Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for.  We hosted thanksgiving last night and had 14 in all.  We had Grama, Grapa, Papa Harry, Nonie, Aunt Jen, Uncle Nick, Maddie, Uncle Jerod, Aunt Kassy and us.  I found out last night my dining room table is still not big enough to hold us all when we have a large event.  But we made it all work.  It was a blast being with family. 

Also last night, Lil Harry took his first steps by himself.  He took 6 in total all by himself.  As you can see, I was tempting him with Pecan Eggnog Pumpkin Pie.  Who wouldn't want to walk for that!  Don't worry...he didn't get any of the pecans.  He is really getting around and being a big boy! 

Also to be thankful for...it sounds like Harry will be moving to days at Kwik Trip next week.  No more night driving, no more worrying about him, no more no daddy at bedtime!  God is soo good to us.

The kids are exhausted today from being up and having so much fun last night but the fun doesn't stop there.  We will be attending the Twinkle Fest Parade here in Viroqua tonight.  The floats are all jazzed out in lights and it is just fun.  Last year Ellaree could barely bend over due to all the layers of clothing she had on.  Lorelai didn't understand what was going on and didn't like her layers.  I couldn't bend over because I was huge from Mr. Harry.  This year should be much more enjoyable as it is going to be in the 40s and no snow. 

Tomorrow is Thanksmas (Thanksgiving and Christmas) at my grandparents house.  This way we get it all in before the snow flies and people don't have to travel in bad weather.  Should be lots of fun and can't wait to see lots of my family who I only get to see at holidays or family gatherings.  Sounds like Sunday will be a lot of relaxing and napping going on. 

Sigh!

Have you ever read the statement "tell God what you are doing tomorrow and he will laugh" or something along those lines.  Anyway, we had one of those weeks like that.  Every day we had something planned and it went totally opposite.  Now I am not complaining by any means but it can be frustrating and you really have to put yourself in check and realize it could be so much worse. 

So much worse as in a barring going out of Harry's truck during his work schedule, computer crashing and needing to completely rely on Harry's blackberry until payday to buy a new one, the kids putting something down the toilet and needing to replace it or Lil Harry choking on apple and needing to call 911 but to much of God's grace was able to get it out by the time I had given the dispatcher our address through hysterics.  This was just the beginning of our week. 

But to say the least we had some great times also...got to hang at the farmhouse 2 days with Papa Harry & Nonie, Lorelai learning how to say Papa Harry (sounds like Howwy) & Nonie, having dinner with Grapa & Grama, momma subbing at school, spending day with daddy,  watching our new friends two oldest for the day and having a blast, and it is Friday!

Once again God has provided for us beyond imaginable during these hard and fun times.  And he continues to remind us each day.  I simply have no idea how I would go through each day if I did not have my relationship with him.

5 Years

What were you doing 5 years ago?  Well if you new Harry or myself back then you were probably at our wedding, if you were able to make it.  5 Years ago my dreams came true and only from the Good Lord! Only God new and still knows our path and what is best for us.  We have had some rough times and we have had some beautiful moments.  In it all, I would never turn the clock back and hope for a redo.  God has found my soul mate, my friend and my partner for life.  I am still in awe to this day how God has orchestrated our lives to meet, get together and get married so quickly.  Only having faith in God.

The other thing I celebrate today is Veterans Day.  How we are so fortunate and thankful to God that my brother came home from Iraq unharmed and safe.  And through it all has made us closer.

Fighting Fear To Find A Cure

Fighting Fear to Find a Cure is our team name for our Walk MS on April 28th.  We have a large group interested in helping us fight this battle.  If you are interested in helping out by walking, pledging or both please contact me for more information.  This is very important and close to our families hearts.  Your help is appreciated. 

Laundry Room

As many can relate, when purchasing a house you have your own thoughts and ideas of what each room should look like and so the list comes out and you start prioritizing.  Little by little with money and time you get them done.  I feel like we are on the 15 year plan but it so worth it.  Thursday Harry was out in his shed during the kids naps working on a project.  I went to see his improvements out there and he was working on a piece of wood.  When I inquired about it I got told not to worry about it, it was a surprise.  Low and behold it was for me!  He got my shelf and rod up for my laundry room.  I was estatic. 

The only thing left is a countertop which my Grapa has one in his shed not being used so I will be getting that from him shortly.  It has been wonderful to be able to fold my laundry on top and to hang clothes up right there.  Then have them put away immediately.  This has been just wonderful.  I love doing laundry!

Beauty And The Beast

Last night Ellaree & I went to the high school musical Beauty And The Beast.  Needless to say Ellaree was a slight bit excited.  She would not leave her seat as she was afraid she would miss something.  Even during intermission she went to the bathroom but would not stop long enough for a cookie and some punch.  Aunt Laura was backstage and took Ellaree back during intermission but she would not say hi to Belle or the Beast.  She did a wonderful job sitting during the whole thing and loved to laugh and was only scared once by the beast as he came out by us and hollared at Belle.  Otherwise she did awesome. 

After the performance I had one lady tell me what a great job she did sitting in her seat and not moving around like some kids her age might do.  I was very proud of her and had a wonderful time spending some great quality time just the two of us.  As we were leaving Elaree told me that she wanted to go and see Belle again.  So we tracked her down and this time Ellaree went right up to her and asked if she could have her picture taken with her.  I thought it was so cute.

Ellaree had mentioned earlier in the day about maybe getting her picture taken with her therefore I took my camera just in case.  I was glad I did.  But she would not get her picture taken with the beast. 

Thanks Grama for watching Lorelai and Harry so that we could have a great mommy & Ellaree date!  I believe we will be making this an annual thing.  And when Lorelai and Harry get into school they can also share this experience with us if they would like.

October Updates

We have just been so consumed with busyness that I feel like I have so much to tell you.  But I am sure here or there you have heard most of it. 

With cold season starting in early October the kitchen took a back burner and the chimney project was under way.  Thankfully the chimney in the house was already there.  We just had to poke a hole through the roof and poof!  We have a chimney...not that simple I know but that is how I see it.  :)

The end result...nice and warm in my house!

Mr. Harry has found the cat door to the basement.  Remember how Lorelai would go under it to get downstairs...yup well she went feet first...Harry does head first.  He has only had 2 times of going down about 5 steps.  Then there is screams of concern.  He looks scared, doesn't he?

Potty training is still underway.  Lorelai does like having baby go with her.  Whatever works!

Lorelai and Ellaree were helping daddy put some outlets in my island.  All my island needs is a real countertop and stained the right color.  Great winter projects.

Maddie's birthday party was at the roller rink in Richland Center.  The lights in there made my camera go wacky.  Oh well it was still a lot of fun!  Aunt Jen made all the girls little tutu's.  Ellaree & Lorelai loved them.

Happy Halloween!

We have been on the go none-stop for the past week. 

Friday we had no school so we headed to Verona to spend some awesome quality time with Uncle Todd, Auntie Laurie, Mikaila, Reece & Nay Nay.  We had so much fun.  The best part was we got to spend the night there with them.  Ellaree was so pumped as she got to sleep with Nay Nay and Mikaila in their bunk beds.  So cool!

This is the best picture we could get of all of them....they are suppose to be watching a movie together in Uncle Todd & Auntie Laurie's bed....hmm!

Saturday Uncle Todd gave Laurie and me a few hours of quality time with no kids.  Bless his heart taking on 6 kids by himself ranging from 10 years to 10 months.  What a guy!  Laurie and I just did a little shopping and got a cup of Starbucks coffee! Oh how fun and I spent no money as I had a gift certificate to Starbucks (thanks Harry & Nancy)!

After lunch it was time to hit the road as our fun was continuing.  We went the long way home as we hit two birthday parties on the way.  First stop was Adelyn's 1st birthday party about 30 minutes from Todd & Laurie's.  Oh my goodness was Adelyn just so adorable dressed in her little ladybug tutu.  Unfortunately for Lorelai she missed the whole thing as she was out not even 2 minutes after we left Todd & Laurie's.  She was a very tired little girl.  Thankfully it was a very nice day so I was able to crack the window a little and let her rest while we were partying.  Therefore we did not stay very long as I wanted to get back on the road to our next party and so Lorelai could keep snoozing.  I am just glad we got to stop for a couple of minutes to share the day with Adelyn.

Next stop was Brayden's 1st birthday party in Darlington which was about 45 minutes from Adelyn's.  Mr. Brayden and Mr. Harry are exactly 2 months apart.  I am so glad that my cousin Jena and I can share this wonderful bond together. 

This is the best shot I got of the two together.  Harry is a little shorter then Brayden as you can see.  But they are sure cute together.

By the time we got home it was past 9 pm.  The kids did pretty good riding home and sleeping.  Mommy was exhausted.  I didn't even bother with unloading the truck...just went straight to bed as I knew the next day was another long one.

Sunday we got up and was out the door by 1030 for the Korn's house.  Lydia was turning 10 and we were going to yet another birthday party.  But first I had to take their family pictures.  Unfortunately it was raining.  Lucky for us, they have have a covered porch and we got it all done before the guests arrived.  Lydia had a great turn out and a great turn out on gifts as well.

Monday was back to school for Ellaree...but it was also Halloween.  So it was drop Ellaree off at school, drop two little ones off at Grama's and back to school I went for her Halloween party.  I offered to help get the girls in their costumes.  I had about 6 girls to help get dressed in their costumes which went pretty smoothly.  Parents were invited to participate in their party.  They paraded to each class room and showed off their costume then back to their room for milk and lots of sweet treats.  

As you can see they all had a great time dressing up

After Ellaree's party it was back home for lunch and naps.  As you can imagine Ellaree did not go down for a nap...too much sugar.  But she did do quiet time with a movie.  Then it was time for Trick or Treating.  

As you can see Mr. Harry was not overly thrilled with his costume - he hated his hood

So we have Dorothy, Frog and Pink Poodle

We only go to Readstown and do my parents and their neighbors.  That is more then plenty of candy for the kids (and their parents).  :)  We did stop by our neighbor Kathryn who is a very sweet older lady so she could see the kids costumes.  She loves the kids and was thrilled we stopped for a minute.

After Grapa & Grama's we headed out with Grapa to go to the neighbors.  It has become a tradition that Grapa goes with us.  I love the tradition and was glad he got home from work in time to go with us.  It was just that much more special.

When we got back Ellaree & Grapa handed out the rest of the candy.  They were watching to see if any kids were coming.  Ellaree had so much fun.