Happy New Year!!

Ok - so I didn't get very far with my thankful list during Thanksgiving! Though I didn't get very far, my heart is thankful about so many things! Hopefully, I'll keep working on the list during 2009.

Have a safe and healthy new year!!!

Thanksgiving

We hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!! I shopped on Friday and Saturday. Now we are working on our trees and decorations. We missed our opportunity to put up our lights on Saturday. When the kids woke up this morning, they discovered about 2 inches of snow on the ground!

Gratitude

GRATITUDE/Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I read an interesting blog a few months ago. The blogger had a list of over 1000 reasons she was grateful. She challenged her readers to do the same. With the current holiday, I thought this would be a great opportunity to begin my list!!!

1. My family
2. My husband & his patience
3. Our church family
4. careers
5. Gutter Guards
6. For quiet moments
7. Great food!
8. Old Friends
9. New Friends
10. email
11. the iphone
12. his family business
13. opportunities to shop the day after Thanksgiving
14. Friends who want to shop EARLY on the day after Thanksgiving
15. Family Time
16. the beach
17. positive people
18. David Letterman's Top Ten List
19. Katie's interesting opinions
20. Zach always gives me a high five, hug and kiss before school for 2 years in a row.
21. Nicholas's free spirit and sweet smile
22. my students
23. their families
24. my washer & dryer - because it runs all the time!
25. Katie's dance teacher, Ms. Hume
26. Boys & Girls Club organized sporting activities

My plan is to add more throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe & Happy Holiday!

Hooray!! It's Fall Break!

I am relieved to have a few days at home!! We will head to my niece's for her birthday party, Halloween festivities, & hopefully get a chance to visit the Lego Store in Chicago. I am sure we will check out the new American Girl store while we are there!!

I found a great chore sheet for my kids to use over at www.raisingfive.blogspot.com!! So far, it's working well!

We found a deer wandering around our backyard! Usually they don't get this close!

Katie & Zach's Soccer Season

Here are some pictures from Katie and Zach's soccer games. Katie plays for Pizza Hut (o: while Zach plays for Lebanon Steel. Only 3 more games to go...

B-Day Continued

Zach wanted me to add this one...

Zachary's 6th Birthday

Grandma B (my Grandmother), Nana, Papa Tom, Grammy, Aunt Alison, Cousin Riley, & Cousin Kaela were able to attend Zach's birthday this past weekend. It was quite a birthday weekend! We enjoyed the circus at Conseco Fieldhouse with our friends - Dee, Bryan, Reed, & Luci Nicley. On Saturday, we had our first soccer game and the party. On Sunday, we had Sunday School! Whew! It was sure busy! We are thankful we were able to share it with our family and some friends!

weekends

I'll get some new pictures uploaded soon! Zach and Katie started their soccer season last Saturday. Our family was able to get together for Zach's birthday & attend the soccer games.

A new addition - a rabbit & a slide

Katie has a new rabbit, Kimmy. We are crazy because we have nine rabbits that live in small barn. I am glad I am not the one to change the bedding and feed them! It's beginning to look like a small petting zoo!!

Days at the Beach

Nicholas's Birthday

Nicholas turned 3 yesterday! Here are a few pictures of his tractor cake!

Summer Fun!

Here are some pictures of Katie playing 3rd base, the 4th of July, & fun times at the beach! Nicholas asked for a "gummy worm" cake for his 3rd birthday.

Ice Cream & Swim Lessons

We spent the day with Papa Tom. First, we attended swim lessons, then we introduced him to our favorite spot for ice cream - Ice Cream Paradise. By the way, poor Nicholas has his head shaved because he absolutely despises haircuts. After taking him to several barbers and Cookie Cutters while holding him down and listening to him sob, we have decided to do it ourselves. Unfortunately, cutting hair is not our talent. In the end, it was much easier to buzz it off and get it over with. Lucky for him, it will grow back soon! We are hoping Nicholas will soon be over his phobia of barbers or hair stylists!

Summer Fun

Here are a few pictures to sum up a few of the activities we've participated in during the last few months.  Katie will finish her softball season on Monday and Zach's last tee ball game is on Thursday.  On Friday, they will finish up golf and swim lessons.  Nicholas is enjoying his first week of swim lessons!  

First Communion

Yesterday Katie made her First Holy Communion! We were fortunate to share the special day with friends and family.  Here are a few pics from the special day.

Spring Break

We just returned from 4 days at Disney.  We had a great time visiting with the characters and going on the rides.  Now it's time for the REAL fun...unpacking!!

Oops!

I have been reading many blogs for the past year.  I couldn't wait to start my own! I thought I'd be so dedicated and blog several times a week.  Unfortunately, that isn't happening!!!  Katie has a birthday party this weekend.  Hopefully, I'll get some pictures posted on Saturday!  

By the way, congratulations to Rich and Ami!!  Addy is beautiful! We can't wait to meet her!