Visiting Grandpa & Grandma Leader

On Sunday we attended 9:30 Mass and then we headed for Bloomfield. Grandpa and Grandma Leader's church was having their annual soup, sandwich and pie luncheon. Who can pass up good home cooking on a Sunday? As always the choice of desserts was endless and we each picked a different one. The sandwich choices were egg salad, ham & cheese and sloppy joes. Then you had a choice of soups: chili, chicken noodle or cream of potato. The food was awesome as always! Then we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's house to play.

Keith resting until Grandpa & Grandma got home.

Justin playing with the most popular toy at Grandpa & Grandma's house.

Ashlin played with the dolls.

Erica played restaurant.

It snowed the whole time we were there. Just what we needed, more snow. We headed home mid-afternoon to get homework done and be ready for the Super Bowl. It was a fun and quick trip to visit Grandpa and Grandma Leader.

Take care,

Michelle

Friends & Neighbors

Last Friday night, we had Mexican night at our house. Nicole (one of our neighbors) and I were talking about how we hadn't seen each other or talked in awhile. This is really bad because there is only one house between us. When the weather is nice, we see each other and talk every day, but once the weather gets cold and snowy we all head inside.

We decided Friday night was a good night to get together. We enjoyed eating tacos, burritos, salsa dip and chips and of course dessert of cupcakes and ho-ho bars. The food was delicious and then the adults all had strawberry margaritas and the kids had Shirley Temples. Our kids enjoyed playing with Tyler. We sat and talked about Scott's recent trip to Las Vegas and how we wished the weather would warm up.

During the warmer months on a Friday night you can find us outside on someone's deck enjoying a few cold beverages while our kids all play. We are hoping that these warmer months arrive sooner than later.

Justin and Tyler playing tools.

Justin got into dress-up like his sisters.

Ashlin and Erica really thought that it was warm when they were dancing.

Take care,

Michelle

Our little girl is growing up

Ashlin is our little girl and she is growing up way too fast. In a few weeks she will turn 5. Where did the time go with her? I became a stay-at-home mom when Ashlin was born and I am a little sad that next fall she will be going off to Kindergarten.

How fast she is growing up was confirmed this morning at Parent/Teacher Conferences when Mrs. Nedrow told us that Ashlin is definitely ready for Kindergarten.

Last week was Catholic Schools Week and this picture was taken on Thursday morning before school. Thursday's dress was red uniform shirts and khaki pants because a photographer was coming to take a group picture of the entire elementary school. They had the kids all stand in the shape of a cross and the teachers lined the cross wearing khaki pants with white shirts.

After I got Ashlin dressed last Thursday, I told her that she looked like she was heading off to Kindergarten. She was so happy and I know she is ready to go to Kindergarten. But at the same time it made me sad to think that in a few short months, she will be wearing a school uniform every day and going to Kindergarten.

Take care,

Michelle

Shoot Me! Week 5 of 52

Today is Week 5 of the Shoot Me Challenge. The Shoot Me Challenge is by Carin over at Forever in Blue Jeans. As a Mom it seems that I am the one always taking the pictures instead of being in some myself. Today's photo is me helping Cara with her Science homework and Ashlin just needed to cuddle with Mom for awhile.

Take care,

Michelle

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week, therefore, the week has a theme and every day brings something exciting for the kids.

Monday was wear a faith based shirt. Tuesday was sweats day. Today was dress-up day. Thursday is red shirt and khaki pants day. Friday is Mission Jeans day. Any day that my kids don't have to wear uniform is a treat, so they are more than willing to participate, especially when it means they don't have to tuck their shirts in.

Also this week, there are fun activities planned each day. Monday they had a morning prayer service and the special guest was the Mayor of Norfolk, who also happens to be an alumni of the school. Tuesday was a guest speaker. The speaker was John Cook (the University of Nebraska Head Volleyball Coach). Plus on Tuesday, classroom lessons were stopped periodically throughout the day to dance. The kids got to dance to YMCA, the Chicken Dance, etc. The girls all thought that was fun. Today was an all-school Mass and a community coffee with a festival of choirs this evening. Thursday, they are going to take an all-school picture. Plus, it is also the 100th day of school which includes all sorts of activities centered around the number 100. Friday the kids get to play board games in the afternoon and have an ice cream party. Sounds like a fun week to me.

Take care,
Michelle

No More Babies

There will be no more babies at our house. That makes me a little sad to admit, but at the same time glad that we are past that stage with all of the kids. Last Saturday, the crib was taken down and stored away. We thought about selling the crib and matching dresser, but I'm like "what if" by chance there is another baby. This crib has been set up in a nursery for the past 9 1/2 years. Justin hasn't slept in the crib for the last few months, therefore, it was time to take it down. But, it still made me sad to store it away. I guess that stage of my life is over.

Now we move on to "Big Boy" things. Justin HATES being called a "baby" by his sisters. He even dislikes being called a "Little Boy". He is a "Big Boy". Granted he is not potty trained and is only 2 years old, but he thinks that he is a big boy.

Now if we can just get Daddy to let us turn it into a real "Big Boy" room.

Take care,

Michelle

Valentine Heart Garland

On Saturday afternoon, I completed another Valentine craft project. This Valentine Heart Garland was easy, fast and cheap to complete. I found this idea over at Little Birdie Secrets. These ladies have some really creative ideas. I did make mine a little different than these ladies, but the end result is the same. I purchased my supplies at Hobby Lobby and the supplies cost me less than $5.00. I purchased pieces of felt (4 for $1), white bias tape ($1.49) and a roll of heat & bond ($1.79). I also used some buttons that I had laying around.

Take care,

Michelle