Sunday, November 30, 2008

Electric Parade..confessions of a parade lover...

We all have things about ourselves that we don't advertise. Well, one of my traits is that I love parades. I love watching them on television (the Macy's Day thanksgiving is the best), I love seeing them in person, and I love the idea behind them. SO, now you all know. I said it...I love parades. So, now....you will understand how much I love the Christmas Electric Parade. It is a parade at night where there are marching bands, lite up floats, music, reindeer, etc. We bring hot chocolate and kick off the Christmas season! Nothing left to do, but smile and eat too much pizza at mom/dad's afterwards! This was our Saturday afternoon/evening!!!

The boys and Cousin D at the Parade!!

Thankfull Thanksgiving

It is obvious, but sometimes it still needs to be said...I am most thankful for my family! At sunday school, they asked the children what they were most thankful for and without hesitation, MJ answered my brother. That is what thanksgiving is all about...family.
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We had a great thanksgiving weekend. Where to start? Tuesday night we packed up the boys and the car and we headed to Indiana for a long weekend. We stayed there until Friday night (thanks G/G Smit)! The boys were riled up when we got there and didn't crash until the wee hours of the am. Wednesday we chilled at G/G Smits house. MJ got to the steer and drive the tractor with Grandpa and he thought that was way cool. MJ and CR also went with Grandpa to feed the foxes (much to CR's dismay that the fox eats dog food). CR spent most of the weekend chasing the 3 dogs around the house (he loves "the little one"). We just spent the day hanging out and catching up with Grandma. Wednesday night, I ran to the store and Chad put the boys to bed. He let the boys sleep in the same bed for the first time. CR not only got to sleep with his brother, but also in a big bed. Pretty cool...until they woke up in the middle of the night and Chad had to sleep with them both. We didn't do that again, but they thought it was very cool.
Thursday we spent the am at G/G Smits house, but then went to Great G/G Wiggins on the farm for the afternoon. We had a great meal and spent a lot of time catching up with everyone. The boys loved seeing there uncles Jake and Nate, Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ron, and everyone else too!
Friday morning I had great plans to get up early and go shopping....however the warm bed and snuggling with MJ kept me in bed instead! Instead, Grandma was kind enough to watch the boys for Chad and I while we went out shopping later in them morning! It was great and we got a lot done. The boys enjoyed there alone time with Grandma (MJ talked her into making cookies)!
Friday at bedtime, we piled the sleepy boys into the cars and came home! It was a great trip and we should do it more often!
As I was looking through my pictures I realized that I didn't have a picture of Grandma or Grandpa Smit. I could have sworn I took pictures of Grandpa and the boys on the tractor and of Grandma Smit reading the boys books before nap...I guess they are just pictures in my memories. Next time, I need to get more photos. For now, here are some "real" pictures from our trip:


Chad and the boys...playing some cards. I think my grandma had me playing cards around 3 years old also!
The Wiggins Family...as the boys know them: Grandma Karen, Uncle Nate, Uncle Jake, and Grandpa Ron.
Family. Great Grandma, Chad and the boys, Grandpa Ron, and Great Grandpa.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Santa Claus Visit

I have a special in with Santa Claus, and therefore I knew where he would be today. The boys were excited that I am in the "in" with Santa. We went to see him today (I like to do this before Thanksgiving to avoid the crowds). We still had to wait in a 30+ minute line, but they had cool things to check out as we progressed in line (Polar Express). So, when it was our turn....oh my...they got all excited. Seeing the excitement in there eyes is worth the world to me. The boys sat on Santa's lap and talked for a bit. MJ told Santa he wants a Pixo and CR told Santa he wants wooden Thomas the train tracks. All was good in the world at that moment. Then.....we were in the car driving home, it was quite, and CR is this sad and unknowing voice said "Santa didn't give me my train tracks". Oops...I didn't explain to him that he wouldn't get the gift today, and that you just tell Santa today what you want and he will bring it on Christmas eve, if you are nice. He got over it quick as he fell asleep.
We also finally sold my old car today! Yeah, finally!
Happy weekend!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Things and Such

Last night I got home a little late, so Chad made the boys dinner before he headed off for Rock (he has a gig Sunday night, if anyone is interested). He made Ham for dinner (with beans, pears, mashed spuds, and raspberries). MJ ate more ham then I have ever seen one person eat. I don't think he could even taste it he inhaled it so fast. Really, where did this meat-lover come from? He likes to tease me about it also...go figure!

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CR is a silly bird also. For some reason, he thinks the only way he can dance is 1) if naked or 2) if he pulls his pant legs all the way up to his thighs and his sleeves as high up as they go. Only then can he get his groove on.

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Brotherly Love: This morning, MJ found a nickel on the ground and I told him he can have it. The boys think money is really cool these days. Later I noticed he gave his nickel to CR. MJ said, "Mom, you know why I gave the nickel to CR? Because I have more money in my piggy bank than him, and I want him to go to college some day too!" I almost cried it was so sweet. I guess me discussing the importance of college since he was an infant has sunk in. MJ wants to either be a scientist or be the first man that goes to mercury. CR wants to play for the CUBS. Both want to live together in college and go where mom and dad went (NIU)!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Cara!

Happy Birthday to you.
You live in a zoo (literally).
You like like a rock star.
and you sound like one too.

We love you Cara!
J, C, M, C

Monday, November 10, 2008

One last fishing trip....




My dad took us fishing one last time this fall season the other day. The boys liked playing with the worms (especially MJ) and the minnows the best! The fish weren't biting at first, then the truck came to stock the pond...oh yeah! The boys thought watching that was cool.
All else is groovy in our world. MJ started basketball. Work and life are going and groovin'. Ronnie was around this week. The boys always love Uncle Ronnie time! We need more. Had dinner at ma/pa's on Sunday. Cara came over on Saturday night. We need more Cara time too! Just enjoying the fall and getting ready to hibernate for a few months.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Cross-eyed MJ

Chad taught MJ how to make his eyes cross by putting one finger up at arm length away, starring at it, then slowly bringing it to your face.
MJ thought it was hilarious (as we all did).
CR was not into trying that silly immature trick.
How can you look at this picture and not laugh?

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Final Soccer Day - Fall 2008

We have had soccer every Thursday and Saturday since June. MJ loves it. This was the final game and ceremony of the Fall season. Basketball starts next week!
MJ played the best, most aggressive and team-oriented, game he has played since June. He is starting to get more comfortable and confident. I love that all the kids on his team are 4 or 5 yrs old and they truly do not pay attention to who makes goals or wins. They are happy to just be hanging out with there friends.



Picture 1)James and MJ play hard.
Picture 2)Jesse and MJ show there trophies!