Dancing Queen

Kennedy had her first dance performance tonight at the mall. She had told us all several times that she would never dance in front of us, but guess what---she did! The girls were adorable!

Mother.....

How many pictures are you going to take?

The Reward...

What would any dancing queen be without her crown? Kennedy got to go to Claire's to pick out a prize!

Storm Day-Take Two

For the second day in a row, area schools have been cancelled due to the weather. This snowday was more advantageous than yesterday's; the kids can head out to enjoy the snow without being pelted by ice falling from the sky. The plow finally came through about 10:30 this morning leaving some nice hills for the kids to sled on, so they are having a grand ole time. My plans for the day since I finished every stitch of laundry yesterday (yes, storm days have benefits for mom's too) is to finish the Christmas cards. Happy shoveling! 

 

 

 

Hooray!

Do you remember the pure joy of finding out that school is cancelled for the day? Somehow it is not quite as exciting when you are the parent....however, the kids are thrilled (except Kennedy who was planning to go out to lunch with her grandma after preschool today). The rain started falling yesterday afternoon and today we have added a howling wind with a 100% chance for more rain or snow. So I guess we will curl up, watch movies, drink hot chocolate and try to stay warm on our unexpected day off. 

Almost Like Christmas Morning

Yesterday I promised the kids that we could decorate the house for Christmas today. So with much anticipation, they woke up promptly at 7am to see if I was ready to start decorating! Two hours later, with the Christmas tunes blaring...I was ready to go. They have so much fun taking out their ornaments from the past years, remembering the Christmases they either received them or picked them out, and decorating their own trees. We will soon go out to Hobby Lobby (they have the cutest ornaments) to pick out theirs for this year...another fun tradition for our family. Then it was time to decorate "mom's" tree. When you have a pre-lit tree and a few strands go out, what do you do? After a few hours of trying to figure out how to fix it with no replacement bulbs in sight, Tim's solution was to simply cut out the string that didn't work. Well, half the tree is lit, but it is going to have to work for this year. The rest of the house did get decorated and despite a long morning with a few unpleasant words, the Christmas spirit is in full swing at our house. 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

We made our way down to the big PR tonight for the annual holiday parade. It was the first time for this family. Freshly fallen snow and 17 degrees; the kids had a time to remember. All of the entries were horse drawn...very quaint...and very Little House on the Prarie! My aunt and uncle treated us to pizza at Jimmy's before the parade and afterwards, my other aunt and uncle took me to some of the local shops. Sometimes you have to be away for awhile in order to appreciate the unique qualities of your hometown. The photo is courtesy of my uncle James! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Have I Done Anything Right?

The kids have been into watching our home videos lately. This summer I put them all on DVD and edited them with music etc, so they are easier to watch. Last night we were watching one and Katelyn and Kennedy's baptism day was on. "What does Baptism mean?" Carter asked. Not exactly an easy concept to explain to a 6 year old since I'm not even sure I have a complete handle on it. I told him how we think baptism is a gift from God and that it means that you become a child of God and that your parents promise to raise you in a Christian home and tell you all about God. So after I think I've done an adequate job of describing baptism, he deadpans...."So mom, how come you didn't tell US about God?" Apparently, I am a complete failure as a parent.

The Trouble with Twins

They've come a long way since their first Christmas in 1999!
Buying gifts for the boys is always a little bit tricky. They usually want the same thing, but I can't imagine it's a lot of fun to open a gift right after your brother and know what it is because you always get the same thing. So, the question is, do you get them different things so they can be surprised when they open them, but risk one being disappointed because he didn't get what his brother got? Or do you get them two of the same thing so it's "fair", but have the excitement taken out of seeing what is inside of your package? Or, do you get them one larger item together, which really seems unfair to have to open a gift TOGETHER, but has the added benefit of being able to get more expensive gifts. (Said benefit lost on six year olds with no comprehension of what things cost.) From older twins that I've questioned on this topic, the consensus is usually that they prefer getting different gifts. I'm hoping that as they get older and develop more diverse interests apart from each other, their lists will look completely different and this dilemma will be solved. But for now, here is their list:
Playstation and games
Air hockey table
Heely's (What are those you ask? Shoes with wheels of course!) Size 13
Scooters
Black Spud Hockey sweatshirts
Turbo sleds
Drum Set (please no)
Watches
Sleeping bags
Cooper wants a Santa hat
DVD's-Wallace & Grommit, Madagascar, Fantasic 4, Incredibles, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Star Wars
Games-Battleship, Chicken Limbo

Miss Kennedy

Kennedy should be on Santa's "NICE" list this year...she is always such a good girl. Here she is dressed as Mary last Christmas. Her list is as follows:
-Strawberry Shortcake house and dolls
-Kids CD player
-Care Bear Umbrella
-Dress-up shoes and Princess dresses
-Snow Globes
-Necklace with a heart or cross
-Games...Elefun, Dora Candyland, Guess Who
-DVD's...Dora Pirate Adventure, A Cinderella Story, Raise Your Voice, Sky High

Dear Santa

Those advertising execs should be dancing in their suits because their clever tactics have done a number on my children yet again this year. My kids have a case of the "I Want That" syndrome. This is where they see commercial after commercial of beautiful children playing with amazing toys that look like sooooo much fun, and no matter what the toy is, they shout out "I Want That". And by the way, it is not in a sweet innocent child voice....it is in a whiny strung out voice that says "Puhhhleeez mom....every other kid in the world is gonna get that toy except me and its no fair" voice. So for the next few days I will feature each of my kids' Christmas lists. Hopefully it will be helpful for those of you who have the unfortunate responsiblity of finding my kids a gift, and for those of you who don't, it may give you some hints for a child on your Christmas list. Let the fun begin!
Katelyn's list (Age 10)
iPod mini or nano
iDog by Hasbro
Fur Real Scamps the Playful Pup
Scrapbooking set
Make-up, lip gloss
PJ's-pants and tanks
Magazine subscription to: Teen, Teen People, Dogs for Kids, J-14
DVD's: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Full House Season 2, Sleepover, Mean Girls
CD's: Smoosh/She's Like Electric, AJ & Aly/Into the Rush, Hillary Duff/Most Wanted
Games: Mancala, Ms Pacman Plug and Play, Dream Life Plug and Play
Books: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series
Gift Certificates: Limited Too, Aeropostle, Claire's, Best Buy

Childhood Facination

There are three things that struck me about this photo...
First of all, it is freezing cold outside, the wind is blowing so hard you can barely stand up, and yet the kids cannot wait to get out there and do the "winter" thing. Before long, the novelty will wear off and we will be wishing for spring again; but for now they think this weather is unbelievably great.
Second, the plight of being a little sister. Left in the dust to fend for yourself. She is such a good sport!
Finally, the fact that I just took this picture literally two minutes ago and now it is up for all of you to see, just as I am looking out the window watching them do what you are seeing. Technology is awesome. 

Winter's On Its Way

Time to break out the winter coats...we are preparing for our first snowfall of the year sometime today into tomorrow. Do you think I bought the boys new coats big enough for them? If I'm lucky I won't have to buy new coats again until they're in the sixth grade! 

Not in Kansas

This is what the rain brought to our neighborhood yesterday...a full Rainbow.

Support Youth Hockey!! (and us)

Another season of hockey is underway at our house. Dad is coach again and this year the boys are playing for team Dakota Bumper.... thanks Grandpa! The boys are selling calendars to fundraise for Hockey for $20.00 each...and for your twenty bucks you get your name entered in a raffle--365 chances to win $20.00, four chances to win $250.00, two chances to win $500.00, and two chances to win $1000.00. What a deal....email me and let me know how many you would like! In case you would like to scout the talent before you put your money on the table, the boys play this Sunday at 5:15 and next Sunday at 5:20 at the Moorhead Youth Hockey Arena.

From One Little Girl to Another

It is a little early to be thinking about Christmas shopping, but we officially started tonight. In order to help our kids better appreciate how one person or family can make a difference to someone half-way around the world, we are again participating in Operation Christmas Child. Kennedy chose to buy gifts for a girl ages 5-9. We picked out small items to fit in a shoebox: bandaids, washclothes, chapstick, and small toys and will pack them up to be delivered to a child in one of 95 countries. Our church, Triumph Lutheran Brethren is the local collection site. Shoeboxes can be dropped off November 14-21. The best part about these shoebox gifts is that each package will contain a message about the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. We include a picture of our family in the box and a little note to the child to let them know that we will be praying for them throughout the year. Click on the link above for more information.

Fifth Grade Fashionista

This is what Katelyn wore to school today. It's a far cry from the jeans, t-shirts, and tennies that she wore last year. Do you suppose that B-O-Y-S have entered the picture?

"Family Supper"

Monday is usually "family supper" night at our house. It seems like that is the only night of the week that tends to works out for us all to be together and eat as a family, which is sad considering that our kids are not even teenagers yet. I know we need to do a better job at making our mealtimes together a priority. It's sad when the table you eat your family dinners at starts to collect dust. Did you know that there is research which proves that frequent family meals are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking and drugs-use in teens and pre-teens, are related to higher academic performance, and are linked with higher rates of self-esteem in teens by helping them better cope with the stress of adolescense? All that from sitting around the table playing "What's your favorite" which is what our kids love to do. Here is a picture of Kennedy Lauren sitting on her throne at the end of the table. Notice her incredibly well-balanced meal of....noodles. Oh well, we're trying. For more info on the benefits of family dinners click here.

In a Weekend

So I had strep throat this weekend....the second time in three weeks. Since I didn't feel like doing much else (and Tim was on dad duty today since he is home from his trip) I spent my entire day in bed reading this book A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. It was one of those books that you just can't put down, you have a sense of urgency to get to the next page, and that you reluctantly turn the last page because you don't want the book to end. Reading it left me emotionally exhausted...it is very raw and honest, and at times can make you physically ill. It took me awhile to get over all of the swear words...they were a bit of a turnoff for me. However, the author is able to evoke in you what it really feels like to be an addict. Even if you have not had to deal with an addiction to drugs or alcohol (although I suspect that on some levels we all have had to come to terms with some sort of an addiction), you are able to identify with the author's pain and determination. Even though I do not agree with James Frey's belief system and feel sorry for him in many ways, his experience is moving, intense, and inspiring. Read it if you get a chance; I would be interested to hear what you think.

Dear Dad,

Tim has been in Las Vegas for "WORK" since Wednesday.

Dad,
Do you have a present for me? On Thursday we went to the museum for school. I miss you a lot. When you get home, I want to hear all about your trip.
Love you, Katelyn

Hi dad,
What have you been doing? I got a take a break today at school. I took too long to get ready for math. Oops. I miss you very much.
From, Cooper

Hey dad,
How was your airplane ride? Guess what, I got 100% today on my spelling test. When you get home, I want you to pick me up and spin me around. Come home soon.
Love, Carter

Dad,
What kind of shirt are you wearing? We set up a pet shop in the playroom with lots of puppies and dogs. I am the one who writes down the names. I can't wait until you get home so you can sing me the Sweet Lou song.
Miss you, Kennedy 

School Pictures

Carter--First Grade

Katelyn - Fifth Grade
Cooper - First Grade They didn't turn out too bad considering it's a day when you send your kid out the door with no control over what the pictures will turn out like. The results are always a mystery. Not one of them came home with a free comb...I think that is a good thing!

They're Growing Up

Here are the kids all dressed up for trick-or-treating on Halloween. We did all the obligatory stops and then did something that we hadn't ever experienced before....the drive along side routine. The kids ran from house to house having the time of their lives while we watched from the car. Both Tim and I commented on how old it made us feel to have kids who were so independent....they didn't need us to walk them house to house anymore! Before long, we will be sitting home wondering if they will be home by their curfew. I will hold onto these days of them being young and innocent as long as I can.

On another note......
On my list of favorite things; (something like Oprah's but not near as glamorous), is the Little Ceasar's Pizza drive thru. On a night like Halloween when there is lots to do and little time, driving up and having someone hand you pizza through a little window is fantastic!