They Work Hard for Their Money…..

so hard for it honey….. (I sort of made up my own words to that song...lame I know, but it just popped into my head).

The boys' school is having it's annual Catholic Schools Marathon where they raise money for the school by getting donations/pledges and then the students do a walk/run. It was suggested that instead of just asking people for money that the students ask to do some type of work/chore to earn the money. Connor takes this part of it pretty seriously and wants to earn every cent he raises. He's been working hard around the house (always asking what he can do) and he's been helping family and neighbors also. He walked our neighbor's dog and took out their garbage. Jacob only being in Kindergarten is not as involved yet, but has worked for his money also.

Jacob and Nolan matched and folded socks.

Connor (mostly) and Jacob helped shingle Great Grandpa and Uncle Steve's house.

While Lucas had fun driving the tractor and Nolan wanted so badly to help also. The kid has no fear.

The past few Saturdays Connor has been participating in football camp. They go around to different stations doing drills and learning skills. He is enjoying it.

Monday night I went to the Twins game with Natey (Matt was supposed to go but got sick) and we met up with Diane's dad. I was freezing all day due to it being damp, cold, and drizzly. I'll be honest I wasn't all that excited about going, but didn't want the tickets we bought to go to waste. It's a little hard to get pumped up to go to a game on a school night, in the cold, and when I don't even recognize half the team because they are playing horribly. However, Natey and I toughed it out. I'm so glad we did....it was absolutely perfect out up there. It was a beautiful night (minus a couple QUICK mists). Those of you that know me know I have my camera with me ALWAYS....ha. Well that night I was rearranging plans because Matt was staying home and hurrying to get dinner and homework done before I left and I left my camera on the counter at home. Wouldn't you know it....Tony Oliva was walking around before the game and taking pictures with people. UGH.....sorry Natey. ;) Next time.

We have a busy couple of days ahead. Connor got asked to be junior royalty for our town's homecoming this week and gets to participate in the festivities. I always wondered how they picked the kids for that. Now I know.....you get a phone call asking if your child would want to do it and if you are OK with it. ;) We're excited. Should be a fun time.

Happy Birthday Yaya!

Happy Birthday Yaya! Hope you had a wonderful day.

We love you!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you so!

We were able to stop at mom and dad's for a little tonight to wish Grandma a Happy Birthday and watch her blow out her birthday candle.

We love you Grandma (mom!)! Today is a great day to celebrate you. Thank you for all that you do.

Connor Friends party and Vikings game with Daddy

Yesterday Connor had a few friends over for a little party (I am not sure I like birthday parties so much...it's so hard to make Connor choose, yet you can't invite the whole world....then there are always hurt feelings.....I'm not a big fan).

They had fun though. What a great group of boys too. It's always fun to see your kids interact with their friends.

They played football, Ghosts in the Graveyard, a couple of games, Bingo, ate lunch, had cake and ice cream, and played some sports Bingo. The time went by very quickly.

Today Matt and Connor went to the Vikings game. It was kind of a present for Connor's birthday. Matt was a good sport and wore a Vikings jersey and cheered for the Vikings with Connor.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy DiAnE!

We hope you had a wonderful day and are so glad you are a part of our family!

We love you!

Connor Family Birthday party

Family came over today to help celebrate Connor's birthday.

He was pretty spoiled again..... way too much money (look at his face in this picture)...

Twins sweatshirt......

and Twins hat.....

Vikings jersey........ and clothes...

Matt and his mom.

We spent the day playing games, watching football, playing outside, visiting, playing cards...

We got a much needed updated picture with Matt's family.

Matt's Uncle Bob and Sharon were up from California and we were lucky enough that it worked out for them to come to the party.

I had to take a picture of these sweet things in purple. I know it won't happen much. I had to give Kristin a hard time. ;)

The kiddos minus Lucas.

Our boys sure are loves and spoiled. Thank you everyone.

Our 8 year old

Our oldest turned 8 today. It's hard to believe. Where does time go?

Last sleep as a 7 year old.... love these pictures of the boys sleeping the night before their birthday.

He chose to et at the Plaza Morena. We love eating there. Connor was wondering all of supper if they were going to get him with whip cream. ;)

Connor's favorites right now:
Color: Black and red
Number: 32
Sport: Whatever season it is
Game: Monopoly
Book: Hardy Boys Series
Show: Pokemon
Song: Never Say Never by Bieber
Wii game: Sonic and Mario Olympic Winter Games
Food: Pizza/
Drink: Mountain Dew (he's only had it a couple of times!)
Hobby: Play Outside or Building stuff
Animal: Bald Eagle
Candy: Suckers
Friends: Noah, Dominic, Jackson, Damian

Favorite from your year as a 7 year old: Going to Wisconsin Dells

Connorman - we are so proud of you. Words cannot express how proud we are. You are thoughtful, caring, smart, silly......the list goes on. You are such a terrific big brother. I am amazed sometimes with how much you think of your brothers and help them. They adore you. Your love for learning is exciting. You are creative and love to read. I can't keep up with the books your reading some days. ;) You have a smile that can light up a room, and your hearty laugh right now is contagious. Oh how I love that laugh. You give great hugs and I'm so glad you are still OK with giving me a hug and kiss before school and that you want to snuggle at bedtime. That will stop before I know it. I'm going to soak it all up as long as I can. ;) You're questions catch me off guard sometimes and keep us on our toes. It's fun listening to you and daddy, your uncles, and grandpa talk sports. I sometimes think we expect too much of you because you have been so easy, so helpful, so mature, and just YOU!!! I hope you know how much I love you......I really do. My heart swells with love for you. I cannot wait to see what life has in store for you....it's gonna be good!

School

We have a lot of new and big boyish things going on at our house. ;) Look who has joined the rest of us at the big table? And is so proud of himself.

The kid doesn't miss a beat. He watches and observes so closely then does it himself. This could be good and bad I'm thinking.

My favorite....praying.

Monday evening we had our "Back to School" dinner with the main course of choice being steak of course. ;) I tell ya, these boys are going to be expensive. We couldn't go without the "boy wine", as Jacob calls it. Here's to a great first week of school.

Tuesday was the first day of school. Jacob and Nolan had an interesting schedule this week only going two days and one of the days only having half their class with them. So Tuesday only Connor and Nolan had school. Connor was up the night before worrying his little heart away. He was in tears and so nervous (or as he put it 51% nervous and 49% excited!) about the unknowns of the day. I feel so blessed that I now get to take them to school the first day(more on that later). Nolan was so pumped.

Connor felt a little better in the morning. Here is his new smile with one less tooth that he lost last week.

I couldn't have asked for better smiles. This picture turned out perfect (OK...I'm a little biased!)

Wednesday was then Jacob's first day. He was so excited also. He has come so far.....there was absolutely no bit of anxiety. It was wonderful and we were so proud of him. I touched base with his teacher after school and she said he did great...was very happy, expressive, and polite. Gotta love hearing that. I was happy to hear the bus ride to daycare went fine also. He is growing into such a little man. So fun.

It is crazy having 3 of the boys in school. Feels strange.

I miss my old school and the wonderful people I worked with because I had it good and loved it there. However, I truly feel like I am now where I am supposed to be right now. I get to do two things I love very much....be a mom more and teach. It is unbelievable being able to take the boys to school and see them during the day. There is nothing better. I work with wonderful people as well, who have been so helpful with the transition. I also love that I get to have the faith piece in my day. Working with great people at a great place, being able to share my faith, and being where my boys are.......life is good.

Just had to end with some cute pictures of Lucas, since he is the only one not in school. ;) He seems to grow and change daily. I wish I could slow life down.