In Love

Last week Braden and I went to his school for a keepsake plate night. He was able to color on a piece of paper which will be transfered to a plate. I remember doing it when I was little so it was fun to watch him fill the space with all sorts of monsters. I can't wait to see his face when we get it back.

While we were there he saw a few friends. He was very excited to run into people he knew and instantly wanted to play with everyone. Towards the end his friend Emily came in. He was instantly smitten and wanted to go and sit by her. She and her family were already seated in another spot so we just said hello and I told Braden we could go see Emily when we were finished.

When he told me he was done, he said, "Mama, I love Emily." I confirmed that Emily was indeed a very nice girl and we walked over to where they were sitting. He decided he wanted to sit next to her and add some more to his picture and after a bit I heard them giggling so I bent down to see what they were talking about. Emily said, "I keep telling Braden he shouldn't be in love with me but he keeps saying we should get married." I don't even remember what I said but I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that they were both silly.

We left soon after and Braden told me a few times on the way to the car that he was in love with Emily and wanted that he and Emily were going to have kids. He asked me if he could marry her and I explained that we couldn't get married until we were big but if he still wanted to marry Emily when he was big than yes, he could marry Emily.

So... the crushes have started I guess. :) I am just hoping that Braden is not the little boy chasing all the girls to kiss them on the playground!

Packer Game

Steve and I drove to Appleton yesterday and dropped off the kids (and Magnus) at my parents before heading up to Lambeau. We joined one of his good friends in the Vikings Suite for the game. Before the game he gave us some field passes so we were able to walk around on the sidelines while the teams warmed up. It was really cool to be so close to the action and see how LARGE some of the players really are!

Despite the game outcome it was a really fun time. It was nice to spend an afternoon with Steve and fun to be there watching the action live. Thanks honey! I'm glad we decided to go. :)

Trick or Treat

Like last year, Darrell and Judy came down for the weekend. We had Braden's last soccer game on Saturday morning and then spent the afternoon running errands, catching up on a few other projects around the house and getting geared up for Halloween.

This year Braden was Darth Vader and Olivia was Princess Ariel. We had a great time despite the cold and the kids came home with lots of candy that I am trying to avoid today. :)

It was a really fun day/evening. Thanks Darrell and Judy!!

Cleaning and Organizing

Steve took the day off on Friday and we deep cleaned the entire house. I am sure it is not what he had envisioned when he originally decided to take the day but I appreciate his help more than anything. It meant more to me than a fancy dinner, a massage or a gift... My mind is so much more at ease since it's done and the house looks great! We even reorganized the living room to open it up and fit in another chair. As you can see Braden and Olivia had fun helping!!

Saturday Morning

Last Saturday we spent much of the morning before Braden's soccer game lounging around the house. It was a special treat to have all four of us home for some weekend quiet time - no rushing, feeling stressed, or even a to do list generated(at least not yet!).

I found Braden curled up on the chair playing with magnetic pattern blocks (the teacher in me was beaming!!) and Olivia at his feet just waiting for her turn.

What cuties. ;)

What have we been up to?

Getting ready for baby - putting together a new swing, pack and play, etc. as well as washing clothes, burp clothes and anything else that seems gender neutral.

Decorating for Halloween with the kiddos.

Christmas Shopping - I am just about finished. Now it's time to start wrapping!!

Cleaning and organizing the garage - why? I don't know it just felt like it needed to be done. :)

Trading in our Camry for a "MOM" van, which I secretly love due to the ease and space it provides.

Getting new carpet and building a shelf in the porch~ We're getting ready to spend a lot of time out there this winter!

These were a few of the highlights from the last couple of weeks. Without pictures... I volunteered in Braden's classroom which was a blast. I loved every minute of it and hope to do more as the year goes.

We started Olivia's physical therapy which I have been TERRIBLE about following through with. Today was the first day I actually did some of the exercises with her.

My OB appointments have been going well. Baby is head down and all is as it should be.

I remember a calm that came upon me at the end of my pregnancy with Olivia and I am just waiting for that to arrive. :) I feel like I am constantly frantic about something right now. I think some might say I am TOTALLY and COMPLETELY nesting - Steve might call it anal and annoying but it's all in the eyes of the beholder right?? :)

I have been terrible about being in touch with friends and family as I am dead tired by the time dinner time roles around and then it's kids bed time and school work or other items on the to do list and down for the night. So thank you for the continued voicemails, notes and emails. I love you all.

What a night!

Tonight was quite a night at our house!

When I picked up Braden from Kristin's house today after school he was absolutely beaming! She had helped him learn to ride a bike without training wheels. We tried earlier this summer but he just wasn't ready so today was the day! He rode up and down the driveway numerous times and couldn't wait to surprise daddy when he got home. Steve, Olivia and Braden spent about 30 minutes outside before dinner practicing in the ally. He was turning circles and was even able to get himself started - what a guy! Great job buddy.

I remember my dad teaching me to ride in our front yard. I think I was a bit older than Braden for some reason, maybe I am wrong but I remember him running behind me and letting go. I actually think my mom was on the phone with Nancy and Harry at the time. It's funny how you remember some things so vividly.

Olivia couldn't let Braden have all the lime light so she decided she would go potty on the big girl potty!!! Last week out of the blue she took her diaper off and went potty in her little potty in her room. We were so excited. Tonight she told me she wanted to go potty, climbed onto the big potty and sure enough - she went! What a big girl. :) Maybe we'll be in cute princess panties before too long and I'll only have one child in diapers when baby is born - what a dream.