Noah's Thumb

I have two little baby thumbs.

They're with me day and night.

One of them is on my left,

but my favorite's on my right.

My baby thumb comforts me

when I am feeling sad.

They help me to protect myself

when I am feeling mad.

My baby thumb helps me fall asleep

when I am feeling tired.

I do not know how a better friend

could ever be desired.

Way Back Wednesday

Check out this picture of our Daddy/Nick. Is he handsome or what?

Roller Skating!

At the beginning of the week, Nicholas brought home a flier for a skating night hosted by his school at Fun Spot in Belleville. I asked Nicholas if he would like to go. He was a little hesitant to say yes or no because he didn't know what roller skating at a roller skating rink all entailed. After doing a little reminiscing of the days when I skated on that same rink, I explained how much fun it would be for him to go and try it out. My sales pitch must have been a pretty good one because he agreed to go!

This was Nicholas's first time ever roller skating. I am glad that he decided to try it out for the first time along side some of his classmates. If it wasn't for them being there, I am sure he would have given up after his first fall. He was a little shaky at first and even wanted to hold my hand. After about 30 minutes into it, he started to get the hang of it and began really enjoying himself! I have a feeling that we will seeing lots of skate nights in our future!

This is the only time he stood still for a picture

Watching everyone else and learning by demonstration.

Okay, I think I am ready!?!

Here we go!

After several falls, Nicholas decided to use a "skate mate". Looks like a walker doesn't it?

He wasn't the only one that needed a walker. Here he is with some classmates.

He was such a good sport! I think it helped that he saw many others falling down just like him.

Really getting into it now!

Looking up at the disco ball. He loved all the music that they played. I think he even started moving his hips to the beat....then he fell down....again!

Taking a much needed drink break.

P is for Pretzel

Yesterday, Joshua had the best field trip EVER! (at least that is my opinion) Joshua and his class have been learning all about the letter P, so they went to Auntie Anne's in the mall to learn about Pretzels. Who can beat pretzels at the mall for a field trip? I told ya....best field trip ever! Check out our pictures.

Pretzel making time!

Look at how professional he looks with that hat on.

Pretzel making is so much fun!

Here is Joshua showing Drew (his best friend at preschool) his pretzel making skills.

Cheese!

I got my pretzel. Time to eat!

The best part of the field trip...getting to eat pretzels! Yummy!

Future Auntie Anne's employees.

*Mark your calendars! On Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can enjoy a free pretzel at any Auntie Anne's location. They will be offering their Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel for free!

Snow Day!

Last night, we got what we have been waiting for all winter long....SNOW! I am not sure why, but I still get excited when school gets cancelled because of snow. I am no longer a student nor am I a teacher, but it some how still puts a smile on my face. Nicholas and Joshua were eager to go to bed last night knowing that when they woke up there would be snow everywhere. After eating cinnamon rolls for breakfast and getting dressed in our snow gear, we headed outside to play. Noah was even able to enjoy the snow with us this time. (he was too little to enjoy it last year) He had mixed feelings about all the white fluffy stuff on the ground. It was hard for him to walk around in it due to the depth of it and the fact that he was bundled up so much that he could barley move! We all had fun on the new sled that Grandma Ganz (Nick's maternal Grandmother) gave to us for Christmas. Even Noah hopped on for a ride! We couldn't stay out for too long because it was/and still is COLD out (16 but with the windchill it feels like 1). Lord knows I don't need any sick babies!

Here is Nicholas enjoying his "snow day"

Here is Daddy/Nick "enjoying" his snow day

Trying out the new sled

Baby Noah all bundled up

He was the only one who cooperated with me taking pictures

My snow baby

Here he is saying "cheese"

Sledding in the street. Gotta love it!

See. I told you he was the only one that cooperated.

A little help from Daddy

There they go again

Even our neighbors, the Carrs, joined in on the fun

This is what a snow day is like after all is said and done!

Shhh....don't wake them up. I am enjoying my book in peace!

A basket of FUN!

You would think that these two little boys would be playing with all of the new toys the got for Christmas instead of this basket! The had some much fun together climbing in/out and pushing each other in the basket. It made for at least an hour of fun. Why is it that all kids love to play with such ordinary objects such as a box, the roll left over from the paper towels/toilet paper, or in this case a laundry basket? Don't get me wrong. I love that they are so inventive/creative and use their imaginations while playing. I guess next year I should wrap up a basket and call it a Christmas!

Delicioso!

Last week, Nick, the boys, and I headed out to the mall for a little shopping. I know exactly what you are thinking. (Nick went to the mall...with all three boys....to do some shopping?) Crazy!@?#! It was actually a great shopping trip. The boys were very well-behaved and waited patiently while Nick and I shopped. Afterwards, we decided to go to Red Robin (Nicholas and Joshua's pick) for dinner. Because the boys were so good at the mall and ate all of their dinner, Nick let them pick out a dessert. Joshua did not want any dessert. Nicholas, on the other hand, could not pass up the opportunity (Grandma Violet would be so proud) He picked the MUD PIE! Of course we had the waitress bring out 5 spoons with it.

It was delicious!

TwEnTy TeN!!

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... Happy New Year!

For New Years Eve, Nick and I celebrated our friend Kim Saunders's (now known as Mrs. Caserotti) wedding in Breese. Nick was pretty skeptical about the thought of going to a wedding on New Years Eve. I, on the other hand, was ALL about it because...

1) We were actually leaving our house/going out to celebrate New Years Eve. The last few Years I have had to work both New Years Eve and New Years Day.

2) It gave us a reason to get dressed up! I love when Nick gets dressed up. He always looks so handsome.

3) We were celebrating the marriage of a very dear friend. Kim and I were very good friends

throughout Jr. High and High School, cheered together, and almost became roommates at NIU. (that was before I decided to go to SIUE at the last minute) Nick and Kim were good friends in Highs School also. They even dated for a little time and shared a Homecoming Dance together as each others date.

After dinner and a few drinks, we headed to a couple of other parties that some of our friends were hosting in town. We counted down, shouted happy New Year, kissed each other, and then headed home for bed. Get your mind out of the gutter people. I had to be at work in less than 5 hours. Yes. I had to work New Years Day. We had fun so it was worth the little sleep that I got.

*A special thanks to Grandma Connie and Grandpa Bob for watching the boys while Nick and I went out. You are the BEST!

Nick and I.

Kim and I.

Jaime (another cheerleader friend from high school), Kim, and I.