keep up the great work Connor! We love you! I know it's only Kindergartner, but you are off to a great start and we cannot wait to see what you do and become!

Is it Christmas yet?

Friday night mom and I went to the Festival of the Trees (benefit for the ADD -Advocates for Developmentally Disabled). We always have a good time there. Mom gets to pick out a tree for her work. It's amazing how giving people in the community are, even through these tough times.

Saturday we headed to Eau Claire to see Papa John and Yaya. Yaya had to work, but we made sure to stop in to see her a couple of times. We had a really great day with John. We went to eat lunch at the A&W and the boys thought it was awesome because they got hot dogs and mini corn dogs, along with root beer. We don't drink a lot of pop, so they thought it was the coolest, plus....there are not too many places that have hot dogs on their kids menu.

We then went downtown to the Children's Museum which is right by where Yaya works. The boys (Papa John and Matt included) had a blast. It's a really neat place - very similar to the Children's Museum in the cities, but to a smaller scale. I was impressed.

We then went to go get our Christmas tree. We have done this with John and Lynn now for the past 4 years, so it's a fun tradition. We didn't go to the place we normally go to because of time, but still made it to a really cute tree farm and had a good time picking out our tree.

We got home pretty late Saturday night, but it was worth it. What a great day.

Sunday we went to church and then went to breakfast with Santa with Grandma and Grandpa. This breakfast is a continuation of the Festival of the Trees. We ate breakfast and got to talk to Santa and got some pictures. Connor whispered in my ear that he wasn't the real Santa, only a helper, because there is no way the real Santa could do all the things that he does before Christmas. (At least he still believes there is a real Santa! - I think it's going to be hard to keep him believing - he's just too much of a thinker!) It was cute though, he said the same thing to Grandma, but told her he had to whisper it so that Jacob and Nolan didn't hear. ;) Good big brother!
He is asking Santa for a DS and we do not want him to nor think he needs one of these yet. MAYBE someday...but not for awhile. We had to have a talk about how Santa knows how mom and dad feel and unfortunately even though the child might really want something, Santa always follows mom and dad's wishes. We had some eyes fill up with water, but he handled it very well. ;) What a mean mom and dad!

In the afternoon Matt set up the tree and moved the furniture around. We won't decorate it until after Thanksgiving, but it's fun having the tree up.

I love Thanksgiving, and we have so much to be thankful for, so I don't want it to get overlooked (thank goodness for the countdown chain that Jacob made in school so that we stay focused on Thanksgiving), but boy am I excited for Christmas!

Go Vikings, Progress on Connor's room, and random

My school had some exciting visitors today. Phil Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie from the Minnesota Vikings came to visit our school for the American Heart Association, Play 60 Challenge. Our P.E. teacher has been in contact with the head of the American Heart Association and tried to get them to come last year, but it didn't work out. We are the only school that they are coming to visit during the season. That's pretty cool. The kids were so excited, and I think many of us adults were as well! I know I was. They are two HUGE guys. Two cheerleaders, Mark Wilf (the president), and Viktor the Viking also came. Our P.E. teacher had some activities set up for students to do in teams and our visitors got to partake in it also. They were such great sports about it all. What a fun time!

(I love how McKinnie's hand is as big as my face!)

We are finally making progress on Connor's room again. We have a guy mudding and taping this week, so we can hopefully get painting soon. I'm anxious to get everything put together.

We were watching Polar Express last night (can you tell we're excited for Christmas) and towards the end of the movie, Connor says, "Man, I wish I could ride on the Polar Express! It would have to be on a weekend though because I would be up really late!". Matt and I had to smile.

Matt gives the boys horsey rides sometimes to bed or to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Tonight Jacob asked him for a Piggy Back Horsey. Not sure which one he wanted! ;)

Here are our two little munchkins playing one of their favorite games right now with their shades on. You know how bright that sun is at 6:00 pm in the fall. ;)

Happy Veteran's Day

My school has a wonderful Veteran's Day program every year and it reminds me how fortunate I am and how unselfish and brave all the people who have served our country are. Our media specialist does a beautiful slide show with pictures of family members who have served our country of our students and staff. My dad, grandpa, and some of my uncles are Veterans. I finally got my dad and grandpa's pictures up on the school slide show last year. Aren't they great pictures? (My dad's picture is not downloading at the moment, so come back and check out the handsome guy again!)



I have to give my dad a hard time because he balks every time I mention that he's a Veteran. He says he's not because he didn't actually fight in a war. However he was stationed in places during them. If you remember my entries during my Germany trip it was cool that I got to be in Stuttgart where he was stationed. He mentioned the other night that he was also stationed at Fort Hood where that awful tragedy took place. Even the people at our program today said a Veteran is anyone who has served - so there dad. You're wrong! ;) You are considered a Veteran!


We said the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the program and it brought a smile to my face because just Monday night after I tucked the boys in to bed, Jacob came out about 15 minutes later. He had this big smile on his face, which made it hard to be upset with him! He said to me, "Mommy, I know the Pledge of Allegiance!". Obviously not that clearly. We struggle with Jacob's speech some yet (as you will see below), so it took me awhile to figure out what he said. He recited it right then and there. It was awesome. He was so proud, and so was I! He told me that Mary, our daycare provider, has them say it before they do school every morning and they get to take turns holding the flag. How cool! I had to get it on tape. Hope this can put a smile on your face also (don't forget to pause the music)!

Thank you to all those that have served and are serving our country, so that we have the freedoms we have.

Going Wild and All day Kindergarten

I forgot to mention that last Thursday Matt and I went to our first Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center. It was actually Matt's first time at the place. I have been there before for other things, but never a Wild game. Matt and I both love sports in general, but we are not big hockey fans. We've heard great things about the Wild games, so we were excited when we got the tickets. We ate at a really good Irish Pub on 7th and then headed to the game. The Wild lost, and did not play well at all. I hate to say it, but both of us said the experience was just OK. They take too many breaks for commercials. I know it's also because we are not big hockey fans. The arena itself is fun and a great atmosphere. Are we glad we did it? Sure - now we can say we have been to a game. Will we do it again? Not sure. ;) We could probably be persuaded if we went with other people. It was a nice night out for us though.

Today was Connor's first day of all day Kindergarten! He was so pumped, especially about having gym class now and lunch. It was a perfect first lunch for him - corn dogs! We decided to go to Godfather's Pizza to celebrate. Connor had a certificate for a free personal pizza for reading the month of October. While we ate we heard all about his great day. He had gym, library, computer time, rest time, lunch. They had to journal about their favorite part of the day and Connor started laughing when he told us his favorite part was rest time. "I'm serious, mom!", he said. I guess he was really tired. He even rides the same bus as some other kids from daycare. He liked that. He's so pumped about it all! He even has the same gym teacher that I had. He thought that was pretty cool.

Scrapbooking and Creative brotherly play

I enjoy scrap booking, but never can find the time. Like I've mentioned before I am behind on Jacob and Nolan's baby/1st year books. I had Connor's done month by month as he was growing up. He even has two of them - another one I did up to the age of 3. Poor guy though - I look at what I did for him and it is nothing like what I now do or have the materials to do in Jacob and Nolan's books. I wouldn't call Connor's much of a scrapbook, but it is a good first year/baby book. I kept track of everything for him, whereas I was lucky if I got a few things down for the other two. It's funny how it all goes!

When you add another child into the mix and yet another.....there is not much time. The younger two are only going to get a first year book. Sorry guys. I will still take pictures of everything and everyone like I love to, however the blog is going to be my scrapbook from now on (which is funny because I forgot my camera - Melissa even made a joke that she for sure figured I would have my camera). I will still try to do a family one every year with birthdays, trips, holidays, but other than that there is NO WAY possible with 4 kids to keep up with one for all of them for every year. I just can not do it.

Anywho, my friend Melissa (who is an incredible scrapper - wow!) mentioned a crop party that was happening in town here for the weekend. We worked from 10:00am-11:30pm on Saturday and 10:00am -3:00pm on Sunday. Melissa and I took a class to make and put together portfolios for our kids' papers, that took about 2-1/2 hours. They are adorable. I made 3 of them, one for each of the boys' Kindergarten year (and after we know whether the baby is a girl or a boy I will order another kit).




My goal was to get Jacob's book all done and start Nolan's, but that was wishful thinking. Jacob was born in March and I got up through November done in his book. Not too bad. The great thing about the weekend, besides the great company and that it really was fun, I am now motivated again to get my behind in gear and finish them! Here are some of my favorites.





During October, before Halloween, Connor came up with a game of tag that he called Connorstein (or if Jacob was it - Jacobstein, Daddystein, etc...you get the picture)! This weekend while I was gone, they were playing it, and Connor stopped for a moment and said, "Wait a minute. Halloween is over".
So....he came up with a new game. They now play the Baker and the Turkeys. Whoever is the baker is it and tries to get the other boys, or I should say turkeys. When he gets them he throws them in the oven to bake. Too funny!!!