F U N Weekend

Friday night we went to the Bradley Center to see Sesame Street Live! It was lots of fun. All of our favorite characters were there dancing and singing. Tellie even patted Gracie on the head. Logan and Lydi were there with us and we had fun dancing and eating popcorn and cotton candy. We even had McDonalds for dinner. Does a Friday night get any better?

Saturday morning we went to see the Grafton Christmas parade. It is a definite must see. There were fire trucks, flatbeds pulling floats and lots of animals and characters too! We got lots of fresh air and again enjoyed dancing and singing. MJJ even said "I had fun dancing Momma" Hard to believe but Christmas Eve is a month from today.....HO HO HO!

A Boy and His Dog...Auggie Dog

Breakfast With Santa

Yes, I know it is only Nov 17th but we did have breakfast with Santa this morning. Grandma Jean, Gracie, Michael and myself headed to the Wisconsin Club at 9:30 this am. (Mike is deer hunting for the first time..that will deserve a post of it's own) We were second in line to see Santa and both Gracie and MJJ went right up to him. He asked Gracie if she was a good girl and she replied with a sheepish "mmmhmmmmm" He then asked what she would like for Christmas and that received a bold reply "PRINCESSESS" (of course, what else is there Santa?) MJJ just sat quietly and unresponsive to Santa's questions but as we left he boldly said " Dankt Yout and Merwy Chwismaas"(As you can see he really enjoyed the chocolate eclair) He also wanted to wave goodbye to Santa before we left. So with coats and hats on he started waving his Miss America wave from the back of the hall. They both got stockings filled with candy and both had a good time. It will be a fun Christmas! Can you believe how grown up they look? Don't blink John & Erin!

TICKLED PINK!

WELCOME ELISE JEAN!!!

On Novemver 15th, 2007 at 10:11am Elise Jean was born! She weighed 7lbs 6oz and 18" long! Mom and baby are doing great and Daddy John couldn't be prouder!

There is nothing like a little girl!

We have waited so long to see her face and it is the cutest face we have ever seen!

We welcome you and love you Baby Ellie........
what a blessing you are!

The CUTEST kids EVER!

Just a picture of the cutest girl and cutest boy ever!

And something for you all to look at until mom can get her act together and make a new post!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone!! The kids had a great time trick or treating at Uncle Johnny and Aunt Rin's house(neighborhood)on Sunday. We made it to about 15 houses and both kids walked all the way!

They were the cutest trick or treaters out there! Snow White and Lightening McQueen Pit Crew Chief

My Baby Boy!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MJJ!

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday I was waiting for Mike to pick me up to take me to the hospital to have our little baby boy. Well here we are 730 days later and we now have a little boy not a baby anymore.

Michael JJ is a BOY! He LOVES trucks and can identify a semi, flatbed, cement truck, garbage truck, excavator and school bus (I am sure there is more but those come to mind first). He also LOVES the Disney movie, CARS! McQueen (Me Queem) is his favorite however, he knows all of their names too! He LOVES to "ride bikes" up and down the driveway and he has no fear. This child would be out in the middle of Hwy 60 pulling his coaster wagon. You will also find him with a "pot" and/or frying pan (to him the are all "pots") We have had "pots" take road trips. I often wondered if I ever got pulled over what the policeman would think of my son holding a "pot" on his lap buckled in a carseat! I wonder about myself but sometimes you just do what you gotta do to keep life happy! If carrying around a pot makes the boy happy and quiet....let the boy carry a pot!

He is also very polite. He will always say "paaweeze" and "dank youk" and if you don't say "your welcome" in a timely manner he will say "dank youk your velcome"

He is also a busy body..I have said numerous times "if he was first he would probably be last" (kidding of course) but he keeps me running..literally! But we LOVE him with all our hearts and Thank God everyday for our "miracle" blessing. He truly is a blessing and a blessing that makes us laugh and smile everyday! We LOVE YOU Michael JJ (Ichael Bones) We sure do LOVE YOU!....Happy Birthday Baby Boy! Oops I mean Little Boy!

October 4th - Feast of St Francis of Assisi

Today is the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (click here) and our church, St Joseph's, (and Gracie's school) had a blessing service for our pets.

Needless to say, when I heard about it I was going to get Auggie there for a blessing. Not because he needed it but because he deserved it. He is by far the kindest, most loving, affectionate animal you have ever met. Now before you all think I am completly off my rocker...try to understand that Auggie is not just a pet to me or our family..he is a member of our family. Father Steve officiated a breif but touching service for all the animals. He reminded us all that God created all animals and that He entrusted us to take care of them. He also reminded us how are pets are always there for us especially in trying times. Auggie is always there for our family. Most days he sits quietly waiting for a turn to get pet or go for a walk, he guards our home and our children and he is always there to give a kiss.

I am very thankful for my Auggie Doggie and I love him with all my heart...he is truly a part of me, not just a part of my life, a part of me! I love you LuLu...thanks for being YOU!

Brought'em Home a Winner!

Mike & I went to the Packer game yesterday. My best friend, Lisa and her husband Jim took us to the game. It was SOOOO MUCH FUN!!! I haven't been to Lambeau since before Gracie was born (I am estimating 5 years ago) So I was long overdue for a Packer fill!

And.......We Brought'em Home a Winner!!!!! The Packers are 3-0....looking back to pre-season...no one would have believed it! But it is a great way to start the season and a great way to end a great day. Thank you so much Lisa and Jim for taking us....hope we can do it again someday!

Also, big thanks to Grandma McNabb for babysitting and making the day possible for us!

GO PACK GO!!!

Happy Birthday Grace Jean!

Three years ago yesterday, September 11th we met our little girl for the first time face to face.

As I looked at her yesterday morning I said outloud "I remember looking at these eyes three years ago today and falling in love" It is amazing how fast three years goes by and how much a little person changes. She is the best and I wouldn't change her for anything (even the trying days). I am glad she has a little spunk! It keeps me on my toes!

Gracie started the day by going to school and taking "cupcake ice cream cones" for treats (you bake cake mix in an ice cream cone and then frost and decorate) They were really cute (Thanks Aunt Kim and Karlie for the idea). Her friend, Gracie at school made her a birthday card too! Last night we went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner and fun. Grandma Jean, Grandma Marilyn, Mom, Dad, MJJ, Lisa, Jim, Logan and Lydi all joined Gracie to celebrate. She had a great day! I wish I had a digital picture of her as a tiny baby but I wasn' using my digital camera back then!

Thanks Gracie for being YOU........Happy 3rd Birthday!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ON THURSDAY

GRACIE AND UNCLE EDDIE! GRACIE LOVES UNCLE EDDIE AND SHOWED HIM HOW MUCH BY PUTTING PRINCESS STICKERS ALL OVER HIM!

Our 3K Pre-Schooler!

WOW! Our little Gracie girl is now in school. Yes, I realize that it is 3K and not high school or college but it was the first big step in letting my baby go.

With much aniticipation our day was started about an hour and a half earlier then normal. I had to wake my little girl up, gently rubbing her arm I said "Gracie....Gracie....time to get up we have to get ready for school" She stretched and curled back up for a minute and then said "I have to put on my pretty dress".

So, we ate breakfast and got ready. She looked beautiful. As we walked up to the school playground I could feel her hand clentch tightly around mine as she saw all the "BIG kids" running around. We met at the front of the school and lined up with the other 3K children. Gracie was not her outgoing self and stayed close to mom....arms wrapped around my leg. All the while I am thinking..."this is going to be hard". The bell rang and Miss T (class Aide) came to take us to Mrs. Bolstad's class room. Gracie eagerly put her Princess backpack in her cubby (she remembered from orientation day which was hers). I asked if she wanted to play with the baby dolls and she did....off she went. A few times I saw her look for me in the doorway....so I smiled and waved ...she then proceeded to sit at table with some other girls and I quietly left. I walked to my truck for the first time in a long time ALONE.....a few tears ran down my face but my heart was full of pride and before too long I realized it would only be a few hours and she would be back home.

It was a bittersweet day. My baby who three years ago I was still waiting her arrival is now off to school. She made me proud...she looked beautiful...she made a beautiful picture..."for Momma". And when MJJ and I picked her up the two of them hugged and hugged and she held his face and said "Michael I missed you"

What more could I ask for? Not a thing....I have it all!! I just wish it would last forever...I guess it will just in different ways! She will always be my baby!

HAPPY 1st DAY OF SCHOOL PIE PIE......WE LOVE YOU!

Blah Blah Blah

This past weekend..

We stayed home Friday night. Mike tried to cut our grass but we have had soooo much rain (8.5") that it was next to impossible. He cut where he could before another down pour came down. We relaxed picked up a Fish Fry and went to bed early!

Saturday we went to Kim and Jerry's. They were having a party for Jerry's football team and we all had a great time. I forgot my camera so unfortunatley I have no pictures to post but rest assured everyone had a good time...especially Mr Host!

Sunday was busy too. I took Gracie to her school picnic (she will start 3K on Sept 4th). It was nice to see some familiar faces from our Grafton playgroup...three children from playgroup will be in Gracie's class...so that will be nice. Then we headed to Grandma & Papa's house for our barn pool party. That also was alot of fun. Gracie swam and talked with the big people!! Mike & MJJ came later for dinner and then we headed home early ....we were all exhausted. Hope you all had a good weekend too!

IRISH FEST WEEKEND!

Last weekend was our annual Irish Fest weekend! The boys went golfing at FireRidge in Grafton and the girls went shopping at Irish Fest. The weather did not cooperate and neither did my children. It was nap time, so we made it through lunch and then headed home. They had a blast Sat night. Cousins....Laura, John & Will and Karlie were all there and friends....Logan and Lydia too...it was a party!

It was also Aunt Kim's real birthday....Happy Birthday Aunt Kim! We celebrated Uncle Mark's and my birthday too (you know I celebrate my birthday for as long as everyone lets me). Thanks for bringing the cake Steph it was great!

My brother Johnny did the grillin'. He is an exceptional griller and he braved the elements. It was cool, rainy and windy....the tenderloins (beef and pork) were amazingly delicious...Thanks again Johnny!

The adults all stayed up really late and had ALOT OF FUN....at least I know I did...how 'bout the rest of you? Looking forward to next year...

Memories

Bear with me! I am trying to figure out how to add video/slideshows to our blog. Here is one that I have done just for fun. It is fun to see how much the kids have changed in just a little while....my they grow up way too fast!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MORE SAND FOR THE BEACH

As most of you know we now have our own "beach"

On Saturday we had another 5yards of sand delivered. MJJ loved seeing the real "dump truck" make it's delivery and Grace had fun playing "king of the mountain"

She can't wait until this weekend when cousin Karlie comes over so she can play on "our beach"!

CONGRATS JOHN & RIN

Welcome Home John & Erin (Rin)!

John & Erin closed on their new home on Friday, August 11th! We are so happy for them both! It was a long haul but well worth the wait. The house is beautiful and everything is finding it's place. Mike helped Johnny move on Saturday afternoon and the kids and I stopped by to check things out later that afternoon. Michael found the pots and pans and both children had fun checking out "baby's bedroom". "now the baby is sleeping in Rin's belly but baby will sleep in this room"...quoted from Grace.

We wish you the best Johnny & Rin....We Love You Both!

PLAYING IN "BABY'S ROOM"
THE MOVERS

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY #2

It's Fair Time!

It is Wisconsin State Fair time.....my favorite summer place. The amazing food smells, the rides/games, tons of animals, pig races, music/dancing and watching my children now enjoy the fair as much as I have for so many years are just a few of the reasons I LOVE the fair!

Yesterday, was opening day and if you are a part of my family it is just understood that we will all be there on opening day. A tradition my dad started a long time ago! Gracie LOVES the fair and MJJ after a few hours loved it too. They both went on two pony rides (MJJ's first one) and both went down the giant slide (again MJJ's 1st time, since he wasn't even walking last year at this time). We went to kiddie land and they rode the cars, Gracie and I rode the big swings and we all rode the merry go round. We also played games. Grandma, Uncle Joey (Chee Chee) and Uncle Johnny won Clifford the Big Red Dog, A Car and Cookie Monster stuffed animals ...the kids were thrilled!

The Fair continues until Aug 12. We will be there alot more, yesterday was just the 1st day of many.....I LOVE THE FAIR!

PS Don't forget the cream puffs!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

GermanFest!!!

Yesterday was our annual trip to GermanFest as a family! We NEVER miss! And now that we have children it is even more fun! Gracie was dressed in her dirndl (german dress) and MJJ in his Lederhosen! Both of them looked adorable....precious beyond words! They had fun eating ice cream, fruit, potato pancakes (my favorite) and the best entree of the day....ice chips! Who would ever think that ice chips could be so delicious and entertaining that you couldn't get enough! But for those of you who are parents understand when I say...."whatever works" Whatever makes them happy! Grace had a great time dancing at the very front of the stage....I video taped and video taped some more....I laughed and giggled behind the camera but also teared up a bit at her innocence and independence. She is becoming a little lady....a party lady...but a little lady! MJJ danced a bit too but was content to have mom hold him. While Grace danced the night away MJJ saw his 1st fireworks in person (he has always been sleeping before) I thought he might be scared for the grand finale but he loved them....quote unquote "OH Boy" was his narrative. It was a late night filled with lots of memories.