Christmas Continues-Part 2

December 27th - Christmas at Grapa & Grama's.  Due to everyones weird schedules we came in shifts but by the end of the evening everyone was there.  We had a great time and had a blast doing the family gift game.  This year there was two winners...Mom & Dad won a cheese box and Harry & I won a gift card to Menards.  That will come in handy for remodeling. 

Ellaree was excited with everything she got and again this year her phrase was "I new I wanted this!"  I am glad she is easily pleased.

Bubba sat on Grama's lap and had a great time opening gifts.  He could not keep up with his cousin and sisters though.  That is ok...he wanted to make sure he saw everything!

Madelyn was a great help this year passing out gifts as she can read the labels.  Every once in a while she would need to ask for assistance but for the most part her and Ellaree got the job done.

This is the best shot I got of Lorelai as this busy body did not take much time for mom to take pictures.

Here is a picture of the family gift game.  Harry is really going at it.  Usually he was punching the boxes to get into them sooner.  I am surprised his fist doesn't hurt by the end.

December 28-29th - Christmas in Galena, IL with Papa Harry, Nonie, Uncle Ray, Emily, Aunt Barb, Uncle Tom, Tommy & Gianna.  We all went to a great indoor waterpark and had a great time.  The kids were exhausted as we did a lot of swimming, eating and just hanging out. 

We started off in the kiddie pool.  It had this wonderful frog slide for the kids.  The girls loved it....Harry not so much!

Lorelai thought she needed help in the beginning but she soon figured out she could do it on her own.

So Harry started like this...clingy for dear life to Papa Harry, Momma, Daddy or anyone who would hold him.  He did not want to get wet.

Then it was ok to sit on the step.  Dangle his toes in the water and splash just a little.

Then they tried to get him to go down the little slide.  Oh how nervous he looked and he did a little whimpering.

Then we went to the big kid slide. It took some talking into for this little one but we finally talked Ellaree into going.

And you really didn't have to talk my little monkey into anything...she was raring to go.  She was literally running towards the slide and water at all times.  We had to keep a close eye on her.

And then big mean dad came along and tricked Ellaree into going down by herself.  He sat down on top and then pushed her.  Of course Uncle Ray new the plan and was at the bottom ready to catch her but unfortunately she flipped backwards and that was the end of trusting dad anymore that day.

So we tried with Lorelai...she had no fear and actually did it again by herself. 

I told Harry that he might as well scare all three of his children while he was at it.  So he took Harry up.  Thankfully he didn't seem to mind it...I think because someone was holding him.

Gianna had no fear either.  She went down with no problems.

And Tommy did a great job for only having a little bit of swimming lessons.  He did better then I did...which was I was behind the camera the whole time!!!!!



We went out to eat for dinner at a nice place called Durty Gurt's which is right downtown Galena.  It was a great restaurant but way too much food. 

The 29th was Harry's 1st Birthday and therefore we had lots to celebrate. 

Harry got a John Deere tie blanket from Mommy & Daddy. Mommy made it for him.  The rest he will have to wait until his party to get.

We also found out it was Uncle Tom's 52nd birthday!!!!  WOW what fun.  We had lunch at a nearby restaurant and had a birthday party for Harry, Uncle Tom & Lorelai.  It was lots of fun.

Harry, me, Lorelai and Harry came home after lunch and during nap time.  But Little Miss Ellaree was not done having fun yet, therefore she stayed another night in Galena with Papa Harry & Nonie and will come home on the 30th.

Christmas Continues-Part 1

A lot has happened since Rotary Lights which was a week and half ago already.  Doesn't seem possible.  I will try to summary the week and do pictures.  We will see if we get it all done in one session or multiple. 

December 22nd - Lorelai went to the farm and spent the night with Papa Harry & Nonie.  It sounds like she had a blast being able to hang out without any competition and did a lot of reading.

December 23rd - Christmas with the Turgasen's.  Our family went over to their house and just hung out while the kids played.  It was a short night since Harry had to work early the next day but it was still fun.  And the funny part of the whole thing was we the kids the same gift.  We do a group gift instead of individual gifts.  Both families got Dumbo the movie.  They were super excited.

December 24th - Our family went to the Christmas Eve Service.  It was at 8 pm which was a little tricky since that is past the kids bedtime but we made it through.  Ellaree tried to hold the candle while she was standing and half asleep, took the flame out with her finger and burnt it in the process and Lorelai almost got her bangs caught on fire.  But all survived.

Before service we opened out gifts from Grandmother that she sent up with Aunt Meredith.  They all got wonderful gifts but here are a couple of good shots of them opening.

Ellaree got a Wizard Of Oz tea set

Lorelai got a Cotton Candy Pink Down Comforter

Harry got this great big stuffed dog but underneath was a down comforter and blanket for his big boy bed he will someday grow into.

December 25th- Jesus' birth!  We had a great morning of hanging out as a family, opening gifts from each other and just spending time together.

Ellaree got a Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera from Santa

Lorelai got a Little People Horse trailer

Harry got a John Deere Big Scoop Tractor

Grapa, Grama, Papa Harry & Nonie came over around 11 for brunch.  Then the kids got their gifts from Papa Harry & Nonie.

Ellaree has been asking and asking for an umbrella forever!!!!!  Good thing Papa Harry & Nonie came to the rescue.

As you can tell...the girls loved them.

Harry really didn't care what he got...the stuffing was good enough for him!  Unfortunately for him, I asked for practical things.  So he got a hooded bath towel that had no pink, princess or any type of girly on it.  He now has his own blue hooded towel.

December 26th - We had nothing going on for the day other than Harry working.  The kids were exhausted so it was a good day to stay home and do a whole lot of nothing....for them.  When they woke from their naps Ellaree started crying because I had taken all the Christmas decorations down.  I had to otherwise we would still have our tree up in the middle of January with our schedule.

Rotary Lights

Christmas is not complete until we have visited Rotary Lights.  This has become a wonderful tradition we do with the kids.  And while there we get to see Santa and his reindeer.  They have live reindeer in a pen for the kids to see while they are waiting to see Santa.  This year we were privileged to have our good friends Ty & Heidi and their two girls Rei & Shai with us.  The girls didn't see Santa as they were a little shy but not our three.

Ellaree went right up to Santa and let him know she wants a boy barbie this year.  News to mom as she has just started asking for this a week ago.

Lorelai just kept looking at Santa and didn't know exactly what to think but she was a trooper and let me take a picture. 

Harry didn't care as long as he was out of his stroller but he was actually more interested in the fireplace then he was at getting his picture taken.

They have a warming tent and it was a nice time to get our picture taken.  We didn't stay long though as the kids wanted to explore and get back out in the cold.

As our tradition, we went out to eat and then back home with sleeping babies.  It was a great time and we all had a fantastic time.

Oh What Fun It Is...

December has still been bustling here and there and this next two weeks will just continue on with fun.  Here are some shots I have gotten.

Here is a picture of the kids after the tree was finally decorated.  See how the ornaments are nicely put on the tree.  Yup now the ornaments start about half way up the tree as Lorelai will not leave them alone.  Harry doesn't touch them but Lorelai can't keep her fingers from the curiosity.

Before we started our baking day, Lisa brought the kids their gifts.  The girls got these very cute glamorous puppy dog purses that they love. 

Harry got 3 different trucks.  He loves playing with them...when the girls don't hide them on him.

We had a visitor from Mexico!!!!!  Aunt Meredith stopped by and even had a sleep over.  The kids had a blast hanging out with Aunt Meredith and we loved seeing her too.  Of course our time with her was way too short.

I couldn't resist...Harry looks like a Mini Grapa here.  My dad wears button down denim shirts all the time and he just looks like a Mini Grapa here.  I loved it.  And check out those velcro shoes...yup that is definitely Grapa!!!!!

Grama Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Every year I buy a new Christmas CD.  I am a fan for holiday music all month all the time.  Anyway so this year I bought a $5 cheapy at Walmart that was a Kids Favorites of Holiday Songs.  I thought the kids would get a kick out of listening to it in the truck on the way to and from school each day.  So we started listening to it and like all other favorites there was over 20 songs on it so it has taken us a while to get through it.  Well....

We have all heard the classic song Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.  Funny song, didn't think much about it...until today.  This morning on our way to school Ellaree asks during the song "Is Grama Ok? Where was she going? Was she hurt?"  It took me a second to realize that she thought the song was about Grama and that she really did think that Grama got run over by a reindeer.  So I tried to stifle my giggles at this and said that Grama was not run over by a reindeer, that it was just a silly song and that Grama was just fine.  This was not good enough for Ellaree....no, we had to call and check on Grama. 

Too every ones amusement, Grama is just fine and she got quite a giggle out of it as well. 

**Ellaree you are so tender hearted and always concerned of others well being.  You are becoming a fine young lady who all love and cherish you, throughout your years to come.  We love you so very much.**

Reaction

Many have asked how Kwik Trip took the news of Harry leaving.  Surprisingly well but also sad to see him go.  None of his supervisors wants to see him go but understand that this is a great opportunity for him and for his family.  He is a huge asset to the company and they feel sad to be loosing him.  But at the same time they are very happy and commend him for moving on, following his path of expertise and most of all taking the leap of faith in a small company. 

Kwik Trip has offered to keep Harry on as a part-time status, on days only, so that at any time he could come back into a full-time position without loosing his seniority, if needed.  To keep a part-time position he has to at least drive once a month to keep his name on the books.  As a part-time employee he would still gain his benefits for stock, bonuses, etc.  I know Harry is excited about this opportunity as he does not want to leave such a great company and great co-workers but at the same time he needs to do what is best for his family.  With Harry driving a minimal amount of time at Kwik Trip, this also will help cushion our blow of a pay cut with the transition of jobs.  Once again the Lord is going before us and providing for us in unimaginable ways.

An Answer To Prayer

You might remember a couple of months ago when I wrote on my blog how we had some exciting news happening in our family but it was not common knowledge yet and as soon as I could write about it, I would.  Well that time has come.

Yesterday Harry put in his 2 weeks notice at Kwik Trip.  Starting January 1st he will start working at John Deere Frontier Ag & Turf in Westby.  This is no common story as to him applying for a job and accepting it.

For some time we, as a family, has been struggling with Harry working nights but we have dealt with it as this is what we needed to do.  But trust me we had our times of just wanting to throw up our hands.  At one point Harry said he should stop in at John Deere and see if they were looking for a mechanic. Most of you might remember he worked at John Deere in Mt. Horeb when we met and then he moved up here.  I encouraged it and he just strugged it off.  About a month past and we were looking at the Shoppng News.  I had already skimmed through it when he read me a job opening.  It was for JD Frontier Ag & Turf heavy duty mechanic wanted in the combine, planter and GPS field.  Harry was very intreged and called right away to discuss the job.  John Deere was also very interested in Harry and asked him to stop by Westby office right away.  Instantly I told him that this all felt like an answer from God that this was his next path.  We waited for the call back stating whether or not they wanted to meet with him about the job.  They called about 5 days later saying they wanted to have a meeting with him and when would be a good time.  Within about 3 weeks time he was offered and he accepted the position with John Deere. Mind you this all happened very informal with just talking...no interviews to talk of. We feel this is God's answer to our many prayers of him getting off the road, working a normal day shift and having more time with the family.  God has provided for us once again in his timely manner. 

I say this is no common story as I don't hear of many people being able to call up and inquire about a job, talk informally about the job and have it offered to them.  Also Harry told them he wanted to finish off the year with Kwik Trip and John Deere had no problem waiting for him.  This all could not have happened without the Lord's hands in the mix.  Praise be to the Lord!!!!!!

Baking Day

Yesterday we had our annual baking day at our house.  I am trying to remember when we started.  I know that back in the day of being single I did a baking day at Auntie Laurie's house with cousin Darren but I started hosting I believe in 2007.  Ok so that gives us the 4th annual but wait...last year I was very much pregnant with Mr. Harry so I guess this would be our 3rd annual Baking Day.

In the past I have only invited my mom, sister and good friend Laurie.  But this year I opened my house up to many of my family and friends.  With the bustle of the holiday we had 7 ladies come and 7 children.  We had so much fun and baked a ton of cookies and goodies.

Miss Adi got to cut out her very first sugar cookie!  I think she secretively loved eating the dough much more. 

Auntie Laurie making her famous and yummy carmels!

Miss Maddie decorating sugar cookies.  I bought frosting in a tube that hardens and the kids loved it.

Lisa was a huge help with the kids.

Aunt Jen and the girls cutting out sugar cookies.

Mr. Harry cutting out his first sugar cookie as well.  Do you see Lorelai...her little fingers were in there as well helping out.

See Sam....I knew you would become a baker and decorator!  We are glad you came and had a good time.

The finishing product.  And actually that is not all of them.

Basement Wall

The basement consists of 2 rooms.  Furnace/playroom and the storage room.  There is no doors to any of these rooms as it is kind of just split up.  With us putting our wood furnace in the basement not far from the playroom it has been my concern with the kids playing down there alone.  But more importantly when we had friends kids come over.  Our kids pretty much know to stay away from it.  With having our annual baking day I was concerned about the kids playing down there with a very minimal amount of supervision.  So Harry got to work and finished it within one day and with taking a break for naps.  Of course he took one too.  :)

From this picture you can see the door to the right...that is the entrance from the stairs.  And you can see the beam going across and some of the furnace.  Behind me would be the playroom.  Therefore you can see it is pretty much a large room.

Another angle showing you part of the playroom and part of the furnace room.  This far wall by the window will eventually be my storage room as the storage room will be turned into Lil Harry's bedroom this winter.

And the framing has begun.

As you can see even Thomas the Train is very happy about the progress we are making!

We now have a doorway.  We took the door off the hallway and put it on here.  The kids like to shut the door and then either leave the younger ones in to fend for themselves and/or can't get out themselves.  This will alleviate that problem!

As you can see the kids were helping out a lot!  Ellaree even had to wear her Carhartt bibs to help out because that is what daddy was wearing to go and buy the materials.  I didn't get Lorelai in the act but she was picking up nails and putting them in Harry's pouches every chance she got.  He was looking a little lopsided by the end.  :)

And again Thomas is very happy with how the wall turned out.  On the far right is the doorway to the hallway.

Harry loved using the tools but had a hard time holding them up.

Ellaree helped with drawing the straight line with Daddy.

Now I feel better about all the kids coming and playing downstairs.