Gingerbread house.....

Our failed attempt at putting together a Gingerbread castle was not the highlight of last week.  Here's a pic that I took of Marissa.  Her facial expression pretty much says it all....FRUSTRATION!  HA!

Gingerbread Castle Attempt

So, moving past that failure and on to some good memories.  We started Thanksgiving day with detailed research on the Black Friday ads.  There is nothing like a good cup of coffee, pj's & Black Friday ads to start a great day.  We loaded up and headed to Tony's grandparents for the afternoon.  We got to meet Brody's younger cousin, Tommy, who melted into my shoulder and let me cuddle him.  Brody is already past that cuddle stage.....sniff, sniff....We decided we were going to get going first thing in the morning when the kids woke up to go shopping.  Brody woke up to eat at 3:15 AM and I couldn't get back to sleep....ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT IS HOW I SHOULD BE SHOPPING.....I said, "Tony, I think I should go shopping because I can't sleep...."  He didn't think I should so I laid there until about 5:30 and finally drifted off to sleep to be woke up again at 6 by a crying Brody :)  So we got loaded up and away we went at 7:00AM.  Target was a ghost town....no lines, NOTHING.  The crowds had picked over all the doorbusters and nothing was left.  Next stop, Kohls....UM, let's re-think that one....WAY TOO MANY cars.  I have never seen so many cars....ok, JcPenney....Oh lovely, I can't even push the stroller through the aisles but at least we did find some things there.  Ok, back home TOO many people with 2 little kids to push through the aisles. 

Then, we headed to the movie Tangled with Grandpa & Grandma.  Marissa headed off with Grandpa & Grandma to stay overnight with them.  We then got all the Christmas decorations out and worked on that Friday night.  Saturday, we worked on the Gingerbread Castle & we did some more Christmas shopping.  Sunday, we did our annual Christmas cookie baking with John, Beth, Meghan and Abby at Grandma & Grandpa's house.  Here's a few pics!

Marissa rolling out dough

Decorating cookies

Marissa, Grandma & Meghan







Thanksgiving 2010!

We celebrated Brody's 1st Thanksgiving with his Great-Grandparents!  Here's a few pics from the day!

Craig, Tony & Brody

Great-Grandma Meyer & Brody

Nikki, Tommy, Brody & me
Tommy is 11 weeks younger than Brody!

Soccer & More.....

We had a busy week last week so here's my "catch-up" blog!  After Brody's doctor appt last Monday, I started the "self-soothing" process.  I'm happy to report we are both still alive and he is doing wonderful.  I think he was ready for it because there has been minimal crying when I lay him down for bedtime and he goes right to sleep.  Best part is I think he is sleeping MUCH better during the day.  The doctor said he's old enough and big enough to not eat during the night and that his habit of getting up needs to be broken.  SO, we are still working on that one but I would say he is doing better.  He will still wake up in the night but will take paci and go back to sleep.  So, now if he can just manage to stay sleeping that would be even better!! 

Marissa started her 3-week Community Ed Soccer class.  Tony said she did awesome and was the best one in the class.  Now, normally I would think he is just playing the "Dad" card where he thinks his kid is the best but she really is good at soccer.  She really loved it but was so tired after running for an hour.  Here's a few pics he took during class.

Marissa at Soccer Class

Kicking a goal

I decided it had way too long since I had done a project so I bought some paint and painted the master bedroom.  It was the only room in the house that had not been painted yet since we moved in 4 1/2 years ago.  I love the lighter color and I think it really brightens up the room.

Last night, we attended the wedding of a family friend.  Here's a pic we took of the Holgrimson family.  Notice that the kids aren't in the pic since they didn't attend the wedding.  It was strange to be kid-free all night!  It probably won't ever happen again! 

Holgrimson Family

So, then we woke up today to an ice storm and church had been cancelled which never happens so we spent the whole day at home!  Too bad the Vikings lost AGAIN! 

This week will be a fun week since it's a Holiday week!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

4 month check-up!!!!

Brody had his 4 month check-up today.   Here was his stats:

Weight:  17 lbs 4oz  (89th percentile)
Height:  26 inches  (55th percentile)
Head Cir:  41cm  (19th percentile)

He definitely is eating well and his weight shows it!  We talked about his sleeping issues so the doctor gave me some things to try.  It could be a very rough week around here.  Hope I survive it!!!  He got 4 shots which of course made him very upset!!!  Hope he does well with no reactions!! 

Conferences!!

Thursday marked Marissa's first school conferences.  It felt wierd that I have a child that is old enough for me to be going to conferences for but alas we are already here.  She is doing absolutely perfect!  I knew we would get a good report and we did.  Every "test" she has been given she has done exactly right.  I'm so glad that she is excelling in school and is enjoying it most of all!  Way to go, Marissa!  I hope every conference is as a good as that one!!!

What am I doing today......

I am listening to Marissa reading books to Brody....I am watching and listening to him squeal in delight.

I am listening to her tell him about David and the giant.

I am giggling to myself when she stops the story to tell Brody-man she loves him.

I am peeking in at them being sure to not disturb their conversation.

I am being told I am the best mommy ever.

I am loving life, appreciating each moment these kids are little.

I am proud to be a mom to these precious ones.

One year ago today.....

One year ago today....November 4, 2009...I found out I was pregnant with Brody!  A day that changed my life forever....it started out with a normal Super Target run to get groceries.  Marissa & I were just finishing up shopping and heading to the check-out lane when I thought to myself that I would just pick up a test just in case.  When we got home, I brought the groceries in and I thought I'm going to take this test.  Of course, I didn't think I would actually be pregnant!  Within 5 seconds it popped up with a positive sign.  I was in SHOCK.  I couldn't believe it!  Why did I took the test when Tony was at work?  When I took the test for Marissa, Tony was not home yet from work.  Now I had done it again, he's at work and it's eleven o'clock in the morning.  How was I going to wait the whole day to tell him???  I yelled for Marissa to quick come here.  I needed someone to hug me and to celebrate with.  She had no idea what had just happened but she gave me a hug and kiss anyways. 

That was a LONG DAY but when Tony got home I had Marissa wear her Big Sister shirt.  He didn't quite get it at first.  He's said to her, "Marissa what do you have on?"  I just looked at him with a smile and said it's true.  I don't think I have ever seen him so shocked.  He made me take another test.  Of course, it too popped up right away positive AND the rest is history.....what an awesome day and I'm so thankful for my Brody!!