Birthday Party!

Yesterday, we celebrated Alainna's birthday with a party at Chuck E. Cheese. There were 16 of us, between our families, including Memere and Pepere who made a special trip from Connecticut, and family friends.

Eric made a very special cake for Alainna - a Barbie Princess cake. It looked beautiful and was delicious!

Easter pictures

Good morning! I just had to post a few pictures from yesterday. We had a busy morning - the discovery of the goodies from the Easter bunny, breakfast, church, prep for our day at the farm, and then driving to the farm!

Here are some pictures of the kiddos all dressed up in their Easter outfits.

Have a terrific week!

Number Five

I'm sitting here at 12:30 in the morning knowing that I should get to sleep because we have a busy day ahead of us. It is Alainna's fifth birthday. Five. It seems unbelievable and believable at the same time. Thinking back over the past five years, how much I've changed, how much Eric has changed, how much our family has changed.

Lately, before she goes to bed, Alainna wants me to tell her the story about the night she was born. Sometimes I grumble about it (mainly because I tend to add every detail of the 8 hours or so before she was born), but I've started to realize how important the story is to her. I've also realized how many values that Eric and I try to teach all three kids are incoporated into that very story. Eric with me at the hospital the entire time, the presence of our family when we had to make tough decisions about what direction to take with the birth, the annointing I received right before heading into the delivery room, and my first words to my dear, sweet, Alainna. She takes in every word of the story, sometimes reminding me if I "forgot" a part, or asking for further clarification about a detail (which she usually knows the answer to, but just wants me to include in my narrative).

On this, the occasion of your fifth birthday, my prayer for you is that you never forget how much you are loved. Stay close to the Lord - He will never leave your side. Remember to look out for those less fortunate than you - we're all in this together. Love your life. And never forget my unconditional, constant love for you.

Happy Birthday, Alainna.

Love,
Mom

Happy Saturday!

Good morning and Happy Saturday! I just wanted to share a few pictures from this past week. When Memere and Pepere came to visit, they brought some books for the kids, specifically, one called "Where Do Angels Sleep?" by Cynda Strong. It's a very sweet book with beautiful illustrations and Jack took an immediate liking to it. Now, when I pull it out at night, Jack and Will run over and drop down into my lap. Here are some pictures of us reading together.

Have a great weekend!

American Girl Lunch

So this post is way overdue, but I thought I'd share some pictures from our lunch at the "bistro."

The American Girl website recommends making reservations and I'm very glad I did. The store was crazy on that Saturday afternoon, and the bistro was no exception. Alainna and I arrived about 15 minutes early for our 2:00 p.m. lunch reservation, and were told our table wasn't ready. No problem. We had to wait a little past 2:00, but nothing horrible. People walking in trying to get a table for lunch were told the first opening was at 4:30 unless they wanted to wait for a spot to free up at the counter.

The restaurant overlooks the Nick Jr themed amusement park at the mall, and we were lucky to have a window seat. It was quite entertaining to watch all the rides while we waited for our meal.

Oh, and Felicity, Alainna's new American Girl, had the seat of honor at the head of the table in her own seat.

The lunch was a three course meal - we started with appetizers. Alainna ordered warm pretzel bread with dipping sauces. It was a good choice, even though I ended up eating some of it (the cheese sauce was very yummy). Shortly before our appetizers arrived, our server, Mary, brought Felicity a tiny cup with whipped cream topped with sprinkles. She thought Felicity might get hungry watching us eat. My dear daughter told the server, ever so politely, "she doesn't eat - she's not real." Having no doubt received this response on prior occassions, Mary replied ever so sweetly, "well, maybe you can eat it for her."

True to form, Alainna ordered spaghetti - no sauce, add parmesean cheese. It took a little while to get our food, but the appetizer helped take away those initial hunger pangs. I ordered the chicken pot pie and was glad I did - it was delicious. Alainna enjoyed her spaghetti, too. Then, we just HAD to order ice cream sundaes, of course! I ordered the s'more sundae - oh, my, what a treat! Yummmm....I can almost taste it now....

Would we do it again? Definitely. With reservations, of course. I was very impressed with the overall atmosphere of the bistro. There were so many little girls and their parents and grandparents in a small area, and there was no screaming or outbursts. All the little girls were so well behaved - even Alainna (okay, for MOST of the time! But, hey, she's only four, right?) Our server would listen intently as Alainna talked her ear off about one thing or another.

Was it expensive? Of course. It IS American Girl. But was it worth it? Definitely.

Getaway

One of the Christmas gifts from my parents this past year was a weekend of babysitting so Eric and I could have a little getaway. We haven't had a weekend alone together since before the twins were born. When we started talking about it, we looked into Minneapolis as an option. We found the weekend for Twinsfest, a gathering at the Metrodome with Hall of Famers and current Twins players - the perfect thing for an autograph collector like Eric! However, if Eric was going to be at Twinsfest all day, I couldn't see myself walking around the Mall of America all day by myself. Thus, Eric and I talked about it and decided to bring Alainna with us. Between the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park in the Mall as well as the American Girl store, I was sure Alainna and I would have a great time together.

Well, what an amazing weekend!

Friday night: After the drive from Sioux City, we checked into our motel, then headed over to the Mall. After Alainna calmed down from her initial excitement at seeing all the Nickelodeon rides, we made our way to the American Girl store where she picked out her "big American Girl" doll, Felicity. After we picked out a few accessories for Felicity, we stopped for a quick (and quite greasy, yet delicious) dinner at Johnny Rockets. Mmmmm...cheeseburgers, cheese fries, and milkshakes. Hey, it was a vacation, right?

Saturday: Eric dropped us off at the Mall around 9:30 in the morning - and that's when Alainna started making her way through the amusement park. Alainna couldn't quite understand why we had to wait in line to go on the rides! She was so impatient and just wanted to run right up and jump on the next ride. While on the WonderPets Flyboat ride, she yelled out to me, "can I go on it again?" I cut her off at three times in a row on the flyboat.

While heading across the park to another ride, we couldn't believe what we saw - Dora the Explorer! Or, as Alainna told her brothers, "the real Dora!" Alainna waited in line (thankfully, there were only a few children in front of her, or I think she would have really lost it!) for her turn to meet Dora. She first gave Dora a big hug, and told her she watches her on TV. Then, Dora turned so Alainna could meet Map and Backpack - oh, my goodness! Then, true to form, I requested a picture with the two. Before we left, Alainna told Dora hello from her brothers William and Jack. We had to call Daddy right away to tell him about our brush with a celebrity!

Throughout the day, Alainna kept asking to go on the "log ride" with me. I made sure she understood there was a large drop at the end of the ride and she might be scared. "No, Mom, I won't be scared." After making sure she was tall enough to go on the ride, I bought my ticket and joined her in line. A girl behind us in line informed us that the rider in the front of the log would get wet. Alainna quickly volunteered to sit in the front of our log. She didn't exhibit any fear: until we started the ascent to the final drop.

"Hold onto my shoulders, Mommy!" She was scared. I really don't remember if she screamed because I was screaming.

But by the time our log splashed at the end of the ride, she was laughing. And so was I.

I was so surprised that my 4-year-old couldn't wait to go on the log ride again with her Daddy when he joined us later in the day.

I have a feeling as she gets older, and taller, Alainna will be the first in line for the crazy, twisting roller coasters Eric and I have enjoyed over the years.

As time allows, I will post the story of our very special lunch at the American Girl store on Saturday.

Some Christmas pics

Well, I'm sitting here working on using my December TSR kit - I have my most recent Christmas pics sitting in front of me, so I thought I would share a few!

Alainna had the honor of bringing up baby Jesus at the 4:30 mass at Blessed Sacrament. When we told her Father Schrad asked her if she would do it, she put her hands to her face in delight and answered a resounding "yes!" I was the cantor, so Eric walked up with Alainna at the beginning of mass - she didn't miss a beat! And she also waved to all her fans - including Mommy. Luckily, my friend, Ann, had a front row seat and offered to take pictures - I don't know how appropriate it would have been for me to stop the opening song in order to snap some pics. :>

We had Christmas Eve dinner at my parents' house - Brian, Ellen, Dan, Nikki, Mickie, Eric, me and the kids, as well as Mickie feasted on a Little Chicago Deli sub and soup - yummy.

The big present from my folks - next to a weekend of babysitting so Eric and I can get away - was tickets to see the Elmo show when it comes to town next month. Of course, Jack and Will didn't understand, but Alainna got it.

After all the presents were opened, I tried to get the three kiddos to pose in front of the tree. HA! Good luck, right? Well, Jack and Alainna started wrestling, which made Will want to join in the fun - with Mom snapping away, of course!

Officially engaged!

Here is my baby brother, Dan, and his fiance, Nikki. Dan proposed last Friday night, and last night, Nikki's parents hosted a small family gathering at their home to celebrate. At least my parents didn't have far to travel - the party was right next door. Yes, indeed, Dan is marrying the "girl next door." I love this picture I took last night - the smiles on their faces are so genuine.

Alainna couldn't be happier - she keeps going around telling people, "Guess what? Nikki's going to be my AUNT!"

Congratulations to the two of you!

Happy Halloween!

I think all parents have dealt with it. A sick child on Halloween. Poor Will. I could tell at dinner last night that he just wasn't himself. His nose was running, he was whiny, pulling his ear, and just "not Will." So, Eric and I made the decision that he would stay home with Will, and I would take Jack and Alainna trick-or-treating.

Alainna couldn't wait to get into her costume. Jack, on the other hand, DID NOT want to get into his costume! For a brief moment, I thought I'd only be taking Alainna. Then, Eric suggested giving Jack a sucker - oh, my!!! That was the key! He loved it.

First, I took Alainna and Jack around the neighborhood - that was quick. Alainna did awesome. Jack was reluctant to walk up to the door, but then when the candy made it in his trick-or-treat bucket, he wanted to pull it right out and put it in his mouth - wrapper and all! So, I had to keep taking all the candy out - Jack was NOT happy with that decision!

After the made the rounds close to home, we piled in the car and went to Brian and Ellen's house. In true form, Brian had a bag of Funyons waiting for Alainna! (along with some other goodies!) After playing a bit with Brian, we took off for Grandma and Grandpa's house. We walked up to the doorway like the droves of other trick-or-treaters, and Grandma and Grandpa quickly ushered us into the house for some special treats. Jack couldn't get over the balloons! And Alainna couldn't wait to try out the "belly washer" fruit drink. Grandma walked next door with us to Nikki's house where Alainna met Toto a/k/a Sophie. We went to a few other of Grandma and Grandpa's neighbors before heading home!

I was glad the kids didn't get overloaded with candy - but I admit I snuck a couple pieces - I just LOVE double bubble gum! And the weather was PERFECT - no coats for the kiddos. All in all, we had a very Happy Halloween!

"I can wear long sleeves now!"

This was one of Alainna's first comments after her cast was removed. Yea! And just in time for trick or treating tomorrow!

Alainna was such a good sport - Shelly and Jessica had prepared her for the noisy saw the doctor would use, so she was very brave!

The smell wasn't as bad as we thought it would be - but we certainly scrubbed her arm up before we left the doctor's office!

Eric had a surprise for Alainna - a lion Webkinz. He chose a lion because of her bravery throughout the past six weeks.

On Tuesday, I told Alainna I would take her out to lunch to celebrate getting her cast removed. She first said she wanted to go to Stone Park, but when I told her it would be too cold for a picnic, she said, "the hot dog place!" (a/k/a Milwaukee Wiener House). So, we stopped and picked up hot dogs for us, as well as Eric and Brian, and took them up to the office for our little party.

Alainna is so excited to start up swimming lessons again next week - she was a little disappointed she couldn't get in the pool last night, but I think she understood the doctor's instructions to take it easy.

Oh, and if you are wondering why I'm referring to Ali as "Alainna," it's because the sweetheart corrects me every time I call her Ali - "Mom, I have a Webkinz named Ali!" is her reply.

Sweet Treats!

I signed up for my second class with Trish Turay over at Debbie Hodge's website. Wow - Trish is one talented lady! I've enjoyed her creative projects, as well as her eagerness to help - I've e-mailed her several times with questions and she always gets right back to me! Trish also puts together terrific kits at her website, Work in Progress. And her blog is chockfull of inspiration!

Here are a few examples from Trish's class -




This is her "sour cream candy container" - I used Basic Grey birthday-themed patterned paper and filled them with M&Ms as birthday treats for Jack and Will. They were SO cute and SO easy!






This is the "Spider Cider." I made these using Reminisce patterned paper and stickers, then some bits and pieces from WIP's October project kit. I stamped the recipe card using an SU stamp set. The "Spider Cider" is very yummy - I've nearly finished one batch all by myself. This was a Halloween treat for one of Alainna's preschool teachers - she loved it!



Finally, here is the "Monster Munch." Alainna helped me out a lot with this one! We found the bucket at Michaels'. First, we prepared the "Monster Munchies" - VERY tasty! We lined the bucket with tissue paper, which Alainna stamped ALL BY HERSELF with some of my Unity stamps. I used Reminisce patterned paper and the SU stamp for the recipe card. This was also a Halloween treat for one of Alainna's teachers.

It was so much fun to use my scrapbooking and card making supplies to make these seasonal goodies! I'll be the first one in line for Trish's next online class!

Swimming fun!

Jack and Will started swimming lessons in January, 2008, when they were a little over a year old. We went for four months, then took off the summer. The boys did well - but toward the end, Jack would get very whiny during his lesson - and this summer, he wasn't too excited about being in a pool or lake. (I suppose the fact that he turned heels over head a couple times in his little floatie in Brian's pool added to his reluctance!)

Anyway, when we started up in September, 2008, Jack absolutely LOVES it! So does Will, but we've noticed the biggest attitude change with Jack. They are both doing awesome - the teacher, Jessica, is impressed with Will because he is started to swim on his belly like he's "supposed" to - instead of swimming perpendicular to the water. Jessica has even been taking off the boys' arm floaties for part of the lesson so they can learn to swim without them.

We're not looking to either boy becoming an Olympic swimmer, but we're so glad they like the water - especially Daddy!

Ahhh....a weekend for ME!!!

Last weekend, I attended a scrapbooking retreat at the Swan Lake Christian Camp in Viborg, South Dakota, arranged by my good friend, Teresa. What a beautiful place! All summer, the camp hosts youth groups but it is also available to rent for groups - like a group of scrapbookers! The scenery was gorgeous - especially with the changing of the seasons - and so serene. I was able to complete lots of layouts and cards and pick up tricks and hints from the others ladies there.

Saturday night, Michelle and I ventured to the town of Tea for church. We attended a very nice church, St. Nicholas - I couldn't get over the stained glass windows! We utilized the GPS for the trip to the church, but as we were leaving, Michelle decided to call her sister, Kim, who is very familiar with the back roads of South Dakota, to see if she could give us a quicker route back to the camp. Success! Except Kim was a little irritated when I told her the GPS wanted us to go one way and she wanted us to go another!

Saturday night I stayed up WAY too late - but hey! It was a weekend for ME, right? :> Sunday morning, I awoke to Teresa's voice announcing, "Last call for breakfast!" It was nearly 8:30! I couldn't believe it! I don't remember the last time I slept THAT late!

I had such a wonderful time - I hope it's not too long before I do it again. Eric was such a saint - he didn't utter one word of disgust for me taking this weekend.

Here are some pictures - you can kind of see the lake in the distance - and then a shot of the big indoor room where we scrapped. The room behind us was where we ate the DELICIOUS meals prepared by the camp staff. We were SOOO spoiled by the cooking! Beef stroghanoff, chicken fajitas, fresh cinammon and carmel rolls for Sunday breakfast, and dessert with every meal. Yum.

The Story on that AWESOME cake!

I've received so many compliments on the Lighting McQueen cake I wanted to tell you about the talented lady responsible for it!

This is my friend, Mandy - I "met" her on the Scraproom message board and she only lives about 30 miles from me. This past summer, Mandy posted some pictures on the MB of beautiful wedding cakes. She included a picture of the groom's cake, which was a car, and commented how she makes a Lighting McQueen cake, too. RIGHT AWAY I sent her a message asking if she could make a cake for Jack and Will's 2nd birthday. We sent messages back and forth and last Friday, the day before the big birthday bash, Mandy brought the cake to me at work. Ladies and gentlemen, here she is!!!



Amazing job, don't you think? Thanks, Mandy, for making Jack and Will's birthday celebration SOOOO special! I'm going to have to have you brainstorm for Ali's birthday...right now, she's saying SHE wants a Lighting McQueen cake, too.

Happy Birthday to Jack and Will!

This post is a few days late, but Jack and Will had a WONDERFUL birthday celebration this past Saturday. Memere and Pepere made the trip from Connecticut to celebrate with us. We opened presents on Saturday morning, ate dinner at Red Robin, and enjoyed cake back at our house.

As I was wrapping presents the night before and getting excited for the big day, I couldn't help but think back to the night before their birth two years ago. The FIRST thing that came to mind was my fear of becoming dehydrated because I had to stop all food at water at midnight. I remember drinking so much water that night, that I couldn't go to sleep without having to get up every fifteen minutes to go to the bathroom!

What an amazing two years. Our family has been blessed with three beautiful children. We thank God everyday for the gift of our family!

Can you tell me how to get...

...to Sesame Street?

Well, yesterday it was via Sioux Falls.

We took the kids to see Sesame Street Live, "Elmo! Ready for Action!"

We arrived about an hour early, so the boys were a bit restless and didn't want to sit still. Ali was great - she was a little antsy, but (naturally) sat better than the boys.


BUT.....


...as soon as the lights went down and the music started and the characters started making their way out onto the stage...





I was able to snap this picture of Jack. This says it all to me. The ticket price? TOTALLY worth it. All three loved the show - the singing, the dancing, the lights, the sounds - EVERYTHING. Ali even started to participate in some of the audience participation numbers. If we'd let her, I think Ali would have sat through another show!

Ali helped me pick out souvenirs - the music CD from the show and the storybook/program (which was a suggestion from Stacy at Zany Zinnia - thanks, Stacy!). Naturally, we listened to the CD from the moment we left the arena until the kids fell asleep on the ride home.

After the show, we ate dinner at Johnny Carino's - YUMMY. We arrived at the restaurant with three very hungry AND thirsty kiddos. When we sat down at our table, we quickly selected what to order for the kids. Eric and I didn't have a chance to order our meals before the server brought out the kids' meals. WOW. We were impressed. Then our meals came out - they were absolutely delicious! And reasonably priced! We will DEFINITELY be returning to Johnny Carino's. My friend, Lisa, at A Walk Down Memory Lane gets the kudos for her terrific recommendation!

Although it was a long day, and the kids (as well as Mom and Dad!) were exhausted by the end, it was SO worth it.

Our Adventurous Tuesday Evening

Yesterday was pretty much like any other Tuesday.

Until approximately 5:00 p.m.

Grandpa had the kiddos at the park. I pulled up to switch cars with Grandpa, take the kids home, get dinner going, and get ready for my meeting at church.

When Ali saw me pull up, she ran over to the monkey bars, climbed up, and shouted, "Mommy! Watch me!" She reached out for the first bar.

And missed.

She landed on her right arm and side. And screamed.

She wouldn't move her arm or hand and wouldn't let anyone touch it. Grandpa and I hurried to get the boys in the van so I could get them home with Eric, then take Ali to urgent care.

When we got home. Ali went to lay on the couch, and put her arm under a pillow. She'd scream whenever we'd try to even look at it.

I got the boys all set and headed to urgent care. We didn't have to wait for long since Ali was the second patient. To pass the time, we started reading through a pile of books I grabbed before we left the house. At least it took her mind off the pain.

When it was Ali's turn, she held her arm as we walked to Room #2. She cried when the nurse touched her arm to try to get an idea of what was wrong. The doctor came in moments later, did a quick once over or her arm, and sent us to another room for an X-ray.

The X-ray tech was so sweet with Ali. As we waited, Ali and I talked about Curious George and the story about his X-ray. She asked lots of questions about things in the room and I tried to answer them as best as I could. I don't think she was nervous about the X-ray, I think she just wanted to pain to stop!

The tech took three X-rays, all while I held Ali on my lap. When the tech tried to move Ali's arm to change the angle of the X-ray, she cried. It wasn't until the tech tried to roll her arm on the side that the pain was too much for Ali. Tears came to my eyes at that point, too. The tech decided to check out the X-rays she already took and consult with the doctor as to whether another was needed.

It wasn't.

The X-rays showed the doctor what she needed to know.

Both bones in the arm. Broken.

The doctor and nurse put a "temporary" cast on Ali's arm - one that would harden and tighten as the night progressed. And did it ever! Although we gave her some pain medication before bed, she still woke up a few times during the night. Poor thing. And one of the worst parts?

She couldn't suck her thumb and rub the satiny part of Baby's bonnet at the same time. Just when she needed that comfort, she couldn't. Eric helped her wrap her pointer finger through the tag and suck her thumb at the same time, but it was a little acrobatic.

This may be the end of Ali's thumb sucking days. Ali was quite upset. She has been telling us for months that she will quit sucking her thumb when she turns five.

In true Ali fashion, she INSISTED on going to school today. The doctor approved, but said she couldn't use her right arm and needed to take it easy.

We're going to to the doctor on Friday to get the "real" cast. Ali is excited at all the people that will be able to sign her cast. She's EXTREMELY excited that Memere can sign it when she comes to visit next week - since Ali got to sign Memere's cast.

I've included a couple pictures of the little patient.

Some fun pics to share

We had a pretty relaxing weekend. Ali had her ballet and tap classes, but we pretty much hung around the house. I was able to get some scrapping time in after bedtime and work on the "Layout Every Other Day" challenge over at www.willowtraders.com. The weather was unseasonably cool, but no complaints here!

I wanted to post some new pictures of the kids when we were playing in the boys' room this weekend - as well as Jack blowing kisses as he finishes up a phone call with Uncle Dan.

Enjoy!

"Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad."

This is what Ali said to Eric and me today. Twice.

Once when we stopped the car outside her preschool, and once when we arrived at the door to her classroom at preschool.

Did we feel dissed?

Nah.

We felt proud - insanely proud.

Here's our little girl, so excited for preschool, to learn, to meet new friends.

She can't wait to go back.

Lunch Fun!

We wanted to get to Artsplash early this morning to avoid both the heat and the crowds. Well, we really didn't succeed with either of those goals! It wasn't too bad - but Jack and Will had enough after sitting in their stroller for an hour and a half. The sun was bright, but there was a cool breeze, and very pleasant in the shade.

Ali decorated a cookie, painted a mini canvas (which Mommy didn't put far enough back on the table when we got home and Jack wanted to add his own artistic touch to it!), and she had her hair colored - purple and glitter. It washes out, though. That's what the volunteers said. But then as I was watching the young gal spray Ali's hair, I noticed a sign that said, "Color may not wash out of very light or very fine hair." Thanks for the heads up!

We walked over to Milwaukee Wiener and enjoyed a quiet lunch - well, it was quiet after we gave the boys their hot dogs). I took this picture of the kids together - not perfect, but I don't know the last time I got a good picture of the three of them together.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!