Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!


We want to wish all our family and friends a very merry Christmas! We hope you are enjoying the day with those you love.

We are espeically thankful today for the Christ-child. Thank you, God, for sending Your Son!

Monday, December 22, 2008

MIA Lately


We have been MIA lately. At that's no exaggeration. I am pretty sure that we have only had a handful of healthy days in the month of December.

Ben started it off with a whopper of an ear infection. He was getting pretty crabby and he complained just a couple of times. He is one tough kid so I knew that if he was mentioning it, I needed to get him to the doctor. We put him on antibiotics and less than 1 week after finishing them, we wound up at Urgent Care. Ben was spiking a 103 fever and said his eyes hurt. Again, if he mentions something, I know I need to get to the doctor because that means it's pretty significant. Ella was feeling pretty yucky too, so she came with as well. We left Urgent Care with antibiotics for sinus infections as well as pink eye. How lucky are we? A few days later, Jason started coming down with a sore throat. He stayed home from work for 3 days which is very unlike him so I knew he was pretty sick too. God must have provided me with protection from all those bugs because I was able to stay healthy until Jason started feeling better and the kids were well on their way back to normal. I did say "was", right? I didn't manage to escape it and I am just now starting to feel like I am getting better.

At least we have it all done with before Christmas. I guess there's a silver lining if you look hard enough.

Friday, December 5, 2008

The Nutcracker







Today Ella, Ben, Nana, and I all went to see "The Nutcracker". What a great way to get into the holiday spirit. It was so much fun to go to the ballet. It was a special show just for kids. They shortened it to only an hour which was the perfect about of time for little children to sit still. Actually, Ben could have settled for a 45 minute show as he was pretty squirmy the last 15 minutes. Ella was hypnotized. She didn't hardly move a muscle and looked like a statue most of the show. She was so taken with all those ballerinas twirling around on stage. She loved all the beautiful colors and the snow the slowly fell from the "sky".

If you know the story of "The Nutcracker", you know that the Nutcracker comes to life at the stroke of midnight and Clara is awakened. Shortly after, the Mouse King comes on stage and he and the Nutcracker dual it out with the victory going to the Nutcracker. I was a little worried about this part of the story as I have a very sensitve little 4 year old and a 2 year old who is an even bigger chicken than his sister. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle this part of the story and was hoping that since it was a "children's version" that it would be tamed down enough to suit Ella. As I thought about the show earlier in the week, I hoped I hadn't wasted all of this money on tickets only to have to leave the show early due to a clinging, crying pair of children.

My fears were not calmed any by what took place in our house on Wednesday night. Upon returning home from Awana, Ella and I saw that Daddy and Ben had found the "Cars" movie on tv. Our kids never watch movies and are only accustomed to Elmo. We had heard that there wasn't anything to worry about in this movie so I told Ella that she could go and watch it for a little bit with them. About 10 minutes later, I heard the pitter patter of little feet. Ella had decided to come back upstairs and hang with me. I asked her why she wasn't watching the movie, she replied "Well...it's kind of scary...I don't want to watch it anymore." I probed a little and asked what had scared her. Ella said "I didn't really like it when the car got sprayed with mud." "Oh" was all I could say. Talk about scary stuff!! (Insert look of amazement) I sat there puzzled that something as silly as that could cause her to not even want to watch anymore of it. I kept thinking to myself that we may very well have to leave the ballet early if my daughter is seriously scared of mud.

I woke up early this morning partly excited and partly nervous, not being sure how the morning would play out. I had come up with an escape plan if one needed to be used. We got to the ballet, found our seats and started watching. Much to my delight, they had taken out the Mouse King all-together. There wasn't one scary thing in it...or any mud flinging of any sort. Thank Goodness. It was a success.

When we got home, Ella was inspired! She wanted her tutu skirt on and her hair put into a bun like the ballerinas. She pranced and twirled all around the living room yelling "look at me Mommy!" ...Ben liked it too, but not enough to wear a tutu and twirl!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Clickety Sticks






I'm up at my Mom's house and what better thing to do while the kids are playing with Grandma...knit! I just finished these...they are hot off my needles. How cute are they? 100% wool from Uraguay and they are soft, soft, soft.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Road Trip




We are healthy and we are back! Yeah for vitamin c and a mama who still takes care of me. We went up to see Grandma, Papa, Jamie, and Ahma (great Grandma) last week. I wasn't feeling so great with that monster cold, but the kids wanted to go so badly that I just couldn't say no. In fact, the first thing Ben said to me when he woke up was "Go Gramma's house?" So despite how yucky I felt, I loaded up the kids in the van and we set out for the "great up north". Each day I felt like I was taking another turn for the worse and Ella's cough had gotten pretty bad. Luckily, I have such a wonderful mom who not only took care of me, but stayed up round the clock with Ella when she couldn't sleep because she was coughing so hard. Dad helped a lot too, keeping Ben busy and going for walks outside even when it was pitch black out there. And when does a kid stop thinking that her Grandma makes everything feel better just by being present? Never.

I'm so thankful for a set of wonderful parents who despite the fact that I was bringing a million germs into their home, let us stay for 5 days and nursed my family back to health. I guess you never stop needing your parents...no matter what age you are. And for a wonderful Grandma, who risked getting a monster cold, just so she could spend time with me and my kids.

Thanks Mom, Dad, and Ahma for all that you did. I love you.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Sick

Just a quick post to let you know that Ella and I are under the weather. We both have a monster cold complete with a miserable cough. When things start to improve, I'll post again.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Sticker Time





What's better than a page full of stickers? Stickers on your face!! Ah, here's a better question...what's better than stickers on your face? A Grandma that lets you sticks stickers on HER face!! We love our Grandma and she is always such a good sport. She's so much fun and we can't wait to have her over to our house again!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Snugglebugs




Just a quick couple of pics of my sweeties. I just want to hop in between them and snuggle until I can't snuggle anymore. I can't think of a better place some days...in between the two kids I love most in this world. What a blessed mommy I am.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ella the Artist


Ella




Ben



Dad



Mom







Ella was outside playing the other day when she ran in and said "mom...come outside, I want to show you my pictures." I followed her to the cement where she had used the sidewalk chalk to express her artistic abilities. Can I just say, I was so impressed. Sure, the pictures are cute...they are that of a four year old who sees everyone with long legs and no body. But more than that, she labeled each of her pictures so we would know who each of the drawings were. Here's where I got really impressed...she wrote everyone's names all by herself, with no help from either Jason or I. She knew not only how to write each letter, but what letters were needed to spell the names. I just had to take some snapshots of them. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Pumkins and Firetrucks










On Saturday morning, all four of us went down to the local firestation. They were having a food drive for a local shelter. They had oodles of pumpkins for the kids and each one got to pick one out to take home in exchange for some canned goods. Ella had a lot of fun picking hers out, but Ben wasn't quite sure what to do. He was more content to just look at everyone milling around. They fire department had the firetrucks all shined up and out on display. It was pretty impressive. The kids were able to climb all the way up into the driver's seat of the big rigs. It was a chilly day, but fun was had by all. It made for a great family outting.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Rain, Rain Go Away?



The kids were so excited when I told them they could go outside and play in the rain. Ella looked at me like I had lost my mind.

Here's how the conversaion went:
Ella: Can we play in the rain?
Mom: No.
Ella: But we want to play in the rain.
Mom: No.
Ben: Why?
Mom: thinking...sigh...hmmmm...

I sat there thinking and something Granpda had said to me over and over came to mind. I could hear him telling me again "if there isn't a good reason to say no, then say yes". So that's just what I did. They got dressed and I gave them each got an umbrella. They had so much fun. It was worth the wet clothes and messy feet when they came in.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

My Little Cubbie







Ella has joined the Awana Cubbies group at church this year. It is the Wednesday night program they have for kids all geared toward learning how much God loves them and teaching them bible verses. Ella was so excited when it first started in Septempber and it so eager to go each week. She just loves it. Both Jason and I volunteer in her room, taking turns every other week. It's a double blessing, because whoever doesn't take Ella to Awana gets some one-on-one time with Ben. Ben thinks it's okay, but he always asks to go to Awana with Ella. He sure loves that girl.

We work on Ella's workbook each week, reading a story, doing an activity, and learning the bible verse for the week. It amazes me how much she can remember and how fast she can memorize something. There are times that I will ask her if she remembers the verse we learned (mainly because my pathetic brain can't recall it) and she will shoot it right off.

Each week she puts her Cubbie vest on and we head off to church. Her vest is so cute. By learning bible verses she earns patches that she gets to put on it. I can't wait to see her progress as the year goes on. I bet that vest is really going to look great come spring.

I'm so proud of my little "cubbie"...but can hardly believe that she is old enough to be going. Oh, how the time flies. My baby isn't so much a "baby" anymore. Sigh.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Out Playing



I know it's been a long time since I have posted. I'm going to try and get back on this bike and do it more regularily. Sorry for the long vacation.

Ben was outside playing and I had to capture that infectious smile of his. He is growing up to be such a big boy these days. All boy...did I mention that? He lives, breathes, and sleeps sports. In fact, every night before bed he has to find his "wily hockey stick" (translation: Wild Hockey Stick). It is a must-have in order to fall asleep these days. If he's not carrying around his blue golf club during the day, then he is busy smashing cars together, or much to my dismay, racing them up and down my walls. I guess that beats the stage when he drew all over them with crayons! He is active and curious, busy and full of questions. Why this and why that. Why, why, why? Even when he already knows the answer.

When he is taking a break from the sports world, then you can usually find Ben dancing around the room, strumming his favorite guitar he got from Amma. He is a riot...making up songs and singing at the top of his lungs. You can't help but smile and want to join in acting all silly.

I can't imagine my life without this little boy. He defintely keeps me on my toes...and I love his excitement for life.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Daddy/Daughter Work Day


Ella...such a big girl


Jason and Ella leaving for "work"



Last Friday, Jason took Ella to work with him for half the day. He and his two co-workers decided that since it would be a slow day due to the Labor Day weekend, it would be a fun time for each of them to bring their daughters to work with them. Ella had so much fun. Her only complaint was that she was going to have to get up earlier than usual. Once the morning came, she was eager to wake up and get ready for her adventure. We packed her backpack up with lots of activities for her to do at the office. It was such a cute sight seeing her and Jason walking hand in hand down the street, her Dora rolling backpack behind her, going to catch the bus. Ella said that her favorite part of the whole day was getting to ride on the big bus with Daddy. She even got to pull the cord for their stop. Once at Jason's work, she was busy playing with her new little friends and having a blasts.

Ben and I went downtown to have lunch with them and then take Ella back home. It was such a fun day for her, getting to spend time with her Dad, and knowing that she is so important to him.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Back Home

I just wanted to pop on quick to let you all know that I am back home again from being up north with my family. It's been a long 6-7 weeks. I'll post some more soon, once I can keep control of my emotions for more than 5 minutes.

Today is proving to be a tough day. I'm trying to get back to some sort of "normalacy" although that has forever been changed.

Keep your prayers coming, my family sure needs them still.

Danyelle

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Quick Recovery

Ella is doing so much better today. I'm so glad that she has bounced back so quickly. Yesterday had a few rough patches in it so it's good to see her getting back to her normal self today. She's still been a bit slow...laying around a lot, but her appetite has started to return to normal and she has even had enough spunk to get her brother to come crying to mom about something Ella had done to him. Oh, the joys of normalacy.

I'm a little slower on the recovery track. I felt pretty decent this morning, but the afternoon has proved to be a bit more trouble. I'm so tired of being couped up in this house and being on a buttered toast diet. I tried some frozen pizza today at lunch and that proved to be a mistake...might even be why the afternoon has been a challenge.

Jason was up at the crack of dawn this morning...might have even been before the dawn was up for that matter. He and his buddies took part in the Ironman 30 mile bike ride today. I think they are crazy as it was a whopping 24 degrees this morning when they got on their bikes. Luckily the snow held off until the ride was over so they were able to stay dry. I'll try to post of pic of him later this week. Way to go, Honey!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Another One Bites The Dust

Well, it's official. Ella has managed to catch whatever bug it is that I have. Now we are both not feeling well. Poor Jason is busy running all over taking care of his two sick girls. He's gonna need a vacation when we get done with him!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Sick Again

Unbelievable. How on earth can one person get sick so many times in one season. I think this makes four times for having the flu. If you haven't guessed yet, it's me. I'm the one who's best friend just happens to be a bucket. I carried it around with me all day on Tuesday...now here it is Friday and I'm about ready to try and find it again. I thought when I put it away on Wednesday that it would be awhile before having to see it again, but alas...I'm feeling yucky again.

The kids haven't gotten it yet, but Ella woke up this morning and has uncharacteristically not been herself. She didn't want to get up in the first place and just wanted me to lay down in bed with her for awhile longer. Since I couldn't do that because Ben would tear the house down if I wasn't watching him, we had to come out to the couch. Ella wanted breakfast right away. In fact, that wasn't soon enough even. That was odd. She's my girl who finally by around 10am thinks she might be just a little hungry and can fit in about 3 kix. Anyway...I made her breakfast, she ate, and immediately returned to her spot on the couch, curled up under a blanket (again...strange as she "loves to be cold") and laid there for almost 30 minutes. She's up and moving around now...but at a slow pace. I guess we will see what the day and weekend will bring us.

To top things off, we are supposed to see some snow flakes today! There are times that I love the state of MN...but today ain't one of them. I guess I should just count my lucky stars I'm not up in northern Minnesota as they are already in a winter weather advisory and some parts are forecasted to get 6-12 inches. One word...yuck.
ss

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Longies For My Boy




I finished these awhile ago, but forgot to put them on the blog. I know there are a few of you out there who like to see the finished product...so here they are.

The other week he snagged them on the corner of something and there was about 12 inches of yarn trailing behind him. I think my heart might have stopped for a few seconds...and I'm pretty sure a scream escaped my mouth. I thought they were ruined...all those hours and hard work. Turned out the yarn didn't actually break, it just got pulled. Rest assured, I was able to fix it and all was well once again. Supermom to the rescue.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Mommy and Ben


Just a quick pic of me and my boy. How blessed I am to have him in my life! Ben is almost 2, I can hardly believe it. He's grown so much and is such a busy little boy.

Yesterday I could only get him to come inside from playing in the back yard by offering him lunch or supper. He loves the outdoors! Summer is going to be great.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Knit Whit



I told you I would post once I knitted it up so you could see the end result... remember that first yarn I dyed up way back when? I wasn't completely sure I liked it at first, but once I wound it back up into a ball..it started to grow on me. I decided to use it to make a little skirty for a friend of mine who just had a baby. I am quite happy with the end result...and to think it all started with just a natural-colored ball of yarn. Who knew making a pile of little loops could turn into something so cute?!?

Monday, March 24, 2008

Flirty Skirty





My mom made me this fabulous skirty and I wanted to show it off to everyone. Can you believe she can make this with just a couple of sticks that have pointy ends? I've been waiting for it...and yesterday on Easter she finished it. I have to admit she flew threw it pretty fast. Those needles were really whipping around as she started it only 5 days ago. Needless to say, I love it. Even though it's still wintery outside, I just had to wear it around the house today. I figure it you dress for warmer temps and think spring...it's bound to come one of these days.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Memories...


Grandma, Grandpa, and Ella in her mommy's favorite jammies


Grandpa and Ella...I just love this photo



Like Mother, Like Daughter

Anyone recognize these?

Think back to a little girl with big, brown eyes and long hair. I can't believe that Grandma kept these for all those years. I remember loving these jammies. I recall growing up, but not growing out so they just kept getting shorter and shorter on me. I wore them for years. I remember family asking me if a flood was coming because they were so short as they were creeping up on my knees. Frayed edges, holes, I didn't care. They were the softest jammies ever...I'm sure I would have worn them all day long if I would have bee allowed to.

I had a special drawer at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was in their bedroom...second one down on the left hand side. It was mine and it was where I kept my special clothes for when I stayed at their house. I had a lot of miscellaneous things in there...my favorites were my jammies and my blankie. Those jammies got a lot of love from me. I kept them through many rips and tears. In fact, there is still a rather large one in the bum that Grandma sewed up special just so Ella could wear them.

When we stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's last month, we brought lots of warm clothes. It was warranted. We endured a blizzard and dangerously low wind chills while up there. However, at their house it's always a "balmy" 74...at night...when they cool it down for sleeping. :) (I won't even tell you what they keep it at during the daytime). Well, we had only packed fleece footed pajamas...so Grandma dug in her drawer and pulled out a blast from the past. I can't even tell you the warm fuzzy feelings it filled me with. AND then to see my daughter put them on made me melt in a way I can't even explain. I felt like I was that little girl again, gazing adoringly up at my grandparents...feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be spending the night at their house. All was right with the world.

Thanks, Grandma, for keeping these. Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma, for such wonderful memories and for loving a little freckle-faced girl so much. You made my heart soar to the moon and back. I love you.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Sick Again

Well Folks...It's amazing that one family can catch so many bugs in one season. Unfortunately we have managed to catch and keep for awhile another nasty cold virus. Ella had it first, then shared it with her brother...but before she passed it to me, she got a double ear infection out of the deal as well. Once I got it, it made it's home in my throat as it was scratch as all get out for a while and then turned into a real nasty cough complete with a hoarse voice. I think the kids have liked that I haven't been able to talk much as they have tried to get away with all sorts of things lately. When you can't say "no" forcefully or audibly...I guess in their world it just really doesn't count.

We are on the mend now. Ella seems to be almost back to normal, but gets tired out a little still, Ben is his bouncy, busy self, and I am just down to a cough now. We should be out of the woods in no time. Being sick this winter has really taken the wind out of my sails, thanks for always checking the blog...I'll try to get back to posting more regularily.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Bath Time


We spent a week up north visiting my family. Four days with Grandma and Grandpa and 3 days with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa. We had a great time. Ella and Ben had so much playtime...they didn't want to leave. In fact, Ella just said today that she thinks we should go back up north again real soon.

While at Great Grandpa/Grandma's house, I decided to give the kids a bath. They only have a shower at their house...so we used the next best thing. The laundry tub. They thought it was so much fun!! What a great idea, Grandpa!

We can't wait for another trip. It was full of love, fun, and memories.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Washable?


Thank Goodness for washable markers. Ella had gotten a set of them from Nana for Christmas. Before anyone had even noticed, Ben had crawled up to the table and had started coloring...on his face. Isn't it a nice shade of blue?

To Crayola's credit...it is washable and it came off with ease. Hopefully it comes off that smoothly from the wall.